Thai Dialects in Focus

There are various Thai dialects spoken across the country

Extended tourists’ stay in the island of Koh Samui, a very likely possibility given its many attractions besides beaches, will mean a prolonged exposure to one of the four major dialects spoken in Thailand. Southern Thailand, where this tourist destination is located, is a melting pot of Thai Chinese, Buddhists, and Muslims.

It is said that in venturing outside of the island’s tourist areas, the locals who will be encountered speak with a thick southern dialect, which can be hard to understand even for northern Thais. Hence, picking up a few phrases in the local dialect can serve as one of the Koh Samui highlights of a visitor enamoured to the island. 

This southern Thai dialect is called Paktay. It is generally spoken south of Prachuap province, and it is estimated that 4.3 million Thais speak this dialect or approximately 8 per cent of the country’s population. This dialect has several different varieties, with a very striking contrast between the rural and the educated Paktay. Speakers of standard Thai, the national language of Thailand, will more easily understand educated Paktay than rural Paktay.

Thai-Lao Dialects

A Koh Samui travel tour, which extends to central Thailand will more or less enable such a comparison. The dialect spoken in this part of the country is called Thaiklang, which is similar to standard Thai. This dialect is more dominant than its southern counterpart. Among the estimated 25 million standard Thai speakers, 14.4 million also speak Thaiklang. Notably, standard Thai is the dialect spoken in the central part of Thailand. Being the national language, standard Thai is used by the government and the media.

The areas in the northernmost part of Thailand speak kam muang or yuan, the northern Thai dialect. Essentially, these regions include the Thai provinces north of Tak, Sukhotai, and Uttaradi. Roughly 4.8 million locals speak this dialect, or almost 9 percent of the Thai population. Speakers of the northern Thai dialect can often understand standard Thai, which is used in schools and in the media.

The northern dialect and standard Thai, however, aren’t mutually intelligible. Isaan Thai is the dialect in northeastern Thailand. It is actually a Lao dialect but has been heavily influenced by the Thai language because of people-to-people contact among nearby regions. All told, there are about 12.2 million Thai-Lao speakers, accounting for a little less than 23 percent of Thailand’s population. 

Tips for Avoiding Sunburns in Koh Samui

Don't let this happen to you!

The Koh Samui weather will be reaching its highest temperatures between March and June. This hot season is something that many vacationists look forward to, as temperatures average around 34°C, which is perfect for having a little fun under the sun at the island’s white sand beaches.

However, the management at ShaSa Resort & Residences say that the heat can elevate anywhere from 37 to 40°C, making it even easier to develop nasty sunburns through prolonged exposure to the planet’s closest star. They also warn that the cool breeze coming from the ocean can easily fool tourists into thinking they aren’t getting burned by that big ball of fire hovering in the sky.

Considering the dangers involved, several measures must be taken by any vacationer to negate the risks of developing sunburn. First tip is to lather on a little organic coconut oil – available for sale at local pharmacies -- all over the body before heading out to the beach. Alternatively, applying the innards of a ripe avocado to the skin may provide some protection from the sun as well.

Second tip is to be wary of the “broken-cloud-effect” – although very cloudy days (like the ones accompanied by rainfall) means less UV ray absorption for beachgoers, partly cloudy overcast Koh Samui weather has the tendency to amplify these harmful rays, especially UV-B frequencies, by up to 25 per cent.

For those looking to get a few tones darker during their tropical vacation, the third tip is more of common sense, but is often neglected: don’t get impatient to get brown. The management at ShaSa Resort would like to remind its valued guests that Thailand is pretty close to the equator, meaning the intensity of UV rays will always be stronger in comparison to that of countries further away from the earth’s middle portion.

Fourth and last tip is to set a time limit the duration of sunlight exposure – very light-coloured individuals are advised to start with ten minutes of exposure before 11am, or after 3pm, to be safe.

Always keep in mind that Koh Samui weather is quite deceptive, especially with all that sea breeze blowing in from the ocean. The management at ShaSa Resort would also like to remind tourists to pack sunblock and sunglasses before departing for this sizzling hot island, as well as limit their duration of exposure to the sun to steer clear of painful sunburns.

