Thai culture, Thai custom & Thai tradition.

What is wai?

“Wai” is a form of Thai culture which represents various aspects of Thai honorific system. For example, it shows Thai politeness, respect, honor, and friendship. Thais wai when greeting or leaving. Along with a wai, Thais usually say “sawasdee,” which means “hello” in English. The tradition has been succeeded to the present generation since Sukhotai Period, approximately A.D. 1238). Wai can also be used in articulating apology or gratitude. For these purposes, a person who wais usually says, “khor-thod” or “khob-khun,” respectively.

How to wai

1. Put the palms together. According to Buddhism, Thais call stage “pra-nom-mue” or “unchalee”. Put your palms together, straighten and press your finger tips together. Raise your palms to your chest and keep your elbows close to your body. When talking to priests and the royal family, Thais always “pra-nom-mue.” When leaving these respectful people, the younger usually “unchalee” them.

2. Bow your head. This form is called “wan-ta.” In so doing, Thais bow their heads and high their palms up until the index fingers touch their mouths or noses, depending on the person who they wai.

Tips

There are many kinds of Thai wai, depending on the social status, power, age, and prestige of a person/people who receive the wai. There are three major groups of people of higher status in the traditional Thai society.

1. Monks/priests/royal family

To wai people in this category, bow one’s head and raise one’s hands until the thumbs touch the forehead.

2. Teachers/parents

Instead of having the thumbs touch the forehead, bow the head slighly until the index fingers touch the nose. This is similar to a culture in which people raise their index fingers to touch their nose when paying respect to parents and touch their mouths when paying respect to the teacher.

3. Ordinary people/acquaintances with older age.

To wai someone who is older, simply raise the pressed palms to the lips/mouth.

For all these three types, keep your hands and elbows close to the body.

Do you know?

The most important thing when waiing somebody is that the waier must wai from their whole hearts. In other words, the waier should sincerely pay respect to the waied or the wai receiver both mentally and physically.

How to return/receive the wai?

If somebody gives the other a wai, it usually means that they pay respect toward him or her. To return their good manner, the wai receiver usually wai back. That is, the wai receiver does the same to the waier (i.e. put their palms together in front of their chests), but they do not bow their heads.

Thai massage is rapidly becoming one of the favorite options for individuals looking for a good, relaxing massage. While still not as popular in the United States as it is in Europe, this style of massage is certainly becoming more prevalent – and well-paying – for qualified practitioners.

History of Thai Massage

Thai massage is rapidly becoming one of the favorite options for individuals looking for a good, relaxing massage. While still not as popular in the United States as it is in Europe, this style of massage is certainly becoming more prevalent – and well-paying – for qualified practitioner

Despite the name, Thai massage originated in India. It is an ancient practice that monks learned in India and then brought back to their homeland. Shivago Komarpaj is commonly thought to have been the originator of this massage style in Thailand, bringing it back from his travels over 2,500 years ago.

For generations, Buddhist monks taught other men (as women were forbidden to enter the temples where monks resided) the art of massage, and many Buddhist temples combined spirituality with these treatments.

Techniques of Thai Massage

Most massage types require the person receiving it to simply lie there and receive the treatment for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Thai massage is more intensive and participatory for the client. The traditional style takes up to two hours and usually involves the recipient being maneuvered into yoga poses to aid the function of the actual techniques. Putting the body in certain positions makes it easier for the masseuse to manipulate the muscles properly, resulting in a far more thorough treatment.

The movements in this type of massage are fluid and smooth. Through stretching and pressure, the muscles are worked and acupressure points stimulated. It is often referred to as “Thai bodywork,” as it has such a beneficial effect on the body.

The process of Thai massage begins with by pressing the muscles, opening the sen energy lines and softening the muscles in preparation for the stretches. All this is done while the recipient of the massage is completely clothed, which is yet another difference from regular massage practices, wherein oil is used on the bare skin.

