Introduction to Thailand Part 5
Understanding Thailand Part Five-Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Recognizing One’s Position
Thailand has a deeply entrenched, hierarchical society. The origins of this hierarchical system stem from the fifteenth century. During this century, the citizenry was ranked by a points/numbers system. (in the Thai language - sakdi na).
A worker was allocated twenty-five, a technician fifty, and so on. If you became an uppermost administrator, your score skipped into the thousands. The ranking system gave the right to privileges of land corresponding with rank and pervaded all financial, judicial, and public life for four hundred years or so.
It was removed by King Chulalongkorn the Great - King Rama V; however, traces of the practice appear to live on in the Thai psyche. There is more inclusive civil mobility in Thailand nowadays, yet many older generations unquestionably accept their position in life.
There is a tenet that if you have a low standing in this life, it must be a consequence of transgressions perpetrated in a previous life experience.
In the Buddhist faith, the moral law of Karma ascertains that if you lead a righteous life now, the probabilities are that you will enjoy a better standing when you are reborn. It is no use complaining because everyone else is in the same circumstance.
Nonetheless, education is frequently seen as the pathway to a good job and an improved quality of life, and enrollment in higher education is on the increase in Thailand. The younger generation is aspiring for more and is willing to work hard to make a better life.
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Social Status & Saving Face
Numerous Thai people strive to attain jobs in the civil service, even though, to start with, the rate of remuneration for a low-level civil servant is meagre. Being a public servant gives you renown and assurance for salary, health care, and a pension; however, humble your post.
If you are a teacher (Ajarn- a Thai word used to represent professor/teacher), you are remarkably profoundly respected, though you still receive a relatively low remuneration package. This stems from the first-ever teachers being monks and the first-ever schools located inside temples.
Interestingly, even if you’re prosperous, operating in business is less well thought of than the civil service, although working in an office is more highly regarded than a manual job.
Thai people disdain working outside and performing manual labour or occupations that we in the West consider ‘Trade’ jobs. The pay rate is calculated per day in Thailand, and current rates average 250-350 Thai Baht per day, which is about 8-10 USD per day.
However, in Thai society, successful people are universally admired. Regardless of how the success was accomplished, wealthy & successful people garner a lot of respect and admiration from fellow Thai people.
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Whitening Products
Another aspect of Thai society is the urge to have a pale complexion. Pale skin indicates high status; in Thai people’s eyes, men and women with paler skin are more attractive. Thai people, especially Thai women, take significant measures to shield themselves from the sun. Most products, including underarm deodorants, contain a whitening agent. Remember this when purchasing products in Thailand and read the label carefully.
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Respect thy Elder & why ‘Wai.’
Another feature of Thai society is showing respect to others. Thai people are respectful and must outwardly comply with words and body language. Thai children are taught to admire their elders and to yield to authority. Most Thai children can ‘Wai’ before they can walk.
Older people or people with higher positions than you deserve your respect. Thai people recognize the supremacy of their boss and do not oppose them.
Similarly, Thai students respect their teachers and would not dare to contend with them or even sometimes won’t ask them questions. This is due to the embarrassment that could be caused or, as it is better known, ‘loss of face.’ This is an essential aspect of Thai society, and everyone’s actions must consider ‘loss of face.’ Thai people don’t only consider ‘saving face ไทย’ for themselves; they also consider other peoples ‘loss of face.’
One of the ways the Thais display respect is to clasp their palms beautifully together, fingers aiming upwards as if in prayer, and bow the head forward in greeting. This is known in Thai as the ‘Wai.’
It is customary for Thai people to ‘Wai’ when they meet each other. The younger or lower-ranked person should always initiate the ‘Wai,’ and the recipient of the ‘Wai’ will ‘Wai’ back. If someone were to you, it would be much appreciated if you ‘Wai’ back at them.
However, it is advisable to learn how to ‘Wai’ correctly to avoid committing any blunders. For example, the more significant the difference in rank, or if greeting a monk, the lower the head is bowed and the higher the ‘Wai’ should be.
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Nationalistic Pride
Another interesting fact about Thailand is that they have never been under foreign jurisdiction. Thai people are very proud, hold their heads high, and consider people from other countries as their equals.
Due to Thai people’s confidence in Thailand, if you start finding faults in Thailand and expressing them, Thai people can feel you are criticizing them personally. Always abstain from criticism of Thailand and its institutions to avoid any issues, confrontations, or ‘loss of face’ situations.
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Stay Calm & Breath
Body language in Thailand can be a complicated thing to read. Thai people utilize exceptional self-control. This does not mean Thai people are without feelings and do not encounter the frustrations you do when stuck in traffic. It is just perceived as lousy behaviour to display one’s feelings overtly, exhibit anger, or create any disturbance.
In Thai, they have the phrase ‘Jai Yen’, which translates to ‘keeping your cool’ or directly as ‘cool heart.’ This means Thai people don’t move around much when communicating, and body language is kept to a minimum. As we do in the West, speaking with your hands is frowned upon in Thailand. Equally, keeping your hands in your pockets is also frowned upon.
Raising your voice or acting angrily in a situation will not help; it will most definitely impede you! You are always required to keep your cool. Embrace the ‘Jai Yen’ philosophy in Thailand and think before you react to your situations and surroundings. Be mindful of causing people to lose face and ask yourself if you are acting as a Thai or as you would in your own country.
