A sampling of the notes from Dr. Marshall Peters, the Thai trip leader.
Culture:
- Heads are most important – do not touch anyone’s head
- Feet are dirty – take off shoes when entering homes or churches
- Also, do not point with your feet at anyone or anything
- Do not hold eye contact for long (type of domination)
- Thai currency has the face of the Thai king – treat it respectfully
Things to bring:
- Shoes that are easy to put on and take off; flip-flops or other washable shoes for camp
- Toilet paper, at least one roll
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Washcloth, towel; wet wipes
- Flashlight, extra batteries
- Dramamine
- Immodium
- Carry-on type bag for use in camp
Weather, Time, Currency:
- Kuala Lumpur – 90 degrees down to 75 at night
- + 14 hrs
- Currency – Ringget, about 3.3 to $1
- Chiang Mai – 80 degrees down to possibly 55 at night
- + 13 hrs
- Currency – Baht, about 33 to $1
Be Prepared:
- If you are a pastor, have a sermon ready
- Musical numbers
- Bring photos from home to share one on one
Clothing:
- Women, keep shoulders covered and no shorts
- Jackets, sweatshirts to layer
- Remember we will have little privacy in the camps so bring suitable nightwear
Food and water:
- Expect lots of rice
- We’ll point out the spiciest peppers to avoid!Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled
- Brush teeth and rinse mouth with bottled water
- Look for ice cubes with holes in them; avoid crushed ice which may be unclean
Travel:
- We’ll be in vans and in the back of pickups – there will be wind and rough roads
- There will be squat toilets in some places (practice knee bends)
First Baptist Church of St. Paul 