Alignment Chart
An alignment chart is a grid that combines two distinct spectrums, creating nine unique boxes. View Mo’s on Thai and American culture below.
Mo Gaynor, 137 YinD
Common in Thailand x Common in the States:
Fruit (in) Salads
In Thailand, some people firmly believe no meal is complete without som-tom, a green papaya salad that is spicy, savory, sweet, and every flavor in between. While not the same profile, traditional fruit salads and salads featuring fruit (looking at you apples, pears, and cherry tomatoes!) are commonplace on any table stateside.
Common in Thailand x Sometimes in the States:
Object-Based Nicknames
Sure, we all know someone saddled with the nickname ‘Shorty’ for vertically challenged reasons, or ‘Cheeto’ because they have an affection for one of the best chips on the market, but in Thailand nicknames are taken to a whole new level. Formal Thai names are often quite long, so for day-to-day use many Thais exclusively go by a one-or two-syllable nickname, seldom derived from their actual name. In my classes alone, I have a student named Spy, Arm, Nok (bird), Boat, Glûay (banana), Pleng (song), Forgot, Náam (water), Dteng Mo (watermelon), Bam, Cream, Gaao (nine), and Mind.
Common in Thailand x Rare in the States:
Immediately Asking Someone’s Age
As far as intro questions go, age is an ABSOLUTE no-no in the US, but in Thailand it can be the second thing someone learns about you (after your name.) This is because your relative age determines not only your place in the social hierarchy (respect your elders!), but how people address you. When speaking to someone older than you, it’s expected you call them Phi ___, and for those younger you have the option of using Nong ___.
Sometimes in Thailand x Common in the States:
Toilet Paper
In Thailand, it’s bidets for days. Yes toilet paper’s occasionally available, but be prepared to BYOTP just in case.
Sometimes in Thailand x Sometimes in the States:
Chopsticks
Despite what you’ve gleaned from the Thai takeout place on Main Street, Thai food in Thailand is usually eaten using a spoon and fork. With the spoon acting as the main character, the fork is usually its helper, and chopsticks make a cameo appearance for specific dishes, such as noodle soups.
Sometimes in Thailand x Rare in the States:
Wild Elephant Invasions
Yes, this is 100% real! Some communities (mine included) have a recurring problem where wild elephants crash the party to raid fruit or sugarcane farms for goodies.
Rare in Thailand x Common in the States:
Showering Just Once a Day
You are more likely to find a wild elephant than a Thai person who showers just once a day. With the climate being as tropical as it is, showering at least twice a day isn’t just a norm, it’s a mandate. It’s so pervasive that when I first arrived in Thailand, my host family was appalled that I didn't shower in the morning before my 10 km sweltering commute to training.
Rare in Thailand x Sometimes in the States:
Wearing Shoes in the House
Over here, taking off your shoes when you enter a space is a sign of respect, not just good hygiene (you can guess where I stand on the issue..)
Rare in Thailand x Rare in the States:
A Monolithic Culture
While Thailand may appear homogeneous from the outside, Thai society has substantial regional, ethnic, religious, linguistic, and cultural variation. As a collectivist culture, Thai people have a strong emphasis on harmony and community; however, collectivism and cultural diversity aren't mutually exclusive. Each community is unique in its own right, and individuals even more so!
