CULTURE/ETIQUETTE

Thailand travelers will tell you that patience is the key.  The western inclination is to plan- to know what is happening when, where and logistical details. Here in Thailand, things unfold and occur often spontaneously.

What you need to know as a temporary visitor to Thailand are a few keys to understanding the behavior of the people you will meet and the important rules of etiquette you will need to gain acceptance into the society. 

The keys to understanding Thai culture lie in the teachings of Buddhism which are ingrained in 95 per cent of Thai people.   

Temples and monks walking about in orange saffron robes are everywhere. Especially in the smaller communities, life literally flows through the temple.

 Buddhists talk about the importance of mindfulness. Knowingness comes with mindfulness. A Buddhist monk uses the example of England in Autumn. The weather is agreeable and the Autumn colours are beautiful. It is very easy to get caught up in that experience to the point we become disenchanted when conditions change. When we become mindful we observe and do not become caught so easily.

And the pitfalls do not end there.  The monk said that even positive actions can become something that we get caught by. The generous person who gives a lot to the poor can become proud. The person who does a lot of exercise can be proud of their body.

The lesson is: Don’t take sides with the experience.

 Buddhism recommends practicing mindfulness doing every day things like watering the plants, cleaning the floor, washing the dishes.

 Buddhism says, don’t wait until the clothes are dry and clean enough to enjoy.  If you think that washing your clothes is not life, then you lose half of your life like that.

A very well known Buddhist poem:

No coming, no going
No after, no before
I hold you close to me
I release you to be free
Because I am in you
And you are in me
Because I am in you
And you are in me

Sam Ruam means to travel the middle path of Buddhism.  Thai's believe it is important to be moderate in behavior and to avoid any demonstration of anger.  Foreigners who practice “in your face” conflict resolution using angry words do not win the respect and admiration of local people. 

Hen Jai means to see into the heart.  To be flexible and understanding in all personal dealings and to show empathy and compassion for the difficulties of others. Foreign travelers often comment upon how Thai people are quick to help people in need.

Hai Kiad means to show respect and honor.  An example of this would be the Wai greeting; the bowing of the head; sitting and speaking politely. 

Kreng Jai means consideration of others and to refrain from giving an opinion that might offend.   A Thai person would usually not tell you to take your shoes off before entering his home or how to sit or behave while you are there.  To do so would be inappropriate and impolite.  But that’s not to say your behavior wouldn’t be observed and judged. Correct behavior is seldom demanded.  But it is nevertheless appreciated when given. 

Nam Jai  and means water from the heart with acts of kindness.  The sharing of knowledge through teaching would be an example of Nam Jai. 

His Majesty the King and the Royal Family

His Majesty the King is the longest serving monarch in the world.  In December 2008 His Majesty celebrated his 81^st birthday.  His words give guidance and inspiration to his subjects.  He is the most respected figure in all parts of the Kingdom and it is considered a serious crime to bring disrespect to him, to his image or to any member of The Royal Family.  In this regard Thailand has some of the stiffest legal penalties in the world including long prison sentences.

Etiquette

Again, much has been written on this subject but here is a list of some of the basics:

In Thai culture the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.  The feet, being the lowest, are considered the least sacred part.  Visitors should refrain from showing the soles of their feet or to point the feet at anyone.  They should never step over anyone or any part of their body and they should not move anything with their feet. 

Because the head is considered sacred, it is impolite to touch anyone on the head. 

Volunteer teachers need not be concerned with physical contact with students.  Particularly the young children will be hanging off you like Christmas tree ornaments soon after you arrive.  They will want to jump on your back and hold hands with you when you walk about the school.

When visiting a “wat” or temple, female visitors should be mindful of never touching a “pra” (monk) nor handing anything to him directly.  The proper manner would be to set the object down (often on a cloth provided by the monk) and allow the monk to retrieve it himself. 

Women should dress conservatively while visiting the wat including completely covering the legs.