Bangkok, Thailand - "The City of Smiling Faces"

In our room was sitting a little book entitled "A Brief History of Siam" which I was able to read during my time in Bangkok.  So, between that book and the little bits of information that I can remember from tours and from our hosts here, I pass on all the information I now know about the Thai people.  

Known appropriately as "the city of smiling faces", the Thai people are incredibly friendly.  Unfortunately, most of them do not know English and so communication is difficult.  The Thai people will almost always throw you a smile when you make eye contact and even if they don't understand what you are saying, or you don't understand what they are saying, they will laugh in a good mannered way.

Thailand is comprised up of 97% Buddhists.  There are other religions in Thailand including Catholicism, Protestants, and Islam. 

There are three times as many prostitutes in Thailand than Christians. 

Bhuddism is the key releigion and boys are a monk atleast for a few months when they are teenagers.  Some stay on and some do not.  The King of Thailand almost always has spent a significant part of his life in a monastery.

There are two international schools in Thailand: The International School of Bangkok (2000, K-12) and the International Christian School of Bangkok (400, K-12).

Bangkok is home to eight million people (I believe that is four times as many as in Nairobi).

Although it is a common conception that marijuana and other illegal drug are rampant and easy to find in Thailand, this is not true.  The government has been cracking down hard on drug use in the last few years.  If you are caught with any amount, even if it is just a pinch, you will be thrown in jail for atleast four years, no questions asked.

Word to the wise:  The Thai police do not ask questions and there is no trial.  If you are caught with illegal drugs or doing some other illegal act, you can rest assured that prison will not be an enjoyable place in any way.

Learn Quick Thai

Sewasdee ("swat e") - Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Good Evening.  Men add khrap ("cap") to the end of the work and women add kha ("ka").

Khrap Kum ("cap kum") - Thank you.  Men add khrap to end of word, women add kha.

Soi ("soy") - street.  Example: Soi 4 would be the equivalent to 4th Street in the U.S.