I LOVE THE
THAI PEOPLE
Thai people are proud and hard-working people. When the little Tuk Tuk man or street vendor calls out to try and generate some business, I endeavour to take the time to reflect and realise that they are struggling to make a living and earn a few baht. If they slightly overcharge me, it’s no big deal! It won’t break my bank! I tell myself that if I was living in a little tin shack with absolutely nothing. I too would most probably add a small amount onto the price, in order to earn a little bit extra.. especially if it was the only way I knew how to survive.
ABOUT
RESPECT
I respect the king of Thailand King Maha Vajiralongkornand the whole royal family. Not only because the Thai people are incredibly fond and loyal to their monarchy but also because of what I have learnt and heard about his Father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which means “Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power” known as Rama IX was a wonderful man. (Sadly he has since passed away 2016))
I hold the Thai people in the highest esteem and honour their religion. Their Temples, Buddha, statues, and monks (plus I know that it is never allowed for a woman to touch any of these religuous men) Buddha images are sacred and disrespectful acts are punishable by imprisonment which can even apply to foreign visitors.
A MAGICAL WORLD
WHAT I HAVE LEARNT.
CUSTOMS & CULTURE
I have since learnt that it is incorrect to touch somebody’s head (even children) as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. The Thai people class feet as the dirtiest part of the body, so again I try to avoid pointing mine at anyone as it is an insult. The last thing I would ever want is to offend these beautiful people.
BUDDHIST MONKS
The Buddhist monk is forbidden by his religion to maintain any physical contact with a woman. Consequently it is of utmost importance that women show respect by keeping their distance. Any offerings should be directly handed to a layman who will then pass it on to the monks or monk in question.
TEMPLES & SACRED PLACES
Should you visit any of the magnificent temples or sacred places in Thailand. Please to remember to dress appropriately.
Skimpy tops, bare arms and shorts are not considered respectful or correct. In many temples including the Gran Palace, Bangkok, you will not be granted entrance if you don´t dress in the correct attire.
Remember to cover your arms and wear either a long skirt or long trousers.
THAI WAI
The traditional greeting in Thailand is where the person holds their hands closed together as if they were in prayer and at the same time gives a slight bow of the head. Depending on the status of the person one is greeting, the hands are held higher for elders or superiors and lower for youngsters or inferiors.
The Thai people often use the Wai when visiting their temples.
The traditional greeting in Thailand is where the person holds their hands closed together as if they were in prayer and at the same time gives a slight bow of the head. Depending on the status of the person one is greeting, the hands are held higher for elders or superiors and lower for youngsters or inferiors.
The Thai people often use the Wai when visiting their temples.
BUDDHIST MONKS
Magha Puja
BAKCPACKERGRANNY
At Terminal 21
TYPICAL THAI
Dancers
DON´T JUDGE
People stand and criticise the sex scene in Thailand. But if I were ever to do that. Firstly, I would need the courage to enter into the dark, seedy and sinister bowels of the underworld of London, Paris, Rome, New York, and many other cities on this planet. Where one can witness the sordid, perverse, bizarre and often heroin, crack filled dens, where every class of corruption abounds. Then and only then would I know if Thailand was any worse. But I honestly doubt it!
BEHIND THE THAI SMILE
If you are from a western country, you probably associate smiling with someone being friendly or happy. In Thailand, Thai smiles have many different significances,
The smile can convey a variety of sentiments from good manners, cheerfulness, friendliness to awkwardness or even to hide their real feelings. Thais often smile when they don´t want to lose face or to avoid conflict.
In today´s world there is so much discourse and anger, that I by far prefer to be in the ¨Land of Smiles¨
ENDLESS
REGARD
The Thai people readily welcome us to their county with open arms. Hopefully, we can be forever, deserving receivers of their incredible hospitality. I love the Thais so very very much – and can only say thank you to Thailand and your people for taking me to your heart. Please reflect and appreciate this country and everything it has to offer.
