Widely-known for its welcoming people, breathtaking beach locations and flavourful dishes, Thailand remains one, if not the top Southeast Asian nation to spend a holiday. But what people often miss on a holiday is an insight to “real” Thai culture, and the history behind that culture. If you’re interested in culture – dress, music, beliefs […]
Origins of the Thai: Exploring the 6 Most Popular Theories
Thailand has a fascinating history, particularly because over many centuries Thailand has adopted many cultural influences from surrounding regions. This has happened through immigration and migration, and through war over territory. But while the influential dynasties of kings and queens, the shifting geographical boundaries and religious influences — all of which have resulted in the unique […]
Interview with ‘A Geek In Thailand’: The ‘Must Read’ Book by Jody Houton
If you’ve ever tried to explain Thailand’s colourful, diverse culture to a friend who has never visited, or to someone who is about to go and unsure what to expect, you’ll know it’s a tall order. Where do you start? From Nakhon Phanom to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand boasts rich traditions in food, music, art, […]
A Complete Guide to Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival: What to Expect, Where to Celebrate & What to Eat
When you tell a restaurant or vendor that you gin jay, or essentially, eat vegan, Thais will bend over backwards to accommodate your request. Vegetarians and vegans alike are generally well-accepted in Thailand. This way of living is seen as a compassionate pathway that adheres to purist Buddhist philosophy. But while admired, in truth it is […]
Exploring the 14 Traditional Steps of a Thai Wedding Ceremony
Every culture has their own version of the classic wedding ceremony, deeply rooted with history and tradition, not to mention the trends of the times. Thailand is by no means any exception. These days, with the influence of merging cultures, it’s hard to know exactly what’s what. In this article I hope to shed a […]
How to Do the Perfect Thai Wai (to the Right Person at the Appropriate Time)
The Thai wai is not just a greeting or way of saying “hello”, but a gesture of respect that represents the social status of the recipient. The wai is an integral part of organising the complex social hierarchy that binds Thai society together. It can be said that properly understanding the Thai wai – knowing […]
11 Gifts You Should Never Buy Your Thai Girlfriend [Unless You Want to Break Up!]
If you’re thinking about a present to buy your Thai “teerak”, consider this: What you might think is a lovely gift could actually be her worst nightmare. So read on…. We all know Thailand is a superstitious place. While most Thais do believe in spirits and vampire-type creatures, others live their lives in fear of some rather questionable […]
The Truth About Tipping in Thailand – Where, When & How Much
Those who’ve been to the US know tipping is commonplace, an expected practice, whereas in the UK it’s entirely up to the individual. When it comes to tipping in Thailand, it’s not so straight-forward. Now, even though I’ve been in Thailand a fair old while, and do enjoy studying Thai culture and tradition, whenever I […]