| Sawasdee! | | | | is fake. |
| Did you know that Thai people have four square | | | | * Thailand's health care system is considered one |
| meals a day? That every Thai male is expected | | | | of the best in the world. Don't be afraid to use it, |
| to become a monk for a short period in his life? | | | | if necessary. |
| And that the world's biggest Chinatown is located | | | | * Know that tuk-tuk's will try to overcharge you |
| in Bangkok? These are just some facts that | | | | at first. Negotiate and settle the price for your |
| make Thailand an interesting and entertaining | | | | ride right before hopping in. |
| destination. | | | | * It's good to be up to date on Thailand's current |
| It's no surprise that Thailand is one of the most | | | | political status. Local politics are unstable and the |
| visited countries by backpackers and Independent | | | | panorama can change at any moment. It's always |
| travelers. Everything from the stunning beaches | | | | good to have a plan "B" (another Thai province or |
| on Southern Islands and beautiful landscapes on | | | | bordering country). Just in case... |
| the North, to the rich culture found all throughout | | | | * Wearing sandals/flip-flops most of the time is |
| the country, lures you into experimenting what | | | | very convenient. You will be taking them off |
| this country has to offer. Oh, and lets not forget | | | | constantly as you visit the temples or sacred |
| the never-ending wild parties. But as in any other | | | | places, and as you hop on and off of the long tail |
| city, there are some facts you would like to | | | | boats. |
| know before going there to help you understand | | | | * The official year in Thailand is 2553 (not 2010). |
| things, adhere more easily, or just avoid if | | | | Since several decades, the westerner New Year's |
| possible. So, here are the things I wish I knew | | | | day is also a public holiday in Thailand. But the |
| before going to Thailand... | | | | popular New Year's Day for Thai people happens |
| * The head is considered the most sacred part of | | | | from April 13 to April 15; it is called Songkran. The |
| the body and the feet the least. Never touch | | | | reference point is Lord Buddha's birth 543 before |
| anyone in the head and never point at anything | | | | Jesus Christ. Also, if you manage to be there |
| with your feet. Both acts are considered | | | | during this time of the year, you will see and |
| disrespectful. Also, try doing everything, including | | | | participate in the most insane water-fight. Thais |
| any type of interaction with a local, with your | | | | celebrate the New Year by throwing water at |
| right hand (i.e. paying for your food, handing | | | | EVERYONE!! |
| something, waving, etc.). Using the left hand is | | | | * Monks are not allowed to beg for money. If |
| considered disrespectful because Thai people use | | | | you see a monk begging, then it's just someone |
| it as the bathroom hand. Although they tolerate | | | | trying to pass as a monk just to get your |
| the use of the left hand among tourists. I'm left | | | | money. |
| handed and I had no problem there. | | | | * Whenever possible use the Wai - saluting with |
| * Scammers are all around Bangkok. In fact, it's a | | | | your hands together and bowing slightly - Thai |
| well developed network that has been around for | | | | people appreciate when foreigners show interest |
| decades. Don't buy any type of jewelry that is | | | | in their customs. |
| "promoted" by anyone on the streets, and don't | | | | * Bring earplugs. Thailand is a noisy country, |
| believe in the "one week only sale at huge | | | | especially Khao San Road in Bangkok. Even though |
| discounts... ending today" selling phrase. That's their | | | | you will inevitably spend some nights partying, |
| way of putting some pressure on you to | | | | there will be other nights where you will just want |
| convince you into buying jewelry at "exclusive" | | | | to have some peace and a good night sleep. |
| prices. These scams are usually done by tuk-tuk | | | | And just for fun... |
| drivers and some local aides (and even foreigners) | | | | * It's illegal to own a copy of the Movie The King |
| that catch any unsuspecting tourist by offering | | | | and I. This movie is banned in Thailand (I wonder |
| some sightseeing "advice". After the "advice" they | | | | why?!) |
| offer you an all-day special tuk-tuk ride for 10 | | | | * Try spelling this!... |
| Baht (which is true), but after some quick | | | | raAyutthayaMahadilokPhop |
| sightseeing they take you to some jewelry and | | | | asathanAmonPhimanAwatan |
| "fashion" stores where the driver will earn a | | | | SathitSakkathattiyaWitsanuKamprasit" Finished?... |
| commission whether you buy something or not. | | | | That's the real name of Bangkok. It's the longest |
| The stores might look authentic, but the jewelry | | | | in the world. Phew! |