It is All About Smiles

We're told it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile – and that smiling releases endorphins, which make us feel happier and healthier. In Thailand, there is more to a smile than the feel-good-factor.

With 90 percent of inhabitants Buddhists, Thais regard their religion as a way of life. It explains a purpose to life, details injustice around the universe and provides a code of practice that leads to happiness.

In a society in which politeness and a 'Mai Pen Rai' (never mind) attitude play such important roles, a smile is never far from a Thai's lips. Smiling is a form of subtle interpersonal-messaging.

A genuine smile is a staple of Thai life that you can find anywhere in the Thai Kingdom. Thai people are renowned for showing their friendliness and happiness wherever they are, and whatever they are doing. You can expect to be greeted with a smile on numerous occasions everyday.

Some of the smiles produced are used to alleviate tension, calm nerves, seek pardon or release from distressing situations. The name of one, Yim mee lessanai, mains 'The smile which masks something wicked in your mind'.

In a country where overt anger is considered bad manners with a smile and a polite remark.

People are born with the ability to smile. They don't copy expression. Even babies born blind know how to smile. And no offspring in the world demonstrates this more appealingly than the cherub-like tots in Thailand.

The wonderful thing about Thai friendliness is that it quickly rubs off on visitors. On arriving you'll find it difficult to wipe that smile off your face....