Overview
Culture Smart! guides offer a more meaningful experience abroad by informing foreign visitors to the values, attitudes, customs, and traditions of the country they are visiting; they also give readers the practical tools to take part in their new environment, to communicate effectively, form relationships, and avoid faux pas
Never conquered by foreigners, this proud and ancient land has been shaped by Buddhism, the monarchy, and the military. Today it is a manufacturing powerhouse and a tourist paradise that welcomes more than 30 million visitors a year. Yet despite the veneer of Western modernity, the country and its people remain an enigma for many visitors. Culture Smart! Thailand describes how the Thai people view the world and themselves. It examines the impact of religious beliefs and history on their lives, as well as recent social and political developments. With a wealth of tips on communicating, on socializing, and on navigating the unfamiliar situations that you are likely to encounter, this guide will help you to get the very best out of your time in the Land of Smiles.
Reviews
"...the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries,"
Global Travel
"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world,"
New York Times
"...full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas,"
Observer
"Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers,"
Sunday Times Travel
"...as useful as they are entertaining,"
Easy Jet Magazine
Author Biography
J. Rotheray is a Scottish-born writer and researcher specializing in Thai and Southeast Asian culture and religion. Having lived and traveled over much of Southeast Asia for the past two decades, he now lives in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, where he is currently completing his doctoral thesis.