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Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 4 - 31/07/05

Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 3 - 30/07/05

Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 2 - 29/07/05

Evason Phuket Raceweek - Race Report 1 - 28/07/05

Post Tsunami, Low-Season and Mid SW Monsoon blues... Report from Asian Yachting - 37/07/05

King's Cup Regatta Supports Evason Phuket Raceweek 2005 - 24/07/05

Quantum Naga Cup 2005 - Race Report 2 Summary - 24/07/05

Quantum Naga Cup 2005 - Race Report 1 - 23/07/05

4th Koh Samui International Regatta 2005 - Race Report 5 & Summary: 28/05/05

4th Koh Samui International Regatta 2005 - Race Report 4: 27/05/05

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Thailand is known as the land of smiles and Thais are renowned for their courteous behaviour and tolerance of foreign ways. However, there are two things held sacred by all Thais; Monarchy and Religion. To insult one of these will cause serious offence. Thais hold their king in the highest esteem - the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has reigned for over 50 years. Religion is predominantly Theravada Buddhism, and orange robed monks are a common sight on the streets, especially at dawn, when they go from house-to-house collecting alms. The highly decorated and ornate Buddhist temples welcome visitors, but please make sure you are suitably dressed – conservatively, with no shorts or singlets.

Thais are extremely polite and have a complicated system of addressing and greeting each other. For the visitor it is important to wai when greeting a Thai person. To make a wai, simply place both hands together in front of you (as in prayer). When a person wais you, it is important to be polite and wai them in return.

Festivals and holidays revolve around the Buddhist lunar calendar and the cycle of planting and harvesting of rice. The year 2004 in the Thai calendar it is 2547 (since the birth of Buddha), and the Thai New Year is celebrated in April. Check the Calendar of Festivals and Events in this guide for more details on holidays and festivals.

Traditional dance and music are still popular forms of art and can be seen at many locations on the island. Thai boxing (Muay Thai) is an ancient form of self defence and is now a popular sport. Matches are held regularly at stadiums around the island and in the main tourist areas.

There are likely to be many differences in customs and etiquette between Thailand and your home country. Some of the more important ones include taking your shoes off before you go inside a private house and never pointing your feet at a Buddha figure - in temples site cross-legged or on your feet so they are pointing away from a Buddha image or Buddhist monk. The feet are the lowest part of a person’s body and therefore considered dirty, whereas the head is the highest and considered the most sacred part of the body. It would be frowned upon to pat someone you did not know on the head, even though you may do so in your home country.

Lastly, signs of affection are best kept for private. Thais, as with many Asians, rarely openly show their affections in public. Above all, be respectful at all times and use common sense. If you show Thai people respect, they will show it in return. And you will enjoy your time in Thailand that much more.