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 [...]
The Thai Smile, Jai Yen and Jai Rawn
I thought I’d write about a couple of incidents I’ve seen in the past week which confirms one stereotype of Thailand and dispels another.
Last Sunday I was sitting outside a small coffee shop reading a book when I hear the sound of metal hitting concrete accompanied by screams. Two motorcycles have collided, four people [...]
A Colour for Every Day
In Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a particular colour. In the past, many people would wear the colour associated with that day. It doesn’t happen so much now, but there are still signs of the old tradition to be found. The most noticeable of these is on Mondays where tourists will [...]
Sanuk
Most guide books to Thailand will tell you about the Thai concept of sanuk which often gets translated as meaning ‘fun’. But sanuk is more than having fun; it’s about striving to achieve satisfaction and pleasure from whatever you do. Whether it’s the office, the karaoke bar or working in the rice fields, Thai people [...]
Lucky Number 9
I’m not superstitious (touch wood), but plenty of Thai people are and spending time here it soon becomes apparent just how many superstitions and beliefs there are in Thailand.
Odd numbers are often considered to be luckier than even numbers with the number 3 being very lucky. However, it is the number 9 which is [...]