The land of smiles
Since arriving in Thailand, we have been greeted by kind, generous and helpful locals everywhere we have been. Whether it is someone working in the accommodation, a guide running a trip or someone serving us dinner, everyone has been really happy and friendly. Thailand is known as ‘the land of smiles’, and smiling is significant in their culture to show respect, gratitude, kindness, and to defuse tense situations. As backpacking novices, young adults and first-time travellers to South-East Asia, it has been nerve-wracking and enter a place we have never been before. Being welcomed with such enthusiasm and approachability has made our experience so much nicer and has meant that we have really settled into Thailand and enjoyed speaking to locals along the way.
Eating out has been one of my favourite things about this trip. We have eaten so much delicious food, drank amazing drinks, and what has made each experience so enjoyable has been those who cook and serve us. People have been so passionate and excited about their cuisine and making sure that we really enjoy it. We have had some chefs come and ask us if we have enjoyed it, and we have always felt so much gratitude from them for our custom. I feel very lucky to have been able to try such amazing foods and to see how much love and care go into making them.
As I have said, we have felt very much at ease and welcomed in Thailand. We became even more grateful and appreciative of it when we got the chance to speak with a local Thai at Khao Sok National Park. We booked this through the National Park itself (https://www.thainationalparks.com/khao-sok-national-park). Our guide for the three days was very open and honest about life as a local and how tourism has impacted the way that they live. He explained that the influx of tourists has been a double-edged sword in the sense that it has opened up many job opportunities, whilst housing prices have also increased due to tourists buying properties. It was clear in our conversation that tourism is key for the country’s economy, but can also serve as a challenge for locals in the way that it impacts their day-to-day lives.
Thailand has more money because of tourism, which is positive as it gives children the opportunity to go to school for longer than they used to (our guide went to school for 6 years only) and can be given to other local projects, etc. However, much of the tourist income ends up going to foreign tour operators, aeroplane companies and accommodation and drink companies. Therefore, whilst products increase in value, Thai locals’ wages do not increase. As well as this, our guide explained how the legalisation of cannabis (2024) could lead to poor school attendance from students, as well as cannabis dependence for young people and an increase in traffic accidents due to driving under the influence. Whether tourism is overwhelmingly positive or negative for Thailand’s locals is up for debate.
Hearing about our guide’s experience and an overall view of what life is like as a local gave me a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for how kind and friendly everyone had been since we arrived in Bangkok. Although maybe they wouldn’t say that us visiting supports them as much as they support us, they always served us with a smile and went out of their way to protect us and support us on our backpacking journey. I hope that whilst carrying on our travels to Australia and continuing when I get home, I will adopt this grateful, friendly and open-minded way of living.
Thank you for reading!
