01/10/2025
As a Thai of Chinese descent—my grandfather sailed across the sea from China—I was taught from a young age to address non-relatives with family pronouns. Even so, it always confused me to hear people call a street vendor 'Paa' (auntie) or a server 'Nong' (younger sibling), even though they weren't related at all. But then I 'discovered' that these aren't just words; they are the very key that opens the door to the heart of Thai culture."
So what is this 'key'? It's the beautiful Thai custom of extending kinship terms to everyone...
พี่ (Phii): For someone older...
น้อง (Nong): For someone younger...
ลุง (Lung) & ป้า (Paa): For elders...
Have you ever experienced this beautiful part of Thai culture? Share your story in the comments!
