Thailand - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Kreng Jai: When Being Polite Becomes a Full-Time Job In Thailand, politeness isn’t just good manners, it’s a philosophy. Known as kreng jai , this cultural code guides how Thais avoid causing inconvenience or offense to others. It creates harmony, warmth, and occasionally, total emotional chaos and destruction. Read on to find out what happens when being “(too?) considerate” runs your life and what we can all learn from it. If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you’ve probably noticed that the people are absurdly nice. The kind of nice that feels almost supernatural. They’ll smile while stuck in traffic, apologize for things that weren’t their fault, and offer you the last mango sticky rice even though they haven’t eaten all day. This isn’t because Thais are saints (though some might be). It’s because of a deeply ingrained cultural concept called kreng jai (เกรงใจ), which loosely translates to “consideration mixed with a touch of self-suppression and mild existential crisis.” What is Kre...

Why Some People Might Not Like Bangkok (And Why That’s Perfectly Fine) Ah, Bangkok. The city that never sleeps, except when it’s literally too hot to function. For many, it’s a dream destination with its bustling markets, stunning temples, and delicious street food. For others? Well, let’s just say their fondest memory of Bangkok is finding a shady spot to recover from heatstroke. So, why might some people not like Bangkok? Let’s break it down, and investigate. 1. The Heat That Could Grill a Chicken Midair Let’s start with the obvious: the heat. Bangkok is like stepping into a sauna with no escape,  except that the sauna is always set to "Inferno." You’ll get out of the air-conditioned comfort of your hotel, and BAM! You’ve entered an oven. At first, it’s cute. Then it’s oppressive. By noon, you’re sweating in places you didn’t know you could sweat. No amount of deodorant or optimism can save you. Welcome to the Bangkok heat, where dashing from one 7-Eleven to the next is a c...

Songkran: The World's Biggest Water Fight (with a Side of Spiritual Cleansing and Chaos) Guest Contributor: The Soi Dog Whisperer  Alright, folks, grab your super soakers and get ready to dive into the wild, wet, and utterly wonderful world of Songkran! This isn't just any festival; it's the world's largest water fight, mixed with a healthy dose of drunken madness spiritual renewal, family bonding, and a whole lot of "Did I really just get drenched by a stranger?" moments. Picture this: streets filled with people, water flying in every direction, and a sense of joy and camaraderie that's absolutely infectious. First things first, what exactly is Songkran? It's the Thai New Year, celebrated from April 13th to 15th, and it's a time for renewal, reflection, and a whole lot of fun. The name "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit word "saṃkrānti," which means "astrological passage." It marks the end of the dry season and the b...

"Sai Sin" Wrist Strings: Blessings, Threads, and a Bit of White Magic Tl;dr - Thai Buddhist string bracelets, also known as “Sai Sin” or “Monk's Cord,” are traditional wristbands made from colored strings. They are often tied by Buddhist monks or given as blessings in Thai temples. If you’ve spent any time in Thailand and suddenly noticed a white cotton string tied around your wrist, congratulations, you’ve been saisin-ed . Or more accurately, you’ve received a sai sin blessing, a quiet but powerful little ritual that says, “Hey, may your life not fall completely apart this week.” These simple white threads might look like someone tied a shoelace on you while you weren't paying attention, but they’re actually packed with spiritual horsepower. They’re given during ceremonies, temple visits, housewarmings, weddings, monk blessings, and pretty much any situation where some divine backup feels appropriate. Here’s how it works: a monk or elder says a prayer (called a kath...

7 Hilarious Cultural Mistakes Every First-Time Traveler Makes in Thailand (and How to Avoid Them) So you’ve booked your flight, overpacked your suitcase, and you’re ready to explore Thailand’s temples, street food, and Instagrammable beaches. But wait. Before you dive headfirst into a bowl of spicy tom yum , let’s make sure you’re not about to commit one of the many hilarious cultural faux pas that newbies are famous for. Here are 7 funny (and totally avoidable) mistakes travelers make in Thailand, plus how to navigate Thai etiquette like a pro. 1. Touching Heads: The Accidental Insult In many cultures, patting someone on the head is a sweet gesture. In Thailand? It’s basically spiritual assault. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Even ruffling a child’s hair can earn you a polite smile masking deep internal panic. Pro Tip: Keep your hands away from heads unless it's one of your own, unless you're offering a blessing (which you’re probably not qualified f...

