Joanna James
Thailand is famous the world over for its exquisite dishes. It is also a place of traditions and customs that are well-preserved from ancient times. The holistic way of life that Thais enjoy is fascinating to tourists; check out these captivating traditions and cultures of Thailand.
Thais are deeply respectful, and this factor is most represented through how they communicate. While Westerners may get flustered and may sometimes react with passion to certain situations, Thais will maintain their composure longer. They will not directly engage with people in situations that can lead to someone losing face. Therefore, they may often talk using phrases such as some people or even maybe as a kind of non-judgmental form of conversation that translates to it's not a big deal or no problem. Negative emotional outbursts are rare, which means they are adept at keeping their feelings in check and will rarely display anger or disagreements in public. And likewise, anyone who causes embarrassment to others will not fall in their favour. Buddhism is symbolic when it comes to this holistic approach to maintaining peace and has its roots in many Thai traditions and practices. The shrines are top attractions throughout the country, including popular holiday destinations like Phuket. They are considered among the best attractions to visit. And if you happen to be staying at a Phuket luxury resort, make sure to explore the area; some like Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are not too far from iconic sites such as Wat Chalong and Phuket Big Buddha.
Thais maintain strong ties with their families and will value their closeness. It's quite uncommon to have extended families living within the same house or compound and you may get confused with the way your local friends address people, often calling them brother or sister, although they are not. This is because cousins and close relatives are often addressed in this manner as a sign of respect. You will often see families together, including grandparents and uncles because this is the family unit in Thailand. Therefore, make sure you show the utmost respect to the elderly as senior family members, including bosses, who are considered the more privileged members at a meeting.
The widest-spread religion in Thailand is Buddhism, which has its roots deep within the country's past. It is an interesting blend of Hinduism and Chinese culture as well, thus setting Thailand's version of Buddhism apart from the rest of the world. Enjoy your exploits, exploring the many shrines and religious sites dedicated to the national religion. Make sure to extend the deepest respect to these shrines at all times and honour the local culture whenever you visit places of religious significance.
If you love being a part of local festivals, check the local calendar before you book your holiday. Thailand has many fascinating festivals to attend and be a part of, plus, you will love the immersive experience. Some like Songkran, which is a water festival, are popular among fun-loving tourists while others like Krathong, the festival of lights, are perfect for being a part of the culture.
The Thai language is intricate and has many different meanings. It is also important to learn a few common phrases before you visit to make your experience easier. Learning to say not too spicy and how much? is helpful and are some of the important phrases that apply to tourists, which you can master with the help of a good translation app or guide.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
