Bangkok Culture

Bangkok, Thailand is a veritable "melting pot" where all nationalities and cultures live harmoniously together. Thai culture is a highly interesting mixture of the many Asian cultures that have permeated the region throughout the centuries including Chinese, Indian, Malay and Indonesian culture are all seen in modern Thailand. The culture is made up of many different aspects, and whether they be language, music, religion, food or architecture; all have a particular notion that signifies their Thai origins. It is a country with rich history and refined tradition.

 

The Wai

The most well-known seems to be the Thai gracious gesture of ‘wai’ greeting which is the bringing together of both hands to the chest and bending the head to the tips of the fingers. Thais ‘wai’ to show respect to the elders as the way to say hello, good bye, thank you and sorry. Every Thai person is taught to learn how to ‘wai’ from a young age, most of the time even before they can utter their first word. It’s all part of a complex structure of etiquette which is so important for showing respect to others in Thai culture.

 

Thailand is a stronghold of Buddhism

Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives. Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being. The true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as 'nirvana', an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings. Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population.

 

Hierarchial Relationships

Thais respect hierarchical relationships. Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates. When Thais meet a stranger, they will immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated. Family life is often more closely knit than in western cultures. The Thai family is a form of hierarchy with the parents at the top. Children are taught to honour their parents.

 

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. Thais place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect, genial demeanour and self-control in order to maintain harmonious relations. Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations and look for compromises in difficult situations.

2. The wai is the traditional form of greeting, given by the person of lower status to the person of higher status. In general, wait for your host and hostess to introduce you to the other guests.

3. If you are invited to a Thai's house, arrive close to the appointed time. Remove your shoes before entering the house. To Thai people wearing shoes indoors is disgusting. Step over the threshold rather than on it. This is an old custom that may be dying out with younger Thais.

4. You may begin eating as soon as you are served. Leave a little food on your plate after you have eaten to show that you are full. Finishing everything indicates that you are still hungry. Never leave rice on your plate as it is considered wasteful. Wait to be asked before taking a second helping. 

Its nice to go through the general customs and culture of a country before you visit and avoid any kind of offensive behaviour.