PI Jeaw. The song tao driver. The Buddhist

So I asked Pi Jeaw if I could interview him--originally for my Lexia research paper, but I thought it was an interesting experience that I would write about it for my 'interview a Thai' blog.

So I called him, and just calling him and explaining that I didn't want a ride, but to talk to him proved to be quite the ordeal.

"Hello Pi Jeaw, do you think I could interview you sometime, when you have time".

"Uh, where are you?"

"PIH"

"Where do you want to go??"

"Nowhere, I want to talk to you, an interview--is that ok?"

So we discussed what time would work for him and he said he would be free at 8pm. So I thanked him. Afterwards I realized what a great service he was doing me, and for free...gas costs money! Not to mention since being here in Thailand Pi Jeaw really has been a very reliable and friendly driver to me and my friends. So I panicked and looked for some token of my appreciation. I had no food or sweets on me, so I thought I would make something crafty. I made a thank you card, but decorated and crafted it elaborately. Then I thought to sneak in gas money inside.

So 8pm rolled by and I met Pi Jeaw downstairs. From the beginning he wanted to know if I would interview him in Thai, I told him that I couldn't but that we would take it slow and if he couldn't explain something he could write it and my research assistant could translate for me later--plus he could feel free to use his electronic dictionary. He seemed nervous but willing. So I launched into it, and while his answers were short, I could usually coax out his meaning and with the help of his dictionary, some of the larger vocab was understood. Overall I learned some interesting things about his views on Buddhism which will add greatly to my research.

After awhile, the mosquitoes got really frisky with our ankles and were biting non stop. So I suggested that we move to the study room, inside and mosquito free. He liked that suggestion, so we moved. It was much quieter in there than just sitting in front of the 'front desk'. I finished the interview, thanked him and gave him my card...he seemed please with my decorating and then opened it to find money slide out. Instantly he refused to take the money politely. I tried insisting, "Really for gas. Gas money! Gasoline can be expensive". But he still would not have it. Instead he told me, "No, next time you need my service you call me and I will come. Pay me then". So I assured him that money would be his the next time I rode with him. That and he requested another English lesson at some point to which I agreed to do.

We then said our goodbyes and concluded our interview. I really enjoyed speaking with Pi Jeaw he is a really insightful person, who when overcomes his shyness has a lot on his mind.