Chiang Mai, a city surrounded by a ring of mountains, has weathered seven hundred years of fascinating history. Chiang Mai has its own very distinctive culture, arts, festivals, and traditions as well as an exciting mix of local, ethnic as well as expatriate communities from all over the world. It has been voted one of the top destinations to live in Asia and is a modern and cosmopolitan city, while not having lost its traditional old charm.
The Royal Family
The Royal Family The Royal Family is highly revered. No lack of respect or criticism is accepted. The law of lese majeste is alive and well. In many country areas the Royal Anthem is played at eight o'clock in the morning, and at six in the evening when everything grinds to a halt. Be mindful even of offending images of HM the King such as stepping on bank notes, coins etc.
Thai Culture
Do not be embarrassed when you see Thai people kneeling or even crawling before their elders and betters, it is for them perfectly acceptable and in no way humiliating - but you do not need to follow suit. Thai humour is splendid and often very bawdy, however it is sometimes difficult to translate foreign humour, so do not be offended if no one laughs at your jokes. The class system flourishes in Thailand, so that things you can do and say with one person may not go down at all well with another. If you learn a little Thai from a friend who may use lots of slang, another friend will know exactly where you have been ? so be careful! Accent has little place in Thai so by changing the words you use you can easily alter your social position. It is better not to ask negative questions as Thais do not know whether to say yes or no in reply. Yes in Thai can mean many things. "Yes, I heard you but I haven't a clue what you mean". "Yes, I heard you, I understand what you want but I don't agree with you and I won't do it". Yes, I heard you, I agree with you and I will try and do it". Try to keep calm and relaxed whatever the provocation or however frustrated you may be. Be polite, smile, try and make a joke, don't rush things and try to speak softly. Thais are adept at working things out in their own way and they do not like confrontation. Do not show too much naked flesh in the cities or even at lakes or waterfalls although on the beach it is acceptable.
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