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 The lower the wai the more
respect you give by manice
In a school situation this is more evident and it can be quite an eye opener to watch. As a white person I am seen quite high up the hierarchy tree. This means that other teachers will stoop as they pass me even if they are much older than me. (Thai people respect their elders like we do). I do find this a bit unnerving so I tend to stoop too, thus giving them as much respect back. Leave a Comment
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 grasshopper fried by zazatann
Insect fried could look disgusting for some of you but for me. It’s just a type of food that somebody can eat and some can’t. I can’t eat as well because the region where I came from has no kind of this food at all. So, please note that it’s not typical Thai food but just special type of food for some of people here.
By the way, I’ve tired grasshopper and bamboo worm fried though. I still confirm that it’s not bad but I’d rather eat chicken. Ha…. Leave a Comment
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No matter how dirty Bangkok may be, one thing that has impressed me from my very first visit is the cleanliness. The stallholders always clean up and leave a nice tidy pile, which is then collected by a cleaner. There is a small army of mostly women who clean the gutters around populated areas, like Chinatown, and I haven't seen people wilfully litter at I do at home, and there is almost no graffiti to be seen! The people themselves are very clean - despite often the most basic accommodation and facilities available to them. As a frequent tuktuk passenger, I have to say I always notice how clean and tidy the drivers are at all times, as are the people in the streets, stallholders etc. Stallholders are seen fussing and dusting all day long - and, once you have moved on from their store, they will tidy any mess you have left behind! It is therefore respsectful for us as tourists to attend to our grooming, and cleanliness, and rituals such as removing shoes in some shops and houses, rather than assuming anything goes.
The little girls in my main photo are the children of a concierge staffmember from our hotel - what you can almost see is the dirty khlong beside them - you can't see their home, which consists of 3 of the tiniest rooms you have ever seen, where you have to move from room to room via a public outside alley....and the general basic nature of this family lodging. They were all dressed up for a day at Chatuchak with my husband and I.
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The Thai people are the most charming people I have met. When bargaining please try to remember to smile and do not get angry. On previous experience, my husband has made several good buys for less than he expected just by having a sense of humour. The Thai people love humour and appreciate a smile. Leave a Comment
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. Thais place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect, genial demeanour and self-control in order to maintain harmonious relations.
. Many of their rules of etiquette are by-products of the Buddhist religion.
. It is a non-confrontational society, in which public dispute or criticism is to be avoided at all costs.
. To be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause violence and tragedy.
. Openly criticizing a person is a form of violence as it hurts the person and is viewed as a conscious attempt to offend the person being rebuked
. Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations and look for compromises in difficult situations.
. If two parties disagree, one will need to have an outlet to retreat without losing face. (losing face is a big thing around asia! )
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Thais respect hierarchical relationships.
. Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other.
. Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates.
. When Thais meet a stranger, they will immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated.
. This is often done by asking what might be seen as very personal questions in other cultures.
. Status can be determined by clothing and general appearance, age, job, education, family name, and social connections
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 "Wat Khaek" by Arjaree
In the pic, it's the main Hindu temple in Silom area. We call it "Wat Khaek". There are always people going there to pay a respect and pray.
For Thais, sometimes it's not just about the religion you're labeled to have since you were not yet born. It's about superstitious beliefs. It's about respect.
PS It's somehow popular for some Westerners who decorate their yard, bathroom, or whatsoever, with a buddha image. That behavior is considered disrespect to our religion and ALL buddhists. So if you happen to know someone who have such a decors style, maybe you can help them out. Leave a Comment
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 Lady-boy? Or woman? by Peter4
I live in Bangkok. It is rather amuzing to read warning on forums about Bangkok to "WATCH OUT FOR LADY-BOYS!"
When I read such warnings, I often wonder why the strident comments? Instead, I'll offer some facts:
Lady-boys are young men who prefer to dress and act like women. They are not necessarily homosexuals. Lady-boys are common in Thailand. Lady-boys have active roles on Thai television. You can also see lady-boys working in grocery stores, markets, travel agencies - in fact, all kinds of businesses. If the business would employ a woman, it probably would employ a lady-boy.
There are lady-boys working in the brothels & bars also. Some of them are stunningly beautiful - from a distance. But up close, the makeup is a bit thick, the breasts too high, the clothing seems forced. Hands and feet may appear too large for the body. And, of course, the Adam's apple.
If a man is in a bar, and a woman looks attractive and tempting, how would the man know if this is a real woman? The simple solution is merely ask, quietly and politely: "Are you lady-boy, or not?" All Thais may not always give an honest answer to all questions, but to that question, the probablility is almost 100% of getting an honest reply. A lady-boy would likely grin or giggle, and admit it. A real woman would get a bit annoyed, and probably do or show something to prove her veracity. There is nothing dangerous about this.
There is one area where lady-boys can be dangerous and that is street-crime. Some pickpockets dress as lady-boys in order to more easily approach their "mark". I've never experienced this, but have read enough reports, that I think there must be something to it.
Overall, when I've encountered lady-boys in shops or offices, they've been helpful and friendly. I've never had any problems with lady-boys.
Short answer - not to worry.
-- Peter Leave a Comment
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 Altar and people praying! by yen_2Leave a Comment
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 by LysDor
DOs AND DON'Ts
- Be polite and respectful toward older people.
- Sample the local food and try out some of Thailand's exotic fruits. But not the food on the street since the food may be contaminated and will give you a sickness.
- Try and learn a little about local customs and culture.
- Take off your shoes when entering a Thai home.
- When visiting a temple or palace, dress propely
- Don't pat people on the head since Thai people regard the head as the highest, the holiest part in the body.
- Don't point your feet to another people since Thai people regard the feet as the lowest part in the body.
- Be patient with Thai people who do not speak English.
- Don't mock Thai customs and habits even though they may seem strange to you.
- Don't attempt to touch monks, especially if you are a female.
LANGUAGE
Thai is the national language as well as the most spoken language of Thailand. It is wise to learn to speak a few Thai words and phrases, if you want to survive in Bangkok. Leave a Comment
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