Land of Smiles: TH pt.1

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

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.

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.

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.

 

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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