Do's and Don'ts while you were in Thailand// Do's list Part 3

Here's come the last 4 on Do's list.  I've saved them for the last as they are considered as the easiest do's but will definatly complete your retire in Thailand.

8. Do take your shoe off.  Take your shoes off before entering a temple where Buddha images are kept, this also apply when you enter someone’s house.  It’s more polite to leave your shoes outside.

9. Do learn how to use spoon.  Thais eat rice as their main source of carbohydrate, so in every meals you can expect rice to come along with another dishes.  Thais food is eaten with spoon and fork (always use spoon with your right hand).  It is the spoon that is placed into the mouth; the fork is used to push food on to the spoon.  Most Thai food is already cut into small pieces before serving or is made soft enough to cut with a spoon or fork and a knife isn’t required.

10. Do ask if need help.  If you need help, seek out teenagers wearing nice school uniforms.  They tend to speak the most English, and are happy to help you.  Even a group of six or eight in the subway, is fine to approach in Bangkok.  Politeness toward adults is still required here.  There is a number for tourist emergencies, 1155, which is like our 911, but it's intended for serious emergencies only (not for directions).

11. Do explore more.  Try to step at least one foot outside the tourist areas.  Do not go back home having only seen the tourist sites.  Most of what Thailand is, lies beyond the packaged sites.  Visit a suburb and see the beautiful temples that are not for tourists.  See the serene life of a local community, and get some real pictures to take back home.

Well, that's all the Do's that I have for you.  If you have the different one, please share them.  I hope these informations would help you blend in with Thai people, and live happily.  Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the list of Don'ts, something you shouldn't miss.  Enjoy your stay, see you tomorrow.

SAWADDEE

Do's and Don'ts while you were in Thailand// Do's list Part 2

Thank you for return to my blog, and for those who just found this blog, check out my earlier post for more useful information regarding to retire in Thailand.   Today, I'm going to continue with the next 5 on Do's list, details as follow;

3. Do "Wai".  Instead of shaking hands, Thais “wai” to greet people.  The “wai” is a short bow done with hands held fingertips-together close to your chest or face.  A proper “wai” is not as easy as you’d think, so practice a little to get the hang of it.  Generally, you shouldn't “wai” someone of lower status or younger – even it sounds like the egalitarian thing to do, you’ll only embarrass the person you’re “wai”ing.   When younger wai to you, just simply nodding and smile to greeting back to them.  However, these rules are possibly a little more flexible as far as a foreigner is concerned, the Thais you wai will generally very much appreciate you delving into the local custom and practice.

4. Do respect Buddhism.  Buddhism is practiced by most Thais, so one must take extra-special care not to offend their religious sensibilities.  Wear appropriate dress before entering a temple – avoid sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, and too-short shorts or skirts, for starters.  Leave your shoes outside the temple as you enter.

5. Do speak quietly and gesture softly.  Loud voices, calling attention to yourself, pointing at people or things, throwing things, and making big hand gestures, all seem graceless to the Thai sensibility.  In the U.S., making a scene might get results.  Here, it gets you avoided.

6. Do watch for con games.  Anything offered for free probably contains a hitch: A free cab ride will include stops at knick-knack or gem shops.  Even when you pay for a ride, cabbies and tuk-tuk drivers may try to deliver you to a shop, from which they collect a commission, en route to your real destination.  Any jeweler with a printing press can sell jewelry with a certificate of authenticity.  Don’t be paranoid, but do be cautious.

7. Do dress modestly.  Thais now understand that Americans may show up in shorts and tank tops in public, but would never do so themselves.  Wearing long pants, and clean, neat clothes, will gain you an extra measure of respect.

Do come back tomorrow for the last 5 on Do's list.  Thank you and be happy.

SAWADDEE

Do's and Don'ts while you were in Thailand// Do's list Part 1

Thai people are known for their tolerance and hospitality, and the average tourist will have no difficulty in adjusting to local customs.  As in any unfamiliar society, a visitor should, nevertheless, be aware of certain do's and don'ts to avoid offending people unintentionally.  Basically, getting along involves good common sense and how one should behave at home.  Still, there are a few special tips for travel to Thailand.

I've put together a list of do's and don'ts for those who considering retire in Thailand, vacation or just a winter getaway.  With this lists, I hope you have a pleasent stay in Thailand.  Well, I'd like to start with the top 2 on Do's list (out of 12) that most tourists should be doing while they were in Thailand.

1. Do show respect for the king - This isn’t just a guideline; it’s the law.  Rise when the national anthem is played (typically at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in many public places, and before public events.)  Never insult or joke about the king or royal family.  As you learn more about the present king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, you'll readily respect him; in more than a half-century on the throne, unlike so many other rulers, he has been a powerful and positive force toward improving the quality of life for the Thai people.

