Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
don't want to work, but they labour best as a group, so as to avoid loneliness and ensure
an element of playfulness. Nothing condemns an activity more than
mâi sà·nùk
(no fun).
Thais often mix their job tasks with a healthy dose of socialising, from the back-breaking
work of rice farming to the tedium of long-distance bus driving.
Family riding a motorbike in Chiang Rai
JOHN ELK / GETTY IMAGES ©
Saving Face
Thais believe strongly in the concept of saving face: avoiding confrontation and endeav-
ouring not to embarrass themselves or other people (except when it's
sà·nùk
to do so). The
ideal face-saver doesn't bring up negative topics in conversation, doesn't express firm
convictions or opinions and doesn't claim to have an expertise. Agreement and harmony
are considered to be the most important social graces.
