The Grand Palace and Thai Culture

Hello everyone,

My name is Casey and I am a fourth year pharmacy student. I have studied at the University of New England for the last five years and I must say it has been a wonderful experience! I have been looking forward to the day I could have the opportunity to complete an APPE rotation in Thailand. It is hard to believe we have been here for almost a week now!

My colleagues and I hit the ground running, as our first day on Sunday we had the opportunity to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I, designated to the king of Thailand, the royal family and special guests visiting the royal family. Prior to this the royal palace was actually located in Thonburi on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. Interestingly, this palace does not actually house the current king because he lives in Germany for most of the year. However, the royal family will be visiting Thailand soon! The current king has been in power for two years now, but he has not had the coronation ceremony yet.

Wat Phra Kaew, located inside the Grand Palace, houses Phra Ubosoth (the chapel of the Emerald Buddha). Constructed in traditional Thai architectural style, the chapel holds the most important Buddha image in all of Thailand. Made completely of jasper and gold, it is dressed to represent one of the three seasons in Thailand (summer, winter, and the rainy season).

While visiting the Grand Palace we were blessed with a fabulous tour guide, dressed in a stylish watermelon shirt. She was a wealth of knowledge and also made sure to take our picture in various places, yelling at people to stay clear from the shot.

After eating lunch at the Navy Club our group ventured off to Wat Pho to see the large reclining, golden Buddha. Upon entering the temple one can feel an immediate sense of peace and power. Many people visit this temple every day to meditate and pray to the Buddha. There is also a series of 20 bowls that are meant to bring a person good luck by placing a coin in each of the bowls before leaving the temple.

We ended our cultural tour of Bangkok by visiting the Jim Thompson House. From 1959 to 1967, an american named Jim Thompson resided in this home as he worked to revive the industry of hand woven silk. He played a major role in helping improve the economy in Thailand and helping gain international recognition for the use of traditional silk. Unforuntely, in March of 1967 Mr. Thompson disappeared in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia.

These activities and experiences have been incredibly humbling. Having the opportunity to be a minority in a country that we do not speak the language has truly been an eye opening experience. In the United States, especially while working in pharmacy there are situations where a person from another country needs assistance but can not communicate because they do not speak the language. Now for the first time I have had the opportunity to be on the other side, trying to communicate with someone what I need/want but struggle because I do not speak Thai. It reminds us to never be frustrated when a non-english speaking patient comes to the pharmacy for help, even if we dont quite understand what they are asking. Thai culture is so drastically different from that of America and thus has offered us a great chance to be more open minded. I can not wait to see what experiences this rotation has to offer.

Until next time,
Casey