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

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.