The People&Language    

     "Mai Pen Rai" "Never mind, it doesn't matter" is a phrase visitors will often hear and one which serves well to illustrate the apparent ambivalence of the Thai people's nature.

     Their country's reputation for being "The Land of Smiles" is still well deserved, although in today's changing social climate you may have to coax a little before being rewarded with a typical beaming Thai face. The famous Thai smile is also the outward manifestation of the Thai's natural inclination to be conciliatory and hospitable. This fundamental characteristic is now translated to the renowned service in hotels and restaurants, where every guest is made to feel genuinely welcome, and where every "Sawaddee Krap" seems like a personal invitation.

     Largely Buddhist, with a Muslim minority mainly in the south of the country, the Thai people have evolved from a racial group which includes the Laos, the Shans of Burma and early migrants from China. They are also a people who have maintained their country's independence from any form of colonialism throughout its history.

     Acknowledged for their natural grace and beauty, the Thais are artistic and fun loving, needing little excuse to get together for a picnic style meal and a singsong And although they seem to take life at a casual pace, many rise before dawn to be at their place of work on time, whether it's a government office or market stall.

The language                                                             

     Basically a tonal language, the written form was modeled on the Indian alphabet using Khmer charecters. Today's Thai is spoken throughout the country, with regional variations.

     The "useful phrases" that follow are just that. The listener won't mind if you don't get it quite right. Your attempt to communicate in the language of the land, will, nonetheless be warmly appreciated. 

 | English  |   Thai    |   English  |     Thai     |

 

 English |  Thai |    English     |      Thai

- One	Neung	- Monday	Wan Chan
- Two	Sorng	- Tueday	Wan Angkaan
- Three	Saam	- Wednesday	Wan Pud
- Four	Silh	- Thursday	Wan Paruhat
- Five	Hah	- Friday	Wan Sook
- Six	Hok	- Saturday	Wan Saow
- Seven	Chet	- Sun	Wan arthid
- Eight	Paet	- Police Station	Sa tha ni tam ruat
- Nine	Gaow	- Hotel	Rongram
- Ten	Sib	- Embassy	Sathan tot
- Eleven	Sib Et	- Airport	Sa nam bin
- Twelve	Sib song	- Bus Station	Sathani rot may
- Twenty	Yee Sib	- Railway Station	Sathani rot fai

Climate and Clothes

          You won't need a meterorologist to tell you that Thailand's climate is normally hot and humid. It's a tropical country with a typical tropical climate. Understanding the seasonal variations however can help in planning a visit.

          Tree main seasons provide a distrinct, and fairly predicatable, set of climate changes March to May is when it's really hot. Locals seek the shade more often than normal, airconditioners work overtime, and unwise tourists sizzle in the sun. From June to October, the rainy season, it's slightly cooler, although still hot by most standards, and it's a lot wetter.

          November to October is the season most favoured by tourists, the weather then is still quite hot, but not nearly so humid. In the north though, temperatures can drop to less than 10 degree at night.

What to Wear

          Light, loose fitting cotton garments are still the best, including cotton socks which some still prefer to going sockless. Shoes, except for visits to upmarket restaurants and hotels should be casual and comfortable. For more adventurous excursions such as trekking and hill climbing specialised clothing and footwear, are of course a necessity.

Staying Healthy

          Most helth problems can be avoided by a sensible approach to eating, drinking, and literally watching your step. If you are sensitive to hot spicy food, be selective in your choice of local dishes. Ready made desserts and reheated meats are also best avoided.

          Never drink, or even gargle in water from the tap. Always use any of the readily availble bottled waters. The sun, even in the rainy season can be deceptively strong. Use a good sunscreen and limit your exposure time. Malaria poses no threat except in certain areas. If you intend travelling outside the main centres make sure you are adequately protected.

          Watch where you walk, particularly in Bangkok where the pedestrain needs to be especially mindful when crossing the road, even at traffic lights.

          Medicines for minor ailments are available at the many drug stores to be found almost everywhere. A high standard of medical treatment for more serious problems can be expected from most of the nationwide modern, and well equipped hospitals.