Once the muscles have been softened sufficiently, starting at the head and extending down to the toes, the process of stretching begins. The masseuse uses full body contact to mold, stretch, and maneuver the recipient’s body into the chosen yoga poses, stretching the now soft muscles and elongating them.

Because of the number of different ways the body can move and muscles be manipulated, there are different specialties in the area of Thai massage. Some aim to prepare the body for sports, while others are designed to heal or repair damage done. Also, there is a more modern type of Thai massage that came about from the teaching of tourists the techniques only, leaving out the information on energy flow and spirituality.

Benefits of Thai Massage

There are quite a few benefits unique to Thai massage procedures. Whereas regular massages simply knead the muscles to relax them, the Thai techniques work to return them to their original length. This is believed to be effective because muscle pain may be caused by muscles that tighten due to tension or repetitive motions. For example, if an individual only ever moved his or her legs in 45 degree angles, the muscles would shorten over time and even cause considerable pain. Thai massage is designed to help.

After a good Thai massage session, the entire body is relaxed and the muscles are stretched out, making movement easier. Often, joint pain is diminished or even eliminated completely. With repeated treatments, the body becomes supple and flexible, returning to what should be a natural state. Other, more unexpected benefits include relief from constipation and other bowel problems, headaches, aches and pains, and joint stiffness. This is usually attributed to the newly released flow of energy caused by the pressing of the muscles.

Learning Thai Massage

It’s not a good idea to try Thai techniques without proper training in this specific type of massage. The pressure and positions used mean that the possibility for injury with untrained masseuses is quite high. The danger is not just to the recipient; because this is a physically strenuous activity for both parties, incorrectly performing the moves can cause back problems in the practitioner, as well.

Certified courses can be found in most Western countries. You can also study in Thailand, but the courses are usually lacking in many areas, and it can be difficult to find one that is held in English. Most traditional massage schools in the United States don’t yet offer Thai techniques as an option, so you will likely need to enroll in a facility that specializes in alternative therapies or even Thai massage in particular.

The demand for this unique brand of bodywork is growing rapidly as more and more people discover the benefits of Thai massage. While it doesn’t require any equipment apart from a mat, there is special training involved to master the techniques safely.

No matter if you are simply working out for fun, fitness or to fight, maintaining a well body structure, building stamina and strengthening body muscles are extremely important to lead a healthy lifestyle. When we talk about different modes of workouts to tone up our figure well, then basic Muay Thai exercises really prove to be the best.

Many people still think that exercises like Kettle bell and Tae Bo put better effects on overall wellbeing but they cannot match the benefits of Muay Thai workouts. Fundamental Muay Thai workout techniques are extremely easy that help to improve your strength and fitness regardless what goals you have!

Here we are sharing some of the best Muay Thai workouts and free exercise plans which will bring astonishing results! These exercises are so simple that you don’t need to join specific Muay Thai gyms, you can do it very easily at your home.

Warm Up Exercises Before Training:

Just similar to any type of workout, lack of proper warm up and stretching exercises put bad impacts on body which may experience during or after workout. It will be best to perform short running or skipping rope or even simple jumping jacks. Keep warming up your body for up to 10 to 15 minutes.

Shadow Boxing:

After you completely warm up your body, then it’s time to stand in front of a large mirror and try shadow boxing. Shadow boxing is such a skill that everyone must try out to improve his or her Muay Thai techniques. This will improve your timing, footwork, techniques and other combinations. Practicing in front of a large mirror will help you imagining your opponent standing in front of you. In this way, you can better observe your punches and kicks. While practicing in front of a mirror, you can clear notice snapping your punches back or even analyze if your opposite arm is protecting up your chin.

Bag Work:

Punching a heavy bag is a significant thing while practicing at home. Bag work is extremely important if you need to see good results in your home. You can use bag training to learn all different Muay Thai techniques while focusing on your punches, knees, kicks and elbows. Punching a bag when it’s moving back and forth, will help you in learning your movements with perfect coordination and timing.

