• Several duties fall on the shoulders of traditional Thai hosts.Thailand image by askaja from Fotolia.com
  
  The responsibilities of a traditional Thai host reflect the southeast Asian country's value of tolerance and friendliness without sacrificing respect. The people of Thailand are used to a certain degree of informality and accept foreigners regardless of their degree of knowledge of intricate Thai customs. So the next time you entertain Thai guests or decide to throw a party inspired by the Land of Smiles, consider these responsibilities, which traditionally fall on the shoulders of Thai hosts.
  
  

Greetings

• In Thailand, it is typically the host's responsibility to make sure everyone is properly introduced, as this practice has traditionally allowed guests to understand his or her status and how it relates to others present. Hosts should greet party guests with "sawadee," the Thai word for "good morning" or "good evening," and the same word should be exchanged as a way to say goodbye at their parting. Also, instead of shaking hands upon meetings, people of Thailand practice a custom called a "wai." The younger or lower-ranking individual initiates a sort of salutation to a figure of authority, which consists of holding their palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing his or her head slightly. It is up to the Thai host to ensure guests are aware of this social custom and how it is properly performed, as greeting a superior with a wai is a strong symbol of courtesy and respect.
  
  

Authenticity

• When entertaining Thai guests or throwing a themed party, creating an authentic atmosphere and serving regional refreshments will make a big impact on your guests. As a Thai party host, it is important to remember that appearance matters as your prepare to receive guests, and those knowledgeable of traditional Thai ways will appreciate brightly colored decorations blended with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Thai hosts typically serve meals buffet style or with serving platters placed in table centers for sit-down dinners, and if you want to hold to tradition the host should be the one to prepare the food. Authentic Thai cuisine relies heavily on rice, noodles, fresh greens, pork, fish and spices such as chili powder, curry and pepper. It will be up to the host to ensure guests know to eat: with a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left, noodles with chopsticks and sticky rice with fingers of the right hand.
  
  

Politeness

• Maintaining good relations is highly important to Thai people, and it falls on the shoulders of party hosts to ensure guests retain self-control and act courteous throughout their stay. Many of Thailand's etiquette practices are influenced by the Buddhist religion, which more than 90% of the population adheres to, and as a result Thai people are amorously non-confrontational and will avoid public disputes and criticisms at all cost. Losing face is such a disgrace in Thailand that it will be up to the host to disband parties if there is a disagreement, and hopefully revive the nation's philosophy of "mai pen rai," which means "it's nothing." Traditional Thai interactions favor more humble, quiet surroundings, as opposed to typical Western parties where loud noises and boisterous behavior dominate. Physical interactions between guests should be kept to a minimum. Thai hosts should inform guests if their shoes should be removed, as well as any other common Thai customs being observed that not all party-goers will be aware of.