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Any culture has it's book teaching the official version of 'good manners'. In Thailand, this book was published by the Royal Thai Ministry of Culture. Unfortunately, the booklet is hard to get. Therefore, we publish it's content here.
This publication is remarkable in more than one way, not only for its level of detail (you might miss the advice to
brush your teeth daily when in Thailand, however). This booklet is also seen as evidence of the
spirit of cultural bureaucracy and education in Thailand.
It doesn't need a long stay in Thailand to recognize that these behavioral rules are those of the upper classes, rather than those of Mr. and Ms. Everyman on the market place. It's well worth reading, and you will find the one or the other thing that makes you smile.
It's an interesting publication, anyway. In this sense, we are very glad to support the Ministry of Culture in spreading the word on the right education in Thai culture.
Introduction
The book 'Thai Social Etiquette' is intended to inform visitors from abroad, as well as Thai persons who may come in contact with foreigners, to ensure them warm welcome, and to enable them to get an insight into Thai codes on social behaviours on various occasions and at different places.
The book is divided into chapters, the subject mailer of which ranges from greeting to everyday etiquette. It is intended, more or less, to be a manual, or guidelines of thinking. understanding and practicing. It is suggested that recipients of this book read through the whole book first, in order to get inside the whole scenario and the dual roles of themselves as hosts and visitors, at different places and on different occasions.
Thus, whenever occasions require, each relevant chapter can be consulted. For example, when visiting a Buddhist temple and going inside the Ubosot or Chapel, the 1" level wai for the Buddha image (Chapter I Greeting) must be observed.
This book has not actually been created only to be read, but also to be observed and put into practice until some behaviour become, automatically, one's own natural thinking, awareness, words and behaviour. For example, Chapter VI Table Manners and Chapter V Everyday Etiquette should be observed at home first. Children should be taught and supervised to enable them to behave properly.
Prof. Khunying Maenmas Chavalit
Editor
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Pensri Kiengsiri, Sudchit Bhinyoying, Malithat Promathatavedi, Thai Social Etiquette, Ministry of Culture, Bangkok 2007, ISBN 974-9681-45-2
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