CulturalFest Preview: Thailand travel tips and more

An interview with volunteers from the Thailand booth who will be exhibiting at the CulturalFest Expo.

CulturalFest, FIUTS' annual celebration of all things global on the University of Washington campus, is coming up on February 14 and 15! Over the next few weeks, we'll be profiling some of the many student volunteers who make CulturalFest happen, asking them a series of questions to learn more about where they're from and what they hope to share about their country or culture.

A few members of the Thai Student Association at the University of Washington took some time to tell us about what to expect from their CulturalFest booth and share their insights about Thailand. Here's what they had to say:

Where are the members of your CulturalFest booth team from?

Most of us are from Bangkok (the capital city). One is from Nakhon Nayok, a little further up the country.

What will CulturalFest visitors be able to see and do at your booth to learn about Thailand?

We will be playing a Thai Instrument called Khim. Moreover, we will be playing a traditional game called Mhak Geb. We will be teaching some easy Thai words, such as hello or goodbye. There will be a tourism poster to encourage people to visit Thailand.

 What’s one important thing you want people to know about Thailand?

Thailand is known as the 'land of smiles' because no matter where you go you will see smiles from the local Thai.

We want to expose our unique and remarkable culture/traditions. 'Wai' is the form of greeting and respect to the elders. We have a strong sense of hospitality and social hierarchy.

 If someone was going to travel to Thailand, where would you recommend they visit?

First, we recommend hanging out in Bangkok to see the historic temples and try the awesome street food. If you are looking for souvenirs, then go to JJ market. You have to try our famous Thai massage (you can't find this anywhere else). Many foreigners also visit beaches, such as Ko Phi Phi and Ko Tao for diving, snorkeling or simply enjoying the nature.

If someone wanted to know more about Thailand, are there any resources you'd recommend?

We would recommend: http://www.tourismthailand.org/home

We recommend two books called Thai Ways and More Thai Ways by Denis Segallar. You will learn so much from this book, including our cultures and beliefs.

When you first arrived at the University of Washington, what surprised you the most about the local Seattle area/culture?

We were surprised to learn that there are so many Thai people here in Washington state. Everywhere we go, we meet more Thai people.

Thank you to the members of the Thai Student Association for sharing this information!