Parents here are extremely protective of their children and more than often expect them to return the love and care once they are adults and more able to provide. Thai children more very often live with their parents well into their twenties, while in America, it is more uncommon to see an individual residing with their parents after the age of 18. In addition, Thai people are expected to take care of their parents until they die. In addition, in many communities and especially in rural communities, people often come together to help one another build their houses. This was completely unique and interesting to me because very few individuals in the West have any connection to the creation of their house.
Another aspect of Thai culture that I have found interesting is how much the Thai people depend on the Buddhist community. If someone is in need of nearly anything, they can travel to the temple and find someone eagerly willing to help. The issues treated at the temple range from homelessness to hunger to needing a housing addition to rehabilitation from drugs. The Buddhist community is very willing to help provide people with the foundation needed to get back on their feet. This is drastically different from the attitude held by most Americans, which is much more sink or swim. In the United States I believe there are fewer resources given to help people develop into their most successful selves. I believe this is ingrained within our "eat or be eaten mentality," where only the strong survive. This attitude is prevalent in all Western cultures, though more so in the United States than in Europe.
After closely observing Eastern and Western cultures, I am certain many Thai people grow up a bit more slowly than people who reside in western culture.