Thai people consider people who express anger as ‘Jai Ruan,’ which translates to Hot Heart. Unfortunately, our normal reactions and behaviours in our own countries are frowned upon in Thailand, and foreigners are known to Thais as people who are ‘Jai Ruan.’ Try to break this stereotype and embrace the ‘Jai Yen’ philosophy!
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Sustaining Social Harmony
Another area that foreigners struggle to grapple with in Thailand is the philosophical concept of ‘Bunkhun.’ This is a philosophy deeply ingrained in Thai society, and its reasons are that if you do something to help someone, they will feel appreciative and repay the service one day. This system implies you have a chain of people bound to one another.
The ‘Bunkhun’ system often reveals itself as an indirectness in conversation, which makes it challenging for a foreigner to surmise the message a Thai person is attempting to communicate.
Consider the ‘Bunkhun’ system; if you ever ask a Thai person to help you with something, it is advisable to ensure they are not inconveniencing themselves. Some Thai people will go far beyond the bounds of responsibility to be accommodating, possibly even missing a crucial meeting to complete a task for someone else.
Know that Thai people are generous; they often give money to the temple or pay for their friend’s lunch. The concept of splitting the bill in Thailand does not exist. Such ideas are considered ‘ngok’ or ‘kee niaw.’ These are both derogatory terms that I won’t translate. So, many Thai people will go out of their way to help and pay for things for fear of being perceived as ‘ngok’ or ‘kee niaw.’
However, don’t view acts of kindness as having concealed motives; Thai people will probably understand that as a foreigner, you do not understand their ‘Bunkhun’ system. They are just helpful to you because they are friendly and kind people.
As with most countries, a person who has a good heart is always admired and appreciated. Embrace the acts of kindness and ensure to reciprocate if ever asked or given the opportunity!
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Finding Fun in Everything
Understanding all the above, it would be fair to determine that Thai people must lead stressful lives in their crusade to preserve social harmony. However, Thai people find fun in everything, like holding parties, going to the movies, taking long trips to temples and other provinces, and eating out with friends.
The word ‘Sanuk,’ which means fun, defines everything in Thai. Even things we, as Westerners, would regard as severe affairs like funerals, Thai people try to see the fun side of everything.
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Public Displays of Affection
Physical contact between the sexes in public places is frowned upon, but what goes on behind closed doors stays there!
The LGBTQ community seems socially accepted in Thailand, and it is approved for people of the same sex to engage in physical contact in public spaces. You may see two females holding hands more so than a male and a female.
Asia does not have the same taboo toward the LGBTQ community as in other nations. Many members of the LGBTQ community hold positions in entertainment, as TV presenters, actors, and actresses, as well as in regular employment positions.
However, the rights afforded to the LGBTQ community are less than in Western nations; in Thailand, there is no same-sex marriage, civil partnership, or legal change of one’s sex/gender in legal documents.
The overall attitude toward the LGBTQ community will be perceived as more welcoming in Thailand than in other nations, and it is a safe country for the LGBTQ community.
However, due to the non-confrontational aspect of society, knowing someone’s true feelings toward this community would never be expressed or discussed.
One is just left always to wonder and surmise!
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Head is High, and Feet are Low
In Thailand, the top of your head is the essential part of one’s body because that’s where a person’s spirit dwells. For this reason, never touch a person's head, even if you are a good friend. Although among people who are in love, this limitation is often broken. A quick apology is in order if you touch a person’s head.
If you ever get your haircut in Thailand, you will observe the hairdresser or barber asking permission or apologizing before they feel your head. Interestingly, patting a child’s head is widely accepted and frequently seen.
Because the head is the highest part of the body, when you are around your superiors or monks, you will observe people, ensuring they keep their heads lower than that of the person with higher social status. Even waiters and waitresses can bow their heads when serving food.
In contrast to the head, the feet are the least significant part of the body; they should be kept out of sight wherever possible. Never point at anything with your feet, and never rest your feet on a table. This is regarded as the pinnacle of rudeness!
Beliefs & Perspectives in Thailand-Perception of Foreigners
As I have already explained, Thailand has never been colonized; of which Thai people are very proud. Therefore, there are no hard feelings toward foreigners. There is no post-colonial enmity! Thais consider themselves equal to foreigners in every way!
However, there are a few beneficial things to note:
Firstly, the word for a foreigner of European or Caucasian descent is ‘Farang.’ You will hear this word wherever you go! Sometimes children will point at you and say the word, and other times parents will point you out to their children. ‘Farangs’ are regarded as great entertainment and wonderment by Thai people since they behave in unfamiliar ways.
Secondly, Thai people respect foreigners who function politely and try to recognize and observe their ways. However, don’t go entirely local! Still, maintain the best qualities of your unique culture, like arriving on time for work and at meetings, but at the same time, try to embrace the ways of Thai people.
Finally, Thai people can be straightforward with questions you may distinguish as private. They will ask you if you are married, and if you are not married, then why not, or when you are planning to get married. They may ask you how much money you earn, whether you’re enjoying your stay in Thailand, where you come from, what your parents do for a living etc...
Don’t be shocked by the questions!
You are not required to answer completely, for, in Thailand, this is merely pleasant small talk. These questions are regular among Thai people, for when they communicate, they attempt to discover who among them is the oldest skillfully, holds the highest position, and hence who should address who with what title, and who should respect who first the next time they meet!
Relevant
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.
Go to https://kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-complete-guide-to-the-thai-alphabet to read a detailed guide to the Thai language, the Thai alphabet, and some useful Thai words and numbers.
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