After one week down in Thailand, we've come across many customs and "ways of life" that are very foreign and rather odd to the western frame of mind. Below is a list of a few of our adjustments that we are still trying to master:
1. Squatter toilets: Basically the nice version of a hole in the ground consisting of spots to place your feet and squat down into a bowl. This is followed by manually flushing with a bucket of water.
2. Shower: Going off the toilet situation, there is no separate area for the shower. Literally I've been showering next to a urinal. This also makes for a very wet bathroom. There is also no hot water which I'm slowly adjusting to when I take my 6:45am shower. Also note that some volunteers this year wont have any sort of shower head and will be using the traditionally bucket and water method.
3. Clothing: Being located in the Isan district of Thailand, they follow a more traditional conservative dress code. Women should typically always have their shoulders to knees covered (even walking to and from a shower). Even though we are in the "cool" season in Thailand this can be very warm! As far as teaching goes, dress should always be "rip roy" which is the Thai name for neat and tidy. Many women wear heels to work, even through the mud of the school campus, and neatly pressed suit to work. Always presenting oneself in a professional manner is important to Thai here even though there is so much poverty.
4. Wai: The Wai is how Thais greet each other and is an indicator of respect. Where you put your hands in the Wai indicates the amount of respect you are showing (palms together at chest= same level in heirarchy, palms between mouth and nose=higher and Forehead= for monks or king) Teachers never Wai students because there are "higher" level. You may receive a students Wai though by placing palms together at chest level.
5. The body: Different parts of the body have very distinct values the top of the head being the most important. This means you should NEVER touch someone on the head, it would be extremely rude and disrespectful. Opposing is the feet. Pointing the bottom of your feet at someone is also considered very rude. For many of us the way we sit has had to change making sure when we sit with our legs crossed or on the ground we aren't offending someone. Because feet are so dirty, even setting over someone else or for example a purse would be rude This value goes all the way to how you hang your clothes. On a clothes line you always hang your shirts higher than pants being in the middle and undergarments at the bottom.
6. The King: Being the most valued and important person in Thailand you will see the Kings picture EVERYWHERE. Golden arches are a common site across roads with the Kings picture. On tuesdays, everyone wears pink (even men) in honor of the King and wish him good health. If you were to be caught talking down on the King you would be imprisoned.
7. Men & Women: Thailand is extremely hierarchical. Hanging your clothes higher on a drying rack than the elder male in the household would be disrespectful. Men are also allowed to have several Wives. Many of the women know this but are forced to turn a blind eye. As far as showing affection women and men who aren't a couple should seldom to never touch. Placing a hand on a mens arm might send very mixed messages and others would probably think they are dating. On the other side women are very affectionate with each other holding hands and linking arms when walking. I experienced this when I met on of my co-teachers and send immediately started holding my hand as we walked to our welcoming party.
8. A few others: Taking shoes off when entering a room, eating food by using your fork to push food onto a spoon, stray dogs everywhere, cows in the roads, cell phone interruptions being okay even in the middle of class or at the dinner table, sitting in the back of pickup for taxis, little children (as young as 1 or 2) sitting front seat driving dirt bikes with parents behind, no toilet paper, blowing your nose being rude but picking it okay, ....
There are many more customs that I'm learning about and experiencing as I stumble my way through the culture trying my best not to offend or disrespect others. Once I'm out of my "english bubble" of orientation training I know the cultural adjustments will turn into more day to day living. So far I'm amazed at the country and the village of Pla Pak where I'll be living. The people in general seem to be amazed at the sight of a farang (white foreigner). Many blatantly stare at you walk down the street or whip out their cameras for a picture. My Thai is very very slowly improving and I'm starting to notice a few words when people talk and continually working on the Thai alphabet.
Today we went to the city to culturally observe and do some shopping. The picture above is some volunteers and myself visiting a wat (temple) and practicing the correct way to enter, wai, and exit when in the presence of buddha. I managed to upload a few pictures under photos but still trying to figure out a more efficient way.
Ovens, Microwaves, large stoves, freezers are rarely seen in Thailand. Here is a sneak peak of my kitchen...
I had never heard of Wai before, that's interesting. You are brave to go a whole year without hot water and flush toilets. I don't think many americans could do that! How many people are going through the prientation with you? Are they all American?
ReplyDeleteA wai is basically Hands in Prayer position placed in front of chest or face. I'm still trying to figure out the exact height for what is appropriate and when to do it!
ReplyDeletewe have 14 volunteers this year but we are all placed at different schools throughout the area. We are all American, almost all except me are from the east coast.
Heather, this is fascinating! Keep teaching us by telling what you learn. I'm sooo impressed that you are doing this and learning about this culture.
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