I have been to Thailand for several times, the last one lasting 2 months in the Southern region - Ranong and Hatyai.
Since you've only asked about the Thai people, I think you'd like to know more about the locals and the culture there. They are known to be very friendly, warm, helpful and hospitable. If you're coming from the West, you'll find that the Thai people smile a lot.
Here are some additional pointers on their culture-related issues:
1. Do not mention anything negative or comment on their King or the royal family. It is a very sensitive issue as the Thais love their royal family a lot and would be willing to imprison or kill those who insult their King (even by stepping on the Thai coin / Baht notes - because the face of the King is imprinted on it). In the local cineplex, remember to pay tribute (by standing up silently) to the King, just like others would do before the movie starts playing.
2. Learn the dos and don'ts of the local Thai culture. Eg: Try as much as you can to accept whatever that is offered to you by the Thais out of a friendly gesture, avoid pointing or exposing the soles of your feet to people around you (even in a sitting position), avoid touching children on their heads, avoid wearing your shoes indoors, learn the basics of Thai language (even saying "Sawasdee" will be good enough). During introduction, please do not be offended (especially if you're a Westerner) if the Thais were to ask you about some personal things such as your age, your family members, your marriage status, etc. It is very normal for them to ask about such things to get to know you better eventhough those questions may appear as personal to you.
3. Avoid going to the Southern parts of Thailand, especially Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani. The unrest among the Muslims there has not been resolved yet. It may not be a very pleasant vacation for you if you end up there, especially if you are a Western foreigner (called "farang" in the Thai language).
4. Dress modestly. This depends on which part of Thailand you're in. If you're in Bangkok, then it's probably ok to be out with shorts / singlets / tube top / spaghetti strap top, etc. But you'll certainly need to dress modestly especially in the (rural) Northern and Southern parts of Thailand.
You'll certainly enjoy your stay in Thailand because of the friendly people there.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
2006-07-18 22:38:43
·
answer #1
·
answered by dt_aiying 2
·
2⤊
0⤋
I had been to Thailand many times and I do like the place a lot. What attracts me, is not just the many beautiful places that are waiting to be explored, away from the tourist routes, but the people too. The Thais are the most friendly and gracious people I have come across. I have bee around a few countries and I do know what this meant.
Many people too, are attracted by the friendly Thais that they go back to visit them the next time.
One thing you have to know is that language need not be a barrier to your stay in Thailand. Majority of the Thais do not speak English, but if you need something or need to ask for direction, you find that the Thais will find friends, relatives or other locals nearby to try to help you. That is how helpful they can be. Thais are very tolerant, so much so that westerners take advantage of them, just because they do not complain. By knowing them will you understand how much they tolerate even abusive westerners.
So, you really need not worry too much about your visit there. Just prepare to go there and enjoy. And like someone above says, you actually have to watch out for the foreigners there, not the locals.
Have a good holiday. If you need some recommendation on what you can do there or where to go, drop me a line at tongbn@yahoo.co.uk and I will be glad to help out. Cheers.
2006-07-18 20:14:10
·
answer #2
·
answered by peanutz 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Hi. I currently live in Thailand (Bangkok). The Thai people are the friendliest people you could ever wish to meet. Very helpful and polite. There is plenty to see and do, the country is full of amazing sights! It's raining a lot at the moment, it is the rainy season after all, and will continue to do so until approx. November.November till march are the best months to visit weatherwise. If you can, go to Phuket, Krabi and Ko Phi Phi in the south (perfectly safe- just stay away from the most southernly regions of Thailand, near the Malaysian border), Chiang Mai in the north, and if you are into National Parks I recommend Kao Yai, as it is really pretty. Katchanaburi is very pretty, too- interesting if you are into history (River Kwae).
Also, I know Thailand is known as a haven for sex tourists, but the truth is, if you don't go looking for seedy stuff, you won't see it. You do see a lot of sad, old westerners with pretty young things on their arms though. Most of them seem to actually believe that the girls are in love with them, rather than with their wallets. Pathetic. But hey, each to their own...
2006-07-18 18:53:18
·
answer #3
·
answered by tanja_christina 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
No, I've never been to Thailand but it would probably be interesting to visit there and see and learn their culture and stuff. I don't think anything of Thai people. I don't judge anybody until I know them well enough and have a relevant reason to judge them. Maybe someday I will go there!
2006-07-18 18:47:42
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Yes it is a great place to visit.
Thais are very friendly people.
Shopping- you MUST bargain...ask for half the price they quote!
Great many places to visit.Dont forget the grand palace.There are many beautiful beaches too but becareful of tsunami.It is a big country and you will need at least 2 weeks to see most places. Avoid southern Thailand as foreigners are targets of muslim extremists
2006-07-18 18:48:15
·
answer #5
·
answered by jason 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Thai people are wonderful. They enjoy foreigners and can be very curious and engaging, especially so outside of the usual tourist areas where you might be more likely to find hustlers. It is a beautiful country in many ways but it is the unique, smiling people who are the real stars here. They are independent minded and yet service and a congenial, non-confrontational attitude rules the day. Travel outside of tourist areas is quite safe and easy and you are sure to find helpful people, but of course, exercise all normal cautions. Happy trails.
2006-07-18 19:43:00
·
answer #6
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Worked and taken holidays there now for over 10 years and it's a beautiful country with wonderful peace loving friendly people. The food is amazing and the prices are a fraction of what you pay for anything in the UK.
Enjoy your trip and I'm certain you will go back.
2006-07-18 18:46:47
·
answer #7
·
answered by Tam C 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
i'm a thai but i always study aboard but i can say that NO PLACE is awesome like Thailand. Poeple there know how to respect like no one else. food r really good. enjoy ur stay there.
2006-07-19 01:30:41
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Only been once, would love to go back and stay longer. 3 young kids and the rest of life changing bits stops any idea. Anyway GO GO GO GO GO........ ITS hot, friendly and an eye opener in many ways. If you go alone dont be put off by it, you will walk away with friends for life. Stay away from the hives of toursit riddled parts. Rayliegh baech was good might of changed now.. good luck
2006-07-18 20:03:30
·
answer #9
·
answered by bigtoeplop 1
·
0⤊
0⤋
thailand is class
the people are the friendliest ull ever meet and once uve been i doubt anywhere will match up
anything is incredibly cheap inc the ladies
lol
2006-07-18 22:56:26
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