In Thailand,if they wear a uniform or stand out from the "Norm",then they our "Phu Yai"!I am of course not wearing a uniform in this picture,so i am not the"Phu Yai",only being shown respect as per Thai customs.This was the funeral for my wife's father "Boon" two years ago in "Si muang mai" in "Isaan Country".If you decide to move here,then your home grown usual "feelings" towards police and other official looking types,needs readjustment.I have a very hard time in that department,do to the fact they(officials in Thailand) have their hands out for "Tea Money" in most cases of contact with a "Farang",or just about any Thai they can bully!Bribes our the normal way of conducting business here.Thailand's upper 10% of elite control the other 90% of Thai people.If you want to break down the numbers it is scary.Thai police.Military,Civil officials,Multi-National Corporations with Thai Majority Boards control everything that happens in Thailand.Corruption is the number one problem in this country.The rules of the game our always about "Money and saving face",not about morals,or doing good for the majority of poor Thai people.I know a little about "Buddhist" beliefs,and "Greed" is not at the head of the list of doing "Merit"!The buying and selling of favors is a very entrenched way of life in Thailand.The adjustments you need to make,our many and bothersome,if not amoral!I can get anything i really need(or want!),if the price is acceptable to the "Phu yai"!Thai people would never question any person who they believe is "Phu Yai" to themselves.I can tell you ,almost every single Thai you meet,want to ask you many questions....."Many questions!"The simple reason is "Phu Yai or Phu Noi" for that Thai asking the questions.Yai equals "Big in English,and Noi equals Little".The reason is they do not want to lose face showing to little or to much respect...it is a strange dance!luckkyybuddha999
Mother Sawat,My Mother-in-law and "Major Domo"...No Shit and you better believe i treat her with the utmost respect and humility.I do not do humble well,but i have made a "Big Exception" in this case!All Thai mothers our "Phu yai" or "Big Boss" in EVERY THAI FAMILY!My friends and readers better pay close attention to this little bit of hard learned advice,your Wife is in total submission to her mother in all matters period!I have taken the responsibility of caring for her after the death of "father Boon",some two years ago come this Jan 6th @ 6:00pm ,with a once in a "Blue Moon" hovering overhead as he went to "Buddha"...I know the exact time as i was holding his hand(Thai Hospices).I made a promise to care for his/my family and his wife,that was made to a dying man of simple means and needs.I see Boon everyday on my computer,alive,dying and in death.I always smile and "Wai" his pictures,and let him know i have kept my word.I guess you might be wondering what this has to do with Sawat,my wife and my marriage?It is simple really,just letting go and excepting my Thai family and their culture.The simple part is knowing my promise to Boon,the hard part is learning how.Sawat is one of the smartest women i have ever came in contact with over my 62 years of life.I marvel at her ability to keep her large and extended family on a level course, all the while being a widower without any help from the Thai government.The Social security of Thailand is up to the children,and first in line is your wife(Forever!),then the next oldest women in the family,Then the eldest son...Of course if you our married to that Thai daughter,then you jump to the front of the line!Number "1" Rule,if you marry in Thailand,then you marry the "Family" and your "Big Boss" can make it a "Living Hell" for you if you do not except her "Phu Yai" in the family...i have had worst "Jobs".Luckkyybuddha999
In Thailand,if they wear a uniform or stand out from the "Norm",then they our "Phu Yai"!I am of course not wearing a uniform in this picture,so i am not the"Phu Yai",only being shown respect as per Thai customs.This was the funeral for my wife's father "Boon" two years ago in "Si muang mai" in "Isaan Country".If you decide to move here,then your home grown usual "feelings" towards police and other official looking types,needs readjustment.I have a very hard time in that department,do to the fact they(officials in Thailand) have their hands out for "Tea Money" in most cases of contact with a "Farang",or just about any Thai they can bully!Bribes our the normal way of conducting business here.Thailand's upper 10% of elite control the other 90% of Thai people.If you want to break down the numbers it is scary.Thai police.Military,Civil officials,Multi-National Corporations with Thai Majority Boards control everything that happens in Thailand.Corruption is the number one problem in this country.The rules of the game our always about "Money and saving face",not about morals,or doing good for the majority of poor Thai people.I know a little about "Buddhist" beliefs,and "Greed" is not at the head of the list of doing "Merit"!The buying and selling of favors is a very entrenched way of life in Thailand.The adjustments you need to make,our many and bothersome,if not amoral!I can get anything i really need(or want!),if the price is acceptable to the "Phu yai"!Thai people would never question any person who they believe is "Phu Yai" to themselves.I can tell you ,almost every single Thai you meet,want to ask you many questions....."Many questions!"The simple reason is "Phu Yai or Phu Noi" for that Thai asking the questions.Yai equals "Big in English,and Noi equals Little".The reason is they do not want to lose face showing to little or to much respect...it is a strange dance!luckkyybuddha999