Trying to grab an idea of a particular technique will help your mind to focus on something while training. It will be good to fix time when punching the bag as hitting the bag for 3 minutes round will simulate the length of your fight. Give your best in 3 minutes and then take rest for a minute.

End With Strength Building Muay Thai Workouts:

Adding some strength building practices like pushups and pull ups will considerably enhance your Muay Thai skills. In order to boost up your endurance at home, here are some useful workouts tips for you:

Push Ups:

It is recommended to try out 20 pushups in 3 sets but you can adjust them according to your personal ease depending upon your starting strength.

Pull-Ups:

Pull-ups are tremendously effective in improving arm strength that will eventually develop your boxing clinch.

Burpees:

Burpees are very good for conditioning your body and exhaust your body, you can use them according to your body capacity.

Sit-Ups:

If you want to improve the endurance of your stomach, sit-ups are extremely beneficial. Try to add various types of sit-ups in your exercise routine to increase your stamina.

Continue trying these easy Muay Thai workouts if you want to practice at home. What do you think, will these easy workouts practices help you in learning Muay Thai techniques?

Give us your feedback…

Thai food is world famous food for its exotic flavors and delicious taste. The combination of sweet, sour, hot and salty flavors make Thai cuisine so distinct and unique. Out of all the food items, Thai’s national soup Tom Yam is more enticing and noticeable worldwide. Apart from this soup, there are numerous veg and non-veg Thai recipes that cater to the tastes of many people across the globe. For such people who would like to taste international cuisines and who are traveling to Thai, here we are enlisting few Top Thai food that is easy to cook and are widely accepted around the world.

• Tom Yam Goong: The national soup of Thai that uses the wide variety of fragrant herbs such as, Lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and shallots with chilies and fish sauce. This is the best start for a meal and is a fine combination of spicy hot and sour and can be served with rice.

• Pad Thai: Thai’s best food that needs no introduction in world’s cuisine and is the top preferred continental dish. Though there are numerous variations in the preparation of Pad Thai, the most famous and conventional Pad Thai recipe is preferred and loved most. The conventional Pad Thai is made up of noodles with tofu, bean sprouts, onion, and a final touch with peanuts.

• Kuay Tiew: Also known as Noodle Soup. A quick and easy to make the recipe to the culinary world that is made of Noodles either thin or thick as per your choice with any edible meat such as pork, chicken, beef, duck, and seafood.

• Som Tam: Som tam is a ‘ spicy papaya salad ‘ famous in northeast Thailand, but it has occupied a prominent place in Thai’s culinary cult due to its impeccable taste, flavor and easy to cook nature. Though there are numerous variations in the preparation of some, the most common ingredients in all recipes are shredded green papaya stirred in heat and served with Barbequed chicken and lumps of sticky rice.

• Gai Med Ma Moung: Famously known as Chicken Cashew Nuts. The ingredients for this dish include roasted cashew nuts, honey, sweet soy sauce, chilies, and garlic.

• Geng Kheaw Wan Gai: Green Curry Chicken, A very famous Thai dish that seems to be like an Indian curry as this dish seems to be Thai’s version borrowed from Indian cuisine. This is simply a combination of various vegetables fried and added with coconut milk and can be served well with sticky rice.

• Tom Kha Gai: Also known as boiled galangal chicken which combines coconut milk with lemongrass, ginger and chicken. It’s a delicious combination that stands out of all other Thai dishes.

• Kao Phad: Simple fried rice augmented with the meat of your choice, egg, onion, cilantro, garlic, and tomatoes. Serve it with chili sauce to add pep to the rice.

• Massaman Curry: Thai’s famous Muslim Curry made up of coconut milk, potatoes, roasted peanuts, bay leaves, sugar, cinnamon, and tamarind sauce with the meat of your choice.

• Khao man gai – A combination of chicken and rice and is a replica of British fish and chips. This Thai food is very easy to make as it includes boiled rice, chicken and served with sweet and spicy sauces.

