"Sawat-dit kha" we are greeted by a Thai woman, her hands held together as if praying, as she bows her head to her hands with a smile. An incredibly gentle gesture that was my introduction to the overwhelming impression I have of the overall gentleness of the Thai people we encountered.

Thailand is a sprawling country of differences and contrasts, which we only sampled in the three places we visited: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. Each of these places was vastly different, but the distinguishing Thai gentleness was evident throughout. As were the smiles, from the policeman in Bangkok who smilingly told me that I could not take my can of Coke into the railway station, to the smiling tour guide in Chiang Mai who rushed us along with the words "But take your time, no rush, no rush", to the tattoo artist on Koh Samui who told me with a big smile that the tattooing would indeed hurt. The only defense against such smiles was to smile back.

Thailand is certainly the most relaxed and enjoyable country I have ever visited. Everything seemed so easy - life, travel, getting around, shopping. Although at times shopping at the markets was stressful, especially when I wasn't given a price for something I wanted, but instead was asked, "How much do you want to pay?" Then I would have to think of a fair price that did not stretch the bounds of credulity. I think that on most occasions I was being too fair, as my price was always accepted! With experience I turned the tables and asked for a suggested price and then bargained from there.

But the easiest, and perhaps most memorable, thing about Thailand is its people. They seem to be a mixture of influences. They look a cross between Oriental and Indian, their language sounds like a combination of Indian, Malay and Chinese, their writing is reminiscent of India, their manners and culture have many similarities to Chinese culture, as does their food, and despite all these Asian features, there is something very western about their character. It is a fascinating and welcome potpourri.

The tourism authority of Thailand's slogan is "Amazing Thailand". Never have I seen a tourism authority of any country be so honest.

25 October 2002

Dion Marc Delport

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