Thailand, The Land of Smiles

Back in the 1960s, the Tourism Authority of Thailand affectionately dubbed its country as “The Land of Smiles” to attract tourists. This campaign worked its magic swiftly, alongside other initiatives such as the 2002 Global Thai Program, a remarkably successful endeavor in gastrodiplomacy – involving government support to establish Thai restaurants worldwide, boosting brand recognition, and fostering diplomatic ties. Annually, tourism in Thailand has soared exponentially, from approximately 1 million international tourists in 1970 to a whopping 40 million in 2022.

However, for me, Pad Thai and Gaeng Massaman are secondary reasons for falling in love with Thailand. It's the people who steal the show. Ever wondered why the Tourism Authority chose “The Land of Smiles” as its moniker? Perhaps it’s because of the people: their hospitality, gratitude, kindness, respect for others, peaceful ways of living in the world, and their inherent friendliness. And as I mentioned in an earlier blog, Thai people absolutely love to have fun! After all, who doesn’t smile when they're having a blast?

My past two-plus months here in Thailand have been brimming with smiles! Even when the weather is 100 degrees with 48% humidity, the people smile! When caught in traffic, they smile! When something goes wrong, they say, “Mai ben rai” (no problem), and move on. They don’t let difficulties weigh them down. Let me introduce you briefly to a few colleagues at the National Institute for Child and Family Development whose smiles I adore, and who never fail to make me smile ("yim")!

Tina with Dr. Kaewta (Kay) Nopmaneejumruslers, M.D.,
Assistant Director for the Child and Adolescent Clinic

In the fall of 2022, I reached out to several Thai universities to explore the possibility of hosting a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Kay was the first to respond, and she did so with boundless enthusiasm. Over the past year, her excitement for our collaboration has only grown. She’s open to new perspectives, willing to experiment with different approaches, and constantly provides me with opportunities for learning, service, and growth. Her infectious enthusiasm and limitless energy never fail to bring a smile to my face!

Associate Professor Adisak Plitponkarnpim, M.D., Director 

Dr. Adisak has been incredibly supportive of my collaboration with professors, teachers, and staff at the institute. He always involves me in the Institute’s activities, often granting me a place of honor, such as sitting in the front row of their graduation ceremonies amongst university dignitaries. Witnessing Dr. Adisak’s kindness, humility, love for children, and vision for inclusive education makes me smile!

Assistant Instructor Chararinchon (Rin) Satian,
Contemplative Education Center

 

The first time I met Rin in person, she gave me a hug that lasted 47 seconds! I didn’t actually count the seconds, but I know it was longer than the typical “good to meet you” hug. I felt completely enveloped in her love and kindness. Rin recently published a journal article about her path of personal transformation toward self-awareness practices as mindful motherhood, focusing on her role as a mother of a young adult with autism. Rin is a primary collaborator with our research study regarding parents raising children with autism and their use of self-care skills and mindfulness practices to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Rin’s calm, deliberate, and peaceful way of living brings a gentle smile to my face!

Teerarat (Fang) Songmuang, International Relations Officer

Arisabeth (Queen), Graphic Designer

Jan, Public Relations Officer

Fang has been my ‘go-to-gal’ for all things associated with traveling to Thailand, finding an apartment, opening a bank account, getting a Thai phone line, setting up my office, and just about any other logistical need I have! She and Queen have taken me to the university’s Friday Market on many occasions, introducing me to many delicious Thai dishes (some that even they won’t eat, like bamboo worms). We have enjoyed fun times in their office with Jan, who has loaned me his bike so I can ride from the institute to the classroom for the children who are homeless. Fang, Queen, and Jan’s zest for life, strong friendship, and silliness make me laugh!

Tamara (Nok) Sumalrot, Psychologist and Education Coordinator

The Institute has generously provided me with opportunities to learn more about Thai people, culture, geography, and food by encouraging faculty and staff to take me places while I’m here. Nok and her family have wholeheartedly embraced this invitation, and I feel incredibly grateful to get to know them better and learn more about this beautiful land. I could write several blogs about all we have done together in the past two months (and I have already written about her family in other blogs). 

 

I just returned from a long weekend with her family: Nok, her husband Perm, Grandma, Grandpa, her son Khun, her nephew Khanun, her best friend Nok, and son Bom. We visited places that most foreigners don’t usually see: Prachuab Khiri Khan and Chumphon, where we explored exquisite temples, quiet beaches, street markets, sand dunes, caves, and monuments. We learned about squid fishing, ate a lot of squid and other fresh seafood, sang love songs while driving for hours, and enjoyed time swimming, boating, and snorkeling in the Gulf of Thailand. Nok and her family’s zest for life and adventure makes me "yim" with gratitude, love, and excitement!

Snorkeling with Nok's Family in the Gulf of Thailand

This post will be Part 1, because I have so many other colleagues and friends here I could write about who make Thailand “The Land of Smiles.”