When you overhear “Muay-Thai Boxing” for children, it may echoes like after-school excitement, but then again, you are in for a huge shock. Young Thai boys and girls, before even reaching their puberty, have already groomed into professionals by funded to training and public fights. In modern day Thailand, adolescents as early as five, start earning cash by taking part in a style of prizefighting, more correctly the combat sport which is also known as the “Science/Art of 8 Limbs” which uses fists, knees and feet as well as elbows.

Young fighters prepare their bodies for rough-and-ready ring competition, mostly aimed at focusing on body conditioning during daily training exercises. On the other hand, medical professionals say it is hazardous, unsafe and want it forbidden. Yet, when asked, why you fight? a widespread respond from a child boxer usually would be “I fight to make my mom and dad happy.”

This 700-year-old Thai martial art may almost seem, as though there is the spiritual part to Muay-Thai. Perceived once upon a time, as the best resources for Thailand to defend itself against foreign invasion, but in modern times, Muay-Thai is hardly a weapon for nationwide safe keeping; Yet, the thirst for thrill, makes this a fierce and urgent sport. Then again, it’s also one of the few avenues for thousands of children and their parents around countryside Thailand, through which they can getaway extreme poverty.

Thailand’s leadership applied official rules to the region of Muay Boran, when increased number of fighters often sustained fatal injuries, which lead to the developed of Muay-Thai into a sport. Branching from the ancient martial art of Muay Boran, these Warriors of skills start their drills as little as 6 or 7. Every youngster stands to change his or her family’s riches with a winning blow, as adolescent daughters and sons, wildly punch and kick each other in rustic rings throughout Thailand, while amused audiences place their bets (particularly families, friends, farmers & trainers). As a matter of fact, the champion fighter will make more money in an hour than a farmer or factory worker grosses in a month.

When Thailand’s Foundation for Child Rights Protection Centre in Bangkok, tried to influence the Thai government to ban child boxing, farmers from countryside lined together, quarreling that the farming economy would collapse if such fights were prohibited; Henceforth, the motion to ban child prizefight failed. Although it is not clear, when it comes to the long-term effects on children, these villagers ultimately found these boxing matches to be an economic necessity.

Many disadvantages of child Muay-Thai boxing simply can’t be overlooked, where children are being exploited by greedy parents and trainers. It may very well be wrong to cheer competition at such a young age, but then again, this isn’t exclusive to Thailand; For example, the beauty pageants for juvenile girls in United States are very popular with some, but could easily be debated as exploitation by others.

I notice that very often many western men comment on how Thai women can be quite jealous so in helping you with understanding Thai women I will tell you in this article why what seems like jealousy or paranoia has it’s roots deep in Thai culture.

Firstly I don’t want you to think that this is just an attack on Thai men because really they are only just a victim to years of Thai culture as well so we must be careful not to lay blame. To Thai men I ask you to consider if the shoe was on the other foot how would you feel..really try to put yourself in the same position as what I am about to tell you.

Thai culture has allowed the behavior of Thai men to have more than one wife

The fact is that Thai culture and society has allowed the behavior of Thai men to have more than one wife. Even though today it is frowned upon and the cause of such a high percentage of relationship and marital problems between Thai men and Thai women it still happens but it is not just as straight forward as a man being allowed to have two wives, it is a little more complicated than that.

In Thailand it is not really necessary to get a registered marriage

 

You see in Thailand it is not really necessary to get a registered marriage, very often the wedding ceremony performed in front of your social circle is enough to say you are married. In the eyes of everyone you are married. However, even though many do get an official or shall I say legal registration at a district office, it is not a celebratory affair just a signing of documents, witnessed and recorded for legal purposes. So many Thai men do not like to sign these papers for one reason or another, many feel it is a waste of time and cannot be bothered. The parents of both parties are not able to insist and so it goes unregistered.

What we tend to find is that this very often is the case in a first marriage when the couple are very young. With love stars in their eyes they will not bother with registration at a district office. Over the years the wife will do many things to support her husband and family helping him with business and all sorts of things and then one day the man will take a mistress/girlfriend and this is where the problems begin.

