Thailand The "Land of Smiles"
Thailand-The Land of Smiles:
Are you considering coming to Thailand?
By now, many of you may have heard the nickname for Thailand, “The Land of Smiles.”
This nickname is a consequence of Thais seeking harmony over social conflict. The smile is used to defuse aggression, avoid confrontation and promote happiness. This is a trait that is derived from Buddhism and is promoted throughout Thai society.
Maybe you will see people smiling more in Thailand than in any other country!
If you want to know what’s behind some of the Thai smiles, below is an explanation of some of the ones you may witness in Thailand.
Yim sao-
This is the ordinary smile representing sadness that indicates someone isn’t happy.
Yim cheun chom-
This is a meticulous yet stunning smile expressing the words, “I respect you” or “I’m proud of you.”
Yim yaw-
This smile can be used in two ways: Firstly, when playfully mocking someone, and secondly, when wanting to express the words “I told you so” without being so unforgiving.
Yim haeng-
This is classified as the dry smile, also known as the “I know I owe you the money; however, I don’t have it” smile.
Yim yoh-yae-
This smile is best identified as the “no point in crying over spilled milk” smile.
Yim dor dhaan-
This smile specifies that you disagree with the premise/motion; however, you will amuse the idea and allow the action to commence.
Yim mai awk-
This is the smile used when hiding challenging emotions. It’s the “I’m trying my best to smile, but I’m fraught” smile. This could be used when someone is heartbroken or hurt.
Yim mee lessanai-
This is a deceitful smile that disguises bad intent.
Yim chuead chuean-
Like Yim mer lessanai, this is a deceitful smile; however, it is likely used when someone gets the upper hand over someone or an opponent!
Yim suu suu-
This is the smile used for reassurance, the “You/I can succeed” smile.
In a sense, you must learn the “smile code,” If you can decipher it, you’ll understand Thai culture much more and be better equipped to read interpersonal situations better.
The Thai smile allows one to express emotions without physically or verbally acting. It’s a form of communication that can mitigate confrontation, ease awkward situations, and act as a means to show appreciation.
Learning to respond to situations like “The Thai Way” will give you a greater experience in Thailand. Reacting as you would back home is not recommended.
Your reaction will probably make the Thai person you are confronting ‘lose face, which will have consequences. Thai people are very proud, with heightened self-esteem and dignity.
Any circumstance that scrutinizes or offends a Thai person or is considered an insult to their ego initiates a strong emotional response.
Saving face, understanding one’s place in the hierarchical structure, and sustaining ego is crucial to Thai people and must be recognized in all intercommunication.
Thai people will welcome your effort and will often show gratitude towards you for trying to understand their ways and trying to act accordingly!
After all, there is the famous saying, “When in Rome, do as Romans do!”
Relevant
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/loi-krathong-festival-2020 to read about the fantastic festival of lights that occurs towards the end of October or the beginning of November, depending on the lunar calendar.
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 kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/introduction-to-thailand-part-5 to read about the complexities of Thai culture.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about the school year in Thailand and how it is different from most other countries.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/introduction-to-thailand-part-2 to read part 2 of our Introduction to Thailand series.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/lantern-festival-loy-krathong-lamphun-thailand to read about Teacher Olga’s experience in Lamphun Province Thailand during Loy Krathong Festival 2022.
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