CULTURE SHOCK

There are many differences between Thai and American cultures. I thought it may be interesting for people to know a few of these differences. You can make many mistakes without knowing basics. The reason that many people travel to Thailand is to experience a different culture and a different way of life to what they are used. However, before travelling it can be a good idea to learn a little bit about Thailand and it's culture so that cultural differences do not come as much as a shock. My first trip to Thailand was a real eye-opener. Now, this being my fourth trip to Thailand, I feel much more comfortable knowing the cultural expectations. Thailand has lengthy history of long traditions and refined cultures. Thai leaders throughout the ages have made sure that the unique Thai culture, way of living, language and personalities continue to hold great importance at the heart of many Thai citizens, and that is still the case in the present day. It goes without saying that there a many differences between Thai cultures and other cultures from around the world. For western travelers, the fact that Thailand is a society in which males dominate might be very different to what they are used to in their own society. In Thailand it is the males who are the leaders of house and who are expected to do heavy tasks or outdoor jobs. A woman’s role is very much about tending to chores, cooking and looking after the children. My friend, who I am staying with, had his marriage arranged by his parents. There is not any love involved in the relationship, which seems very sad to me but is accepted by him. Generally speaking, Thai people can come across as being very shy, when compared to many foreigners and they tend not to show their feelings as much as people from western cultures. Thailand is also known as the Land of Smiles and this is for a good reason; you will not see more people who are smiling and happy anywhere in the world. The vast majority of Thais are also very tolerant, friendly and understanding to foreigners who are visiting their country, which is what helps to make them such perfect hosts and is one of the many reasons why people come to Thailand again and again. However, there are certain aspects to Thai personality and culture that may catch many foreigners by surprise. Although Thais usually try to avoid conflict and are people pleasers, they can often be very open and forward when discussing a person’s appearance or physical characteristics. Thai people do not have a problem calling someone beautiful or fat or commenting about a person’s nose or ears. Some foreigners can take this the wrong way and be offended by these types of comments but you should think nothing of it and take it all with a pinch of salt. The natural curiosity of many Thais can also lead them to asking personal questions regarding your health, work and salary. Whilst discussing these sorts of things with anyone other than close friends or family isn’t really the done thing in western cultures, don’t be offended if someone asks you questions of this nature when you visit Thailand. I am spending time at the Bangkok Neurology Center dealing with migraines. If I say that I am going to the hospital, Thai people have no problem asking many personal questions. I remember meeting a Thai woman at a restaurant in Wisconsin. My wife had just picked me up from the hospital and I was still groggy from being put under for surgery. The women kept asking personal questions to the point that I had to explain what a vasectomy was. She said "oh" and walked away. Body language is another important aspect when discussing differences between the Thai culture and that of cultures in the western world. For example, general caution should be taken when using hand gestures or signals to summon someone or to get someone’s attention. Calling someone using a hand gesture is very much seen as a social taboo. If you do have to gesture to someone, maybe you need to hail a taxi, you should make sure that your palm is facing downwards and your fingers are pointing at the ground, almost like and upside down and back to front hand wave! Also, pointing at someone can sometimes be taken for being quite an aggressive gesture so it is probably best to avoid doing at all times. A good thing to remember during your stay in Thailand is that smiling can get you a very long way and if you are ever unsure about making a cultural mistake, then just smile. Actually, a lot can be said about smiling Thailand, after all this is The Land of Smiles. One last point is that you drive on the left side of the road. That holds true in how you walk in the street or in malls. Keep to the left on the sidewalk and while walking in the mall. It takes a little getting use to.