Thai People

As our time in Thailand comes to a close, I want to mention a few things I've learned about the people and the customs of Thailand.

The first is shoes. No, it's not that they wear very different shoes from us, but rather the lack of shoes in public places. All hotels, temples, homes and some businesses expect you to leave your shoes at the door. I believe it did help to keep the dirt down, but walking around the photo museum or hotel lobbies without shoes just felt kind of funny, and yet also very homey.

During our first few days in Thailand, I noticed small houses, ones that at the time I thought were ornate bird houses, or the child in me thought would make great doll houses. Neither were true. These are spirit houses, almost like a mini-temple to put in your front yard. Many businesses have them as well. Thai people are quite superstitious, and they believe that if they make offerings to the spirits who once inhabited the space where they are, they will be blessed. The business owners believe it will bring them good fortune and prosperity. The spirits are especially fond of red drinks, so open Fanta bottles and other red liquids are left behind.

The Thai people love their king, not only because it seems to be law to feel that way as it is illegal to talk poorly of him in public, but they truly seem to love him. Or perhaps I should say loved. The beloved king, one of the longest ruling monarchs, passed away last September. The country is in mourning until this September when they will have the cremation ceremony. Government employees were still wearing all black. Giant photos and paintings of the king hang from buildings, on store fronts, on the side of the road or even a miniature one on the dashboard. While the new king had not yet been coronated, his picture was also visible, although not nearly as much as his beloved father's picture, but I'm sure that will change upon his coronation.

In Sukhothai the first evening, at 6, out in the middle of the old ruins, a loud speaker blared playing strange music we did not recognize. After a few minutes, the music changed drastically and everyone in the park stood perfectly still. The second it was over, they began moving again simultaneously. Curious, and a bit baffled, we assume it was the national anthem, for it happened the next night and at the bus station. I was impressed with the respect and revenance every Thai citizen gave to his country.

I believe what stood out to me the most, was the true kindness of Thai people. They were genuine, friendly, jovial and welcoming. I will admit that unfortunately my cautious ways may have sometimes made me feel rude. Like when strangers would ask where you were traveling to or where you were staying, but it wasn't ever in hopes of gaining something other than a little practice in English. When you travel here, be open and accept their kind gestures as truly that rather than being a skeptical tourist.

Make sure Thailand is high on your list of places to travel to!