They may well have been married for 10 years or even more but there is no legal document to say so. When the new Thai girlfriend gets her claws into the man very often he will feel pressured to marry her and get it registered and she then has all the rights in the eyes of the law leaving the primary Thai wife with little rights to anything. I have seen many court cases and heard many stories of this over the years. Of course this sort of thing only really happens in the larger Cities in Thailand where there is property and assets at stake.

But this is just one issue for Thai women

It is all too common for many Thai men to take a girlfriend even though they are married. If they can afford it they will keep this going for years happily supporting both. One of the things in Thailand is the wearing of rings is not so readily practiced like the West and so it is often difficult to tell if someone is married or not. Quite often when you see an older Thai man with a younger Thai woman it is very likely his Thai girlfriend and not his Thai wife.

There is a true story of a man who lives on the outskirts of Bangkok who has 5 wives

In contrast though, there is a true story of a man who lives on the outskirts of Bangkok who has 5 wives and they all live together quite happily. He was interviewed on Television one time and was asked how he could keep such harmony in his household with 5 wives.

Perhaps then it is understandable why Thai women can be prone to bouts of jealousy

 

If you want to find out how this can help you if you have a Thai girlfriend or Thai wife and want to find out more about understanding Thai women just go to the Thai Girlfriend Advisor website where there are lots of interesting information and articles about having a relationship with a Thai woman.

For a lot of Caucasian men looking to date either of the women, there is a great and compelling need to compare them on different grounds. Not that it will make them generally better over each other, but only to have a better look at what makes them unique and special, and what makes them more appealing for the wife-seeking Westerner.

The proper way to do a comparison on Thai and Filipina women – and is more justifiable and fair – is not to single out on criteria but to find merits in different things.

Religion

One of the first things to look into this comparison is religion. Both countries are highly religious and this has a very huge influence on how they relate with people and basically, how they are as people. While the Philippines remains to be the largest Christian nation in Asia, majority of Thailand is Buddhist. This creates a huge difference between these women.

Thai women tend to be more superstitious and less fanatical about their religion while the Filipina women are more inclined to bring home several statuettes of her favorite saint, keep a rosary in her bag and hang another in the rearview mirror.

But this trait of religiosity makes them very respectful and family-loving women, as their faith dictates them to be.

Adaptability to Western Culture

Both countries do not have any problem dealing with westerners. The Philippines, having been subject to American rule for years and an honest to goodness fan of anything American, and Thailand, being a favorite hub of westerners, women from both countries will not shy away from a western guest.

In fact, westerners will find it amazing that the pop cultures of both nations are heavily laced with western influence in just about everything. Compared to their neighbors in Vietnam or Indonesia or even China, these two countries will more easily adapt to a foreign culture. A foreign guy would likely not have any problem introducing either women to his hometown; au contraire, she might even enjoy it more than anyone would expect.

English Language Proficiency

Language makes up a huge part in an interracial marriage. And this is where Filipina women get the advantage over their Thai counterparts. Most people in the Philippines, even those belonging to the so-called marginalized sector of the society, can speak English and can carry on a conversation better than most Thai people.

A foreign man would find it in his convenience to date a Filipina woman if he does not have the patience in lingering silence and other forms of language-related miscommunications.

Social Relations

Because Thailand is a richer country than the Philippines, most foreign men find Thai women more urbane in a sense. Women in Thailand are more adept at socializing, and they look the part! Some foreign men just shy away at having to teach their Filipina wives how to look and act more sociable and urban.

Both types of women are beautiful and wonderful in their own right – with the Thais and their skinny physique, high cheekbones and smaller eyes, and the Filipinas and their petite stature, curvier bodies and rounder, almond eyes. They also bear their own signature of warmth and friendliness: the more discreet kind for Thais and a more boisterous and fun-sounding Filipinas. For a comparison to give more justice to these amazing women, it takes more than just taking general notes but to actually experience meeting women from both countries.

