Culture Shock in Thailand
Many cultural differences found in Thailand result less in shock than in pleasant surprise. In earlier times a village's reputation was determined by its hospitality. Thailand still derives pride from its reputation as a gracious and courteous host country. A polite wai is a common greeting instead of a handshake and is done by pressing both hands together in front of your chest with a slight bow. Although this may feel very formal it is accepted and friendly. Handshakes will be reciprocated without a second thought, especially in business environments.
Foreigners should try not to touch heads and point feet but a great deal of leeway is granted to foreigners who are unaccustomed to Thai culture. The Thai language is respectful with sentences ending in a polite khrup from men and kha from women. References to people are determined by age and one will often be referred to as younger/older brother/sister. It is also important to remain very respectful of the royal family. This respect can be seen or shown by wearing yellow shirts on Monday's for respect for the royal family's colours, stopping for daily breaks to listen to the national anthem, and standing at movie theatres in tribute to the king.
Expats may be surprised by the openness and acceptance of homosexuality. One of the largest shocks may come from finding how similar cultures are. The largest difficulties adjusting to life in Thailand will result less from culture than from practicalities. Horrendous traffic in Bangkok, pollution and noise may be unexpected hurdles to life in Thailand.
Foreigners should try not to touch heads and point feet but a great deal of leeway is granted to foreigners who are unaccustomed to Thai culture. The Thai language is respectful with sentences ending in a polite khrup from men and kha from women. References to people are determined by age and one will often be referred to as younger/older brother/sister. It is also important to remain very respectful of the royal family. This respect can be seen or shown by wearing yellow shirts on Monday's for respect for the royal family's colours, stopping for daily breaks to listen to the national anthem, and standing at movie theatres in tribute to the king.
Expats may be surprised by the openness and acceptance of homosexuality. One of the largest shocks may come from finding how similar cultures are. The largest difficulties adjusting to life in Thailand will result less from culture than from practicalities. Horrendous traffic in Bangkok, pollution and noise may be unexpected hurdles to life in Thailand.
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