Puntogf Antiques.

Monk Statue

How to Avoid Getting Into Trouble in Thailand

When we visit Thailand or any other country, it is easy to assume that our values apply there also, or that other people think like we do. This can lead to very embarrassing situations when we find out that we just unknowingly insulted someone or made a fool of ourselves.

Here is a list of Don’ts in Thailand:

• Never say anything negative about the king. This can land you in jail or get you thrown out of the country.
  
• Don’t say anything negative about monks. Although everyone in Thailand knows that not all monks are saints, they are still highly respected and fulfill a very important function in society.
• Don’t show anger or impatience. If you do, you will not accomplish anything and you will  ‘lose your face’, meaning that any respect that the Thais might have had for you is gone. It is not acceptable to show strong emotions, especially the negative kind.
• Don’t wear your shoes in anyone’s house or in a temple. A good tip is to wear shoes that you can easily take off.
  
• Don’t point your feet at any person or at a Buddha statue or picture, or at a picture of the king or members of the royal family.
• Don’t speak quickly or use difficult words. If you do, nobody will  understand you.  Slow down your talking pace to about half your normal speed and  consciously use simple words.
• Don’t try to touch, hug or kiss any Thais. They would be very embarrassed. Shaking hands is not done in Thailand, and hugging and kissing is confined to the bedroom for the most part.
• Don’t ever reprimand anyone strongly or tell someone flat-out they are wrong. You will make them lose face and they will dislike you for it. You need to make suggestions or drop hints instead. Just be more subtle. Losing face is a big issue in Thailand.
• Don’t expect that people will tell you the truth about everything. Generally Thais don’t like to say “no”. They will say what is convenient, polite, what helps everyone keep their ‘face’, and what is pleasant to hear. To the Thais, this is more important than if it is true or correct or not.

Here is a list of Do’s in Thailand:

• Whenever confronted with a difficult situation or person, keep a smile on your face. Thailand is called the “land of smiles” for a reason. A smile will open many more doors than a direct, confrontational or pushy approach.
• Tell people that you like Thai food. Everyone loves to hear that, since eating is one of the most important aspects of life in Thailand.
• Learn a few words in Thai, and your acceptance ranking will move up a few notches.
  
• Smile at strangers. You will be amazed how  many beautiful smiles you will get in return. Thais are shy people, but they are not shy about smiling.
• Slow down your pace, take time to talk to strangers. It is very easy to strike up a conversation with just about anyone in Thailand and people love to talk to you. Almost everyone will make time for a little chat. You will learn a lot about Thailand and it’s people that way.
• Speak slowly and clearly and use simple words. This way you will be understood and it will make conversations much more interesting and enjoyable.
  
• Use common sense. Just because Thais are smiling at you does not mean they love you. Just because they are friendly does not mean they are your friend. If anything does not feel right, stay away from the situation.

Following these few guidelines can make your stay much more pleasant and it will help you to avoid stepping on people’s “cultural toes”.

About the Author

Shama is a massage therapist, Healing Arts teacher, writer, photographer and tour organizer. He has adopted Thailand as his home and grew to love the country, it’s gentle people, fascinating culture, and unique healing arts.
Shama shares his knowledge by teaching healing arts, writing about all aspects of life in Thailand, and conducting specialty tours.
blog: http://www.shamakern.com
website: http://www.thaihealingmassage.com
facebook: http://facebook.com/shamakern

A Statue of a Monk Inside an Arch $39.99 A Statue of a Monk Inside an Arch - Photographic Print

Statue of a Buddhist Monk in China $39.99 Eightfish Statue of a Buddhist Monk in China - Photographic Print

Resin Monk Statue Small $124 Resin monk statue small. Material: resin. Dimensions: 8"x9.5"x24.5"(lxwxh). Weight = 7.45 lbs...

Resin Monk Statue Large $161 Resin monk statue large. Material: resin. Dimensions: 10"x10"x28.5"(lxwxh). Weight = 17.5 lbs...

