Can Thailand teach us all to have more fun?

24 November 2015  Each time I visit Thailand – which is not frequently enough, I'm struck by the amount of fun everybody is by all accounts having. Obviously, individuals have a great time all over the place.  Be that as it may, in Thailand it's distinctive. The Thais have some good times to an ethos, a lifestyle – one that, to be honest, we would all be savvy to imitate. Each society has a word for entertainment only, yet the Thai word, sanuk, in freighted with all the more importance, more veneration, than most. Sanuk is not fun as careless redirection or triviality; it's enjoyment as a characteristically significant movement. Stroll down any soi in Bangkok, those magnificently motor back streets overflowing with life – or venture into any office so far as that is concerned ­– and you'll see sanuk in real life. It may take the type of tender teasing, sharp word play or plain old irrationality. It's quite often pleasant and dependably incorporates a component of social concordance. 
"The interpretation of "fun" doesn't do sanuk equity," said William Klausner, an American anthropologist who lived in Thailand for a considerable length of time. "It neglects to catch the enchantment of this fairly novel part of Thai society." Voyagers can see sanuk in full blossom amid the yearly New Year celebration of Songkran. Held from 13 to 15 April, it's been called "the world's greatest water battle", and all things considered. Venture outside amid Songkran and you hazard getting a careful soaking, either by youngsters who meander the lanes equipped with gigantic water guns or by basin wielding grown-ups. Beginning as a Buddhist celebration, Songkran is one titan festivity of fun. No big surprise it is Thailand's most essential occasion. Also, no different spots in Asia observe Songkran with the power, or perkiness, of the Thais. "On the off chance that it's not sanuk it's not worth doing," said Sumet Jumsai, one of Thailand's best-referred to planners, as the eminent franticness of Bangkok whirled simply outside his office. "Individuals will leave from a decent paying occupation on the grounds that it's not fun." 
This struck me, with my Western sensibilities, as uncontrollably unreasonable, and for a minute I thought he was pulling my leg. Be that as it may, for Thais, fun is not discretionary. Actually, Thais use another term, len, or "to play", to depict exercises like scholarly research and conferences – ones that most Westerners don't take up with fun loving nature. This apparently opposing element can be found in Thai workplaces; laborers appear as though they're kidding around – yet, by one means or another, in the end, the work completes. When I recommended that Americans likewise jump at the chance to have a great time – hell, we created the foamy idea of Big Fun, exemplified by any semblance of Disney World and over-the-top birthday parties, he shied away. Yes, however you Americans consider your fun important. We Thais don't. We don't have confidence in this buckle down, play-hard attitude. Our fun is blended for the duration of the day." 
"What do you mean?" 
"It could be a grin or a snicker amid the work day. It's not as tense as in America." Sanuk is additionally a way of dealing with stress, one that gives "a passionate support against the more troublesome things in life", composes Arne Kislenko in Culture and Customs of Thailand. Despite the fact that Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles", the Thai grin is significantly more unpredictable, more nuanced, than most nonnatives figure it out. Yes, Thais grin when communicating delight or appreciation, however they likewise grin to disguise negative feelings. Thais will grin amid a strained standoff, or at a burial service. Maybe Thailand's fun obsession is clarified by religion. Thailand is, obviously, a Buddhist country, and sanuk is a Buddhist idea, an indication of the impermanence of everything and the significance of living in the occasion. 
A nearby buddy to sanuk is the Thai idea of mai pen rai,variously interpreted as "don't trouble", "it doesn't mind" or "no issue". It is not implied adversely, as in "don't bother, I'll do it without anyone's help", at the same time, rather, as an indication of what really matters, as in "it doesn't mind; this too might pass". It's an existence theory that values congruity, stays away from meeting, and perceives, in an extremely Buddhist way, that all of life is temporary. What appears like a last chance matter most likely isn't. Also, for a few Westerners, particularly those working together in Thailand, the twin methods of insight of sanuk and mai pen rai can be disappointing. Proficiency (in the transient at any rate) endures when everybody is caught up with having a ton of fun. 
However, Thais see these characteristics as profitable in their own particular manner. They decrease pressure and quieten animosity. In Thailand, a plastered individual acting antagonistically is likely be overlooked instead of went up against. Mai pen rai. It doesn't make a difference. Western society is errand engaged and coordinate. Thai society is procedure engaged and roundabout. Fun is not something done with a specific end goal to accomplish a result –, for example, unwinding or group building – yet is sought after for its own purpose. This is not to say, obviously, that all Thais are cheerful constantly, or that fun can serve as a substitute for diligent work or social change. Be that as it may, it appears as if they are onto something. What we in the West regard as "genuine" exercises could utilize a dosage of sanuk. Not keeping in mind the end goal to decrease their earnestness – but rather to advise us that a wrinkled temples more often than not.