Editor's note: During the next year, Rotary exchange student Kai Nestman will periodically provide readers of Coast Reporter with an update on his adventures in Thailand.
Leaving Vancouver on Aug. 3 was the start of a new year and a great experience to come. Only 20 days into my year-long Rotary youth exchange, I have already had a fabulous stay in my host country of Thailand and city of Chumphae.
The moment I stepped off the plane at the Bangkok International Airport, I was greeted by cheerful, smiling Thai people, starting with Rotary. I was met by the current Rotary youth exchange student who came to Chumphae in January from South Africa, my host family and my Rotary councillor. My Thai family consists of a wonderful mother, three younger sisters and a grandmother, all whom are very helpful and generous in teaching me the Thai language and culture.
The city of Chumphae is located about 500 km northeast of Bangkok and 81 km from the closest major city of Khon Kaen. Chumphae, being a smaller Thai city, has all the amenities of a North American town. If you need anything, you'll find it in Chumphae.
Thai culture is one of honour and generosity towards other people, the government, the monarch and Buddhism. Many people will give food and gifts to the Buddhist monks who walk the streets during the early morning. There are various classes of citizens in Thailand, with the high class consisting of government employees and business owners. A classic example of the Thai culture can be seen within the school I attend, Chumphaesuksa School. Teachers and directors are of a high status and therefore are always greeted with a traditional Thai greeting and palms together gesture. Students are meant to stand lower than teachers and crawl into a room on their knees, but within recent Thai culture this stance has been removed. Everything in Thailand has a purpose and meaning and is set out from generation to generation.
Recently, on Aug. 12, it was the Queen's birthday and Mother's Day. This occasion and celebration of the Queen was marked by a holiday and great ceremony in which the community gave gifts for the Queen. With my host mom, I went down to the town council hall where I took part in the events. The high-class citizens were dressed in their best clothes, a white, government-issued, military-style uniform. As representatives of Rotary International we went up to bow in front of the Queen's picture and then gave a flowered present. Two of my host sisters performed a traditional Thai dance in front of the audience. It was a huge occasion that is very important to Thai people and their way of living.
Education in Thailand is a slow and tedious process that is mandatory only up to a certain age. Few men are left in the highest grade at the age of 18, while women dominate the schools. English is taught but isn't a successful course as the teachers sometimes can barely speak the language themselves. After secondary school, the students generally go straight to university for further study, usually the English language. Overall the schooling system is quite advanced and comparable to Canadian standards.
The day after I wrote this article I was to pay tribute to the Princess of Thailand in Bangkok on behalf of the Rotary Club of Chumphae in lieu of their donation towards her foundation. I am sure it will be a great visit and I will represent Canada as I wear my Rotary jacket.
You can catch up to me in Thailand by sending me an email at [email protected].
