Many people hear about Thailand long before they ever step foot in the country. The beautiful pristine beaches, the amazing food, the warm weather and the welcoming locals.
This reputation is so prevalent that Thailand has globally been dubbed, "The Land Of Smiles." But is this moniker all that it's cracked up to be? Let's take a look..
You may arrive in Thailand expecting to be greeted by a host of lovely men and women wearing flowers and proffering plates of exotic fruits. And that may happen when you check into your five star hotel, but your first experience stepping off the plane will most likely be to be greeted by a furnace of hot humid air, and long sprawling lines at impatient immigration booths.
Thailand IS a wonderful country full of delicious food, pristine beaches, and amazing people. However, it is still a very foreign place to those unaccustomed to the local culture. Chances are, if you're not careful, you'll find yourself being corralled along by pushy minibus and taxi operators, shouted at very rudely by shop owners, and flat out stared at by the children and elderly.
Where is the hospitality? Where is the conviviality? The warm-reception? Where are the Smiles??
Some people assume that Thailand was donned "The Land of Smiles" because of the mask of smiles they often wear. In asia, the concept of 'face' is VERY important. You should NEVER embarrass another in public, or do something to cause embarrassment upon yourself. Yelling, losing your cool, admitting ignorance, or humiliating another in public will result in a loss of face, which should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, rather than resorting to these temperaments, Thais will often grit their teeth and flash a fake smile. Foreigners none-the-wiser might mistake this smile as genuine... Therefore, Land of Smiles?
I would argue that actually, there is more credit to genuine the Land of Smiles than meets the eye. It just takes a little digging. but once you figure it out, it's actually very simple to unearth. In fact, I can teach you a little trick to help you, right here, right now..
Are you ready for the trick?
The trick is.. to smile first..
yup, that's it. I told you it was simple. Next time you find an elderly thai person staring at you.. smile at them.. you'll be greeting with a beaming betel nut stained smile that will light your heart up. If you see a child looking at you from behind their mom's skirt, eyes wide, mouth agape.. flash them a smile.. that kid will instantaneously turn into a bright eyed bundle of joy. Try it with everyone! The sales clerk at Tescos who looks so disgruntled and uninviting will be transformed completely once you show her your pearly whites! Even the rough and tough taxi mobsters will share a laugh with you once you disarm them with your genuine smiles.
This is the Land of Smiles, it just takes one.. to know one. 😁😁😁