Top Five Dishes in Koh Samui

There are many must try dishes in Koh Samui including the depicted Som Tom  

No matter where any individual is in the world, there’s bound to be a restaurant that serves Thai cuisines. These mouth-watering dishes have made significant impacts on culinary industries across various nations, and have helped foreigners understand Thailand’s local culture a little better through the appreciation of good cooking.

Koh Samui itself is a holiday destination of choice through many aspects, including tongue-tantalizing meals. Those staying in ShaSa resort are given an excellent selection of local chow to feast on courtesy of Beyond the Sea. Alternatively, they can also head out to various other restaurants outside the establishment to see how well those businesses fair in preparing local gourmet food.

But when stumped as to what to order, Samuians have come up with a list of the top five best dishes to order, of which the first one is Moo-Sa-Te. This tasty meal consists of sweet-flavored grilled pork sticks laced with juicy sauce derived from curry powder and turmeric.

The second must-try dish is called Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan, which is basically stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts. This slightly sweet and salty bird isn’t spicy, so it’d definitely be a great choice for those who can’t handle the level of spiciness of other cuisines. Also, the crunchy cashew nuts included in the meal helps accentuate the unique flavorful of the chicken.

Third on the list is Tom Yam Koong, which is spicy shrimp soup in English. This cuisine batters the tongue with spice and sourness with the use of kaffir lime leaves, galangal, shallot, chili pepper, and fragrant herbs.

Tom Yam Kai is the fourth entry on this list – commonly referred by westerners as spicy chicken soup, this cuisine features an impressive blend of lime, chili, and fish sauce that’s guaranteed to please any tourist who can handle a little spice in their meals.

Fifth, we have Panaeng – also identified as meat in spicy coconut cream, this dish is prepared using beef, pork or chicken. Those who’ve sunk their teeth in this tasty treat say that its flavors resemble that of Thai red curry. However, a notable difference between the two meals would be Panaeng’s thicker and richer coconut milk sauce.

It’s imperative that the Koh Samui highlights of any vacationer’s holiday include food tasting. Those staying in ShaSa Resort have the outstanding opportunity to experience authentic Thai dishes within the business’ restaurant, as well as other diners nearby.

Enjoying Coconuts at Koh Samui

Nothing beats a cold coconut drink on a beach

At Koh Samui things to do never seem to run out – foreigners will have the time of their lives on this island, which features the perfect balance of unspoilt natural beauty and tourist-oriented businesses. For many of this tropical paradise’s visitors, adopting the islander healthy diet (and implementing it in their lifestyle back home) is one thing they’d like to achieve during their stay.

That said, Koh Samui travel guides say that including the coconut in any eating and drinking regimen is a must for those who wish to stay fit and healthy. But regardless of all its life-enhancing attributes, misinformation surrounding this wonder nut is constantly being spread, most especially throughout the western world.

According to these erroneous facts, the fruit’s oil contains saturated fat, which can clog arteries and cause various heart problems.

False info such as the one listed above have been fabricated by organizations such as the Corn Products Company (CPC International) and the American Soybean Association (ASA). These groups are economically motivated to slam the reputation of the coconut. Companies that create products derived from this natural occurring good have already affected revenues generated by other firms using products derived from other fruits and vegetables.

So just like any other giant company that’s being bothered by its rivals, Koh Samui travel guides explain that these organizations have resorted to distorting scientific evidence in an attempt to turn consumers off towards purchasing goods coconut-based products.

Here’s what tourists need to know: although this super nut does contain fat, it’s way different from the unhealthy variation that most people think it to be. Its fat is called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is metabolized differently from the fats found in other oils.

In addition, despite most of its fat is the saturated type, several studies suggest that not all saturated fats are detrimental to health. Coconut oil is proven to raise HDL cholesterol, which is the “good” type needed by the body.

Coconut water has also been shown to be beneficial for human health. 11ozs of this liquid contains significant amounts of potassium, 15 carbohydrates, and a gram of protein, making it great for workouts – one of those important Koh Samui things to do during any vacation, especially for fitness concerned individuals.

However, Koh Samui travel guides say that 11oz of this nut’s water does contain 60 calories, therefore, it should be taken in moderation, preferably during or after workouts.

