We have loved the chance to experience Thai
culture over these past two years. While it is often frustrating trying to
navigate a culture so distinct from our own, there are many parts of Thai
culture that are inspiring. Following are some qualities that I think we would
do well to incorporate into US culture, too.
Mai
bpen rai
One of
the most common phrases in Thai is “mai bpen rai”, which literally means “it’s
nothing.” Thai speakers often use it as “don’t worry about it”. We, of course,
use this phrase in English, too, but not quite as freely as it is used in Thai.
If you’re late to an event, stuck in traffic forever, forgot to do something,
“mai bpen rai”. There’s not nearly as much energy spent worrying about things
that are out of our control or are really minor inconveniences. It’s quite
refreshing!
Food
waste
Something
I really appreciate about Thailand is how little food is wasted. Bones, fat,
skin, all parts of animals are used instead of thrown out. Perhaps this is due
to the overall smaller number of animals that are available for consumption, or
related to the country’s history of poverty, but I think it’s a lesson we could
learn. Why throw out a significant part of the animal if it could be used for
something good? There also seems to be less food wasted at restaurants.
Portions are much smaller here than in the US, so nearly everything is eaten at
the restaurant instead of thrown out afterwards. Food also tends to be freshly
made, so there aren’t as many things that sit under a warmer all day, just to
be thrown away at closing time. Imagine how much food we could save by only
making what we needed!
Respect
for authority
Thai
culture is strongly based on hierarchy and respect for authority. In a lot of
ways, that has been hard to adjust to since, as Americans, we are used to an
egalitarian workplace and society. However, I think there are some benefits to
an atmosphere in which elders are automatically respected. Leaders and
government officials are given respect despite making choices that not everyone
agrees with. Parents are shown much more respect than in the US simply by
virtue of being parents. A lot of time and energy is saved by not arguing about
what’s best, but simply trusting the leader to make the right choice.
Unity
More
than 100 years ago Thailand was several different kingdoms which eventually
united as one country in the early 1900s. The histories of these kingdoms are
still very much visible in present-day Thailand, with pieces of language,
culture, and food at the forefront. This is not even to mention the many hill
tribe communities which also have distinct cultures and languages. Despite this
inherent diversity, Thai people are very much unified, especially when it comes
to their king. After the death of King Bhumibol in October 2016, that unity
became very apparent to us. Everyone wore black for several months, and some up
to one year, after the king’s death to mark their sadness at his passing. It is
hard to imagine an American wearing black for more than a few days, even if
ordered to, at the passing of a governmental figure. However, most Thai people
did this out of love for the king and for their country, not because of a rule
put in place by the government. Perhaps this is tied to respect for authority
and elders, but in my experience, Thai people are also much more likely to make
the choice for the good of the group rather than their own agenda. This stands
in stark contrast to the individualism that we cherish in US society. Both have
their strong points, but many times it is nice to be part of a unified
atmosphere.
Grace
for language learners
Our
family has been learning Thai for almost two years now, and we’ve come a long
way. However, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the Thai language.
Thankfully, most Thai people with whom we interact are extremely gracious with
us. In fact, I would say they are actually impressed when we use Thai, even
though our Thai is far from impressive. Thai is a tonal language, and even when
I know the vocabulary is correct, I am certain my tones are usually not.
Despite me sounding like a toddler, Thai speakers always work with me and
encourage me. Can you imagine what a difference it would make for immigrants,
visitors, refugees, etc., if native English speakers always encouraged them in
their language learning, instead of giving them a confused face and shouting in
response? It would be a welcome change, indeed.