2. Do smile.  Thailand is famously known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, and for good reason.  But a Thai smile does not automatically mean that the person is happy.  This can lead to misunderstandings between Westerners and Thais.  Often, Thais smile for all occasions: to say hello, to thank you, to apologize, to make a request, to smooth over bad feelings, to be friendly, to be nice, etc.  There is a definite attitude in Thailand that life should be enjoyed.  Being too serious is unhealthy and causes stress and illness.  ‘Don't think too much, be happy’ - Thai people oftenly advise to western.  It’s good advice, try it at least while you were in Thailand.

More of Do's will be in my next posting.  Thank you for reading, do follow my blog for more information about retire in Thailand.

SAWADDEE

Avoid culture shock

Oftenly, peoples talk about culture shock when they visit a country which is so different to their own.  But, these days, how much of a shock can it really be?  With the growing popularity of television channels such as Discovery and National Geographic, we are quickly becoming accustomed to different and varied cultures.  In turn, due to the influence of Hollywood movies, Thailand becoming more Westernized.  And with the passing of each new generation, the culture and national identity is seemingly becoming watered down.  However, if you're considering retire in Thailand, do some search to avoid culture shock.

In Thailand, there are two kinds of culture.  Let me start with the easy one, it's a physical thing that you can see.  For example: Thai architecture, Thai food, Thai traditional music,Thai religion, traditional Thai clothes, Thai sports (such as takraw and thai boxing or also known as Muay Thai), Thai famous vehicle, the tuk tuk, and etc.  All of these things can be see all the time, all over the country.  However, there are also the other aspects of Thai culture such as Thai manners and ethics. These are the things that you cannot take away from a person.  The obvious first example is the traditional Thai greeting of putting your hands together in a prayer like gesture but it goes deeper than that.  The Thai people have a deep respect for their elders and a sense of family unity.  They believe in “grengjai” and “namjai” which is a kind of consideration and generosity to other people.  It is things like this that makes Thailand what it is.

To make it easier for you, in my next posting, I'll try to put them in term of Do and Don't.  It can be use as a quick guideline to any avoid culture shock when you stay in Thailand.  Keep following me, so that you won't get lost.

SAWADDEE

Fast Facts About Thailand

Who wouldn't gather information before travel?

To retire in Thailand, I believe it's necessary to know a little bit about the country before you arrive.  The following are quick informations about Thailand in term of fast facts, which would help you to start .  Do more reserch about the country, people and culture to avoid any culture shock.  Trust me, Thailand will become your paradise like it did to many visitors.  

Country

Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that never been colonized by European powers.  It is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is HM Bhumibol Adulyadej.  A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand.

Geography

Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world, the size nearly equal to Spain.  As located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F).  Thailand covers 510,890 sq. km. of land and 2,230 sq. km. of water.
The total coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km. long and the longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), stretching 1,800 km.

Weather

The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid: typical of its location within the tropics.  Generally speaking, Thailand can be divided into three seasons: “hot” season (April to May), rainy season (June to Oct), and “cool” season (Nov to Feb), though Thailand’s geography allows visitors to find suitable weather somewhere in the country throughout the year.

Population

The population of Thailand comprises of roughly 65 million citizens, the majority of whom are ethnically Thai, though peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin are also represented to varying degrees.  Approximately 7 million citizens live in the capital city, Bangkok, though this number varies seasonally and is otherwise difficult to accurately count.

Area

Thailand has a rough geographical area of 514, 000 sq km (200,000 sq miles).  This makes Thailand roughly equivalent in size to France or Texas.

Capital

Bangkok, the city of angel.

People

The vast majority (roughly 80%) of Thailand’s nearly 65 million citizens are ethnically Thai.  The remainder consists primarily of peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao decent.  Of the 7 million citizens who live in the capital city, Bangkok, there is a greater diversity of ethnicities, including a large number of expatriate residents from across the globe.  Other geographic distinctions of the population include a Muslim majority in the south near the Malaysian border, and hill tribe ethnic groups, such as the Hmong and Karen, who live in the northern mountains

Language

More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of it’s regional dialects.  While the Thai language is the official language of Thailand, as a result of its cosmopolitan capital city and established tourism infrastructure, English is spoken and understood throughout much of Thailand.

