Strangers in Their Homeland

Abstract

This study explored reverse culture shock faced by the first-generation Thai diasporas residing in Western countries upon visiting Thailand. A qualitative research approach guided it. Semi-structured interviews were employed to obtain data from 21 respondents. Thematic analysis revealed that all Thai diaspora tourists experienced reverse culture shock, which could be categorized into five main aspects: cultural, interpersonal, emotional, moral, and environmental. Further, the study suggested that reverse culture shock did not always result from the elements in a home country that caused difficulties, discomfort or unpleasant feelings but could also come from the attributes which tourists sought but could not find in their current country of residence and the realization of the significance of things in their home country that were previously overlooked.