Thailand is often referred to as
“The Land of Smiles.” It got this nickname because in
Thailand, a smile is much more than just a smile…it is a form of subtle
interpersonal-messaging. There are at least 13 different smiles that a
Thai person may use, each one having a very specific meaning. Visitors are
very often surprised by the ability of Thai people to smile through
virtually every situation, even when a smile seems like an unusual
response. IMPACT Group Career Coach Marie Lucchini, who is based in
Bangkok, can testify that,
“even with many years of practice, it is almost impossible for a
non-Thai person to read the Thai smiles you get.” Once you have more of an understanding of the meanings behind the smiles,
you will be able to read social situations easier and have a better
understanding of Thai culture.
*Reference Source: Working With the Thais: A Guide to Managing in
Thailand, Henry Holmes and Suchada Tangtongtavy