For me, as a foreigner, the beauty of Thailand is indeed in the smiles or “yim”, as called in Thai, of the people of this beautiful country.

It is not the islands, the night life nor the shopping that captures me, it is the people.

Thailand used to be classified as poor country but not anymore. There are many wealthy people who lives according to the best brands. However, the majority do live in what we will call poverty. Low wages results in low income and a low standard of living. Poverty in Thailand is primarily a rural phenomenon.

The big difference between Thailand and other countries is that it takes very little money to live and food is plentiful and cheap. For the Thai people meal time is a good time to spend with family. Of importance to them is that what you make is mainly yours and yours to do what you want to do.

Thai people are happy people and that is what is contagious. They are very religious and believe in spirits which influence their health and prosperity. Hence then also the spirit houses visible not only in the major cities but also in the smaller towns. They are not shy to make donations to the monks or to contribute to the up keep of the temples. They are literate and generally healthy.

They adore the Royal family. The king is the most beloved person of the kingdom because of what he has done not only for the country but for the poor. When it is the King’s birthday they wear yellow shirts and with the Queen’s blue. The Queen’s birthday is also celebrated as mother’s day. The national anthem can be heard every day at 8am and again at 6pm and no matter what the people are doing they will stop, stand still and pay their respect. Thai people find it very hard to change their homeland for another in the world. They simply love their country.

Thai people are hardworking, honest, content with the way they live and friendly. They worship their children and is always ready to fit another person.

My answer is YES! Thailand is indeed the Land of the smiles!