PDA - Public Displays of Affection in Thai Culture

In Western countries, public displays of affection or PDA are very common. It's considered normal behavior. People can hold hands and kiss in public. However, Thai culture is very conservative. In Thailand, public displays of sexual affection are unacceptable, especially in some areas. Anything more than a hand hold or linked arm is just a poor show.

Thai people extremely care what others think. In order to treat properly and politely, a man should not touch a woman. No Thai women feel comfortable with the public displays of affection. Kissing in public is seen as shameful and inconsiderate.

To avoid judgments at all costs, Thai woman expect a Western man to walk a few feet away in public. It doesn't mean she has lost her interest but this is very important for her not to be seen as a bar girl.

Here is an opinion about the PDA from a Thai woman as an outsider:

"I think the Thai's general view is that these activities are reserved for the bedroom; not the skytrain or shopping mall. I agree with this thinking as well. When I see a foreigner on the skytrain with his Thai girl and he has his hands all over her ass and he's pecking at her ears and lips, I mentally label her a whore. I'm sorry, but that's what has been culturally ingrained in my head.

"When I see a young Thai couple doing this, I think...hmm, they are the newer generation of 'Siam Square trendsters' who have disregarded their social mores and don't feel shy anymore."

Note: In Bangkok, you may see some couples holding hands as Thailand has started to become more westernized. Interestingly, it's very normal to see two women holding hands and showing affection to each other as they are friends.

Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage originated over 2,500 years ago (since the time of Buddha). It is a form of healing and physical treatments. Thai massage techniques are different from the Western's. Thai massage focuses on applying pressure on specific tendons, nerves and ligaments, as well as stretching and manipulating skeletons in order to balance the body. The theory of Thai massage basically lies in the theory of energy lines that run through the body. Working on these energy lines can help remove blockages and balance the body's energy system.

Not just only hands are used in Thai massage but also parts of the therapist's body such as elbows, forearms, feet and knees. The work is done on a mat on the floor and with fully clothed on. No oils are required. The traditional Thai massage can help relieve muscular and joint tension, release toxic from joints and muscles, increase the body's ability in absorbing nutrition, improve blood circulation, stimulate internal organs and adjust the skeletal structure. It also helps the body on movements, flexibility, relaxing and energizing.

Note: Thai massage is believed that it can help relieve pains, headaches, arthritis, numbness and paralysis.

Tips: If you go to Thailand, you can find Thai massage at every street corner, at hospitals, in hotels and even on the beaches.

"If you've never experienced it before, please try once.

You will be amazed by its effectiveness on both your mind and body.

I guarantee. I did it many times and I LOVE IT!"

Tom Yum - The Spicy and Sour Thai Soup

'Tom-Yum' is one of the most popular soups in Thailand. Tom-Yum is famous for its spicy and sour tastes. However, it's also slightly salty and sweet. It includes many herbs and spices. Main vegetables in Tom-Yum are lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and chilies. Other vegetables include tomatoes, mushrooms and corianders.

Seasoning that are necessary consist of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and 'Nam-Prik-Pao' (a Thai chili paste). Nam-Prik-Pao is added to create a red-orange color and to make the chili flavor more dominant. Tom-Yum can be cooked with any kind of meat such as shrimps, pork, chicken and fish. It can be cooked as a vegetarian dish. But the most popular choice is cooking with shrimps which is called 'Tom-Yum-Goong'.

Easy steps for cooking 'Tom-Yum-Goong' are:

First, boil a broth or stock. Turn heat to medium-high.

Then, add lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves. Boil for 5 minutes.

Add mushrooms and shrimps. Boil for 2-3 minutes and then turn off the heat.

Add fish sauce, lime juice, Nam-Prik-Pao and chilies as desired.

Finally, put the soup into a bowl and garnish with coriander leaves.

((Shrimps can be substituted with other meats and/or with vegetables you like.))

For more details on cooking 'Tom-Yum-Goong', click on this link.

Note: Coconut milk or milk can be added (optional to create a mellow taste) when seasoning to make a milky Tom-Yum soup called 'Tom-Yum-Nam-Khon'. ((Don't be confused with 'Tom-Kha' where galangal dominates the soup. Tom-Yum is usually made with shrimps whereas Tom-Kha is usually made with chicken.))

The coconut milk is often not added into Tom-Yum-Pla (Tom-Yum made with fish).

Shrimp paste is sometimes added into Tom-Yum-Goong to make a shrimp scent stronger.

Thai Food: Tasty, Healthy & Variety

Mike, a Thai student who lives abroad, says "I think the best of Thai food is the spice and herbs. I found out Thai food is very healthy and it combines all of good herbs, bunch of meats and fresh vegetable."

As well as Mike, my Thai friend, Petch, told me that he thinks Thai food is the best because it's tasty, delicious and healthy.

That's all true. I agree. Thai food is famous for herbs, its spiciness and its tastiness. Most Thai food is cooked with basic, natural and fresh ingredients.

