There is little doubt that Thailand well deserves its self-proclaimed title as 'The Land of Smiles'.
Thai hospitality is arguably second-to-none, and the instinctive friendliness and tolerance of Thai people, together with a beautiful country steeped in history and culture, have made Thailand a holiday destination which has increased dramatically in popularity year-on-year.
However, it should not be forgotten that Thai culture is very different from Western/European culture in many ways, and it can therefore be easy to misunderstand gestures/tone of voice etc, or to unintentionally cause offence.
This book is not intended to be an all-knowing encyclopaedia on Thailand. There are many publications that already do that job quite admirably. Rather, this book is designed to provide the short-term holiday-maker with some essential basic information, and a few of the more common Thai phrases in a way that will hopefully help in understanding a little of the Thai culture - and encourage people to try to speak some Thai on their holiday. Hopefully this will add a sense of achievement and fun which would otherwise not be experienced.
Bearing this in mind, the language sections in this book do not go into great detail. For those wishing to learn more extensively about the Thai language, again, there is already a vast choice of excellent publications available.
There is little doubt that being able to speak even a few words and key phrases of Thai will add more enjoyment to any holiday in Thailand, and it can be guaranteed that your Thai hosts will greatly appreciate your efforts (no matter how bad!) and will respect you all the more for them.
'Chock-dee' ('Good luck!')
The Thai Royal Family
It is vitally important for visitors to Thailand to understand that the Thai Royal Family is very highly revered by Thai people. One of the many things that makes Thailand so different and special is that, despite public opinions differing on aspects of politics and religion (as in most countries!), the Thai people are united "as one" in their love and respect for His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. So much so in fact, that any actions, gestures, or comments which may (rightly or wrongly) be interpreted as disrespectful to His Majesty The King (or any other member of The Royal Family) can have serious consequences! This also goes for any representations of His Majesty or any other members of The Royal Family (e.g. Statues, pictures etc).
It is most unlikely that a Thai person would wish to seriously discuss anything in-depth about their Royal Family or Monarchy with a foreigner. However, with all due respect, I suggest that it would be prudent and wise to keep any personal opinions that may cause offence (or be misunderstood) entirely personal.
Religion
Although numerous religions and belief systems are represented in Thailand, it remains essentially a Buddhist country, and visiting some of the many beautiful Buddhist Temples ('Wat' in Thai) should be high on the 'Things To Do In Thailand' list of any self-respecting tourist!
In most of the more popular holiday destinations you may well find that local "Wats" have geared-up for tourists - providing refreshment and food stalls, souvenir stalls, ceremonial Thai dancing etc.
Almost without exception you will have many photo opportunities. However, in some Wats you may see signs forbidding the use of cameras, and this request should be respected.
When visiting a Wat you should dress modestly and respectfully. This means no bare chests for men, and no "micro" fashion skirts, low cut tops, or bare shoulders for women.
Within the grounds of any Wat there will be buildings in which shoes/footwear should not be worn. If there are no obvious signs saying so, the numerous pairs of flip-flops and sandals outside the entrance should serve as a good indicator.
If you wish to enter the main building of a Wat (called "Boat" in Thai) - which houses the statue(s) of Buddha - leave your footwear outside, and remember not to step onto the doorstep, but to step over it to enter the building.
If you wish to enter any other buildings in the grounds of a Wat, firstly ensure that you are allowed to! There are private quarters for the male monks ('Pra!' in Thai), and female monks ('Mare-she' in Thai) which are obviously "off-limits" to visitors. Look for indications that tell whether or not you can enter, but if there is any doubt, don't enter!
It is perfectly acceptable for any visitor to a Wat to enter the "Boat" - whether for meditation ('Sa-ma-tee' in Thai), reflection, or simply to rest and relax for a while. However, when you are sitting on the floor, ensure that your feet are not pointing at an image or statue of Buddha, or at a Monk.
