Introductions
Being polite is important in Thai society, but there are times when you may think a Thai person is being rude or ill-mannered simply because the Thai way of doing things is often very different to many other cultures. One of the most common examples is when it comes to meeting new people because introductions [...]
The Elephant in Thailand
Elephants have played an important part in Thailand’s history and today the Thai elephant (chang Thai) remains as an enduring symbol of Thailand. In bygone eras they were used in warfare, but more recently elephants were used as a beast of burden, particularly in the logging industry. The elephant also has special spiritual significance with [...]
Ghosts, Spirits and Spirit Houses
Although Thailand is pre-dominantly Buddhist, there are many beliefs and customs which owe nothing to Buddhism, but instead have their roots in Hindu or animist beliefs. The presence of ghosts or spirits (phi) is a widely held belief and not something that most Thais take lightly; an unhappy spirit can cause major problems. There [...]
Stand Up for the King (Part 2)
I’ve written before about the Thai royal family and in particular the affection and devotion most Thais have for their king and queen. As Swiss man, Oliver Jufer found out, insulting the king is a criminal offence and as resident in Thailand for over a decade, Jufer knew the consequences of his actions. The offence [...]
This is Thailand (T.I.T.)
There’s an expression that many expats use to sum up the bizarre, outrageous and confusing things that can happen in Thailand; T.I.T. (This is Thailand).
You’re driving along a busy main road at night and although the traffic light is on green, traffic has halted. The reason for the delay? An elephant is being escorted across [...]
Kreng Jai
Kreng jai (also written as krengjai) is a distinctly Thai trait that can bewilder visitors to Thailand. So what is kreng jai? The direct translation is often given as ‘awe heart‘ or ‘deferential heart‘ and it is usually interpreted as consideration, but that is too simplistic because kreng jai is also a feeling. Kreng jai [...]
Gambling
Apart from a few officially endorsed activities, most notably the Thai lottery, gambling is illegal in Thailand. However, this is Thailand and gambling is as popular here as it is in many other countries. The fact that it is illegal just means there is usually a bit more discretion involved.
For the tourist visiting Thailand [...]