Ensuring Genuine Happy Smiles in Thailand
Follow These Simple Tips for a Trip to the Land of Smile
Oct 29, 2009
The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is a popular destination for many foreign tourists, and it is not hard to see why. Thailand has beautiful interest spots, warm weather all year round, friendly and welcoming people, reasonable prices and unique cultural traditions. It is not unusual for first-time visitors to simply fall in love with this country and end up either returning numerous times or actually settling down with the local.
Welcome to Thailand, the Land of Smile
The Thais are known for their smile. What many visitors do not realize is that the Thais assign many different kinds of smiles for different occasions, not just happy or pleasing ones. Of course, since guests are not aware of this, they immediately assume that the locals are always agreeable to whatever strike their fancy, no matter how culturally or socially absurd.
In fact, the Thais also tend to smile when they feel negative emotions, such as confusion, embarrassment, intimidation, and regret. They prefer to smile even during unpleasant situations because Thais value social harmony and conflict avoidance.
A non-Thai who has been living in the Kingdom long enough will be able to see the subtle nuances of the Thai smile and understand that just because a Thai is smiling, it does not automatically mean that he or she is happy. Some of the different (but common) smiles that do not indicate happiness are:
- The “I don’t know what to say” smile
- The “I’m sorry for the mistake” smile
- The “Whatever you say” smile
- The “I’m so embarrassed I want to disappear” smile
- The “I don’t understand what the heck you’re talking about” smile
- The “I’m so mad I can break your neck” smile
Thai Smile Confusion
Granted, foreign visitors to the Land of Smile cannot be expected to recognize, much less understand, these subtle differences regarding the Thai smile.
There have been numerous cases where a frustrated tourist complains to a waiter about the restaurant order, only to be answered with a smile, which infuriates the already-unhappy visitor (in this case, the waiter is actually giving the “I’m sorry for the mistake” smile).
Or the case where a foreign couple desperately asks for directions from a local, and all the local can supply is a smile (the “I don’t understand what the heck you’re talking about” smile).
Maximizing Genuine Happy Smiles
Since foreign visitors do not have enough time to recognize and learn these small and subtle smile differences, the only way to maximize truly happy smiles from the Thais is to remember general Thai culture and follow the points which will be explained below.
In general, the Thais prize gentleness, politeness and consideration. Aggressive, loud and obnoxious behavior is frowned upon, as is too much physical contact and exposing too much skin. They also place high importance on their religion and the monarchy, so cracking jokes about these two revered institutions will definitely earn the “I’m so mad I can break your neck” smile.
Other cultural points to remember:
- Do not touch anybody’s head, as the head is considered the cleanest and holiest body part.
- The feet are seen as the lowest and dirtiest body part, therefore one should not raise their feet at any time.
- Take off shoes when entering a Thai house so the floors stay clean.
- Women should not touch monks (because the monks have taken celibacy vows).
- Dress modestly when entering temples (this means no shorts or sleeveless tops).
- Public displays of affection makes the locals very uncomfortable, so please enjoy the activity in private.
- Ask permission before snapping pictures in temples.
- It is customary to offer a seat in public transportation to seniors, pregnant women and monks.
And lastly, when a problem arises, keep a cool head, do not raise the voice and avoid gesturing wildly. Oh, and smile!
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