Thai Culture Essay

Similarities and Differences between Filipino cultures and Thai cultures

Even both countries are in the South East Asia. Filipino and Thai culture have similarities and differences. The cultures of the Philippines are derived from Eastern and Western influences into Filipino identity. Western cultures were adapted from Spain and The United States because of being colonized by both countries. In Thailand, the communities were established and grown up over time. Thailand was monarchy until King Rama VII’s reign, when the country became a democracy and constitutional monarchy. They were never colonized by any countries. Filipino cultures are more western than Thai cultures. Thai and Filipino faces look very similar. Furthermore both Filipino

A Wai is the universal Thai greeting, consists of a slight bow with the palms pressed together in front of the chest or nose depend on the social rank of the each other. The person who is lower in age or rank in social must be the first person to offer the “Wai”. The “Wai” is a symbol of amity and hospitality and an important thing of Thai Warm greeting. The official language is Thai. Sawasdee is the Thai word used to say hello or goodbye. Males say Sawasdee Krab while females say Sawasdee Kha. In the Philippines, The official languages are Filipino (Tagalog) and English. Greeting in the common way as the people all around the world that is shaking people’s hands. It is a standard greeting in Filipino culture and general to shake hands with someone you just met. Even they come face to face especially a man and a woman, he should wait for the woman to offer her hand first. Filipinos are generally familiar to English, so you can simply say “Hi”, “Hello”, or Good morning etc. The person you are talk to may understand your greeting in English. If you want to impress the person you are greeting, you could say “Kumusta” when you approach to them. If you talk to the older or the person with higher social rank than you, always say “po” at the end. As in the greeting sentences “Salamat po” means “thank you.” The word “po” has no meaning. It is used to denote respect, much like “Kha” and “Krab”