Merit-Making in Thailand: How Locals Earn Good Karma (and How You Can Too Without Offending a Monk) If you've spent more than five minutes in Thailand, you've probably seen someone making merit. Whether it’s feeding monks at sunrise, releasing a turtle that’s seriously questioning its life choices, or gluing gold leaf onto a Buddha statue's belly button. Thais make merit like it's part of their daily skincare routine. But what exactly is merit-making? Why are locals so into it? And can a tourist do it without accidentally committing a karmic crime? Let’s dive in. What Is Merit-Making? (Besides a Word You Pretend to Understand) Merit-making or " tham boon " in Thai, is how Buddhists build up good karma points. It’s believed that doing good deeds in this life helps you in your next life. You know, just in case you’d rather not be reborn as a lizard in someone’s kitchen. Merit-making isn’t just a religious act; it’s woven into everyday Thai life. Locals do it for...

Foreigner’s Guide to Surviving the Thai Sin Sod Circus So, you’ve fallen in love in Thailand. Congrats! She’s beautiful, kind, funny, and her dad is suddenly very interested in your financial statements. Welcome to the world of sin sod, Thailand’s traditional dowry system, where love and economics shake hands and occasionally, choke each other. What Is Sin Sod? Sin sod (สินสอด) is the Thai dowry. Think of it as a culturally-sanctioned “Thank you” payment to the bride’s parents for raising a human being you’d like to mate with. It's also part peacock display, part trust exercise, and part "can you afford to feed her if she never works again and demands weekly mall trips?" Are You a Foreigner? Buckle Up. If you’re a foreigner, expect the price to mysteriously inflate like a tuk-tuk fare in the rain. You’ll be quoted numbers that sound more like house down payments than marriage customs. Don’t worry, this is normal. You’re not being completely scammed, just selectively evalu...

10 Hilarious Thailand Newbie Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip The Great Thai Newbie Adventure: A Comedy of Errors in Paradise Guest Contributor: The Clueless Farang Sawasdee , internet! I’ve been in Thailand for a grand total of one month, and let me tell you, I’m a walking disaster in flip-flops. The Land of Smiles is all golden temples, spicy street food, and cultural quirks that trip me up daily. From spicy food meltdowns to dodging “hansum man” catcalls, here’s my laugh-out-loud guide to surviving as a newbie in Thailand. Grab a Singha , settle in, and enjoy my parade of farang (foreigner) fails. 1. The Spicy Food Face Meltdown I landed thinking, “I’ve eaten jalapeños; Thai spice is no biggie.” Wrong. My first som tam order, “not too spicy, please”, came with a vendor’s smirk. Two bites, and my mouth was a five-alarm fire, my eyes were streaming, and I was chugging mango juice like it was my ...

Coyote Dancing in Thailand: Glitter, Heels, and Confusion Imagine you walk into a bar in Thailand and suddenly the music drops, lights flash, and women in platform heels climb onto tables and start dancing, aggressively, confidently, and somehow still politely. Congratulations, you’ve just discovered the fascinating spectacle of Thai coyote dancing . It’s not a cowboy thing. There are no lassos. But there is glitter. So much glitter. And it's pronounced /co-yo-TAY/. What Is Coyote Dancing? Coyote dancing is a mix of nightclub go-go dancing, cabaret, and Thai-style stage performance. The dancers, almost always young women, perform choreographed routines in flashy outfits that range from “bachelorette party” to “space cheerleader.” It’s sexy but rarely sleazy, provocative but strangely polite. It’s the only dance genre where someone can twerk, spin, and wink at a crowd while never spilling their Red Bull. Where Do You Find It? Everywhere from Bangkok megaclubs to remote...

