Tennis in Thailand
Thai people are known for being kind (“jai dee” ใจดี ). Thai tennis players are kind, even when they are losing. I have played at the CV Tennis Club with an adult recreational group several times since arriving in Nakhon Pathom. The leader, P’Tum, is a charismatic lady in her 70s who moves like she’s 50 and has a wicked slice like Carrie Jensen’s! Having worked with American soldiers in the 1970s, P’Tum speaks English fluently and has welcomed me heartily into the group. The other 10-12 players are between 25-60+ years old, most are in their 50s and 60s. One lady is a Thailand tennis champion. This group’s style of play has been so fun for me to observe and to participate in. However, I have had to adjust my style to fit in with the Thai tennis culture. Normally, I’m a bit of a talker on the court. I like to chat with my partner, compliment them on good shots, hit our racquets together after exciting points, call balls in/out, call the score loud enough for everyone...