Respectful Fear

Guide to Behaviour in the Kingdom

As mentioned on the Trang Guide home page, the Kingdom is a predominately Buddhist Country. However because of the strong Chinese culture there is a healthy mix of Tao (pronouced "Dao"). This mix truly makes Thailand unique.

For those who have a understanding of the principals of Buddhism already, you have a head start on the rules of conduct or behaviour in Thailand. Unlike the West, in Thailand people have a deep respect/regard for the older generation. It is common for the young to give place to those of senior age. In this regard when addressing a person who is older than you, you give the title "Pee" and "Nong" to the younger.

Buddhism

Noble Truth.

_{Ariya-Sacca (Noble Truth)}

_{Ariya-Sacca or Noble Truth is short for "truth of noble ones (or those who have attained a high degree of advancement)", "truth attainable by the noble ones", "truth by which one is ennobled". It shoulkd be understood that it is not simly truth that is agreeable to the world or to oneself, but truth that is directly born of wisdom.}

_{The Four Noble Truths}

• _{1, Dukka or suffering; which means birth, decay and death which are the normal incidents of life. It also means sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and despair which are at times experienced by our body and mind. To be separated from the pleasant, to be disappointed, or to be in contact with the unpleasant are also suffering. In short our body and mind are subject to suffering or, in other words, we may say that our existence is bound up with suffering.}
• _{2, Samudaya; which means the cause of suffering, which is desire. It is a compelling urge of the mind, such as longing to own what we want, to be what we desire to be, or to avoid those states to which we feel avaersion.}
• _{3, Nirodha; which means the cessation of suffering, which connotes extinction of desire or such longings of the mind.}
• _{4, Magga; which means the way to the cessation of suffering, which is the Eightfold Noble Path, namely Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.}

_{Everyone wants to be happy and never wants to suffer. But why are people still suffering and unable to do away with their own suffering themselves? Sometimes, the more they try to rid them, the more they suffer. This is because they do not know what is the true cause of suffering and what is true cause of happiness. If they knew, they would be successful. One of the important obstacles to this success is one's own heart.}

_{Therefore he or she who gives up everything to practise clear mindedness, namely Bhikkhus (Monks), Samaneras (male novices), Bhikkhunis (Nuns), Samaneris (female novices), Upasakas (Buddhist laymen) and Upasikas (Buddhist Laywomen). Rank highest respect. As it is these who help and guide us to a more productive life.}

Jy Dee

The phrase "Jy Dee" or Good/Kind Heart. This sums up Thai culture; as to be polite is everything. To have good heart is know how to speak and listen, how to behave, it is natural. It is important when one travels or visits Thailand to try to have good heart; Thai's welcome visitors with hospitality that astounds the uninitiated. I remember when I first arrived I was shocked to silence by the shouts of hello Mr. Jim hailed at me as I made my way around town. When I asked my friend how they knew my name, he told me Trang has a small population and word gets around fast.

Sah-Waht-Dee

"Sah-Waht-Dee Krahp" spoken by men and "Sah-Waht-Dee Ka" spoken by women. When you are greeted it is polite to return the greeting in Thai style. The Sah-Waht-Dee is the "I am very happy to meet with you" and it shows. The correct and respectful way to meet everyone. It takes the form of a "Wy" the "Wy" is formed using the hands closed in a "Christian Prayer Position" (just the hands). The index fingers should be level with the tip of the nose. When greeting or returning a greeting one should be happy to do so; It is customary to bow the head lightly in the greeting. To stand if possible. And to smile; I mean beam, be happy you are in Thailand. Remember to say "Sah-Waht-Dee" Krahp or Ka depending on your gender. And then hold on tight as you are whisked off to happy hospitality land for the warmest ride of your life. 

The Ugly

In Thailand to offer your hand is most disrespectful indeed it is Ugly in the extreem, as is licking one's fingers after eating.

Things not talked about in polite conversation. Toilets, Eating in public, Handshaking. In recent years there has been a tendancy to build western style toilets in Hotels and appartments. Before these existed however there were just the Thai style "Hawng Nam" (water room). These rooms were and are of a functional nature. To describe them is difficult other than to say they consist of a toilet bowl and water, but no toilet paper. As the paper is a waste of resources. Instead of paper there is a fresh water source to clean one's self after toilet use. To explain more simply one uses the toilet, one washes one self with ones hand and the water source.
Therefore many homes still use the same style and technique. When visitors come to Thailand, we tend to stay in Hotels with toilet paper, we tend to eat greet people the way we do in our own countries. In Thailand to offer your hand to some one, who may or may not know of your type of toilet facility or indeed that you do not know of his/her toilet facility is indeed very ugly. Therefore I would strongly advise you to think before you lick your fingers, or offer your hand. In Thailand Thai style is best. "When in Rome, do as the romans do..."

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This page was last edited on Thursday, 24. September 1998