Cultural Humility in Thailand
Sa-wa-dii khrap! In the warm streets of Chiang Mai, numerous businesses and people are fully immersed in their work, eager to make the most of their day. The zeal in their eyes and the renowned Thai smile on their faces draw you in with ease. Both the heart and mind instantly feel welcomed, ready to be served delicious Thai dishes. The hidden beauty of the experience is unmistakable, and the little challenge of trying to understand the local Thai language only makes it more endearing.
I was with my friends when we passed by a Rongræm (hotel). We were greeted with a warm smile and a graceful bow from a lady, inviting us to come in and enjoy traditional Thai food. Although we had initially planned to head to a nearby Mexican restaurant, the graciousness of the hotel owners changed our minds. This was my first time trying Thai food, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard stereotypes about Thai cuisine being very spicy, so I approached the menu with cautious curiosity, eager to discover what I would order.
In the end, I chose pad see ew and, to be honest, I’ve ordered it many times since. Before coming to Thailand, one of the key things we learned was how welcoming and hospitable the people here are. This was something I was familiar with, as humility is a value I’ve always been taught to practice.
During one of our most memorable excursions, we visited temples around Chiang Mai. I had never been inside a temple before, and we were greeted by breathtakingly beautiful temples adorned in golden hues. The monks, seated with legs crossed in deep meditation, offered the traditional wai (a gesture of bowing in respect), which we saw often that day. As we entered the intricately designed temples, we encountered monks dressed in their orange robes, extending a warm and respectful welcome to us. One day, we visited Suan Dok Temple for a meditation session with a monk. The session was incredibly calming, allowing us to delve deep into our souls as we closed our eyes, fully immersed in the peaceful silence. The monks’ kindness was a powerful reflection of cultural humility.
On another day, we visited a Karen-speaking village in Thailand. The people there were full of energy, enthusiasm, and hospitality, embodying the very essence of Thai culture. Respect seems to flow like lifeblood in Thailand, ingrained in every interaction. It became clear that disregarding cultural norms, particularly around dress, would be like an irritating sore—a breach of decency that would invite disapproval. The key takeaway is simple: wherever you go, take the time to research the local customs and practice cultural humility. By doing so, you will earn respect in return.