A few days ago Jen was shopping at a local superstore type of joint and was parked in the sub-basement garage area, where there are numerous cars parked between massive cement pillars. When she was going to leave a Thai lady appeared out of the blue to help Jen back out from her tight parking spot. Appreciative of the ladies’ offer, Jen began backing up while watching the ladies’ hand motions which told her to keep coming. Until, of course, the car hit one of those cement pillars. It was then that Jen began to freak out. She had damaged the car and felt bad about it. But she also knew the woman who was helping her was partly to blame.
When the Thai lady saw the look on Jen’s face she ran over and, while laughing, began telling Jen “mai pben rai, mai pben rai” (Meaning: It’s OK. Don’t worry. No problem. De nada.).
Can you imagine that? It’s OK? What was she thinking? OK? My wrecked car doesn’t look OK.
But that is the philosophy of the Thai people. We’ve heard this phrase a lot! And usually hearing it is nice, especially when you personally do something dumb. It’s not so nice to hear when your heart is racing because your friendly neighbor made you back into a cement wall.
My guess it that if this country, in all it’s glorious mystery, could be summed up in one collective 3 syllable phrase, it would definitely be mai pben rai.
Hello! We are the Brays. And we love Muslims.
Perhaps the Thai are related to those living in the Caribbean??? “No problem, mon!” :o)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!!
Love,
Jennings