{"id":1583,"date":"2010-03-15T13:43:08","date_gmt":"2010-03-15T06:43:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travelwithpaulie.com\/blog\/?p=76"},"modified":"2010-03-15T13:43:08","modified_gmt":"2010-03-15T06:43:08","slug":"basic-thai-culture-for-the-uninitiated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paulgoodchild.me\/blog\/basic-thai-culture-for-the-uninitiated\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Thai culture for the uninitiated"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
If Ronald can 'Wai', so can you =)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For those who have yet to visit Thailand, or even South East Asia, I’m just going to write a little bit about some of their more important culture points of worthy note.\u00a0 It’s by no means comprehensive.\u00a0 Some of these are important to be aware of if you are planning to visit that part of the world, though depending on where abouts exactly you intend to go, some of them may be less important than in other areas.\u00a0 But, it’s good sense to be at least aware of them.<\/p>\n

The Thai Smile<\/h5>\n

If you haven’t heard of the ‘Thai smile’, you will when you get there, or at least it wont be long before you experience it.\u00a0 The Thais are very friendly, happy people.\u00a0 But they’re still people and they have good days and bad just like you and I.\u00a0 When they’re having a less than favourable day, however, or they’re frustrated, they take a slightly different approach to dealing with it than perhaps we do.\u00a0 Many people in the West will very clearly, outwardly, display the fact that they’re having a bad time of it, and will likely take that out in some fashion on those with whom they interact.\u00a0 Thais will generally, unless they know you pretty well, keep their true state hidden behind a friendly, inviting smile.<\/p>\n

It’s much the same as the stoic expression Japanese people wear, 90{97de8d2e860196f43620abbbd870152438d0e1a3bef5042cd7be1942d94df9d0} of the time.\u00a0 There’s no way of telling what’s going on behind it, and you just have to hope all is rosey is paradise.<\/p>\n

Try it on for yourself… firstly, it’s a much nicer way to greet people and you’ll find yourself engaged more often and your experience in general a much more pleasant one.\u00a0 I lose count quickly at the numbers of tourists who wander around the place with long, dour faces.\u00a0 I wouldn’t want to talk to them either.<\/p>\n

Of course, this is a general trend and I’m sure you can meet Thais, who connect with you relatively quickly, confiding in you and sharing their troubles.\u00a0 Further, as with most forms of repression, alcohol acts as a convenient exhaust and this general rule will probably fly right out the window after a healthy dose of whiskey.\u00a0 My only advice would be to give an emotional, angry Thai a very wide berth.<\/p>\n

Feet<\/h5>\n

Feet are the lowest part of the body and that’s where they would ideally stay.\u00a0 When sitting down, you tuck your feet beneath your butt and behind you, rather than stretching out and display your soles to any and all passers-by.\u00a0 Best not put your feet up on the table, and when sitting on the train, stretching your legs out into the aisle is not a particularly pleasant experience for your neighbours.<\/p>\n

Shoes… I think the idea that you take your shoes off before entering most establishments is fairly well known outside of the East.\u00a0 Of course, in the tourist areas, this isn’t quite so common for restaurants and the like, but if in doubt, slip off your shoes and someone I’m sure will let you know if there’s no need.\u00a0 Better to prompt a little giggle from your host, than to cause irritation and offense… and be aware that if you have caused offense, you may only receive a smile in return. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Nudity<\/h5>\n

Take a trip to Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, or other top tourist attractions in Thailand and this point is a muted one.\u00a0 If you’re out in public places and thoroughfares, nudity is not a sight you’ll see very often, if at all.\u00a0 It’s just not done, and they’re not comfortable with it.\u00a0 Yes, it’s hot, but there’s a nice cold shower waiting for you back at your hotel.\u00a0 As with gross feet displays, don’t expect anyone to come up and tell you what you’re doing is inappropriate either, expect just a few turned heads and a smile or two.<\/p>\n

The King and Buddhism<\/h5>\n

Whatever your take on religion, accept that it’s a way of life for many both at home and abroad.\u00a0 Forcing your disdain for it on others has no benefits and results typically in offense taken.\u00a0 Treat it just as at home.\u00a0 Common sense rules.\u00a0 Before entering a temple area, look for a place to remove your shoes and respect the place you’ve started exploring.\u00a0 If religion isn’t your thing, steer clear of the many temples and shrine dotted all over the place.\u00a0 It might be an attractive tourist site because you haven’t seen these pretty buildings back home, but they’re religious focal points, in Asia.<\/p>\n

Bear in mind, for the ladies, Buddhist monks are not permitted any direct interaction with women, just in case you’re tempted to high 5 them on the bus.<\/p>\n

In Thailand, perhaps the most important human being in the country is the king.\u00a0 It’s an interesting fascination they have with this man, but he has provided much benefit for many people there and is revered.\u00a0 As with religion, regardless of your opinions on monarchy and heads of state, keep it to yourself is a very good rule to follow.<\/p>\n

There are 3 conversation points to avoid at all costs at a Thai dinner party – religion, politics, and the king.\u00a0 Unless you know what you’re talking about, it’s probably better to talk about the weather =)<\/p>\n

Thai ‘Wai’<\/h5>\n

The first thing you’ll receive in Thailand isn’t a heat rash, that comes later, but a ‘Wai’.\u00a0 It is a greeting Thais give one another and is typically accompanied by a “Sawa dee ka”. Here is a simple little article<\/a> on it for more information, or you can check out how to wai here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Common sense rules<\/h5>\n

Above all, use your head.\u00a0 It’s easy to stride through a temple with your boots on, your shirt off, sniggering at those silly people kneeling on the floor.\u00a0 But it’s also easy to open your mind to another perspective and attempt to understand and connect with those around you.\u00a0 Otherwise, best to stay at home, or in the confines of your resort.<\/p>\n

And just another important side note: we each have our choice to recognise other customs and treat them with the respect we individually feel they deserve.\u00a0 It’s a personal choice, in my opinion.\u00a0 You will find foreigner crusaders who will tell you this is right, and this is wrong, based on their experience\/opinions.\u00a0 Take it on board, but don’t be pushed into something you’re not comfortable with.<\/p>\n

I have been to many Buddhist temples, but I don’t pray there and don’t subscribe to many of the ideas that praying at a temple represents.\u00a0 Not believing and not joining in isn’t disrespectful.\u00a0 It’s interesting to understand what they do, and why, but it doesn’t mean you must adopt it.\u00a0 So why do I go there sometimes?\u00a0 For my own reasons and there is no relationship between justifying my actions and validation of them.<\/p>\n

Enjoy, engage, and learn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For those who have yet to visit Thailand, or even South East Asia, I’m just going to write a little bit about some of their more important culture points of worthy note.\u00a0 It’s by no means comprehensive.\u00a0 Some of these are important to be aware of if you are planning to visit that part of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[432],"tags":[324,548,44,416],"class_list":["post-1583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cat-society-and-culture","tag-culture","tag-thailand","tag-travel","tag-wai"],"yoast_head":"\nBasic Thai culture for the uninitiated - Plog - Paulie's Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/paulgoodchild.me\/blog\/basic-thai-culture-for-the-uninitiated\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Basic Thai culture for the uninitiated - 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