[r7rGOhvd]

I think having fun is in line with Thai traditions, so I don't think it's against traditional ways. my guess is that they were or are reluctant to celebrate birthdays and especially give/receive presents because that focuses on individuals and puts one person in the centre of attention, instead of being more of a community and sharing occasion. as it was mentioned above, Thais tend to invite others to celebrate instead of being invited by friends, that sounds to me like a local adaptation of birthdays as we know them.

Ah.. I just read Betti's post after I post mine above and that's exactly what I want to say

and Thanks, Pailin.

Just add a bit that in the 'get-together' event, we also invite neighbours. My mom's typical invitation phase are 'please come and help us eat, we've got lots of food and help us sing Birthday song, too.

Anyway; notice another question from original post;

I want to know what would be an appropriate gift for her birthday.

I really can't say what since I don't really know how close you are and what she would like, what is her hobby, what she like to wear, etc.

I just tried to think back when I was early 20s, most of presents I received from friends are varied; from underwear (note: from very close girlfriends), cute cartoony stationery, a (useless) figurine, CDs and books, t-shirt, handbag, hair accesories to a potted plant (from a male friend). These are not high value, probably no more than 200Bt and most of them within 50-100Bt. I wasn't went on remind everyone about my Birthday and I won't expect present or anything but they do find out especially it usually publish in school book or something like that. (Some people might just find out on the day and do not have any presies but just nice blessing is enough.) And sometimes it does make the day especially when you do not expect to receive any