The Thai Smile

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. But never assume that smiles mean the same as they do in the West. Smiling is quite automatic in Thailand. A monk once told me that Thais were born with smiles on their faces!

Matt Owens Rees discusses 13 different types of smile and gives examples from everyday life in Thailand. If you have observed any other type of Smile Matt would be keen to hear from you and will give you credit for your contribution.

Look at the examples of these Smiles.

The Smile Friendly, The Smile Automatic, The Smile Humourous,The Smile Mai Pen Rai, The Smile Downheated, The Smile of the All-Knowing, The Smile Apologetic, The Smile of Embarrassment, The Smile of Misunderstanding, The Smile Encouraging, The Smile of Sadness, The Smile Agreeing or Disagreeing, The Smile of Avoiding Conflict.

Matt then goes on to explain how Thais avoid conflict.

During lockdown and the pandemic, more Thais started wearing masks. It became more difficult to see the Smile. But looking at a Thai's eyes will give you a clue to the Smile they would have been showing.

The World Always Looks Brighter from behind a Smile.