The story begins when Nelson stars in the YouTube video, BKK 1st Time, (Bangkok First Time) produced by his friend Benz, a Thai videographer. The script is about cursing, common in Thailand. Nelson follows the script and to his amazement, the show goes viral, with over four million hits

Seventy-seven-year-old Nelson suddenly finds himself a celebrity in Bangkok. He is mobbed by viewers of the video who address him as "John, John, John, Nelson?" when they approach him for selfies. This is only slightly less bewildering than the bows from hotel personnel, whenever he's entering or...