Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Children wearing traditional tribal dress during Loi Krathong festivities, Chiang Mai
FELIX HUG/LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©
Saving Face
Interconnected with status is the concept of 'saving face', a common consideration
in Asian cultures. In a nutshell, 'face' means that you strive for social harmony by
avoiding firm or confrontational opinions and avoiding displays of anger. Thais re-
gard outbursts of emotion and discourteous social interactions as shameful, where-
as Westerners might shrug them off as minor embarrassments or a necessary by-
product in achieving fairness.
Social Conventions & Etiquette
Thais are generally tolerant of most social faux pas as they assume that foreign vis-
itors know very little about their culture. Their graciousness should be returned with
a concerted effort of respect.
