Monday 16 December 2013

Budget Destination: Bangkok

Assalamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah


Part 1

 

Part 2

 

I guess I should watch this first before I start my trip last time, haha... Anyway, This is a suggestion from our TV program on budget destination in South East Asia.

For South Asians or those from Western part of the Asian world, I would advise you people to be respectful to the people in South East Asia especially from the mainland since they do not actually look at your money but at your politeness. Maybe it seems like they are friendly but do not let it deceives you. The traditional code of conduct here in this South East Asia mainland region is still largely based on Dharmasastra but with Buddhist interpretations. Do not flirt anywhere at all and behave!

Most of the people here were from Nagavanshi Kshatrias lineage which means their women are liberal minded does not matter whether they are the followers of Brahman-Buddhists or Muslims. There were some cross-cultural incidents happened since BC with South Asians such as from Bengal, Kalinga (Orissa) and Western India came here as ancient kings, nobilities and royalties but that was another matter. You can talk with the women from Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Myanmar freely but do not go over the board because their men would snap your head with their "axes". They maybe are liberal, polite and friendly but they have dignity too. This is no joke!

When you enter Buddhist monasteries, make sure to take off your cap or anything which covers your head only as a sign of respect. Respect the king especially in Thailand because the king is the representative of the heavens and the protector of the dharma.

There are many Muslims in Bangkok and around Thailand but they look all the same. If the ladies then it is easy to detect but for men it is difficult because they do not put on the skull-cap all the time. Food would be easy to find if you know the place or you know how to converse in local languages. There are both Shi'a and Sunni Muslims where the Shi'a Muslims are concentrated in the capital, Bangkok. Other areas such as Southern Thailand share the same traditions with those in other South East Asian countries who adhere to Sunni side of Shafi'i school of jurisprudence.

Be open-minded and respectful when traveling around. Do not expect people to follow your convention or norms when you are in their territory!

Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace and love, amin!   

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