Thai shorts in Thai Muay are popular for fighters throughout Thailand and are the official style of shorts worn by fighters in the country’s national sport. Although these types of fighting trunks ride a bit high, there is a purpose. Unlike trunks common in the Western world, Thai shorts are much shorter and are made for function. Meaning, Thai shorts are made to allow free movement in the legs which is important for Thai boxing.

Trunks that hang too low are not functional for the Nak Muay. When a Thai fighter kicks or knees, it is important that there is no impairment of his attacks due to drag from the Thai shorts against his thigh. Trunks that hang too down too long will hinder kicks and knees thus taking the power out of them and slowing down the fighter. In addition to being short in length, Thai shorts have patterns on both the front and back sides. These patterns are actually Thai writing and other symbols unique to Thai Muay.

On the front side of Thai shorts is commonly the name of the camp. The camp will not only be represented but actually the Nak Muay since he will take the name of the camp. For example, if a fighter has a name of Nok and comes from at Thai Muay camp named Pak Issan, the fighter would then have the name, Nok Pak Issan. So not only does the writing on Thai shorts represent his camp, it will also represent himself since a fighter will no longer bear his family name until he moves out of the Thai Muay boxing camp. For the time being, his Thai trunks will have significant meaning to him. The front will bear his new family name, the sides will often have symbols of strength such as a tiger, snake or elephant. The back sides may bear his nick-name such as Super Nok or Lightening Dtung, accordingly.

Unlike the United States or other Western countries, a Nak Muay will not wear his Thai shorts used in fighting anywhere but in the boxing ring. Although a Nak Muay will have other Thai trunks which he will train in at his camp, the trunks used in fighting will be significantly nicer. These Thai shorts will be flashy with flashy design and bright colors. Pink, Blue and Yellow are among colors that often bring curiosity to foreigners watching.

Yellow in Thailand is a Royal color for His Majesty King Bhumibol. In addition Yellow is the color representing the Moon God. Pink is a very popular color in Thailand worn by men and women alike. Unlike the Western countries, Pink signifies strength and became as popular as ever when His Majesty King Bhumibol wore a Pink shirt when he exited out of the hospital after a serious sickness.

For Thai Muay fighters who wear Pink Thai shorts, they are signifying strength and perseverance unlike the meaning of Pink worn by a man in America which symbolizes softness or even feminist traits. The designs, colors and length of Thai shorts are significant and are made the way the are with particular meaning and purpose. Whenever you are in Thailand take note of the shorts worn by a Nak Muay, a Thai fighter. Perhaps you will see new meaning in the color and design.

A Thai Head Massage is a massage of the head, neck and upper body. It will help to release all the tension and toxins that have accumulated in the muscles, tissues, joints of the head, shoulders, neck and face. The therapist uses a variety of different movements including deep kneading and compression techniques over the head, neck and shoulder blades areas. It also involves massage work on the energy lines and stimulating the pressure points that are located around the head. The massage is completed with a soothing shoulder, neck and upper back massage to break down any remaining stress or tension and release toxins.

Thai Head Massage is a perfect stress-busting treatment for anybody suffering from tension headache, aching shoulders, eye strain, a stiff neck, insomnia, poor concentration or difficulty sleeping. It is a completely safe and simple yet effective form of massage therapy renowned for its stress relieving qualities. The treatment can be given fully clothed and without a treatment table also. It is both versatile and non-invasive so perfect for all the family, even pregnant mums and the elderly.

Along with the traditional Thai massage techniques used the Thai Head Massage borrows many techniques from the ancient Indian head massage. In addition to our physical anatomy there is another normally unseen “subtle” anatomy, the Chakra. The energy vortex or “Chakra” as it is also known as corresponds to the different glands that relate to specific parts of the physical body and also to areas of spiritual and psychological development. Stimulating these energy centres and pathways to perform at their optimum efficiency provide a highly effective way to prevent ill health and promote a greater sense a well being. The balancing of this “Chakra” is essential to maintaining our health and vitality.

