Thousands of tourists from dozens of countries flock to Thailand each year. Despite the diverse set of customs that these tourists bring with them, all are made to feel welcome by the Thai people. Through my daily interaction with the students on our trip from Kasetsart University, I have been consistently impressed by their deep expression of hospitality, respect, and their ability to remain calm and pleasant with heat, stress, and fatigue.

As an outsider, I can only speculate the source of this kindness. Maybe it is the Buddhist culture? Thailand is the most heavily Buddhist country in the world with over 93 percent of its people identifying as Buddhist. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion so perhaps these values permeate through Thai culture.

Maybe it is the beauty of the country. Ever seem like people are in a good mood just because the weather is nice. Perhaps Thai people enjoy their consistently warm and sunny weather and that creates for a warm and sunny culture.

Maybe there is a financial motive to being so hospitable. Tourism is the fourth largest industry in Thailand. Six percent of the overall 455 billion dollar GDP is from tourism. So that means tourism generates 27.3 billion dollars a year to the Thai economy. Perhaps the people of Thailand are so nice because it pays to be nice.

These are only thoughts and I am uncertain of the precise reason why the Thai people I have interacted with are so graceful and kind.  What I am certain of is that Thai culture has inspired me to take a piece of their warmness back to America along with my elephant pants.