I Grew Up in Thailand
From 1977-1992, I lived in Thailand as a missionary kid. Every 3 years we would come back to the U.S. to report to our churches, but most of my childhood was spent in ChiangMai, Thailand. From age 4, I learned to speak Thai, read Thai. and live the Thai culture. Other people that have grown up in a different country other than their own, or in several different countries, recognize me as a Third Culture Kid. This takes me from being an exclusive American or exclusive Thai to being somewhere in the middle This is about that "other" country that I love!
The country of Thailand
The country of Thailand is a beautiful, entertaining, country in Southeast Asia filled with alot of friendly people. It is a country of about 6.5 million people. Of those people, 10 million of them live in the captital of Thailand, Bangkok. These people have what you and I would call regular "jobs". They go to the office every day to care for their families. About 68% of the population lives in rural areas. They are farmers and have a more traditionally Thai way of life. They tend to live within extended families and adhere to more of the customs and traditions than those that live in the big cities.Thailand is filled with beautfiul beaches, beautiful greenery, and beautiful native dress. The cities however, are over populated due to the amount of people coming in to live for work. They sidewalks are crowded, the traffic is ridiculous, and the smog is thick. Still, even living in a big city in Thailand, I know that Thailand is a wonderful place to visit and/or live.
Beautiful Thailand
Customs of Thailand
Every country has their own different customs. Here are a few of them that are quite different from our own. They may come in handy if you decide to visit Thailand.
1. Always take your shoes off before entering a home or temple
2. Never touch anyone on the head, the head is sacred
3. Never point at anything or anyone. Use your chin to point
4. Never point your feet at anyone
5. Dress respectfully when entering a temple. No shorts, tank tops, etc.
6. Never talk direspectfully about the king or the monarchy
7. You may bargain at a market or for a taxi
1. Always take your shoes off before entering a home or temple
2. Never touch anyone on the head, the head is sacred
3. Never point at anything or anyone. Use your chin to point
4. Never point your feet at anyone
5. Dress respectfully when entering a temple. No shorts, tank tops, etc.
6. Never talk direspectfully about the king or the monarchy
7. You may bargain at a market or for a taxi
Awesome books about Thailand and more
Thailand (Country Guide)
Amazon Price: $19.43 (as of 12/07/2009) 
Thailand's Islands & Beaches (Regional Guide)
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/07/2009)
Culture Shock! Thailand: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette
Amazon Price: $13.63 (as of 12/07/2009)
Hand-carved Teak Wood Jewelry / Gift Box With Mounted Pink Rose (Thailand)
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/07/2009)
Thai Sticky Rice Steamer (basket only)
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 12/07/2009)
Hotels in Northern Thailand
BP ChiangMai City-- Is a resort type hotel that is cheaper, but that has all the amenities of a resort: Air-Conditioning
In-room Safe
Refrigerator
Satellite/Cable TV
Writing Desk
Banquet Facilities
Fitness Centre
Internet Service
Car Parking
Currency Exchange
Laundry Service
Shuttle Bus/Transportation Service
Tour Desk
Jacuzzi (s)
Meeting room (s)
Outdoor Swimming Pool (s)
Spa
http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/bp-chiangmai/
The Proud Phu Fah--a relaxing atmosphere with a stylish design
This hotel has these amenties: Coffee shop
Massage
Meeting room (s)
Outdoor Swimming Pool (s)
Steam
WIFI Wireless Internet access
http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/proudphufah/
The Chedi ChiangMai--a new addition to the GHM hotels. Located on the banks of the Mae Ping River
Amenites include: Air-Conditioning
Baby Cot
Bathrobe
Hair Dryer
Mini Bar
Satellite/Cable TV
Tea/Coffee Maker
Bar/Lounge
Business Centre
Fitness Centre
Meeting room (s)
Outdoor Swimming Pool (s)
Spa
http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/thechedi/
In-room Safe
Refrigerator
Satellite/Cable TV
Writing Desk
Banquet Facilities
Fitness Centre
Internet Service
Car Parking
Currency Exchange
Laundry Service
Shuttle Bus/Transportation Service
Tour Desk
Jacuzzi (s)
Meeting room (s)
Outdoor Swimming Pool (s)
Spa
http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/bp-chiangmai/
The Proud Phu Fah--a relaxing atmosphere with a stylish design
This hotel has these amenties: Coffee shop
Massage
Meeting room (s)
Outdoor Swimming Pool (s)
Steam
WIFI Wireless Internet access
http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/proudphufah/
The Chedi ChiangMai--a new addition to the GHM hotels. Located on the banks of the Mae Ping River
Amenites include: Air-Conditioning
Baby Cot
Bathrobe
Hair Dryer
Mini Bar
Satellite/Cable TV
Tea/Coffee Maker
Bar/Lounge
Business Centre
Fitness Centre
Meeting room (s)
Outdoor Swimming Pool (s)
Spa
http://www.hotelthailand.com/chiangmai/thechedi/
For Thailand fans
Dark T-Shirt
Price: 22.79
I LOVE THAILAND Sticker (Bumper)
Price: 5.00
Thailand Large Mug
Price: 13.49
My blog
- something to say
- My life day to day or something like that..
Reader Feedback
If you have visited Thailand or have lived in Thailand, let me know how you like this lens profiling it. If you just want to say Hi, you can do that as well.
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Reply
- Patrick Patrick Jun 3, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
- Great story that I certainly relate to. I lived in Bangkok from 1967-73. I was 7 years old when we arrived. My father was employed by the military as a civil service engineer. I learned Thai language and culture the same way you did. My mother was a teacher for the That Navy, and I took many trips accompanying her students to their "Bahn Nawk" or family homestead during semester and holiday breaks. It's hard to explain the feelings I have for this wonderful place to people who have not lived there during their developmental years. I'm sure you understand. Im taking my wife and 3 daughters back for the 3rd time this summer and found your site to be very helpful. If you'd ever like to talk about Thailand, email me pat@allriley.com
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- honeytwin honeytwin Apr 23, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
- Thank you very much! I suggest you visit Thailand. The greatest place for FUN!!
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- papawu papawu Apr 23, 2009 @ 2:03 am
- Incredibly fascinating. I was born in Korea myself, but came the States when I was six. I'm not big on the whole missionary thing, although I know they do amazingly good things for people in need. I'm simply not a fan of organized religion, but I'm wandering off on a tangent... I have always dreamed of visiting Thailand and maybe I will one day. Great lens.
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- honeytwin honeytwin Apr 14, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
- Mae, thank you kindly on your review of my lens! Yes, it is a little embarrassing how the tourists can act. Thais are really a forgiving people when it comes to them :-)
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- mae mae Apr 14, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
- Awesome review of Thailand!
Because of the influx of tourists, the Thai seem to be able to recieve visitors who have not done their homework and act or dress in a way that is offensive. but since these same tourists bring the money, they don't complain too loudly... its better not to offend though. Sometimes I cringe when I see what the tourists do. They don't even realize they are acting and dressing in a way that puts them and the country they come from in a bad light in the Thais eyes.
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