Before I came to Thailand I had corresponded witha friend of a friend who lives here. He assured met hat I would be able to find high number SPF in Thailand because the Thai's hate to get dark.

What he didn't tell me is that they spend money trying to get light.

I've seen all sorts of western brand skin whitening/lightening creams. I find this a bit disturbing. Why is it that we all want to look like someone else?

In our culture, a tan is a sign of disposable income and leisure time. Here, it is an indication of hard work. To be light is to be affluent.