Country and Culture Highlight Page: Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful and inviting country, full of rich culture that set it apart from other countries. If you’re looking for an au pair to help with childcare responsibilities, this country has something special to offer. Thai au pairs will expose your children to a new language and culture, teaching them about people and places different from theirs. 

As Thai-born parents relocate around the globe for work, many are in search of people who can share their native language and values with their children. If you’re considering hiring a Thai au pair, this page will give you an overview of Thailand so that you can better understand where your au pair comes from and their lifestyle. 

Thailand Country Facts 

Thailand is in Southeast Asia. The majority of its territory is located to the north on the mainland, while a smaller peninsula extends into the south. Due to its unique shape and being in the tropics, there are several diverse ecosystems located within Thailand. The northern region consists of dense forests and hills, which is in contrast to the flat rice fields of the central plains and the rocky coastlines found on both sides of the thin southern peninsula.

Previously known as Siam, the name was officially changed in 1939 to Thailand. Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and busiest city, with a population of 11 million. Thailand avoided being brought under European colonial rule and is run by a constitutional monarchy and its National Assembly. 

Thai au pairs are typically aged 22-25 and are college graduates, often recruited from hospitals and universities.

Communication Style

Thai people are known for their friendly and helpful nature. Thai au pairs are known to be organized, polite, and have great group childcare experience with young children. Host parents also report them to be generally very hardworking, punctual, and flexible. They often wear a smile, even when interacting with strangers. Thai au pairs also have a patient demeanor, which can be helpful in child-rearing. Thai culture values indirect communication, which means that people avoid giving direct refusals. They speak softly and avoid raising their voice. Gesturing too dramatically or too often can be mistaken for anger, and pointing with a single finger is considered rude and accusatory so take care to avoid doing this in front of your Thai au pair. 

Communication Style

Thai people are known for their friendly and helpful nature. Thai au pairs are known to be organized, polite, and have great group childcare experience with young children. Host parents also report them to be generally very hardworking, punctual, and flexible. They often wear a smile, even when interacting with strangers. Thai au pairs also have a patient demeanor, which can be helpful in child-rearing. Thai culture values indirect communication, which means that people avoid giving direct refusals. They speak softly and avoid raising their voice. Gesturing too dramatically or too often can be mistaken for anger, and pointing with a single finger is considered rude and accusatory so take care to avoid doing this in front of your Thai au pair. 

English

In Thailand, English is taught in schools from kindergarten through high school with some Thai students continuing their English education into university. The curriculum covers grammar, reading, and speaking skills, with native English speakers commonly instructing speaking classes. Although all Thai students have to learn English starting at age 10 they are culturally shy and their spoken English might not be as strong as the school's focus is on the written language.

Cooking

While heavily inspired by Indian spices, Thai cuisine has its own unique flavor profile that values the five primary flavors of salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. Every dish blends these flavors with local Thai vegetables like garlic, pepper, and rice. Desserts commonly include tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, or guava that add a splash of fruity and sweetness to every meal. Thai are proud of their cultural heritage and love to share cultural practices and traditional Thai dishes with their host families, and generally, they are good at cooking.

Driving

In Thailand, you must be at least 18 years old to drive. When you are learning, it is mandatory to receive instruction from either a driving school or an instructor so you can be confident that your Thai au pair is an excellent driver. Au pairs from Thailand are likely to be used to much smaller vehicles and may find American cars, trucks, and SUVs to be intimidating when they first start to drive in the US.

Highlight 

During the Songkran Festival in Thailand, which takes place after the spring equinox, everyone in the city participates in a large water fight. Also known as the Water Splashing Festival, this festival is not only fun but is also steep with religious meanings symbolizing the physical and spiritual cleansing that comes with the New Year and building family connections. Ask your Thai au pair about this tradition and consider incorporating it into your home. 

Hosting a Thai au pair could be the perfect way to introduce cultural diversity into your household. Au pairs from Thailand often come with an open mindset and a desire to learn about their host family's culture, as well as share their own customs and traditions. With an Asian au pair, you can expect to be immersed in a new world of flavorful cuisine, vibrant festivals, and a unique worldview. Not to mention, your children will have the opportunity to learn and practice a new language with a native speaker. By welcoming a Thai au pair into your home, you and your family can experience the joys and richness of cultural exchange right from your living room.

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