Somsrisonphimai Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Valentine is just around the corner, and I am sure some of you are thinking about valentine gift, giving and receiving. In Thailand, it is not common for a receiver to open a gift in front of a giver. What about in your country? Do you open a gift in front of the giver who is Thai, if so, what type of reaction do you receive? Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 (edited) I was always taught that "not" to open the gift in front of the giver was considered rude. But here in Thailand I observe they never open it, probably to do with "face" again, not wanting to show they dont like it etc and cause the giver to lose face, but thats just a guess. Edited February 3, 2014 by CharlieH 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somsrisonphimai Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 I was always taught that "not" to open the gift in front of the giver was considered rude. But here in Thailand I observe they never open it. It's almost feel like they put me on the spot when they open the present in front of me. What if they don't like my present? I prefer them not open it in front of me. Unless I am the present (: Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 I was always taught that "not" to open the gift in front of the giver was considered rude. But here in Thailand I observe they never open it. It's almost feel like they put me on the spot when they open the present in front of me. What if they don't like my present? I prefer them not open it in front of me. Unless I am the present (:Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand You are the present ? Does that mean someone else is dumb enough to give you away ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post krisb Posted February 3, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 3, 2014 My wife lives here in Australia. Every birthday, xmas or any presant she gets given including for our daughter she never opens in front of the giver. I have to tell her everytime to open it. Not sure how many countries don't open gifts in front of the giver but Australians always kind of do and I notice a slight look of I'm a little uncomfortable to open the gift now when she does, but it's also vice versa. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wym Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Yes old habits die hard, no matter the occasion I open in front of the Thai and make them open the gifts I give them. Unless I'm by far the junior/inferior, rare formal occasions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogandave Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 With respect to acquaintances, open it if they want you to, don't open it if they don't want you to. Friend or lover, open it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goingeast Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 What about a bunch of flowers and an envelope with a lottery ticket? So there's not much to unwrap and still nice presents: potenitally can become a millionaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Costas2008 Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Don't think my wife has cultural problems as that. She opens the gift, before I even give it to her.....if she happens to find it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somsrisonphimai Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 I was always taught that "not" to open the gift in front of the giver was considered rude. But here in Thailand I observe they never open it. It's almost feel like they put me on the spot when they open the present in front of me. What if they don't like my present? I prefer them not open it in front of me. Unless I am the present (:Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand You are the present ? Does that mean someone else is dumb enough to give you away ? I was once wrapped myself as a present. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goingeast Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Don't think my wife has cultural problems as that. She opens the gift, before I even give it to her.....if she happens to find it. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeichen Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 Every Thai I know that gives me gifts always tells me to open them. Usually family members will open gifts in front of each other. It is usually when there are other people there not just the gift giver. For friends and social acquaintances gifts are usually not opened. However just ask can I open now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somsrisonphimai Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 Don't think my wife has cultural problems as that. She opens the gift, before I even give it to her.....if she happens to find it. Like most traditional customs in Thailand, this too has been changed from generation to the next and not being seen of importance. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somsrisonphimai Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 What about a bunch of flowers and an envelope with a lottery ticket? So there's not much to unwrap and still nice presents: potenitally can become a millionaire Well, don't think it's rude if they don't open your gift in front of you. It is a culture thing. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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