1. KWAM
SA-NOOK -- Enjoyment, Fun
"The Thai are playful and fun loving people. They have an enviable
capacity to enjoy the moment and savor the pleasures of life that come
their way. SA-NOOK is a word you will often hear. It loosely means to have
fun,to enjoy. Sa-nook is embeded in Thai social philosophy and lifestyle.
The Thai penchant for pleasure is not at odds with piety. Thai Buddhism
doesn't equate pleasure with sin. Though Buddhism holds that mortal existence
brings suffering, the Thai know that if one doesn't make the most of moments
of pleasure, one is simply missing out."
2. MAI PEN RAI --
Never Mind
"Mai pen rai is perhaps the most common phrase in the Thai language.
It is translated, depending on context, as 'never mind,' 'it doesn't matter,'
'don't worry about it.'...The phrase does not mean 'I don't care.' It expresses
Thai and Buddhist values of accepting one's karma and maintaining
composure, staying calm (jai-yen)....Having jai-rawn (a hot heart or tempered)
is considered, as the Thai explain, an obvious sign of ignorance, crudity,
and immaturity.'"
3. GRENG-JAI --Being
Considerate
"Caring for and being considerate of others and their feelings."
4. SA-BAI-JAI --
Contented Heart
"Being sa-bai-sa-bai--calm, tranquil, relaxed, easy-going, comfortable--is
the ideal."
5. NAM-JAI -- Flowing
Heart
"... hospitality, considerateness, sincere concern, and generosity -- all
without strings attached."
6. BOON-KOON/GA-TAAN-YOO
--- Good Deeds and Gratefulness>>
"...selfless, altruistic, compassionate deeds for another individual, done
freely and willingly" and corresponding appropriate deep gratitude by the
recipient (ga-taan-yoo); as between parents and child
7. YIM SA-YAM --
The Thai Smile
"Thailand is known as The Land of a Thousand Smiles. It's an ad man's dream
copy. The catch phrase wasn't written by advertising people, it was invented
by travelers. The Thai smile is so famous, it is known in Thailand as Yim
Sa-yam (Siam). A smile (roy-yim) is infectious, and you'll be doing
a lot of it yourself."
