The 'Thai Smile'

I see literally dozens of smiles like in the photo, each and every day.

They aren't all as lovely as this hotel employee, but they all seem to resonate from deep in their Thai soul; from the old lady at the market selling lottery tickets, to the school kids piling into the back of the bus.

Some Thai people seem not to know how falangs (foreigners) will react to their smiles.

I have found, if I without hesitation, return their smile; the 'bounce back smile' will not only 'light up the room', but will light up my heart.

khun jon

Chaing Mai,

Thailand; a.k.a. "The Land of Smiles"