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 will try and make it sanuk. A sense of humour and a sense of fun are two of the most important things to pack when you visit Thailand. Thai people will try and inject a sense of enjoyment into their daily life and as a visitor if you do likewise, you will fit in very well. That doesn’t mean that you have to start cracking jokes or launch into a song and dance routine as you go through passport control at Suvarnabhumi airport. In fact, looking at the infamously grim, non-smiling faces of the Thai immigration officials you might easily be forgiven for thinking you’ve arrived in the wrong country.
When bartering for shopping bargains or negotiating with a tuk-tuk driver, always smile and be a bit cheeky if you want. If you do it in the right manner, the Thai person will usually play along with the game. This won’t come easily for all tourists, but I highly recommend you try it during your stay in Thailand.
