The Pattaya Guide

Thai Society & Culture

Whilst Thailand has developed into a major tourist destination in recent years, it is sometimes forgotten that amongst all the fast food joints, bars, restaurants and resorts, the Kingdom has an old Asian culture with traditional customs.

In truth, most visitors are unaware of local customs and the way of life here in Thailand so we have put together some information that will go some way to help you understand Thai society and culture.

Hierarchical Society

Thais respect hierarchical relationships. Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other. Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their employees. When Thais meet a stranger, they will immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated. This is often done by asking what might be seen as very personal questions in other cultures. Questions may include asking a person’s age, what occupation they have, their educational background, their family name, or any social connections they may have.

Thai society places a lot of emphasis on age and encourages respect for the older generation. If a Thai is addressing a person older, they will use “Pii” before their name, if addressing somebody younger they will use “Nong” before their name. Foreigners are not generally addressed using these terms.

Thai Family Values

The family is the cornerstone of Thai society. Family life is often more closely knit than in western cultures. The Thai family is a form of hierarchy with the parents at the top. Children are taught to honor their parents.

The King

The Thais see their King Rama IX, as a figurehead and voice for the average person, any disapproving comments will guarantee you a unreceptive reaction from the locals

The same applies to Buddhism. Thai people see their temple as the spiritual home and even the family house takes second place. If you get the chance to visit a typical Thai house, you will notice that there is a small shrine somewhere so the family can pay homage to Buddha.

Thailand is a stronghold of Buddhism. Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives. Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being.

The true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as ‘nirvana’, an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings. Buddhism is practiced in Thailand by over 90% of the population.

 Thai Demeanor

Thais place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect, friendly demeanor and self-control. Many of their rules of etiquette are by-products of the Buddhist religion. It is a non-confrontational society, in which public dispute or criticism is to be avoided at all costs. To be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause violence and tragedy.

Openly criticizing a person is a form of violence as it hurts the person and is viewed as a conscious attempt to offend the person.Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations and look for compromises in difficult situations. If two parties disagree, one will need to have an outlet to retreat without losing face.

Meeting Etiquette

The most obvious difference seen by visitors is the Thai greeting.

Whereas in the western world we shake hands as a symbol of respect and to show no aggressive intentions, the Thais use a gesture known as a “wai”. This is always used to greet someone who is your superior, in either age or social standing.

The “wai” is both a sign of respect as well as a greeting. Respect and courtesy are demonstrated by the height at which the hands are held and how low the head comes down to meet the thumbs of both hands. The “wai” may be made either while sitting, walking, or standing.

The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the “wai”. The senior person returns the “wai”, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest. If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the junior person will bow their head while making the wai. If there is a great social distance between two people, the wai will not be returned.

If a Thai “wais” you, don’t feel shy, wai them back. By showing that you understand something as basic as their traditional greeting, will earn you a certain level of respect.

Thais generally use first names rather than surnames, the title Khun will be said before the name. Khun is an all- purpose form of address that is appropriate for both men and women.

Footwear

One very common sight is piles of shoes outside shops and other buildings. All Thais take off their footwear when entering a building and it is advisable to follow this rule. Restaurants, bars and hotels in the main centres don’t really enforce this but if you head into the quieter towns and villages it will be seen as a sign of disrespect if you don’t follow suit.

Meal Time

Meal times are like a social event in Thailand. More often than not, when Thais greet each other, the first question asked is; “Ghin khao yang? – “Have you eaten rice today?”

The traditional way to eat Thai food is to have several dishes on the table and a substantial amount of rice. Each person will have a bowl of rice and instead of just one set dish as we do in the west, Thais will take a little of everything. Never put more than a couple of spoonfuls on your plate at one time. After you have finished that particular mouthful, get another one!Etiquette & Customs in Thailand

Table manners

A fork and spoon are the usual eating utensils. However, noodles are often eaten with chopsticks. The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. The fork is used to guide food on to the spoon. Sticky rice, a northern Thai delicacy, is often eaten with the fingers of the right hand.

Most meals are served as buffets or with serving platters in the centre of the table. You may begin eating as soon as you are served. Leave a little food on your plate after you have eaten to show that you are full. Finishing everything indicates that you are still hungry. Never leave rice on your plate as it is considered wasteful. The words for food and rice are the same. Rice has an almost mystical significance in addition to its humdrum ‘daily bread’ function. Never take the last bite from the serving bowl. Wait to be asked before taking a second helping.Do not lick your fingers.

Public Affection

Despite the fact that Thailand has a reputation for being a “sin centre”, with numerous foreigners coming to the Kingdom to indulge in traditional Thai “night time activities” public displays of affection are an absolute no-no. Although the locals are getting used to seeing western couples holding hands and showing affection, it still gives them a certain level of embarrassment.