Thailand Customs and Differences

One of the interesting things about visiting a foreign country are the differences that you will experience. Your senses will be constantly bombarded with change upon arrival. This will kind of throw you off in the beginning as you start to slowly adapt to everything around you. This I find to be one of the most interesting and exciting parts of traveling to a foreign country. Also, of course, there is the making of new friends and capturing images on your camera of those special moments.

If I choose a country to visit I have some personal requirements. Ist the country must be friendly toward Americans or outsiders. Well, Thailand is a very hospitable country to say the least. What is the exchange rate like? It's a great exchange rate from the Euro or US dollar to the Thai Baht even though it has been declining in recent years.

Next. it pays to get to know how to avoid trouble in a foreign country as the laws are different. Most jails outside America do not provide TV and basketball courts.

These are the three biggies.

First - never talk bad about the King or Queen or royalty. This could land you in some deep trouble. The people here love their King and Queen. You will see their picture in every business and in every house.

Second - respect the religion. If a monk comes into a bus near you and there are no seats available offer the monk yours. This goes for the elderly too. Respect for the elderly in Thailand is paramount.

Third - leave the drugs at home.

After this it is all common sense. Show respect and you will never have any problems.

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I have lived in the Isaan (North Eastern Thailand). These are my experiences regarding some of the differences.

Pai Nai: When you go somewhere or are walking it is common for someone to ask you the question "pai nai"? You will first wonder what's this? It means where are you going? People here will ask you this constantly. I've noticed when I carry a bag someone will always want to know what's in it. So if you are carrying something that is personal and you don't want someone to see, best not carry it in the bag.

Sharing: When you buy food it is always common to ask if others want some. Thais always eat together and share together. If there is food out you will commonly be asked to join, If you buy some food, it is nice if you ask others "would you like"?

The head and feet: The head is considered sacred, the feet dirty. Never touch someone on the head, even children. It is considered very impolite to point your feet at someone. I make it a habit to not cross my legs even at times I want to. Putting your feet up on something can be very offending to the Thais.

Jai yen: Say for instance you have a problem or disagreement. Maybe you have been waiting in the check stand too long time to buy something. If you get huffy-puffy you will find out that nothing will go your way. People will just turn away and you will get absolutely no-where. This kind of situation also makes people "lose face"; something to consider here in Thailand. If anything goes wrong keeping a cool heart , called "jai yen", will get you far and is highly respected here.

Eating: I like the people in general because they are so friendly. Many are very welcoming and will offer you the best of hospitality. You will be offered food and be asked to join in meals. The difference is people will sit on the floor to share their meals unlike the states where tables are commonplace in every abode. Yes, they have tables in Thailand but if you visit here you will find eating in this manner a common occurance in many people's homes.

Entering a home: People will always leave their shoes at the door out side when visiting a home or at many businesses. I have left my shoes on a couple of times by accident. Oops! Plus Thais seem to have it down; within minutes they are in the door while I am still struggling to get my shoes off. Oof!

Women: I will try to not be too specific and open up a can of worms here. I have found the Thai women to be very gracious. I believe the westerners, both men and women, have many misconceptions about the Thai woman or Asian women in general. What would be considered demoralizing to many women in the west is considered quite the opposite here. They take great pride in their culture and their ways. I find the women very beautiful and pleasant here.

Restrooms: pronounced "hognaum"

My first experience with a different restroom setting was the airport in Osaka, Japan. I went into the men's restroom and you had a choice of the "regular" western toilet and the "squat" toilet. With exception of hotels you will see this squat toilet in the common restroom in Thailand. To the side will be a basin or pail of water with a hand bucket. After performing your task you use the bucket of water instead of the normal handle/ballcock assembly. Typically there will be a water spayer feeding out of the wall next to the toilet. Mmmm? I only have seen these on the sinks (dish masters) in the states...Why do they have one next to the toilet??? Well the rest you have to figure out on your own!

Many businesses, homes, and eateries are open to the outdoors in Thailand. This does not exclude the restrooms. You can be doing your thing and looking out at the scenery or people at the same time. Meanwhile many restroom attendants are women. So once again you can be doing your thing while the lady goes by your feet with the mop. Last time I was in the general store there were two ladies cleaning while I was using the facilities. They were both giggling in Thai because I guess they don't see to many of me (big westerners) in the Isaan. ha ha! How I want to learn this language!

Superstition and luck: The Thai people I have noticed are very superstitious. I have heard ghost and spirit conversations which tells me the Thais take this subject seriously. Luck - Anything that happens to you is either good or bad luck. I find this interesting. More than once I have seen someone mulling over lottery tickets sold by venders wondering... which one will be the lucky one. If you read tarot cards, I think it would be a good side line here...seriously.

Final comments: Going to a foreign country you can expect things to be different. With the few negatives I have encountered here there are tons of positives which makes Thailand, in my book, a country well worth visiting. The people here, especially, are some of the friendliest you will ever want to meet.

Khun Jim