More Flights for Bangkok Airways

Koh Samui has become such a popular destination that additional flights are now available

Bangkok Airways, a regional airline in Thailand, which has the Koh Samui Island among its premier destinations, is planning to add more local flights in two of its routes. The airline said it is launching two daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi this April and four flights weekly from Bangkok to Mandalay in September. These two routes were being expanded due to rising demand, the airline disclosed, adding that other airlines like Thai AirAsia have already moved in on the opportunity.

Nevertheless, it emphasized that boosting its KohSamui travel services remains prominent in Bangkok Airways’ radar screen. Regulatory restrictions currently prevent the airline from operating more flights out of the island’s airport, which the airlines also owns and operates. It is seeking clearance from environmental authorities for an increase to fifty in the number of flights allowed through Koh Samui from the present thirty-eight. 

Making the flight times in the airport more frequent by one hour is expected to accomplish this. The present 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. flight schedules in the island, in effect, would be changed to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., thus accommodating more flights and tourist arrivals drawn by Koh Samui attractions.  

Out of the thirty-eight flights now allowed at the Koh Samui airport, thirty-one are accounted for by Bangkok Airways; the remaining seven are shared by Malaysia’s Firefly, Singapore’s SilkAir, and Thai Airways. Obtaining government permission for the added flights is pivotal to Bangkok Airways’ aim to launch more international routes to Koh Samui. 

The airline is eying possible links with the cities of Taipei and Shanghai. The island’s airport is already serving flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

A Bangkok airways executive said that the airline wants to diversify its market. The airline, which marks its 45^th year this 2013, draws a significant portion of its revenue from its Koh Samui airport and flights operation. The airline executive noted that the rising number of hotel rooms at the resort island, estimated at 10,000 at present, indicate an incoming fast growth in demand for airline seats.

Additional flight frequencies on existing routes that Bangkok Airways likewise plans includes increasing to five flights a week it’s Bangkok–Male and Bangkok–Luang Prabang services from the current four and two, respectively. Daily flights on the Koh Samui–Phuket and Bangkok–Chiang Mai routes may also be increased to six, while the daily Koh Samui–Chiang Mai flights may be bumped up to seven.

Koh Samui Attractions: Thailand’s Wildlife

Make sure to check out some of Thailand's wildlife while on the island

One of the biggest Koh Samui attractions today is the island’s collection of interesting and unique wildlife. Approximately 282 mammals have been identified in Thailand, which basically means that a whopping twelve per cent of all mammal species across the planet can be found within this country.

Seeing at least some of these animals up close and personal is simply one of those Koh Samui things to do that shouldn’t be neglected. Folks fascinated by these beasts will definitely be impressed by the diverse range of wildlife – including everything from an elephant to the world’s smallest mammal, the Hog-nosed bat – to meet.

Tourists will be pleased to know that there are 13 species of primates, 18 ungulates, 36 carnivores, 70 rodents, and 92 bats. Today, there are two species of bear dwelling within the borders of Thailand. One is the Asiatic black bear, and the other is the Malaysian sun bear – the smallest bear in the world to date.

Moreover, both bears are omnivores, so they primarily thrive on vegetables and fruit.

There are also nine wildcat species – including the tiger – in existence within Thailand. Other species include the golden cat, leopard cat, and the popular clouded leopard. However, these tigers have dwindled in number due to heavy persecution. Fortunately, the West Forest Complex continues to act as the country’s most important tiger habitats to date.

Ungulates – commonly referred to as hoofed animals – in Thailand include sambar deer, barking deer and wild boars. The gaur, which is the planet’s biggest wild cattle species, can also be found here as well. Moreover, mountain goats known as serows have also been spotted on the steep cliffs of Thailand’s western area.

Of course, elephants (which were once depicted in the country’s flag) also dwell in Thailand. Unfortunately, just like the tiger, their numbers have diminished due to hunting as well. Today, there are only 2,000 to 3,000 of these animals left, of which many roam in parks protected by Wild Watch Thailand.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to see at least some of these beasts are one of the most renowned Koh Samui attractions island visitors wouldn’t want to miss during their holidays. Without question, going on trips to appreciate the beauty of these mammals is one of the best Koh Samui things to do today, especially for those who so happen to enjoy going to zoos and other natural wildlife habitats.