Just being here for a few days I’ve already seen the vast difference between the cultural difference between America and Thailand. Through the way they dress to their language, everything relates back to presenting themselves in a respectable manner. I’ve been able to connect similarly with my Asian background and can see common practices used between my culture and theirs. Though only here for a few days we’ve been everywhere from the Thai Royal Palace to the reservoir at Chiang Mai University.
Growing up as a Cambodian/Filipino American, there are many cultural similarities I share between the Thai culture. One of the main similarities I noticed was saying a phrase before the person’s name as a term of respect. In Thai the proper word is Pi to refer to an elder peer. Growing up I’ve always used this kind of term of respect so it’s nice to know how Thai culture highlights the importance of respect. The term was introduced to me in the research lab. Since all the students in the lab are either graduate or PhD students, it’s important for me to use the term before saying their name.
With fashion the people here in Thailand are much more reserved, especially in the much quitter city of Chiang Mai compared to big city life in Bangkok. There are no Thai women with high waisted shorts or shorts skirts to be seen and no tank tops seen for the men. Even with greetings, a modest bow saying “Sawat Di Khrop” is used compared to the usual handshakes and hugs done in American culture. From their clothes to their fashion Thai people present themselves in a reserved and presentable way.
-Theary
Growing up as a Cambodian/Filipino American, there are many cultural similarities I share between the Thai culture. One of the main similarities I noticed was saying a phrase before the person’s name as a term of respect. In Thai the proper word is Pi to refer to an elder peer. Growing up I’ve always used this kind of term of respect so it’s nice to know how Thai culture highlights the importance of respect. The term was introduced to me in the research lab. Since all the students in the lab are either graduate or PhD students, it’s important for me to use the term before saying their name.
With fashion the people here in Thailand are much more reserved, especially in the much quitter city of Chiang Mai compared to big city life in Bangkok. There are no Thai women with high waisted shorts or shorts skirts to be seen and no tank tops seen for the men. Even with greetings, a modest bow saying “Sawat Di Khrop” is used compared to the usual handshakes and hugs done in American culture. From their clothes to their fashion Thai people present themselves in a reserved and presentable way.
-Theary