They speak a little Thai, have a Thai partner, have lived there for years or have lived there and voilà: the self-proclaimed Thailand expert is born. On blogs they wave their 'facts' as if they came from a Buddhist encyclopedia. But how seriously should we take these digital oracles? Read along and discover the absurdity of their claims.
In Thailand, criticism is as rare as snow on a tropical beach. Here tolerance reigns, not as a virtue, but as a disguise for passivity. No one fails, no one criticizes, and everyone smiles. A seemingly harmonious paradise, where uncomfortable truths are swallowed and sarcasm is forbidden territory. But what remains of authenticity when everyone hides behind politeness?
How Siam/Thailand responded to the pull of the West
How did Thailand respond to contacts with the West? How did they view the West? Which things did they admire and which aroused their aversion? What did they adopt, how and for what reasons, and what did they reject? A short cultural guide.
10 tips about Thailand that hardly anyone knows!
10 tips about Thailand that hardly anyone knows! Those who are averse to mass tourism and the beaten track can also take a different route in Thailand and experience special experiences.
How can I be respectful of Thai culture during my trip?
I am about to visit Thailand and want to prepare myself for the country's cultural customs and etiquette. How can I treat the local population respectfully? Particularly during temple visits, interactions with monks and in everyday situations, he wants to avoid unintentionally offending anyone.
The do's and don'ts of Thailand
Are you going on holiday to Thailand? Then you don't have to memorize a whole list of do's and don'ts. Most missteps are easily forgiven. Thais know that foreign visitors have different customs and are flexible about this.
Songkran, the annual Thai New Year celebration, evokes mixed feelings. For some it is a spiritual and traditional celebration, while others experience it as a hectic water festival. This article offers a personal look at the various aspects of Songkran, with respect for Thai culture and a nod to the sometimes uncomfortable situations that the festival entails.
Phya Anuman Rajadhon พระยาอนุมานราชธน (1888-1969), who became known by his pen name Sathiankoset, can be regarded as one of the most influential pioneers, if not the founder, of modern Thai anthropology.
I Wai therefore I exist: The Wai guide for dummies
The Thai Wai, a traditional greeting filled with respect and humility, is often a source of comical misunderstandings for unsuspecting tourists in Thailand. From Wai'ing to store employees to inadvertently greeting street dogs, these tourists show us how a cultural gesture can lead to hilarious scenes.
You never become a Thai; heaven save us from that
Have you settled into driving against traffic, collecting plastic bags at 7-Eleven, believing in ghosts, embracing Buddhism, or getting drunk at every party? No, writes Tino Kuis. Being adjusted means that you feel comfortable, fulfilled and comfortable in Thai society. It's feeling at home.
Sanook doesn't mean what you think, but what does?
Like 'mai pen rai', 'sanook' is a widely known and widely used Thai word. Unfortunately, the meaning is often expressed too superficially and narrowly, while a good understanding of the word 'sanook' is essential to understand the Thai mentality.
What do Thai children learn about the unique Thai culture
I came across an example of three multiple choice questions at a Thai school. It is not clear whether this concerns the upper classes of a primary school or the first years of a secondary school. This is a test on the subject 'applied science of everyday life'.
Asia is said by many to have unique cultural values of which authoritarian leadership is a natural part. However, democracy is not something introduced to Thailand by the West. No, it is the result of a complex interplay of local traditions in Thai village society as well as foreign influences. Let's take a closer look at why democracy is not specifically Western.
Dutch and Flemish people who emigrate to another country stick to their own language and culture. This is evident from the very first worldwide inventory of the preservation or loss of the Dutch language, culture and identity.
The worship of the Thai monarchy
Read an article today about the anthropologist Irene Stengs (*1959) who obtained her PhD in 2003 at the University of Amsterdam on the worship of the Thai monarchy. She is affiliated with the Meertens Institute and has been appointed professor of anthropology of ritual and popular culture at the Free University of Amsterdam since last month.
Yesterday, the website of Bangkok Post reported that the recognition of Khon dans as cultural heritage by Unesco had gone to Cambodia. Today the newspaper contradicts itself (but we are used to that by now) by another report in which Prime Minister Prayut is pleased about the recognition of the Thai Khon dance by Unesco.
Cambodia is taking off with UNESCO recognition at the expense of Thailand. It concerns the traditional Khon dance, which is now recognized as Cambodian heritage.
Thailand's cuteness culture
A few years ago, someone obtained a PhD for a very special research project. After an extensive study of many sound recordings, the man had come to the conclusion that the birds in the city whistle differently than in the countryside. They look like people because the inhabitants of Friesland, Limburg, Overijssel or any other province speak differently. And in Antwerp also different from Bruges to name just two beautiful Belgian cities for the sake of it. And what about the differences between Amsterdammers and Rotterdammers?
A Thai lady in Europe
Gringo has visited the Netherlands twice with his Thai wife. The first time obviously produces a culture shock, because how different the Netherlands is compared to Thailand. The beautiful road network, the neat traffic, the green grass, the beautiful houses yield many ah's and oh's.
Reader Submission: On Vacation to Thailand
More than 20 years ago I went on holiday to Thailand for the first time, fell in love with the country, the culture and the people and then returned every year.
Previously (Netherlands) Now (Thailand) which is better?
In the past in the Netherlands, if there was a problem (quarrel) it had to be spoken about, talked about and made up for, then it was OK again (preferably a bunch of flowers had to be added). Now: if a problem arises (quarrel) I think, let it blow, that's the cultural difference, so don't worry about it. Overcome your own anger as quickly as possible and everything will be OK again tomorrow!
Thai legendary figures banned from cycling in tourism video
Funnily enough, it has also reached the news in the Netherlands: the riot in Thailand over a tourist video called 'Fun to Travel'. The video is not appreciated by the Ministry of Culture because it contains figures from the Ramayana legend.