Western culture is all about easily understandable and reliable assurances, such as “yes”, “no”, “I believe you” or “I don’t”. Westerners need and trust confirmations by words. Thais don’t! Thais may say “yes” and smile, but every Thai knows what is really meant: “No”. Or perhaps: “Maybe.” Or “Not yet sure.”
Pay attention to the different smiles you encounter on your journey through Thailand and you soon will be able to distinguish them from each other.