Go For Broke
12-05-2005, 22:19
Since no one has started anything on the Kingdom yet...
Important Thai fact about today, 05 Dec...King Bumibol's birthday.
Why is this significant? Thai's place the King (and Royal Family) almost as high as Buddha. This is signified by the placement of the Wai.
The Wai is a traditional Thai greeting that is accomplished by placing the hands, palms together in front of the body, accompanied by a slight bow. The higher up the body the Wai is executed, the more respect that is intended. Thus, Buddha, the king, and monks are afforded the "High Wai" which is executed about the level of the forehead.
Ways to offend Thai's -
Make derogatory remarks (even in jest) about the Royal Family / Buddha
Deface the King - This can be easily accomplished by stepping on Thai money that is blowing down the street. The kings image is on all the money.
FYI - It is against the law, and punishable, to criticize the King or the Royal Family
Touch Thai's on the top of the head...this is considered the "temple" as it is the highest part of the body.
Point at things with your feet.
Use the "come hither" finger crooking motion towards someone. Instead, if you desire someones attention (such as a waiter) extend your right hand, palm downward and flick your fingers into your palm as if you were trying to scratch your pet. The use of the hooking finger is how animals are called.
Thai's are very patriotic towards their country...at approximately 1100Z (1800 in Thailand) the Thai national anthem is played. It is appropriate (and appreciated) if one stops and stands respectfully for their national anthem.
When handling an image of the Buddha, keep it above the waistline. If you are given one as a gift, keep it in an upper breast pocket / around your neck. Many Thais will have the monks bless them. If you are fortunate enough to visit a Wat, ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing. Shorts, muscle shirts, and tevas are not appropriate...trousers, long sleeve shirt, and closed toed shoes are more appropriate. Be prepared to remove your shoes however.
The monks are very important, and giving food (alms) to the monks is one way of making merit for the Thais.
Hope this helps as a start (albeit slightly different than the majority here) for an area study of the Kingdom.
V/R,
P.S. I do not believe that the musical / movie "The King and I" has ever played in the Kingdom.
Important Thai fact about today, 05 Dec...King Bumibol's birthday.
Why is this significant? Thai's place the King (and Royal Family) almost as high as Buddha. This is signified by the placement of the Wai.
The Wai is a traditional Thai greeting that is accomplished by placing the hands, palms together in front of the body, accompanied by a slight bow. The higher up the body the Wai is executed, the more respect that is intended. Thus, Buddha, the king, and monks are afforded the "High Wai" which is executed about the level of the forehead.
Ways to offend Thai's -
Make derogatory remarks (even in jest) about the Royal Family / Buddha
Deface the King - This can be easily accomplished by stepping on Thai money that is blowing down the street. The kings image is on all the money.
FYI - It is against the law, and punishable, to criticize the King or the Royal Family
Touch Thai's on the top of the head...this is considered the "temple" as it is the highest part of the body.
Point at things with your feet.
Use the "come hither" finger crooking motion towards someone. Instead, if you desire someones attention (such as a waiter) extend your right hand, palm downward and flick your fingers into your palm as if you were trying to scratch your pet. The use of the hooking finger is how animals are called.
Thai's are very patriotic towards their country...at approximately 1100Z (1800 in Thailand) the Thai national anthem is played. It is appropriate (and appreciated) if one stops and stands respectfully for their national anthem.
When handling an image of the Buddha, keep it above the waistline. If you are given one as a gift, keep it in an upper breast pocket / around your neck. Many Thais will have the monks bless them. If you are fortunate enough to visit a Wat, ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing. Shorts, muscle shirts, and tevas are not appropriate...trousers, long sleeve shirt, and closed toed shoes are more appropriate. Be prepared to remove your shoes however.
The monks are very important, and giving food (alms) to the monks is one way of making merit for the Thais.
Hope this helps as a start (albeit slightly different than the majority here) for an area study of the Kingdom.
V/R,
P.S. I do not believe that the musical / movie "The King and I" has ever played in the Kingdom.