Ginger Thai Chicken Meatball Soup

Just like the United States, Thailand customs differ depending on what part of the country, North or South, you were raised. From expected protocol to food, Southerners have a lot in common; the most important being there are certain etiquettes that you need to follow. Learning to say or wave hello in any culture is typically a baby’s first gesture. After learning how to say hello in Thai, you should know how to offer and return a wai. Thai people don't always shake hands by default. Instead, they offer a friendly wai, a prayer-like gesture with the hands placed together in front of the chest, fingers pointing upward, head slightly bowed forward. Think of it as the ubiquitous “hey ya’ll” we extend to everyone in the South.

The wai is used in Thailand, for goodbyes, to show respect, gratitude, and acknowledgment. As with bowing in Japan, offering a correct wai follows a protocol based on situation and honorifics. You'll sometimes even see Thai people giving a wai to temples or pictures of the king as they pass. Not returning someone's wai is rude; giving a wai incorrectly is still better than not making any effort at all. It’s like when a Southerner waves to you from car to car. Here’s a word of advice – always wave back or risk being confronted by the offended the next time you're in church.

Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles,” but the famous Thai smile has many meanings. The smile is essential to Thailand etiquette, and Thais show it whenever they can. As with a wave, always return someone's smile. Smiles are used during negotiation, ​in an apology, to relax whenever something goes not as planned, and just in everyday life. Thailand is known for its friendliness and generosity. Having a basic understanding of what is acceptable, what is frowned upon, and what is outright taboo can make a big difference while visiting. As in many Asian cultures, the concept of face plays a large role. Being confrontational, losing your temper, or showing strong negative emotions in public are all considered very negative. Perhaps the Thai smile served as the original "Bless your heart."

The people in Thailand pride themselves on their hospitality. As such, there is a good chance that you will be invited to a meal. Like most Southerners, Thais celebrate food and sharing it with others. We eat food the way that many people treat vacation photos: you bring them out every now and then, have some laughs, and put them away before someone falls asleep. Similarly, food is not an enemy to be avoided at all costs, nor is it an obsession to be tracked and measured. It’s just a fun time that might be shared with friends and family. And the more dishes, the merrier. Unlike our other regions where only a few main courses are sufficient for a meal, both Southern cultures aspire to offer as many dishes as possible. I like to think Thailand may have inspired all our meat & threes scattered across the South.

However, the biggest commonality is our shared cultural respect for elders, traditions, and country. Did you know the Thai national anthem is played twice every day at the same time? It is considered good etiquette to stop and pay respect.  Where American flags wave proudly in our yards, The Star-Spangled Banner still holds value, please and thank you, and yes ma'am and no sir are part of our practiced vernacular, like our Thai neighbors manners and traditions matter. So whether it's our way or the Thai wai, it’s a Southern thing.