Religion

94.6% of Thais are Buddhist
4.6% of Thais are Muslim
0.7% of Thais are Christian

Government

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, not dissimilar to England’s, whereby an elected Prime Minister is authorized to be the head of government and a hereditary Thai King is head of state.  The constitution of Thailand allows for the people of Thailand to democratically elect their leaders in the form of a parliament, with a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives, and executive authority in the hands of the Prime Minister.  A Judiciary, overseen by the Supreme Court, was designed to act independently of the executive and the legislature.

Temperature

As located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F)

Holidays

1 Jan              : New Year’s Day
Feb-Mar        : Makha Bucha Day: Buddhist holiday on full moon of fourth lunar month.
6 Apr             : Chakri Memorial Day: Honoring the dynasty of the reigning royal family.
13-15 April    : Songkran, Thai new years celebration.
May               : Royal Ploughing Ceremony: To honor farming season; date determined by royal astrologer
May               : Visakha Bucha: Buddhist holiday on full moon of the 6th lunar month.
1 May            : Labor Day
5 May            : Coronation Day: Commemorating the coronation of present King of Thailand.
July                : Asanha Bucha Day: Buddhist Holiday on full moon of 8th lunar month
Vassa             : Beginning of Buddhist lent on first waning moon of 8th lunar month
12 Aug           : Queen’s Birthday-Mothers Day
23 Oct            : Chulalongkorn Day: Honoring a former King of Thailand.
5 Dec             : King’s Birthday-Father’s Day
10 Dec           : Constitution Day: celebrating the kingdom’s first constitution.
31 Dec           : New Year’s Eve
Other important holidays:
Jan                 : Chinese New Year
Nov               : Loy Kratong

Songkran Festival

Economics

The economy of Thailand is reliant on exports, which account for 60% of Thailand’s approximately US$ 200 billion GDP.  The economy of Thailand is the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia.  Thailand’s exports consist primarily of agricultural products including fish and rice, of which it is the largest exporter in the world, as well as textiles, rubber, automobiles, computers and other electronic appliances, and jewelry.  While one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, Thailand relies on tourism to provide only 7 % of its GDP.

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Baht come in both coin and banknote form. The size of Thai currency, both coins and bills increases with value and varies in color.

Thai bank note and coin

Banking 

Thai bank hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, though certain banks have shorter Saturday hours and currency exchange booths are open considerably longer hours in Bangkok and other tourist destinations.

Time 

Thailand standard time is GMT+7.  Thailand does not observe daylight saving.

Electricity

Electric outlets in Thailand are charged to 220v at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with appliances from the U.K. but not those from the US and amny other nations.  While most computer cables have adaptors for voltage, visitors from the U.S.  and those not on the 220/50v. will have to bring adapters to run most other appliances.

Referrence: http://www.tourismthailand.org/about-thailand/fast-facts/

In my next posting, I'll write about few of the culture shock or any unexpected thing you might run into while you were in Thailand.  Follow me, so you won't get lost.

Sawaddee

7 Reasons why you should retire in Thailand

Thailand has become a destination of choice for many foreigners for a number of reasons.  When asked about Thailand, every expatriate you met will give you a different reason for living in Thailand.  A general overview as to why they have made Thailand as their retirement choice includes the following:

Thailand has a lower cost of living without having to sacrifice your lifestyle you enjoyed in your home country.  If anything, upgrade your lifestyle with one of the world’s most attractive costs of living.

For some retirees, their reason for choosing Thailand as their retirement destination is due to the warm, tropical climate.  You may enjoy warm, sunny weather all year round.  A perfect winter getaway, No more winters!

Security, today is of paramount importance to everyone especially those who are retired.  In this regard, Thailand is safe country to lives in as crimes committed against foreigners are very low and those few that have happened in the past made headlines.

For those retiring in Thailand, having access to proper healthcare is also of paramount importance.  As we grow older, we need to take more care of ourselves.  Thailand offers many leading, international hospitals at a much lower cost than what you would expect at home.

Respect for senior citizens.  According to Thai tradition, culture and values, children are educated from the young age to show respect to elders.  In Western countries, it is less prevalent to see the respect of youngsters toward senior citizens.  When meeting you, the young Thais will join their hands together (as in a prayer) to show respect toward you.  This custom in Thailand is known as the “Wai”.

Thailand is the land of smile!  Thailand is known as the land of smile for good reasons; the kindness and warmth of the Thais are legendary and they excel in the service and hospitality sector.  Enjoy the daily pleasure of living in a country where politeness, courtesy and good humor are at the heart of national pride.

Last but not least – The lifestyle.  Thailand has much to offer.  It is a shopper’s paradise, has the world’s best Spas and wellness centers as well as having seaside attractions and some of Asia’s finest golf courses.

Thailand offers many options for the retired individual or couple.  These are only some of the reasons why others have made Thailand their retirement choice.