DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Thailand-Land of SMILES!?......

**EbrsaRynleot** · 09-22-2012, 02:16 AM

Don't really understand why so many people always expecting to get the smiles first. I think you have to change your attitude. Why not smiling first sometimes; it will change your whole appearence, call it "Aura" and after this you will get smiles from others first too.

For me Thailand is still LOS

I could not agree more. If you want a smile, you ought to give first. That is exactly what I did. I did a wai and a smile (I always have a smiley face) said Sawadee ka to a local Thai lady where I worked as we crossed path (and mind you I hold quite a position there) however she chose to be very casual about it with a respond.... 'Hi' without a smile (obviously without a return wai), without even giving me an eye contact (there was just she and me in that path) and I must say her nose was high in the air!! I do not work for her at all, in fact she needs me around. So the gratitude!!??

I am not complaining about how they choose to behave. I do not need them to wai or smile at me. The point I am bringing here is, to me, it is not enough to qualify this place as the Land of Smile for I have seen other countries with more smiles. Do not get me wrong either, I love people, Thais or non-Thais, I have no problem staying here, just that title Land of Smile is not quite justified.

I deal with ALOT of Thais, day in, day out, even then, not as much smiles as I have given - note not complaining - again to drive the point its not justifiable.

Also, I made this joke very often to the locals, I always asked (or so to speak, remind them)... *pardon my karaoke*....'Siam me-ung yim?' to their straight faces and to which they would respond, 'Chai' (sans smile - as if to make a confirmation yes it is) and I would add 'Mai chai'.... of course which was taken in light, not just because they are light-hearted people but they know I mean well. They know I am always reminding them to smile - which I believe if this is truly the Land of Smile - there is no need for a reminder from a non-Thai.

I have seen more smiles in India (of all places) and many other countries too.

And I cannot agree with you more, it is your energy. I have been told I have truly good energy and a very pleasant disposition - still I have to initiate the smile here.

To also note, I am very well like if I must say by all in my work place. I earned my respect through being me simply, natural sweet smile which comes without having to be initiated.

To say that they do not smile is a lie - but to note that it is nothing special and not outstanding enough. However, if this is the Land of Smile, then almost all the (especially) 3rd/developing beautiful countries I have visited are Land of Smiles too.

Thought I would share my experience

09-22-2012, 02:16 AM	#40
EbrsaRynleot Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 543 Senior Member	Don't really understand why so many people always expecting to get the smiles first. I think you have to change your attitude. Why not smiling first sometimes; it will change your whole appearence, call it "Aura" and after this you will get smiles from others first too. For me Thailand is still LOS I could not agree more. If you want a smile, you ought to give first. That is exactly what I did. I did a wai and a smile (I always have a smiley face) said Sawadee ka to a local Thai lady where I worked as we crossed path (and mind you I hold quite a position there) however she chose to be very casual about it with a respond.... 'Hi' without a smile (obviously without a return wai), without even giving me an eye contact (there was just she and me in that path) and I must say her nose was high in the air!! I do not work for her at all, in fact she needs me around. So the gratitude!!?? I am not complaining about how they choose to behave. I do not need them to wai or smile at me. The point I am bringing here is, to me, it is not enough to qualify this place as the Land of Smile for I have seen other countries with more smiles. Do not get me wrong either, I love people, Thais or non-Thais, I have no problem staying here, just that title Land of Smile is not quite justified. I deal with ALOT of Thais, day in, day out, even then, not as much smiles as I have given - note not complaining - again to drive the point its not justifiable. Also, I made this joke very often to the locals, I always asked (or so to speak, remind them)... pardon my karaoke....'Siam me-ung yim?' to their straight faces and to which they would respond, 'Chai' (sans smile - as if to make a confirmation yes it is) and I would add 'Mai chai'.... of course which was taken in light, not just because they are light-hearted people but they know I mean well. They know I am always reminding them to smile - which I believe if this is truly the Land of Smile - there is no need for a reminder from a non-Thai. I have seen more smiles in India (of all places) and many other countries too. And I cannot agree with you more, it is your energy. I have been told I have truly good energy and a very pleasant disposition - still I have to initiate the smile here. To also note, I am very well like if I must say by all in my work place. I earned my respect through being me simply, natural sweet smile which comes without having to be initiated. To say that they do not smile is a lie - but to note that it is nothing special and not outstanding enough. However, if this is the Land of Smile, then almost all the (especially) 3rd/developing beautiful countries I have visited are Land of Smiles too. Thought I would share my experience
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