Postcard from Thailand: ‘Thai people are the kindest in the world’
Thailand is kind of a second home for me. I have been visiting the country for more than 40 years.
Although Thailand receives so many tourists every year, I realise that most visitors have no clue about the etiquette and way of life of the Thai. This is a shame because they miss the essence of Thai culture.
Sadly, in the overrun tourist traps of the country, the fine Thai culture has been pushed away to accommodate visitors’ bad behaviour.
If you learn the real Thai culture — open your mind and do not judge — a magical world will open. Avoid the tourist traps, and you will experience a very sophisticated culture.
The inside track
Dr Rieki Crins is the founder of the Learning Exchange Foundation, The Netherlands, and of the Bongde Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Bhutan.
Even in Bangkok.
When I buy a juice on the street, the seller will ask me if I want to drink it immediately. If I say “yes”, he will take a bottle out of the icebox, wipe it dry, open it, and put a straw in it in such a way that I can direct it to my mouth without any effort.
Once I took a taxi and became nauseated. I had to throw up. I asked the driver to pull over. When I was out of the car and doing my thing, the driver also got out to make sure I was fine and offered to massage my head with a balm. I could not believe it.
I have very old Thai friends who always make time to see me when I am in Thailand. They invite us for lunch or dinner, and they are so generous.
To me the Thai people are the kindest in the world. But for western tourists it would be good to learn some Thai etiquette or do’s and don’ts before you travel.
The Thai will be so happy if you show them respect.
Where is this?
The featured image of the smiling eyes of a taxi driver was taken in Bangkok, Thailand by “GT” publisher David Gillbanks.
