Do keep in mind that I currently reside in the Isaan province of Thailand (eastern Thailand), and even though I refer to them as 'Thai people', they consider themselves Lao. The great majority speaks Lao at home and became part of thailand when the French (wrongfully) divided Indochina.
A few interesting facts (cultural for the most part) about Thailand:
A few interesting facts (cultural for the most part) about Thailand:
- Never point your feet at someone, especially not at a Buddha
- Always take your shoes off when you get in someone's home/guesthouse/temple
- Thai girls don't smoke
- Thai people love to party.... and love karaoke
- Thai people love to crack a good sexual joke
- Thai people are so friendly, so don't be shocked if some come sit at your table or invite you to theirs.
- Everyone has a pick-up truck or a bike. Thai police are lobbied by the truck companies to keep the road in bad shapes (ie: many pot holes) so that pick-up trucks become the only viable way to get around.
- Respect your elders and 'wai' accordingly. Wai is the prayer sign Thai people use to say hello. If the person is younger, you wai at chest level; if their older, you wai at chin level; and if it's a monk you wai at nose level.
- Keep cool and relaxed at all times; it's a sign of weakness to get angry or to raise your voice. Road rage and bar fights are virtually inexistant here.
- Hot water is a luxury.
- There are 3 seasons in Thailand: the hot season, the rainy season (which is ending in 2 weeks) and the cold season. However many refer to it as the hot season, the hotter season and the hottest season... Believe me, sleeping in very humid 25+ degree heat is a big big change from Canada or France. But surprisingly, you get used to it after a few days.
- There is no toilet paper here. I didn't know what to do the first time until I understood what the waterhose next to the toilet was for... and believe me it does the job suprisingly well :D
