Family first

Thai society places great emphasis on the role of the family, with the
extended family taking on more significance than in many Western nations.
Large families typically live close together, helping with raising children,
finances, and everyday chores. It’s not uncommon for grandparents, for
example, to take care of children while parents go to work. The communal
living ensures that all members of a family are taken care of and there are
strong bonds that promote a sense of fulfillment. Nobody lives in isolation and
there are always plenty of people to help out.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fischerfotos/7455537098/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Family is hugely

important in Thailand © Mark Fischer / Flickr</a>

Respect yourself and others

Respect plays a big part in daily interactions in Thailand. Thai people show
respect in many ways, from using the wai and ducking when passing between
two people, to language and standards of dress. Respect for the self is as
important as respect for others. When everyone shows respect for each other,
it creates a society that is, at least outwardly, more tolerant, understanding,
civil, and peaceful. Gratitude is also important, with people generally giving
 the utmost respect to parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, and
medical workers.

Showing respect to monks in Thailand © Mark Fischer / Flickr

Install

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 Thailand

 Guides & Tips

10 Values to Live By in Thailand

Lady in traditional Thai dress with Thai flags behind her | © Binder.donedat / Flickr

SARAH WILLIAMS
UPDATED: 7 APRIL 2018

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As with every culture, Thailand has several positive principles that can
be adopted by everyone for day-to-day living. Here are ten Thai
values that anyone can incorporate into his or her life.

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Family first

Thai society places great emphasis on the role of the family, with the
extended family taking on more significance than in many Western nations.
Large families typically live close together, helping with raising children,
finances, and everyday chores. It’s not uncommon for grandparents, for
example, to take care of children while parents go to work. The communal
living ensures that all members of a family are taken care of and there are
strong bonds that promote a sense of fulfillment. Nobody lives in isolation and
there are always plenty of people to help out.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fischerfotos/7455537098/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Family is hugely

important in Thailand © Mark Fischer / Flickr</a>
Sufficient is enough

In a world that is becoming more and more consumer driven, Thai society
goes back to basics, considering basic needs and making sure that everyone
has everything they need to survive. There are several projects around the
country, particularly in rural areas, aimed at helping people to live a more
sustainable lifestyle. The late Thai King introduced the Philosophy of
Sustainable Economy to enhance the quality of life for Thai people.

Keep your cool

Showing extreme emotions in public is frowned upon in Thailand. As a result,

Thai people are known for their self-control and seemingly calm nature. Thais
rarely show anger in public and are generally non confrontational. You are
more likely to hear a Thai person saying jai yen yen (“cool your heart”) and
discussing problems calmly than yelling, cursing, and acting aggressively.

Wear your smile

Thai people are famous around the world for their smiles; indeed, the country
is known as the Land of Smiles! While a smile doesn’t always indicate
happiness, Thais know that putting a brave face on and presenting a
welcoming face is more beneficial than a sullen scowl and surly approach.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fischerfotos/16138908311/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Smiles are

everywhere in Thailand © Mark Fischer / Flickr</a>
No worries

Mai bpen rai is a phrase that Thai people use a lot. It translates to “no worries”
and is used in many situations. Connected with maintaining self-control, Thai
people know that getting worked up about something probably won’t change
matters, so why waste energy and distress yourself unnecessarily?

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43423301@N07/4046984865/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Young Thai

girl selling fish© M M / Flickr</a>
Inject some fun

Thais like to laugh and enjoy life, and there’s an overriding sense
of sanook(“fun” ) in many elements of life. This may give the impression that
Thais don’t care too much about anything, but that is certainly not the case;
they know not to sweat the small stuff and to enjoy life’s small pleasures at
any opportunity they can. From fun and games in the classroom, to karaoke
nights after work, having a little fun each day is an important part of Thai life.

Respect yourself and others

Respect plays a big part in daily interactions in Thailand. Thai people show
respect in many ways, from using the wai and ducking when passing between
two people, to language and standards of dress. Respect for the self is as
important as respect for others. When everyone shows respect for each other,
it creates a society that is, at least outwardly, more tolerant, understanding,
civil, and peaceful. Gratitude is also important, with people generally giving
the utmost respect to parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, and
medical workers.

Showing respect to monks in Thailand © Mark Fischer / Flickr

Generosity and hospitality

Thai people are known for being especially welcoming, friendly, and
hospitable. Showing kindness and generosity is often connected with gaining
merit and more positive karma. Stopping to pick up hitchhikers, waking up
early to give alms to monks, and going out of their way to assist tourists with
language barriers or transportation advice are just a few ways that you may
observe generosity in Thailand. Of course, as with any country, that’s not to
say that Thailand is without its scamsand people looking to cash in on tourists,
but in general, Thai society is a lot more hospitable than many places around
the world.

Cultural pride

Thais are very proud of their country, history, heritage, and culture, and great
efforts are undertaken to protect and preserve cultural elements and teach
people about the country’s past. Rather than trying to become a generic
country that could be anywhere in the world, Thais invest heavily in
conserving their traditional arts, dress, music, architecture, and so on.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/3704058650/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Thai cultural

performance© Dennis Jarvis / Flickr</a>