When asking people what dish they think it represents 'Thai food' the best, most of them say 'Pad-Thai' (a stir-fried rice noodle) and 'Tom-Yum' (Spicy and sour soup). Some of my friends say they think it should be 'Nam-Prik' (chili paste) because it tastes so 'Thai'. There are so many kinds of 'Nam-Prik' all over the country. Some of them are important ingredients for cooking another dish, for example 'Nam-Prik-Pao' is added into 'Tom-Yum' to create a red-orange color and to add the spiciness.

Sometimes it's hard to specify a certain dish that represents 'Thai food' the best. There are too many dishes that represent 'Thai' tastes. And most of them are popularly eaten in most people's daily lives. However, Thai people's satisfaction of eating does not come from eating large amounts of food at a time. But it comes from eating and nibbling as many dishes with different flavors as possible.

Usually Thai meals are served one of each kind of dish; for example, there are a soup, a stir fry and a vegetable in one meal. Thai people love to eat several dishes at a time. Two people normally order two or three dishes and share. The more people, the more dishes. When eating alone, a person will order one-plate dish such as a noodle soup, a rice with curry and a fried rice.

Most dishes are not created for one flavor. But one dish usually blends many flavors and contains lots of spices. Mostly Thai people will try to balance flavors in one meal for example, in a meal, there will be a spicy dish and a plain dish. In general, there are four tastes in Thai food;

- sweet (from sugar, vegetables or some fruits),

- sour (from lime juice, vinegar, tamarind sauce and some sour fruits).

- salty (from salt, soy sauce or fish sauce) and

- spicy (from chilies and some herbs)

Note: Sometimes tastes are including mild and bitter.

There are no typical times for meals and no specific kinds of food for certain times of a day. Thai people sometimes eat noodles but most of them eat a rice dish everyday in order to feel normal.

Some dishes are cooked for health as a medicine such as eating fish or clams to help on memory and eating a bitter melon soup to relieve a fever.

Thai Currency and Money Matters

The currency in Thailand is called 'baht'. There are 100 satang in 1 baht.

The Thai notes come in denominations of:

1000 baht (gray; biggest),

500 baht (purple),

100 baht (red),

50 baht (blue),

20 baht (green) and

10 baht (brown; smallest).

Numerals are printed in both Arabic numerals and Thai. The larger the denomination, the larger the note...as well as coins.

The Thai coins come in denominations of:

10 baht (gold and silver; biggest),

5 baht (silver with brown edge),

2 baht (silver),

1 baht (silver),

50 satang (gold) and

25 satang (gold; smallest).

Note: One US dollar is vary from 30 to 40 baht. To check the current rate, compared to your country's currency, click on the link: http://www.x-rates.com/d/THB/table.html

The designs of the notes might be slightly different because there are many versions of them. However, its concept stays the same; for example, the red note is equal to 100 baht.

Cost of living such as food, accommodation and transport, in Thailand is generally inexpensive. Street food can be as cheap as 20-25 baht. Usually prices are even (no 'satang' needed) and without tax. Tipping is not normally expected but it's naturally appreciated.

Tips: Mostly, things bought at a market can be bargained, but prices for items bought in department and food stores are generally fixed.

Warning: All Thai notes have the image of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand so they should be handled with respect.

The Weather in Thailand

Summer - Hot and Dry Season: from March to June.

April is the hottest month. In Bangkok, average temperatures are around 34-40 degree Celsius, with high humidity levels.

Rainfall - Monsoon Season: from July to October.

It's the time when most of Thailand's annual rainfall is accumulated which affects the southern parts of Thailand the most (compared to the central and northern parts of Thailand).

Winter - Cool and Dry Season: from November to February.

In Bangkok, average temperatures are around 18-32 degree Celsius, while in northern and northeast parts of Thailand, temperatures can get as low as 8 degree Celsius in the morning. Sometimes the temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Note: In the southern parts of Thailand, temperatures are more even year-round and do not drop much at night.

Tips: For foreigners who live in cool weather countries, you may experience a very hot-like-hell weather in summer and feel medium cool in winter. For the hot season, Lightweight cotton clothes are the best.

Buddhist Lent, The Candle Festival

The Buddhist lent or so-called "Khao Phansa" In Thai is a festival that happens annually on July. It is the time in Thailand when all monks remain in temples for three months. The festival reflects the belief in Buddhism. Every year during the Buddhist Lent the monks will light up candles to worship and chant the prayer every morning and evening. All Buddhists are united for wax casting in order that the monks will have many candles, enough for using during the Buddhist Lent.

It is believed that wax casting for monks during the Buddhist Lent is a merit review. Offering the lights of review to the monks will enhance intelligence profusely. Buddhist Lent Candle casting in the country sides is convivial and enjoyable. When the casting is complete, the candles will be marched around the temple three times and then they will be used for worship Buddha statues for the whole three-month period.

Some of them will be on the contest. They will be marched around town with a beautiful and luminous parade. It is considered quite an annual event. On that day everyone will share merit, give alms to the monks and joining the charity in each village.

Activities that should follow on the Buddhist Lent day.

1. Giving alms in the morning.

2. Go to a temple to listen to sermons.

3. Go to the locations where government buildings and the temples have the exhibition or lecture slide to educate people and the general public about the Buddhist Lent history or for descriptive fair

Tips: Generally, people will donate money for the candles as if they share in the expenses and for charity.