Job Discussion Forums

JasonBoone · Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 10

I am moving to Thailand on May 1st, and I want to bring items that I can give to the locals that I meet while in the country. Any suggestions on what to bring? Is there anything from the United States that the Thai people absolutely love? I am going to bring postcards of where I am from, but I wanted to bring something else. Any ideas? Thanks!

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject: Re: Gifts for the Thai People?

Mdbruin · Joined: 21 Nov 2004 Posts: 8

JasonBoone · Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 10

Thanks for the information guys. I don't think I will have a problem being a respectful farang.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

Not wishing to be a naughty person here by any means but just a couple of points.

After reading the above, I know full well I'm not the first to think this, but if I were some Thai reading on here that someone wanted to bring me presents, I'd either be bemused, insulted or, as someone already mentioned
, think that US dollars would do nicely, kop koon krap. The words extremely and patronising and UN do gooder spring to mind. That mentality belongs in a place far far worse off than Thailand. I have these images of poor African kids queueing up for pencils and TB vaccines being handed out by that babe out of Constant Gardener, phwoar.

And what's this about wearing yellow socks on a Monday and/or blue trousers every other Thursday? I never ever saw one Thai doing this. Have fun, yes? But be some wai-ing saddo, up to you.

JasonBoone · Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 10

Hod, unfortunately I am misunderstood. I am not planning on bringing garbage bags full of gifts and food to throw to crowds of Thais, I just want to have gifts available for friends that I make while in the country. By "gifts" I mean 4 or 5 items packed in my suitcase. And again, these will be for close friends that I make, not me passing out items to strangers on the street in a condescending manner.

Don't hate the player, hate the game. <-- Joke

japanman · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 281 Location: England

If anyone is from England and is wondering what to buy, I recommend pictures of the British royalty. I found that the Thai people love queen Elizabeth, who is a good friend of their own king. Wish I had taken some things about the queen when I went to teach in Bangkok.
But as for things about America, no idea. Don't mean to sound rude but from my experience, Thai people's love of foreign things stretches to England and Switzerland but not much further. That's just from my experience though.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

frankly speaking · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 54

I think that post cards are a great idea. It is not that Thais don't like things that are from the US, it is just that they are available here. There are very few things that we cannot get here. A nice picture book of your hometown or state is nice.

Something from your heart is very nice.

Gift giving is very much a part of Thai culture. Just the gifts are different that Korea or Japan. For example Koreans don't give household gifts, it is considered rude to give knives or kitchenware. They are more likely to give skin care or clothing.

Thais will often give food. That is the most commone gift.

If you make something that is a very special gift. Thais respect the time that is involved with a gift.

If you are male and a drinker, bring a bottle of your favorite most expensive/ rare alcohol. That is a common gift for men. But most brands are available here.

Good luck, but make sure that you are friends with someone before giving a gift. It is strange to give a gift to a stranger.

JasonBoone · Joined: 29 Dec 2006 Posts: 10

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

With gifts and mad western meals in his apartment for his new Thai mates, this guy's gonna rock.

Umm anyone on here got any Thai friends?

roguegrafix · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 125

"And what's this about wearing yellow socks on a Monday and/or blue trousers every other Thursday? I never ever saw one Thai doing this."

Where have you been? Solitary confinement?

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

No, Thailand.

anne_o · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Tokyo

i just threw out 2 yellow shirts.....never worn, as i'm sure the fabric will be linked to some rare skin disease one day....if anyone wants them they can come by and pick them up. with several shirts you could wear them on various days of the week!
op....you could even give these as gifts!