Travel guide
Thailand

The 12 keywords Thailand

1. #Good morning

Naturally, the first word to say when you get somewhere is: Sawat'dii Khap (from a man) or Sawat'dii Khaa (from a woman). It will always make a better impression than "Hello". You will soon accompany it with another word of essential importance: thank you: Kop' Koun Khap (man) or Kop' Koun Khaa (woman).

2. #Bonzes

This word refers to the community of Buddhist monks in Asia, but their social importance is preponderant in Thailand. All men, whether children or adults, may make a religious retreat for a variable period of their lives before returning to civil society. This religious order is deeply respected by the population.

3. Spirits

They are very present in Thailand. They live in small houses called "spirit houses". You'll see them attached to building facades, perched on columns. They look like small temples and are accessible so that the tenant, Phra Phum, is honored with flowers, incense, food and candles daily.

4. Farang

This word refers to Westerners. Adopted by all, including foreigners themselves, it is not pejorative. This would come from the appellation Farang-tset which was given to the French who arrived in Siam in the century of Louis XIV. It would then have been attributed to all foreigners with white skin and a long nose. Pronounce the "R" as an "L".

5. Gastronomy

Thai cuisine is world famous and not without reason. Although it is often very spicy, it is often suitable for western palates in tourist restaurants. Much more affordable than in France, it is common to eat well for a few euros. It's an explosion of flavours and colours!

6. Ladyboy

This is the name given to Thai transsexuals and transvestites, who are numerous in the country and often difficult to distinguish from real women. Their integration is linked to Thai Buddhism, which teaches respect for differences and tolerance of the other, as well as to the fact that the country, never colonized, did not suffer from Judeo-Christian morality.

7. Markets

Each city in Thailand often has several daily markets, which are places of exchange and meeting that it is very pleasant to frequent. The visitor is often captivated by the variety of products and the bright colours of the stalls. The night markets offer many food stalls where you can eat at low prices.

8. #Mai pen rai!

Literally, in the mouth of a Thai: "it's not serious", "nothing to worry about", "it will get better"... In short: let it go and trust, whatever the difficulties. It's very "folkloric" and it can make you smile when you are not involved in any unfortunate affair, as in the case of driving..

9. #Diving

The south of the country offers spectacular diving sites. The Mecca of diving is in Koh Tao. Numerous renowned clubs offer baptisms and training sessions with optimal safety conditions, and in French! Koh Tao, but also Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi and the Similan Islands are among the most beautiful spots in the country.

10. #Sai sin

If you are invited to a wedding, a young monk's ordination ceremony, or simply to a birthday party, especially in the Isaan region, chances are you will be given a small white cotton bracelet, a sai sin, blessed by a monk. It will be attached to your right wrist and a blessing will complete this gift

11. #Tattoo

A true institution in Thailand, you will meet some of the best tattoo artists in the world. Two techniques, the modern electric machine technique and the traditional bamboo technique, a sacred tattoo that can be blessed in a temple. A bill to prohibit Westerners from getting a tattoo of a Buddha image is under consideration.

12. #Tuk-tuk

It's pronounced touk-touk. A small three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi all over Thailand. Its customary name comes from the characteristic sound of the exhaust. These vehicles sneak into traffic (with maximum risk) to try to get where you haven't always asked to go as quickly as possible!