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Sa-Wad-Dee Ka! 

Welcome to Krung Thep (Bangkok), Thailand, future WCN‘23 delegates!  

My name is Sinee. In Thailand, we usually go by our first names since our last ones are often long and more difficult to remember or pronounce. Yes, the pronunciation of Thai last names is difficult even for us! So don’t worry; we will certainly forgive you for not being able to pronounce our last names correctly. More importantly, our first names easily distinguish us since they are usually unique! When you want to make friends with us, feel free to call us by our first names.  

To greet us, use the word “sa–wad-dee” followed by “ka” if you are a woman or “krub” if you are a man. In Thailand, people take politeness very seriously when addressing others – adding “ka” or “krub” at the end of the sentence marks that politeness. So, say “Sa-wad-dee ka (krub)” when you want to say hi or hello, and “kob-khoon ka (krub)” when you want to say thank you.  

You may also notice that when we meet, we say “sa-wad-dee ka (krub)”, and place our palms together, with fingertips touching the nose. This is a gesture called a “wai.” A wai indicates a level of respect for another person and acknowledges seniority. People may also bow their heads with their palms pressed together to show respect. By now, you may realize we are not only serious about politeness, but also serious about respecting elders. To greet a person who is more senior than you without the wai is considered rude! But don’t worry, foreigners are the exception! However, if you are older, be prepared to receive the wai when younger ones greet you. 

This year we are lucky to have the recently renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) as the venue for WCN’23. QSNCC is a great place to begin exploring other delights in Krung Thep since it is situated in the middle of the city’s central business district. You may already see the MRT subway system in front of the convention center that can take you to hotels, restaurants and attractions.  

There are several hotels and restaurants to explore on nearby streets: Sukhumvit, Rama IV and Ratchadaphisek. Benchakitti park is also next to the convention center. The park has jogging and biking paths and encircles a lake where you can take a boat ride. Dogs are welcome in the park, and I especially enjoy watching these cute little fur balls walking after their masters. 

And finally, the Thais are known for their friendliness, so feel free to ask around if you need help. And remember to say “sa-wad-dee ka (krub)” before you start the conversation”s and “kob-khoon ka (krub)” at the end. 

Kob-khoon ka! 

Sinee