Mai Pen Rai
Mai Pen Rai
Mai Pen Rai – pronounced “My pin rye”. You will hear it many times before you get out of Thailand, often when something goes wrong or someone looses their cool. This simple phrase sums up life in Thailand and the attitude there in general. This famous attitude is what allowed them to keep their cool and get back on their feet after the devastating losses of the 2004 Tsunami.
There are lots of different opinions on the direct translation, but it literally means “no worries” or “its nothing“.
You will enjoy your trip exponentially more if you adopt this local attitude as well. The next time they loose your ticket, your bus breaks down, or you step in a pile of water buffalo poo – don’t freak out like you would at home, just smile and say “mai pen rai“.
Categories: Daily Life, Local Feelings
Categories: Local Feelings
Thailand Travel Advice
Don't be an idiot tourist! These tips will save you money and hassle.
Categories: Local Feelings
The Wai
The Wai
To say hello when you first enter a place, put both of your hands together into a prayer gesture with the tips of your fingers just around chin level. The wai is higher in front of your face depending on the age and status of the person you are saying hello to. If it is a person older than you, give a higher wai. Monks receive the highest wai which consists of having your thumbs about eyebrow level.
How to say hello
While your hands are together, say “Sah-wah-dee” (as spelled) and then either “khrap” (sounds like kap because they rarely pronounce the “r”) if you are male or “kha” if you are female. “Khrap” is spoken fast and sharp while “kha” can be drawn out and drops in tone.
If you are male:
Sah-wah-dee khrap (while your hands are in wai position)
If you are female:
Sah-wah-dee kha (while your hands are in wai positon)
If someone does offer you a wai, return it back – it is considered impolite not to. Only monks and royalty are not expected to return the gesture….so unless you are wearing robes, be polite!
If you happen to have food, a drink, cigarette, or something else in your hands when someone gives you a wai, bow your head slightly in acknowledgment, don’t attempt a “half-wai” with rubbish sticking out of your fingers.
Categories: Local Feelings