What are the benefits of a Thai Head Massage?

• Antidote to anxiety, stress and mental tension
• Clears the mind and revitalises mental capacity
• General “balancing”, giving a sense of calm and peace
• Works on balancing the Chakras
• Calming the respiratory system
• Improves circulation of blood to the head and neck
• Enhances nourishment to the muscles which helps promote hair growth
• Improving alertness productivity and concentration
• Improves lymphatic drainage from the head and neck
• Improves muscle tone and head and neck mobility
• Relieves mental and physical stress
• Relieves eyestrain, sinusitis and congestion
• Treats headaches, migraines and insomnia

Another benefit of Thai Head Massage is that can perform it on your own head anywhere and anytime. You can try it at home or at your place of work or study to quickly reduce and eliminate any tension, stress or headaches you may have, cause by any anxieties or worries you may be experiencing. You can try this with just a few simple techniques such as squeezing and releasing the trapeziod muscles on your shoulders on both sides side of your neck. Apply palm pressure to your neck muscles in a gentle squeezing motion to release any muscle tension and increase blood circulation to the head. Rotate your middle fingers in small circles along the along the to top of your eyebrows from the centre of your forehead to towards the outside of your eyes. Repeat at the sphenoid bone close to the frontozygomatic suture. Finally squeeze the ear between thumb and your index finger and apply a little pressure. Drag the earlobe down slowly and release to stimulate all the energy points and by applying a moderate pressure make downward strokes along the neck to its base at the shoulders. This will stimulate the release of endorphins and quickly start to alleviate any symptoms of stress or tension you may be having.

Thai cuisine or Thai Food is one of the most celebrated dishes in the world because of its taste and nutritious value. Thai food became popular after World War II when Thailand become a favorite international tourist destination site for Americans and Britons. Its unique combination of exotic flavors and nice fragrances has widely contributed to a high international status. Take for example the famous Thai soup known as Tom Yum Goong which is a combination of prawn and mushrooms spiced up with lemongrass, galangal, chili, and lime. This soup can be served alongside any dish and still make the whole meal fantastic.

One of the major factors contributing to Thai food popularity is its availability in almost all major cities around the world such as London, Paris, Washington DC etc. A research showed that there is one Thai restaurant for every fifty people living in Seattle. Almost all towns have a dozen Thai Basil or Siam restaurants. In addition, these restaurants are located near or in malls making it an easy stop for consumers. The convenience where these restaurants are located has immensely contributed to their popularity. The difference in taste, flavor and uniqueness create mouthwatering meals for not only Americans but everyone from different cultural backgrounds. Most Thai restaurants are owned and operated by Thai people who good knowledge on Thai cuisine and culture as well as experience in making these delicious meals. Thai cuisine is served in plenty compared to other dishes. Large food portions are served to customers and hence people get filled without necessarily ordering numerous plates. This helps as one spends less and saves more ultimately becoming a preferred choice of cuisine. In addition, Thai cuisine is relatively cheap when compared to other cuisines.

If we take into consideration the high living expenses, one who would prefer to cut back on their eating budget will settle for Thai food. A normal Thai dish will go for approximately $10 This is another major factor driving up its popularity. We all know meat is a favorite delicacy to all who are not vegetarians. incorporates a lot of meat in their meals hence automatically becoming the most popular dish in the world. Their generosity in meat (especially fried meat) can be easily seen in their meals. The famous Thai deep fried spring rolls are a delicacy to many. Thai food serves large chunks of meat in their dishes take for example their spiced beef salad – Yam Nua. The flavors used in Thai food is way beyond the normal cuisines. The mixture is just the right degree neither hot enough or sour enough but entirely rich enough. Good news for those of us who fear vegetables, Thai has just the right quantity of spiced herbs certainly one of the reasons why it is loved. Thai foods are usually sweet (sugary and spicy) with an exception of a few being sour. The unique combinations of flavors and vegetables, as well as meat, gives rise to the authentic international Thai flavor we all love.