As for the ever friendly ‘Thai Smile’ (pronounced yim in Thai), that is obviously one of Thailand’s greatest attributes in promoting people to come to the Kingdom time and time again. Wherever one is, in this lovely land, foreign visitors feel perfectly at home due to the constant smiles they receive from people of all walks of life. This is one heartfelt feature of Thailand which the country does not have to invest a penny to promote. Smiling, like hospitality, is engrained within Thai Wat thana tham (culture) and so, the hearts and souls of the Thai people.
One of the most remembered episodes in recent times of just how far the Thais can take their smiles, generosity and warmth was in the aftermath of the horrific Tsunami disaster of 2004. Foreign diplomats and governments heaped immense praise upon Thailand for its huge relief efforts, “I’m amazed. I think without them we would be in a much worse situation than we are,” the Swedish
ambassador to Thailand said.
Survivors too recount how local Thais, often at their own peril, worked hazardously with their bare hands to help foreign victims escape, while affording well needed comfort and shelter to weary survivors. Ron Bombiger, a tourist from Los Angeles recalled, “The local people rescued me, put me in a blanket, fed me and got me to a hospital.”
The whole-hearted Thai smile and hospitality, renowned throughout the world, whether it is in terms of service or humanity, will continue to serve Thailand’s tourism industry enormously while promoting international relations and a remarkably positive image abroad.