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 One of my squad mates (the fabulous Michelle Euperio) is writing a series of blogs about each of the countries we’ll
be visiting over the next year. This is the fourth of that series,
about Thailand, and the first part of two on Thailand! Read on, and find out a few things you might never
have
known before !
 
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Sorry
friends.. I know I said I was going to get this out last week but
random things have been popping up. I am very excited to go to such a
beautiful country.  I split Month 4-Thailand into 2 separate entries.
The first is kinda light-hearted fun factoids and etiquette and the
second part is about human trafficking.  Feel free to add your feedback
or anything else we should know.. I am no expert by any means! …so
here you go! Month 4!
 Thailand
   

Population: 65,905,410

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma

Climate:tropical;
rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool
northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot
and humid
People: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Religion: Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%

It is often nicknamed as the “Land Of Smiles,” because of the perceived gentleness of its people. The smile (yim
in Thai) is perceived in Thailand as being just about the most
appropriate reaction to any possible situation. It’s used to show
happiness, embarrassment, fear, tension, resignation, remorse etc.

The mudskipper is a fish capable of walking on land. haha gross…

 Most Thai dishes call for fish sauce, instead of salt… hope it isn’t a mudskipper!

Elephants are highly revered in Thailand. They are considered as the symbol of peace and prosperity.

Remember the sacred and taboo parts of your body: head and feet. For Thais, the head is the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the lowest and the filthiest.
Don’t ever touch a Thai person’s head; at the same time, you must never
show the soles of your feet to anyone, or use your feet to point to
something.

Instead of shaking hands, Thais “wai” to greet people. The “wai” is a short bow done with hands held fingertips-together close to your chest or face.

Show respect for the King and his family – Thais
will not appreciate even the friendliest jest about their monarch.
There’s a possibility you could be put in jail for a joke about the
king.

owie… wouldn’t want to be that guy! Muay Thai
is the national sport and uses kicks and punches in a ring with gloves
similar to those used in Western boxing. It’s referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs“, as the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art.

It is not polite to throw an object at a person across the room.

Take your shoes off when entering a house or temple.

The energy drink Red Bull has its origins in Thailand and was originally called Krating Daeng, or Red Gaur (a type of ox).

Every Thai male is expected to become a monk
for a short period in his life, optimally between the time he finishes
school and the time he starts a career or marries. Women who live the
monastic life are largely outnumbered by males- by 46 to 1.

Thais only use chopsticks to eat noodle soups or other dishes inherited from China. Most rice dishes are eaten with a fork and spoon and for certain northern Thai dishes, with fingers.

It’s illegal to own a copy of the Movie “The King and I” in Thailand as the movie is banned.

 

Let Your Light Shine’ in Thai… hoping to get this as my next tattoo for my 24th birthday!!!!! 😉  Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
 

…check out Part 2: Land of the Freedom …
 
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