THE PREDICTABLE TAXI QUESTIONS

Bangkok taxi drivers are pretty predictable when they eventually get around to engaging in conversation. Some are happy to remain silent, although there are others where it's hard to get a word in. Their normal line of questioning begins with "Where you come from?" Up until a few months ago I always replied "England" but now I reply "Thaphra" — the area in Bangkok where I stay. That usually fools them.
The conversation will almost always get around to football, and my favourite team during these chats is always Reading. A year ago, very few people had heard of them but pretty much all the taxi drivers have heard of them and recognize them as a good team.
The braver drivers will then ask "You have Thai fan?" Fan is the Thai word for girlfriend. And that's about it — either because they've exhausted their line of questioning or because my taxi trip is drawing to a close.