The Rise of Culture Shock

Being overstimulated is no joke. Don't let culture shock rise up unexpectedly. There’s a lot to take in when you’re in a fast-paced country such as Thailand. You’re constantly looking around (especially for motorcycles and random stray dogs), trying to take everything in, and sometimes at the end of the day, your brain is mush. Hopefully, this will keep you calm and not worried about how to go from day to day in Thailand.

From firsthand experience, these FIVE aspects of Thai culture are what I quickly learned in the first couple of weeks living here. I hope this list will help you in finding out what’s expected in this wonderful country. (This list is not in any particular order and not the only things to learn.)

1. Introductions are everywhere and it’s a sign of respect and honor. When saying hello (สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii)) you also “wai” (pronounced why) as you say it. A “wai” is a gesture where you put your hands together, barely put your thumb under your chin and pointer finger at your nose, and then you bow. The main rule is an adult isn’t supposed to “wai” a child first – they’re supposed to “wai” an adult first.

   1. **SPECIAL NOTE – if you’re a woman, you will add ค่ะ (khâ) to the end of hello and ครับ (khráp) if you’re a man (that p sounds like a b).

      
      

2. Shopping for anything is easier than you think. When buying clothes, groceries, or food from market stalls, numbers are universal so you can see how much to pay if you don’t know your Thai numbers yet. If there isn’t a screen, a lot of times the cashier will put the amount on a calculator and show you – it’s so convenient!

   1. **SPECIAL NOTE – what you see is what you get. The tax is already included so it’s an easy addition problem when purchasing multiple things! Also, if you’re interested in converting Thai Baht to USD (or anything), iPhone’s calculator can now convert prices for you. It’s a little easier than just googling the converter – thanks, I guess?

      
      

3. Trash cans are almost nonexistent. You have to look hard for one, but if you find a bathroom, there are some in there (maybe – but we will get there later.) If eating in a food court, mall, or restaurant, you leave your trash on the table, and someone will pick it up. When in doubt, watch other people! See what they’re doing. Nationals know best!

   
   

4. Talking about food, there are two things that are a little different between restaurants that are in America and in Thailand. One, there is no tipping. There might be tip jars around, but no need to leave a tip on the bill. Two, sometimes the waiter/waitress will stand there, hovering – and that’s ok! You will need to order everything at the same time, and your waiter/waitress will take your order, bring your food, and then you have to call them back for anything else. This is similar to the restaurants we visited in the UK, too. Oh, and they bring your food out as it’s ready in no particular order.

   
   

5. Let’s merge the topic of bathrooms and eating – I know weird, but it’ll make sense! You will need to ALWAYS carry toilet paper/ tissue of some sort with you. Most restaurants won’t have napkins, they might have tissue, and if they do, they give you one piece. This is the same for bathrooms. Large malls might have toilet paper for you to use, and if you’re not comfortable only using a bidet, CARRY toilet paper with you. After washing your hands, I’ve found some places have a hand dryer, but I haven’t seen any paper towels (besides the airport and a cat café.) This is why it’s hard to find a trash can in bathrooms.

   1. **When using toilet paper – don’t flush it! There is a trash can nearby to throw it away.

While applying these to your everyday life in Thailand, there is a lot of grace when something is done wrong. The best thing to do when arriving in a new culture is to pray for humility and ask for grace when needed. Bringing care and love into your actions will go a long way, even if you do mess up – because you will mess up! I probably mess up at least once when I go out into the community, but I learn from it!

Just go with the flow and watch, listen, and pray!

Disclaimer: Of course, these culture bits is what I’ve noticed around some of the Bangkok/Ayutthaya area. Think about the differences that are throughout your own country. it’s the same here. Just be mindful.

There will be more culture tips in the future, but if there is anything you want to know more about, drop a comment. Do you come across any of these in any other place?

Until next time!