Thailand's Boozy Paradise: Where Whisky Flows and DUIs Are Plentiful  (PSA: this post is about spirits . If you're a beerophile , check out this post.) Welcome to Thailand, where Buddhism may encourage temperance, but the liquor flows like the mighty Chao Phraya River! Let's dive into Thailand's world of liver-punishing potions that range from the internationally renowned to "drink this and you might see ghosts (or go blind)." Thailand's relationship with alcohol is like that friend who claims they're just going out for "one drink" before ending up dancing on tables at 3 AM. It's complicated, enthusiastic, and sometimes results in questionable decisions. Let's start with the Thai whisky scene. Calling Thai whisky "whisky" is like calling a cat a small lion. They're technically in the same family but definitely not the same thing. Most Thai "whiskies" are actually rum-like spirits made from sugarcane or molasses...

The Cultural Significance of Shoe Removal in Thailand: A Practical Guide   In Thailand, removing one’s shoes before entering homes, temples, and many businesses is far more than a habit; it’s a deeply rooted practice reflecting cleanliness, spiritual reverence, and social respect. For visitors, navigating this custom gracefully is essential to honoring local traditions.   Where & Why: The Non-Negotiables - Homes : Always remove shoes. Thai floors are meticulously cleaned, and shoes (which tread through streets, markets, and transport) symbolize outside dirt. Leaving them at the door shows respect for the host’s space.   - Temples (Wats): Bare feet are mandatory in sacred areas. This signifies humility before Buddha and keeps sanctuaries pure. Pro tip: Temples often have designated shoe shelves; carry a bag for your footwear if visiting multiple structures.   - Traditional Businesses : Family-run shops, clinics, spas, and some cafés often requ...

The Art of Saving Face: A Hilarious Guide to Navigating Thailand's Social Currency Ah, Thailand, the Land of Smiles, stunning temples, and, cue the dramatic music, " face" . No, not the kind you wash in the morning, but the social currency that can make or break your reputation faster than you can say " pad   Thai ." Welcome to the hilarious and sometimes bewildering world of "saving face" and "losing face" in Thailand. Buckle up, because we're about to take a rollercoaster ride through the dos and don'ts of keeping your social dignity intact. What is This 'Face' Business Anyway In Thailand, "face" is all about your reputation, dignity, and social standing. It's the invisible badge you wear that tells the world whether you're a respected member of society or the person who accidentally wore flip-flops to a formal dinner. Saving face is about maintaining that respect, while losing face is, well, the social equ...

Same Same But More Expensive: The Magical World of Dual Pricing in Thailand Ah, Thailand. The Land of Smiles, spicy food, and, surprise, dual pricing that hits harder than a Muay Thai kick to your nuts and travel budget. Picture this: you're standing in front of a waterfall that promises “natural beauty” and “healing vibes,” and you're ready to pay your way in. You spot the sign: "Foreigners – 400 baht." Next to it, there's another line in Thai script with what looks like noodle doodles and the number ๔ ๐. Now unless you’re fluent in Thai numerals (spoiler: you’re not), you’d never guess that those squiggles mean Thai people are paying 40 baht. Yes. Forty. That’s not a typo. That’s lunch money. Meanwhile, you're forking over a sum that could buy you a decent haircut in Bangkok (or two bad ones on Khao San Road). They don’t even try to hide it with fake “international maintenance fees” or “foreigner surcharges.” No, no. They just sneakily slap it on the sign in...

7-Eleven: Thailand's True Tourist Attraction Let me tell you about the real cultural landmark you need to visit in Thailand. Forget the temples, forget the beaches, forget the elephants. I'm talking about 7-Eleven. Yes, the convenience store. Thailand has over 13,000 7-Elevens. That's not a typo. For context, that's more than the entire United States, despite Thailand being roughly the size of Texas. You literally cannot throw a pad Thai without hitting one. They're like the McDonald's of Thailand, if McDonald's was actually good and sold everything you've ever needed in your life. As a tourist, your relationship with Thai 7-Eleven evolves through distinct phases: Phase 1: Curiosity "Oh look, they have 7-Elevens here too. Neat." Phase 2: Surprise "Wait, why does this 7-Eleven have better food than most restaurants back home?" Phase 3: Dependence "I need my daily toastie sandwich and iced coffee or I will literally die." Phas...

