Is there too much “Mai Pen Rai - It Doesn’t Matter” in Thailand

Had some builders around last week to build some gates to stop the dogs wandering off. They did a good job erecting the posts firmly in position and upright. The welding on the gate frames had been carefully done.

When they tried to open the gates, though, they fouled on the ground as the gates had been hung too low. They’ve re-set the hinges higher now but it’s taken them four visits. I have learnt never to get angry and certainly not shout when builders get things wrong. Just smile and sympathise that they have to do a bit of rectification. Pretend you would have made the same mistake if you had done the job.

There’s a great deal of “suck it and see” or trial and error in Thai workmanship. They aren’t bothered if something doesn’t work first time. Even if they are given a plan they are unlikely to follow it too closely, preferring to rely on their own experience.

Small errors in measurement are covered by mai pen rai, it doesn’t matter. If the job looks okay when they have finished, they are content. Presentation is more important than sticking to the original plan that was specifically designed to work.