Greetings: Sawad Dee Kha (Woman) Sawad Dee Krub (Men) (gesture = WAI) Nong Inpanbutr (In –Pan- Buit) (Bhali and Sansakrit root)

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Thank you for your mission… for helping Thailand Thank you for your mission… for helping Thailand Khob Khun Kha = Thank you! Khob Khun Kha = Thank you!

Points to cover from Susie Minding our Manners Minding our Manners –Greeting and meeting people –Sharing meals –Important courtesies we may not know or understand –Appropriate dress in Na Toey, Bangkok, Chaing Mai –Roles of women & men & family How Buddhism impacts Thai culture Politics, the Emperor and the people How Buddhism impacts Thai culture Politics, the Emperor and the people

THAILAND, LAND OF THE FREE [In Thai = PRATHET THAI] Thailand is one of the few countries in the World that was never colonized by a western country or even an Asian power.

It is a kingdom with a long tradition of benevolent kings is 60th anniversary of the enthronement of one of the most popular and well respected kings we ever had, Bhumibol Adulyadej. He is the 49th king in the 700-years long history of Thailand.

Yellow is the color to show your loyalty/support to the king!

Related to the Tsunami, loss of the princesss son in Phuket

In the old time…The people… kind and gentle…., with rich culture

Westernized in Bangkok, and other tourist cities Westernized in Bangkok, and other tourist cities –Building –Food –How people dress –Etc…

Besides ethnic Thai, the 62 million that inhabit Thailand includes strong communities of Chinese, Malay, Indians and other ethnic groups from Asia. Besides ethnic Thai, the 62 million that inhabit Thailand includes strong communities of Chinese, Malay, Indians and other ethnic groups from Asia. Over 95% of the people are devout Buddhists Over 95% of the people are devout Buddhists

Thai elephant was selected as the national animal because it has maintained close link with Thai history and custom, it has a long life, and it is closely related to the livelihood of Thai people (in the past). Thai elephant was selected as the national animal because it has maintained close link with Thai history and custom, it has a long life, and it is closely related to the livelihood of Thai people (in the past).

Cultural Influences Religion Religion –95% Buddhist Do not believe in euthanasia Do not believe in euthanasia Government Government –Elephants & Politics: The National Animal –They are symbols of the king's divine right to rule, of good luck, even religious icons –Only 1 private elephant camp in Thailand –Poor country

Ratchaphruek or Golden shower is widely known to Thais because it can be seen anywhere throughout the country. It bears beautiful cluster- shaped flowers in summer. The color of flowers is shining yellow, and yellow is the color of our national religion Buddhism'. Ratchaphruek or Golden shower is widely known to Thais because it can be seen anywhere throughout the country. It bears beautiful cluster- shaped flowers in summer. The color of flowers is shining yellow, and yellow is the color of our national religion Buddhism'.

Sala Thai architecture can be seen throughout the public buildings of Thailand. It is a reflection of out culture. It is different from architectures of other countries, and that is one way visitors can tell they are in Thailand by looking at the Thai-ness of the Sala Thai buildings. Sala Thai architecture can be seen throughout the public buildings of Thailand. It is a reflection of out culture. It is different from architectures of other countries, and that is one way visitors can tell they are in Thailand by looking at the Thai-ness of the Sala Thai buildings.

Governance Monarchy Monarchy Democratic, Parliament Democratic, Parliament Election Election Military Military Coup/every 4 years since Coup/every 4 years since

Thai culture Strong family tie Strong family tie Respect the elderly, seniority and Women Respect the elderly, seniority and Women Very polite and considerate people Very polite and considerate people (too much… not direct when you ask them something…) (too much… not direct when you ask them something…)

Equal between women and men Equal between women and men More than 30% of women elected to government office More than 30% of women elected to government office Roles of women & men & family

Culture The body---The Head.. You cannot touch the had of the elderly The body---The Head.. You cannot touch the had of the elderly The younger people have to show respect to the elders by WAI The younger people have to show respect to the elders by WAI –When you greet –When you thank

FOOD Lots of Rice! Lots of Rice! Amazing fresh fruit Amazing fresh fruit Many vegetarian dishes Many vegetarian dishes Best only to eat cooked vegetables and no sushi, wash/peel all fruit Best only to eat cooked vegetables and no sushi, wash/peel all fruit Try something new! Try something new! –Squid on a stick –Galangal –Banana roti –Mango sticky rice –Insects –Fruit!

Food/ my practice Drink bottled water/Thai beer (Singha) Drink bottled water/Thai beer (Singha) Cooked vegetable Cooked vegetable Fresh vegetable (only if you know the place well, good hotel…, but I have always been very careful) Fresh vegetable (only if you know the place well, good hotel…, but I have always been very careful) Sea food/cooked Sea food/cooked

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES: THE THAILAND ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE Einav Elitsur (VME II) Simona Rikh (VME II) Lauren Murphy (VME II) Organized by Dr. N Inpanbutr in collaboration with Chiangmai University CVM, Thailand

Hill tribe people (Karieng) = Karen People

TRANSPORTATION BANGKOK CHIANG MAI BANGKOK CHIANG MAI PLANE OR NIGHT TRAIN PLANE OR NIGHT TRAIN AROUND CHIANG MAI AROUND CHIANG MAI –Red cabs- cheapest and most convenient –Tuk-tuk- more expensive, not as accommodating –Motor Bike- not safe unless you know how to ride one, but great for convenience –Kind motorist!!- just dont tell your mom! Smokin Ride! Hope I dont get that wind blown hair!

Transportation: By plane: Very convenient and reasonable Around 1 hr. to Chiang Mai, Every hour 96:00 AM-10:00 PM) By train By bus (not recommend) Driving on the left side

DRESS (according to my students) At work: long pants, tennis shoes, scrub top At work: long pants, tennis shoes, scrub top In temples: no pants, In temples: no pants, long skirt, shoulders must be covered Around town: cool, Around town: cool, comfortable clothing, no shorts, no spaghetti strap shirts

LANGUAGE National language is Thai National language is Thai Many educated people know English Many educated people know English Taxi drivers do not Taxi drivers do not Learn simple phrases, numbers, types of food Learn simple phrases, numbers, types of food Psss…. This is actually a police station!

Common terms Wat = Temple Wat = Temple Gin Kow = have a meal Gin Kow = have a meal gin = eat gin = eat Kow = rice Kow = rice

Thank you for your mission…. Thank you for your mission…. …For helping Thailand …For helping Thailand Khob Khun Kha = Thank you! Khob Khun Kha = Thank you! Let me know if I can be of any help. Let me know if I can be of any help. And good luck to all! And good luck to all!