NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS (IN JEST)

Valid criticism when taken offense shows that painful truth burns.

Let's not be childlike in admitting these faults that go along with virtue?

The Brits are  known for their "keeping a stiff upper lip".   It has become symbolic of the British, and particularly of the products of the English public school system during the age of the British Empire.  The other side of the Brits are being fair and just; an edifying trait to possess.

The French are known for their famous Gallic shrug "Je ne sais pas"... or to give a more meaningful translation, "I haven't got the faintest idea and why on earth are you asking me that ridiculous question anyway?"  Proud of their language, they simply feel everyone should speak French.  Those that don't or can't are not given the time of day.  We all have to agree their food is penultimate in dining.

The Spaniards are known for  Mañana meaning "tomorrow"  mañana  is procrastination at it's finest.   Not an edifying personality trait,  but a warm and passionate nation with Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, fantastic beaches and delicious tapas.

 The Indians are well known for simultaneously exclaiming, "Chalta Hai" with the head wobble while explaining compromising circumstances with "It happens".  Their most beautiful saying is "The guest is God"  - (Athiti Devo Bhava ) is a motto that almost all Indians follow with utmost dedication and compassion. Even the poorest of the poor treat their guests to all kinds of luxuries. 


Now we come to the Thais.   They smile a lot.  Hence the Land of Smiles.  But when one young Thai openly critiqued his own people for smiling in order to  hide behind their inability to answer pertinent and important questions; suggesting they have no standing in opinions that matter; he was lambasted in the media for telling a lie or the truth?

In the Land of Smiles, a trait so beautifully acclaimed by well known author Dr. Henry Holmes, Chairman of  Cross Culture Management who wrote about deciphering 13 Thai smiles;  none of which suggests hiding behind ignorance.

What I think this young advocate wanted was to provoke changes to the Thai ways;  with new Thai thinking; putting forward the future of young Thais to make them not emulate nor behave as their elders have been.  An act to modernize traditions in keeping a permanent standing with the world today was his way to jerk old habits and bring about change.  Understandably the old fashion spirits could not take his criticism. It burns because there is truth.

So I have come across these smiles to consider:

"I am too stupid to understand this, but I must keep face" Smile.
"This policy is a bit mental but I don't need to say it" Smile
"The boss doesn't know I have no idea what he's saying but will let him finish because he seems to think it matters" Smile

But let me argue that the most beautiful Thai national characteristics (that needs no survey) overriding the smile, is the all encompassing trait of  "KRENG-JAI" translated means  "consideration over others" a truly beautiful quality the Thais possess.