Respecting Thai Beliefs
The Thai culture has many beliefs and practises revolving around Theraveda Buddhism. Respecting Thai beliefs you first need to understand the stories and significance behind the beliefs. Buddhism is practised by over 90% of the Thai population. Daily life in Thailand revolves around the Buddhist religious practises and the teachings of Buddha.
Smiling Thai Style
It is understandable why Thailand is called ‘The Land of Smiles” when you first meet the Thai people. Smiling in every situation is acceptable even if it is a negative situation. Thai people smile when they are embarrassed or don’t know what to do. In difficult or aggressive situations Thai people smile to save face. Losing your self-control is not acceptable behaviour in Thai culture and the Thais find it offensive and disrespectful. Forcing a person to lose face in Thai culture is not acceptable. If you don’t feel like smiling in a difficult situation grit your teeth.
The Head
It is not acceptable in Thai culture to touch the head of anyone. The most sacred part of the body is the head in Buddhist beliefs. The highest and cleanest part of the body it is rude to touch the head. Do not touch the head of a Buddha Statue it is a very disrespectful act. If you accidentally touch someone on the head apologise and bow to show your respect for your mistake.
Buddhism Respecting Thai Beliefs
The majority of Thai people are Buddhists. Buddhism is an integral part of respecting the Thai beliefs and culture. Family life in Thailand revolves around Buddhism and his teachings. The Temples are tourist attractions but also holy places of worship for the local communities. Local residents visit temples daily offering prayers and gifts to Buddha. The Festivals and holidays in Koh Samui are celebrated in the temple grounds. Tourists are welcome to join the public festivities.
The Thai people highly respect the Buddhist Monks. Passing an object to a monk must be passed by a male, not a female. Women may put the object on the floor and the Monk will accept the offering. Monks do not interact with women in Thai culture. Buddhists believe that every person has several lives. Life in Buddhism does not start with birth or end in death. The lives are lessons not yet learned or Karma from previous acts in life.
Thai Hierarchy
A hierarchy exists in Thai social and business culture. One person is superior to another dependent on status in Thai society. Thai people treat everyone depending on their status. Teachers are superior to their students, parents are superior to their children and the boss is superior to the workforce. Immediately upon meeting a Thai person, they try to assess your status in society. Thai people ask personal questions to determine your status and place in society. Your status depends on your age, employment, education and your social connections. The better the employment position or social connections the higher the status becomes. Thais of higher status may not respond to a greeting from a person with a lower status.
Monarchy of Thailand
Twice daily at 8 am and 6 pm the Thai national anthem plays in public places. The locals will stand whilst the anthem plays. The people of Thailand love the Monarchy like their own family members. Portraits and shrines of the King are in all public buildings. Shops, bars and restaurants display a portrait of the King.
Disrespect or offence aimed at the King or his family is a serious offence in Thailand. Tourists with an opinion of the King of Thailand will upset and offend the Thais. To avoid causing offence the wisest option is not to discuss the Monarchy or King. Disrespecting Thailands King can result in a prison sentence and deportation from the Kingdom.
The Thai nation is in mourning for their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After an illness, he died on 13th October 2016 leaving a nation in deep mourning. The country will mourn the King for a year preparing for his funeral in October 2017. The Crown Prince Maha VajiralongKorn will succeed his father on the Throne. Be respectful Thailand is morning and it is a very sensitive time for Thai people. who are in shock at the death of their King.
Do you have any stories of Thai Beliefs and their effect on you? Are there any strange beliefs you know about and want to share? Leave your comments and share your stories below.