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On-line Program Handbook :: PART III: EXPERIENCING THAI CULTURE Thai and Southeast Asian Studies Program |
There are scores of texts written about the nuances of Thai culture. This section will simply attempt to give you a rough outline of the most important aspects of behavior while in Thailand. More details can be found in your International Student Handbook and in the books listed in it as well as those we recommend in this guide. Even the difference of being born a few hours before you can make someone "older" than you. Ask someone's birth date if you want to make sure. Respecting your elders does not mean that you can or should be disrespectful to your subordinates. You are expected to treat people younger or of lower status than you as a helpful older brother or sister would treat a younger brother or sister.
Thais show respect with a graceful gesture called a wai. You will learn quickly how to wai by watching others and practicing. Wai your teachers every day. Wai your elders every day. You should wai before your superiors do, and after your subordinates do. Do not return a wai to small children (under 12). Note that the King of Thailand wais monks, but no one else. Monks are at the top of the social hierarchy, and therefore do not return a wai, not even to the king.
Smiling has many meanings in Thai culture. You may enjoy these smiles, be confused by them, or you might be angered by them at some time. Please remember that Thais may not behave in ways that your culture considers to be "normal." Similarly, you may behave in ways that many Thais find to be "abnormal". To minimize misunderstanding, please keep in mind that Thais may smile beautifully in all of the following situations: Thais are quite conscious that a smile is not just a smile, and different types of smiles have different names. Here is just a short list: Gradually you will begin to understand why people are smiling as you begin to appreciate and understand the subtlety of Thai culture. Do not forget to keep smiling.
Like smiling, Thai style laughing and joking can be confusing for a newcomer. Many times the above listed feelings, expressed with a smile, also include a laugh. Like the smile, after time, you will gradually come to understand what exactly the laugh may mean. Thai-style joking can sometimes result in hurt feelings for Westerners, as many Thais will joke about each other in ways that some foreigners find offensive. Westerners are accustomed to not talking about physical abnormalities or perceived imperfections, but Thais enjoy discussing them. Hearing your new friend tell you straight-faced that you're fat, ugly, and pimply might make your hair stand up, but talk like this is normal among close friends. These comments or jokes have often been described as a way that friends acknowledge and accept each other's flaws, making them feel like their imperfections are "no big deal." Not mentioning someone's imperfections might send the message that the imperfection is so shameful that it can not be spoken of. Therefore, you should try to feel positive when a new Thai friend says, "You are so fat!" "You have a lot of pimples today!" or "Why is your [body part] so [negative descriptive word]?" Chances are, he or she is thinking "I like you, I would like to consider myself to be close to you, and these unimportant things can be laughed at between us."
In the Thai language, it is considered rude to simply give "No" for an answer. There are many ways of saying no without actually saying the word "No," so prepare yourself for some slight confusion. Someone might tell you, "I think so" or "Yes maybe" or "Probably." You might hope that these answers really mean "Yes" - after all, you didn't actually hear "No." In general, people want to please you and accommodate you, and it may embarrass them or embarrass you if they can not please you, so they will say "Yes" even if they simply can not accommodate your wishes. To you, saying "No" flatly may be direct and efficient, but it can convey lack of care, and many Thais may take offense. Listen very carefully and please be considerate.
Thais consider it extraordinarily rude to express anger in public by raising your voice, waving your hands, or stomping your feet. If you can not keep a "cool head," many Thais will actually think you are insane or dangerous. When angry, remember to smile. Release your attachment to your sense of "I am right." Calmly try to solve the problem through honest, unemotional discussion. Many times anger is a result of simple misunderstanding. Do not assume that people are doing things that you find offensive "on purpose." Although it is highly unlikely, if a Thai becomes angry with you in public, maintain your composure and continue to try to solve the problem calmly. If you cannot understand the situation, ask someone nearby for help. This may take extraordinary patience and feel very embarrassing, but it is the best possible route to clearing up misunderstandings. You will show your good manners and class by staying cool headed in a difficult situation.
Thailand is traditionally an agricultural society, where precise meeting times, schedules, and time budgeting are not as important as they may be in your home country. However, many Thais have learned that time is important to foreigners. Therefore, while Thais may be 20-30 minutes "late" to meet you, most Thais will expect you to be "on time" for them. On the occasion that you are waiting for a "late" Thai, try thinking about what time really means to you and your culture. Why is time important? Talk to Thais about "using" time, "keeping" time, and "being" on time. You may feel your attitude about time changing the longer you are in Thailand. Please note that in terms of scheduling and classes in the Thai Studies Program, you are expected to abide by Western standards and be consistently on time!
