Thailand is a land that is strongly enclosed in Buddhism and beliefs. Of all the people in Thailand, 90% of them practiced Buddhism. Buddhists believed that the real and rightful way to peace is to put away all desires and live sufficiently. Thais put a great value on courtesy like politeness and respect. Thai people respect in a hierarchal relationships, where it is believed that there’s always a person who is greater or more superior to the other. For instance, a mother is greater than her daughter or a senior in high school is superior to the junior even if the junior is older than the senior. Respecting elders is very crucial in Thai culture. When Thai people encounter with a stranger, a stranger will automatically be put in a hierarchy by his/her appearance, social connections, age, education, etc. (Kwintessential, 2009) Another crucial thing Thai people valued are people’s head, people head is considered the most sacred and the highest part of the body. Touching or playing with the head is considered extremely rude, especially if a younger person touch an elder’s head. The feet are considered the least sacred part so it is very inappropriate to use your feet to point stuff or play it with others. (atn asiatours, 2010) Due to the fact that family is extremely important and it’s a cornerstone in Thailand, parents are on top of the hierarchy and all children are taught to honor their parents no matter what.
According to an old publication by Dr. Suntaree Komin, she stated that there are national characters in Thailand and there are 9 of them. These characters are seriously practiced and valued by all Thais. However, some of it are mostly valued than the rest such as the ego orientation, this is the act of being courteous when things, food, or gifts are offer or given; in Thai this character is called “kreng jai”. Another one would be grateful relationship orientation; all Thais are taught to be thankful and grateful when people sincerely hand their help to us without wanting anything in return. When a person is being helped by the other, the person who offers help will be place on the hierarchy and that person will be respects with gratefulness. (Study in Thailand, 2011)
In the west, people tell lies all the time, to children, friends, relatives, and business, etc. Fortunately, in the west the lies told can be considered as “white lies”, or covering the truth for the best. But in Thai culture there are no such things, lie is unacceptable. If a circumstance occurred that a Thai avoid telling you what you questioned, then that means they refuse to lie. (Asia’s world publishing, 2012) Also, losing face is considered very devastate to the Thais, if you want to criticize something make sure you do it carefully. Staring and pointing at someone directly is also considered very rude in Thailand.