Monk Two Students Statue Set $1310 -From The Tozai Home Imperial Palace Collection -Monk, Two Students Statue Set - Bronze (Lost Wax Process)

Monk Statue in Garden in Sutter Creek, Califoria $39.99 Monk Statue in Garden in Sutter Creek, Califoria - Photographic Print

Statue of a Zen Buddhist Monk Holding Prayer Beads $39.99 Eightfish Statue of a Zen Buddhist Monk Holding Prayer Beads - Photographic Print

Young Buddhist Monk Prays at a Relief Statue of Buddha $39.99 Paul Chesley Young Buddhist Monk Prays at a Relief Statue of Buddha - Photographic Print

Monk Praying Near Buddha Statue, Thailand $24.99 John & Lisa Merrill Monk Praying Near Buddha Statue, Thailand - Photographic Print

Asia, Japan; Kyoto, Sanzen in Temple (986), Stone Statue of a Monk Praying $59.99 Christian Kober Asia, Japan; Kyoto, Sanzen in Temple (986), Stone Statue of a Monk Praying - Premium Poster

Novice Buddhist Monk and Phra Atchana Buddha Statue, Sukhothai Province, Thailand $19.99 Gavin Hellier Novice Buddhist Monk and Phra Atchana Buddha Statue, Sukhothai Province, Thailand - Photographic Print

Buddhist Monk Kneeling in Prayer at the Feet of a Statue of the Standing Buddha, Thailand $19.99 Gavin Hellier Buddhist Monk Kneeling in Prayer at the Feet of a Statue of the Standing Buddha, Thailand - Photographic Print

Buddhist Monk Meditating Near Altar with Buddha Statue and Gilt $39.99 Steve Winter Buddhist Monk Meditating Near Altar with Buddha Statue and Gilt - Photographic Print

Monk $10 Monk

The Monk $17.17 The Monk

Sitting 16-inch Japanese Zen Monk Statue (China) $148.03 Crafted of high-quality, heavy resin, this zen monk statue features a beautiful, serene face. This distinctive monk statue can add an element of that same natural simplicity and beauty to your home. Product Features: Zen Monk statue Hands in classic 'Namaste' Top quality, highly detailed, cast resin figure Great gift idea Statue measures 16 inches high x 11 inches wide x 11 inches long Story Behind the Art:This handcrafted item and many others come from a third generation family run workshop in mainland China. Their skills of hand-painting, hand-rubbed lacquering and hand-tooling have been passed down for many generations. We are proud to support them in their quest to keep their age-old techniques alive for future generations. Many of the artists are hired out of semi-retirement to work from home training the next generation to become master craftsmen. These masters are highly respected in their craft and their culture which have survived through many Chinese dynasties and continue to produce valuable and desirable pieces for your home decor. What is Worldstock?The handcrafted touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.ImportedShips Carbon Neutral*

Standing 22-inch Japanese Zen Monk Statue (China) $125.41 Crafted of high-quality, heavy resin, this zen monk statue features a beautiful, serene face. This distinctive monk statue can add an element of that same natural simplicity and beauty to your home. Product Features: Zen Monk statue Hands in classic 'Namaste' Top quality, highly detailed, cast resin figure Great gift idea Statue measures 22 inches high x 7 inches wide x 7 inches long Story Behind the Art:This handcrafted item and many others come from a third generation family run workshop in mainland China. Their skills of hand-painting, hand-rubbed lacquering and hand-tooling have been passed down for many generations. We are proud to support them in their quest to keep their age-old techniques alive for future generations. Many of the artists are hired out of semi-retirement to work from home training the next generation to become master craftsmen. These masters are highly respected in their craft and their culture which have survived through many Chinese dynasties and continue to produce valuable and desirable pieces for your home decor. What is Worldstock?The handcrafted touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.ImportedShips Carbon Neutral*

Novice Buddhist Monk Kneeling Beneath the Phra Atchana Buddha Statue, Sukhothai Province, Thailand $19.99 Gavin Hellier Novice Buddhist Monk Kneeling Beneath the Phra Atchana Buddha Statue, Sukhothai Province, Thailand - Photographic Print

Monk Praying and Giant Golden Statue of the Buddha, Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok, Southeast Asia $19.99 Angelo Cavalli Monk Praying and Giant Golden Statue of the Buddha, Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok, Southeast Asia - Photographic Print

Monk in Front of the Seated Buddha Statue, Gol Vihara, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Asia $19.99 Bruno Morandi Monk in Front of the Seated Buddha Statue, Gol Vihara, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Asia - Photographic Print

Novice Monk Praying at Feet of Giant Buddha Statue, Wat Intharawihan (Wat In), Bangkok, Thailand $19.99 Gavin Hellier Novice Monk Praying at Feet of Giant Buddha Statue, Wat Intharawihan (Wat In), Bangkok, Thailand - Photographic Print

卍Chanting Buddhist Monk Statue 卍