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People
Koh Samui has a year-round population of approximately 34,000.
The main centers of population are on opposite sides of the island.
The beach areas of Chaweng and Lamai are located on the east coast,
and Nathon, whose population varies widely depending on the time
of year, is located on the west coast.
The Monarchy
The King, Queen and the Royal Family are genuinely respected
by Thais. Most homes and businesses have one or more photographs
of His Majesty or the Royal Family prominently displayed. Showing
any form of disrespect to the Royal Family will not be appreciated
by the Thais and could cause you very serious problems.
Social Customs
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| Young
monks |
Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles", and for
its tolerance and hospitality. The simple rule is that if you
smile, people will like you. A smile is an easy way to say ‘Thank
you" and can also be used to "excuse yourself"
for small inconveniences. A smile is the proper response to acknowledge
the wai or greetings of small children, and with hotel and restaurant
staff. Most of us were raised with the "Golden Rule"
and that will work for you as well in Thailand as it does at home.
Nevertheless, we will provide you with a short list of things
that you should know to help overcome any "culture shock"
you may encounter.
- If you are invited into a Thai home, you are expected to remove
your footwear before entering the door.
- It is considered very bad manners to put your feet on a table
or chair while sitting. When seated make sure your feet are
not pointed at anyone because this is offensive to Thais, as
is displaying the bottom of the foot to someone. And try to
remember, if you drop a Thai coin, don't try to stop it by stepping
on it because it has an image of the King on it!
- Thais regard the head as the highest (purest) part of the
body, so refrain from touching or patting the head in a friendly
gesture as it is considered very impolite.
- It is not proper to lose one’s temper or show exasperation
during a misunderstanding. Thais believe that "jai yen",
or a "cool heart" will solve the problem.
Visiting a temple
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| Nathon
Temple |
Discovering the wonderful temples, or "wats" of Thailand
is one of the more interesting cultural activities for travellers
in the Kingdom. Visitors are welcome and discreet photographs
may be taken. Shoes must be removed before entering a temple;
wearing shorts or other revealing clothing is a definite no-no.
Monks are the most important people in Thai society and must
be treated with respect at all times. A monk’s vow of chastity
prohibits him from touching or being touched by a woman. Women
are usually advised to smile and slightly bow when encountering
a monk and maintain enough distance to prevent any contact with
him or his robes.
If you get up early (around sunrise) for a walk, you are likely
to encounter barefoot monks making their rounds to receive offerings.
Monks carrying bowls will be approached by Thais (usually women)
who will kneel before them and offer food or money. This is called
merit making and it is very important to Thais. The Kingdom is
of course predominantly Buddhist and this ritual can be seen every
day all over the country.
Temple fairs are held during the cool season (November through
early March) to raise money for maintenance of the wat. They're
great fun and you should definitely check one out if you get a
chance. There is a carnival-like atmosphere, lots of good food
and a chance to see normal Thai people enjoying themselves.
Songkran Festival
Held annually on April 13, this festival marks the traditional
Thai New Year. The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit words
for New Year and was probably inherited along with Buddhism from
India, making its celebration one of the oldest traditions in
Thailand. During this auspicious occasion Thais traditionally
return home for family reunions and visit temples, sprinkling
water on Buddha images in reverence. Meeting friends and sprinkling
water on each others' shoulders and hands is an act of wishing
good luck.
The traditional gentle sprinkling of water in temples and homes
is still practiced. However, overzealous Thais and tourists alike
have nowadays resorted to throwing water at any passersby that
dare to venture outside. High-powered water guns are also very
popular. It is a splashy affair for all on that day, and generally
a good way to beat the heat in what is normally the hottest month
of the year. Lately, many revelers have taken to adding talcum
powder, flour or even dyes to the water, though local authorities
try to dissuade them.
Remember this date when you are in Samui. Leave your cameras
and anything likely to suffer water damage behind in your hotel
room, because you will get wet. Be especially careful if riding
a motorbike, as the usually dry streets become slick with water
and many participants show no mercy.
Loy Kratong Festival (Full moon day)
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| A floating
Krathong |
The origins of this charming and romantic evening are not clear
but it is considered the most beautiful of Thai celebrations.
One legend has the festival beginning in the 13th century Sukhothai
period, when a young princess floated a small boat laden with
candles and incense downstream past a pavilion where her husband
was entertaining friends. It has since grown to be one of the
country’s most enchanting festivals.
As the full moon rises, Thais fill tiny floral boats with candles
and incense and launch them into the rivers, canals, ponds and
the sea to wash away sins and to bless love affairs. Join in the
fun! Buy a krathong from a vendor, light the taper and incense,
place a small coin and a few hairs plucked from the head, say
a prayer and launch it in a pond or waterway. The celebration
begins around 7.30 pm, when you'll see many young Thai women wearing
beautiful traditional dresses on their way to meet friends or
lovers.
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