Buddhist teachings are at the root of the typical thai villager's sincere consideration for other
embodied in the virtue known as namchai water of heart
a concept encompassing warmth and compassion that allows families to make sacrifices for friend and to extend hospitality to stranger
for example a stranger visiting a village will rarely be seen as an intruder and a subject for suspicion or distrust
the villager will have the namchai to take him feed him and treat him as a friend
Buddhist also lies behind common expressions
when something unfortunate happens
reflecting the feeling that one must gracefully submit to external forces beyond one's control
such as the effect of past deeds
Thais realize that inner freedom is best preserved in an emotionally and physically stable environment
they believe that social harmony is the best maintained by avoiding any unnecessary friction in their contacts with others
from this has grown the strong thai feeling of Kreng Chai, which means an extreme reluctance to impose on anyone or disturb his personal equilibrium by direct criticism, challenge, or confrontation
In general, people will do their utmost to avoid personal conflict
On the level of acquaintanceship, politeness predominates
when greeting people, thais will usually show their concern for other's health by remarking how thin or fat or she has become
the remark is intended as gesture of friendship