Where I am in Thailand

Where I am in Thailand

Currently (May 2008) I live in Southern Thailand in a city called Nakhon Sri Thammarat, in the province or jang wat of Nakhon Si Thammarat. History here goes back a long ways - this place was a former capital of the area and has some really old buildings.

The weather here is tropical, though pretty dry. There is a hot season, and a hot and wet season. Right now (May) it’s sunny practically every morning and rainy by evening – perfect for growing rice!

The largest Wat (or Buddhist temple) in Nakhon, is called Wat Phra Mahathat (or Wat Phratat for short). It has a large compound surrounding it and the area features many beautiful yet typical Thai style buildings, most housing large collections of Buddha figures.

The pinnacle styled building is called a Chedi (like ched + ee in cheddar cheese) and are borrowed and adapted from Sri Lankan style Chedis. One chedi in the center of the city is called Chedi Yak (or big Chedi) and is quite old and definitely a landmark.

A distinctive building in Thai wats is called a boat which literally means temple. These are typically large buildings featuring elaborate roofs and house one or more Buddhas and areas to worship.

People in Nakhon are friendly as is the case in most of Thailand. English is not spoken as much here because of the general lack of tourists (due to a lack of attractions). The typical ‘Southern Thai’ has a dark coffee and cream complexion and their language is considered fast and full of slang.

As a foreigner, I am routinely pointed out to children, spoken about by people passing by, waved at as I drive by, and I often hear, “Hello, where-you-come-from?”

When I speak Thai to folks here, I am often misunderstood since my pronunciation is poor and also likely because many here have met few foreigners, and even fewer who speak Thai. In Bangkok my Thai is understood easily and I feel quite fluent. I think this is because people there speak with foreigners quite often.

A common interaction with a Thai man, woman, or child involves lots of laughing, giggling, and deep-felt smiles. An even temperament and patience is valued more than money and enjoying the moment is taught, modeled, and learned.