In Pictures | Faces of Thailand

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” Aldous Huxley

The Thai people we encountered on our recent trip were so friendly, approachable and kind hearted, eager to please and share their beautiful country with us travellers. The Bangkok natives were a little rougher round the edges than the island folk, especially the taxi and tuk tuk drivers looking to make a few extra baht off unassuming tourists. Those associated with the nightlife scene and those trying to sell you trinkets or a cheap suit might see Westerners as walking wallets but a simple ‘No Thanks’ is all they need to leave you alone.

Travelling is an opportunity to meet different people and explore new cultures, try new food and experiences, learn and respect religion and its significance in the development of that country and its culture. Thais are family focused, adults give up their seats on public transport (we witnessed it several times on the BTS in Bangkok) so that children can sit as the younger generation is the future. We found one of the best way to interact with the locals is through the delicious Thai food, take a Thai cooking lesson, eat in an authentic restaurant or grab some traditional street food from a market to connect with the vendors and have a mouthwatering experience too.

Everywhere we went in this amazing country of many faces we were are greeted with a beaming smile and a wâi (hands together in a prayer gesture) with the greeting of sà-wàt-dee-krâp (male) or sà-wàt-dee-ka (female) and everyone we encountered were delighted if we returned the gesture or just answered with a smile.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the lovely people we encountered on our recent trip to Phuket, Phi Phi, Bangkok and Koh Samui.