Although styles are changing and you may more frequently see young Chiang Mai women adorning more revealing outfits (mainly short shorts and sleeveless shirts) during the day as well as the night, please remember that the majority of Thais appreciate modest attire. This means you should wear shirts with sleeves, both for men and women. Women can wear pants at any time except during school, when a skirt must be worn. While off campus, long, wrinkle-free lightweight pants or skirts are a good choice. Knee-length baggy shorts are fine for exercising, but you may see many people wearing several layers while they exercise on campus, even if the weather is hot. Look to see what the majority of Thais your age are wearing and dress accordingly. If a Thai comments on the shortness of your skirt, the see-through quality of your clothing, or some other aspect of your dress, please be reminded that this may be a polite request that you do not wear such clothing in the future. Wearing revealing clothing can elicit comments and harassment from men. It is always a good idea to wear your student uniform as much as possible while off-campus. You will be immediately more respected as a student whose status is higher than that of a regular tourist. Please do not wear your uniform if you plan to go out at night, especially if you drink alcohol.
In a tropical climate, it is easy to get dirty and uncomfortable. Most Thais will shower twice daily, with soap, if they have an opportunity. Showering is refreshing and helps you stay cool and collected, as well as sweet-smelling. Apply prickly heat powder or baby powder after showering, and put on fresh clothes. You'll find yourself complaining less about the heat and feeling up for more activities. If Thai friends or your host family tell you, "Please, take a shower" do not immediately assume that you smell (although this may be the case). This is usually nothing more than a hospitable invitation for you to enjoy a refreshing shower.
You will want to bring small gifts to your new Thai friends and family. Although you may think it would be exciting to see their faces when they open these gifts, this is not usually done. Instead, simply present a nicely wrapped gift to your friend (almost any stationery shop will do the wrapping). Your friend will most likely politely thank you and then put the gift away somewhere. They will open it later in private. There are many reasons for this procedure. First and most importantly, it really is "the thought that counts." Next, the receiver does not want to appear too greedy by openly ripping into the package immediately to see what the gift is. On the negative side, your friend might like to save you any embarrassment if the gift is something that he or she doesn't like. You should always follow these same rules of etiquette, unless repeatedly urged by Thai friends, of opening gifts later in private.
It is very important to be respectful of all Buddhist sculptures, including Buddha images, religious works of art, spirit houses, amulets, phallic structures, and animal statuary in temple grounds. Never climb or sit on these sculptures. You may see these works simply as "things" but the majority of Thai Buddhists do not. Any monk can explain to you why Buddha images are simply physical things. However, the images represent the teachings of the Buddha and have been ritually sanctified for the purpose of helping Buddhist practitioners focus on these teachings, and so they must be treated with the greatest respect.
EXHIBITIONISTS AND OTHER "STRANGERS" If you find yourself in the unusual situation of walking alone down a dark alley at night, and you are approached by a drunken individual who yells at you, makes rude gestures, or flashes you, what should you do? Thais usually recommend that you stay calm, point, laugh loudly (do not forget to keep smiling), and keep walking. By simply laughing and pointing, this is how Thais "laugh off" insane behavior. Exhibitionists are NOT considered physically dangerous. However, if you are in the very unlikely situation where someone yells or actually tries to touch you in a threatening way, scream as loudly and as long as you can, and run. Call 1155 or 191 for the police and describe the attacker and situation. Report the incident to program staff immediately.
Do not accept rides on motorcycles or in cars from anyone you do not know. If a Payap student harasses you, report the incident to the us IMMEDIATELY. If you are harassed or assaulted, please be reminded that it is not your fault, no matter what situation you were in. Do not be afraid to report any incident.
It may be easy for you to drink alcohol in Thailand, but consider how it affects your overall health and ability to experience life during this important time. If you choose to drink, please drink responsibly and remember that alcohol may impair your judgment when: riding a bicycle, walking down the street, choosing social situations, and making sexual choices. Be aware that all of your actions have consequences. Although you may see tourists using something illegal every day in Thailand, do your best to set a good example. Do not get involved, and keep in mind that you are a representative of your country. With the above advice in mind, we hope it goes without saying that while on school-related excursions, you absolutely can not pack alcohol or drugs in your bags! Remember, it is ILLEGAL to possess, sell, or distribute drugs in Thailand. In February 2003, former Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra began a "War on Drugs" in Northern Thailand. Amnesty International has reported that hundreds of Thais have been executed without trial, and many foreigners have been incarcerated for life. They may be lucky, depending on how you look at it, as one penalty for drug trafficking in Thailand is execution. If any student is caught with illegal drugs while in the Thai Studies program, they will immediately be expelled without recourse.
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