Some differences between Thai and Western cultures
Western: Very much an individualistic culture
Thai: Very much a community/cooperative culture
Western: There is always a need for urgency, it must be done now! Thai: There is no need for urgency, it will happen
Western: Some show their ego’s very loudly, from the way that they walk to the way they talk.
Thai: People are very gentle and subtle in everything that they do, it is important to show humility - be humble.
Western: There are very few cultural and social rules and these are not very ingrained.
Thai: there are many social and cultural rules which are very much a part of who the Thai people are and these are learned from a very young age.
The most important thing to remember is that we have come here because of a feeling that we want to help the Thai people to rebuild their lives. We must try to learn about Thai culture and be respectful. If we do not do this there is no point to us being here.
This is Thailand; it is their country, their community and their lives.
With thanks to Thai Together