International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #10 | Page 37

3. What are some of the Thai
contributions to American
culture?
• Thailand’s population of over 58
million practices Buddhism. Thai
Americans have assimilated into
the American culture and contin-
ue to follow Buddhist ways of the
eight-fold path and cultural tradi-
tions, which require high ethical
standards and conquering desire.
Based on the central concept of
reincarnation, good deeds includ-
ing philanthropic donations to
help the indigent are a key in Thai
culture.
• Thais place their palms together
about chest high in prayer-like
gesture and bow to greet. They
do not shake hands. The head is
considered the highest part of the
body; therefore they do not touch
each other’s hair nor head. The feet
are considered the lowest part of
the body and are never pointed to
nor faced toward Buddha images.
Thais consider pointing with one’s
feet to be extremely disrespectful
and offensive.
• The majority of Thai Americans
live in Los Angeles, New York,
Houston, and Dallas.
• Paramount Thai values are educa-
tion and maintaining a close-knit
family. In the United States, most
Thais own small business, work as
skilled laborers, and do not domi-
nate any profession; many women
are in nursing careers. There are no
Thai labor unions.
4. Who are well-known Thai
Americans?
The following names are a few
notable Thai Americans (refer to
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Thai_Americans for a more com-
prehensive list).
• Bhumibol Adulyadej, the previ-
ous King and Head of the State of
Thailand, was born in Cambridge,
Massachusetts and is the only
American-born monarch in his-
tory.
• Stacy Prammanasudh, golfer
• Tiger Woods, professional golfer
• Jocelyn Seagrave, television actress
• Alex Sink, former Chief Financial
Officer for the state of Florida
• Prim Siripipat, sportscaster
• Brenda Song, actress
• Tamarine Tanasugarn, professional
tennis player
• Kevin Tancharoen, dancer, chore-
ographer, television producer and
film director
• Maurissa Tancharoen, actress, sing-
•
•
•
•
er, dancer, television producer/
writer and lyricist
Lada Engchawadechasilp, beauty
pageant queen
Kevin Kaesviharn, football player
Todd Angkasuwan, music video
and documentary film director
Anthony Burch, writer of video
game Borderlands 2
This month, we celebrate with ap-
preciation the many contributions of
our Thailand community.
The Rothschild Corporation is ex-
perienced in facilitating meetings,
change management, team build-
ing workshops, consulting and soft
skills training to help organizations
maximize teamwork and effective
communications. They listen to your
needs to focus the outcomes on your
target goals.
Written by:
Susanne Rothschild,
MBA, PMP
President, The
Rothschild Corporation
iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net
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