Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Thailand?

• because it gives you an experience with a different work culture, which is a mix of respect, hierarchy, harmony and collectivism.
• because it allows you to have many adventures and meet other foreigners.
• because it is a very accessible Asian country with many good facilities.
• because the common interest of the team is high on the list. 
• because the work culture has a clear hierarchy, it is clear that the employer and/or the older and more experienced colleague has the final say.

What should you pay attention to?

• English is spoken in workplaces, the front language remains Thai. 
• that patience is a virtue, decision-making processes and making contacts can take time.
• that in many places there can be bureaucracy and many procedures and rules to follow. This requires adaptability.

What are the customs in Thailand regarding food?

• Thai cuisine is booming, and it is a great country for street food. You can find affordable and good eateries everywhere, including for vegetarians, and even street food is becoming more hygienic. Usually people eat rice or noodles combined with fresh spices and meat, fish or tofu, but of course the most famous are curries. And of course don't forget to try the many fruits! These are wonderfully refreshing in the heat of the sun. On the street you can always go to the food stalls for such things as massaman curry, spring rolls and satay.

What are the best recipes in Thailand?

• Som Tam: a tremendously spicy salad of unripe shredded papaya with peanuts and tomatoes.
• Larb: spicy minced meat with chopped shallots, onions, pepper and cilantro.
• Khao Man Gai: steamed chicken with rice cooked in chicken broth and garlic.
• Jok: Rice dish with pork, fresh ginger and green onion (sometimes with egg).
• Lad Nah: Fried noodles with a bean sauce and Chinese cabbage.
• Hi Tod: Fried oysters in batter of egg on a bed of bean sprouts.
• Pat Thai - dish based on rice noodles, chili, peanuts and egg. Usually combined with chicken, tofu or shrimp.

What are the best drinks in Thailand?

• Not drink water from the tap, but buy bottled water from the store.
• A real thirst quencher is coconut juice and other fruit juices. These juices are very popular and widely consumed in Thailand.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Thailand?

• Chakri Day - This holiday takes place on April 6. In 1782, the present Chakri Dynasty came to power in Thailand. Residents commemorate and celebrate this with a national holiday.
• Songkran - Songkran is the Thai New Year, also known as the Festival of Water. This festival begins April 13 and ends April 15. Exuberant celebrations are held throughout the country.
• Visakha Bucha - Most important holiday for Buddhists, here the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha is celebrated. It takes place on the first full moon in May. Believers walk 3 laps around the temple and offer a candle, flowers and incense.
• Birthday of King Vajiralongkorn - July 28 marks the birthday of the current King Vajiralongkorn. It is a national holiday, which means many stores will be closed. However, many ceremonies will take place.
• Queen Sirikit's Birthday - Celebrated on Aug. 12, this day is combined with Mother's Day, making it a national holiday in Thailand.
• Death of King Bhumibol - This is a national holiday that takes place on Oct. 13, the day King Bhumibol died. He was the longest-serving monarch in the world. 
• Makha Bucha - This is a religious festival where the teachings of Buddha are honored, usually in February. Believers visit temples to listen to Buddha's teachings.
• Pattaya festival - International fireworks festival in April.
• Flower Festival - Chiang Mai hosts the flower festival for three days in February. Parades are held and everything is decorated with flowers.
• Loy Krathong - During the first full moon in November, all craft with candles are placed on the water. It is considered the most beautiful festival in Thailand.

What are the remarkable habits in Thailand?

• Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand. Buddhist temples can be found everywhere. In addition to Buddhism, there are a small number of other religions, such as Islam, animism and Hinduism. 
• Cultural customs: World-famous is the Thai greeting (wai), a bow with your palms together. Furthermore, it is important to take off your shoes before entering someone's house or a temple, and should you have a snack there, you will probably eat with a spoon; the main eating utensil at meals. 
• Social norms and mutual communication: as in many other Asian countries, respect for elders and persons of higher status is very important. Mutual communication is often quite indirect to avoid communications. Another important aspect in society is hospitality. Visitors are warmly welcomed and treated to delicious food and drinks. 
• Etiquettes & traditions: at temples it is important to dress modestly/covered (sometimes you will be refused entry), be quiet and show respect. Also good to know is that the royal family is highly respected, so be careful when discussing the monarchy as a negative comment can have legal consequences. 
• Eating and drinking habits: in Thailand, people like to share food. It is customary to order several things and share them with everyone at the table. People generally eat with cutlery, but in the north they also eat by hand. Making noises while eating, such as slurping, is not appropriate and wasting food is not appreciated.