How I Accidentally Became a Walking Ethical Dilemma in Northern Thailand So you’re in Northern Thailand, full of pad Thai and vague spiritual energy, and someone tells you, “You should visit a Longneck Karen village!” And because you’re a culturally curious traveler with a camera and a vague guilt complex, you say, “Absolutely, take my money and my soul.” The journey begins with another one of those legendary pickup truck rides that your spine will remember forever. After several hours of bouncing, swerving, and possibly time-traveling, you arrive at what looks like a quiet village tucked into the hills with souvenir stalls. Lots of them. And then you see them: the women with impossibly long necks, stacked with brass rings like they’re wearing golden slinkies of tradition and spinal commitment. You’re stunned. You try not to stare. You stare. The guide says, “They do this from a young age, it's part of their culture,” and you nod like you totally knew that already, even though te...

Farang: The Ultimate Guide to Being a “Foreigner” in Thailand (And Not Losing Your Cool) So, you’ve just landed in Thailand, ready to embrace the Land of Smiles, pad thai, local beer (Chang, Singha, Leo, pick your poison) and inexplicably cheap rice whisky. But within approximately 3.2 seconds of existing here, you’ll hear it, the word that will follow you like a stray soi dog: “Farang.” “Farang!” (Pointing)   “Look, farang!” (Whispering)   “Farang price!” (Laughing maniacally while charging you double)   But what does it mean? Is it offensive? Should you embrace it, ignore it, or start hissing like a territorial cat? Let’s break it down.   What the Heck Does “Farang” Even Mean? The word “farang” (ฝรั่ง) is the Thai term for foreigner, specifically a white Westerner. (If you’re Black, you might hear “farang dam,” if you’re Indian, you’re probably “kaek,” and if you’re East Asian, you’re lucky enough to dodge the label until you open your mouth.)...

How and Where to Haggle in Thailand: The Ancient Art of Polite Combat Welcome to Thailand, where the smiles are warm, the temples are golden, and the prices for tourists are made up on the spot! That’s right, if you’re paying what’s written on the tag at a market, congratulations, you’ve just sponsored someone’s lunch. And maybe their rent. But fear not, dear traveler, because you too can master the sacred art of haggling, Thailand’s unofficial national sport. First, let’s clarify where to haggle. Shopping mall? No. 7-Eleven? Also no. If you try to bargain for a Snickers bar, you’ll either be met with confusion or pity. But hit up any open-air market, night bazaar, roadside stall, or beach hawker and it’s game on. Places like Chatuchak Market in Bangkok or the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai are basically live-action Monopoly with less real estate and more elephant pants. Now, how to haggle. Step one: pretend you don’t care. Even if you want that handcrafted wooden frog more than you’ve eve...

The Art of Tipping in Thailand: A Comprehensive Guide Ah, Thailand, the Land of Smiles, stunning beaches, and... tipping confusion? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, navigating the tipping culture in Thailand can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded. But fear not! We've got you covered with a humorous guide to tipping in Thailand. The Basics: To Tip or Not to Tip? First things first, tipping in Thailand isn't mandatory nor expected. It's more like a friendly gesture that says, "Hey, you did a great job, here's a little something for your effort." Think of it as the cherry on top of your already delightful Thai experience. Restaurants: The Art of Rounding Up Eating out in Thailand is a culinary adventure, and tipping is like the dessert you didn't know you needed. If you're at a fancy restaurant, check the bill for a service charge. If it's included, you're off the hook. If not, rounding up the bill to ...

Songkran in Thailand: A Watery Apocalypse & the People Who Secretly Hate It Ah, Songkran, Thailand’s famous New Year festival where the entire country transforms into a free-for-all water war, and social norms are temporarily suspended in favor of mass hydration assault. But not everyone is out there gleefully chucking buckets at strangers. Let’s talk about the groups who suffer in silence (or not so silently): expats, water-averse tourists and locals who despise Songkran.   Expats & Tourists During Songkran: A Spectrum of Reactions 1. The Overenthusiastic Newbie  This is their first Songkran, and they’ve gone full Call of Duty: Water Warfare . They’ve spent 5,000฿ on the biggest Super Soaker they could find, dressed in obnoxious floral shirts, and are now aggressively hunting down victims like it’s their job. By day two, they’re either a) completely sunburned, b) nursing a Chang-over, or c) realizing they’ve lost their wallet in a mosh pit of wet strangers. ...