Simple ways to support Thai-owned businesses and local community in Pai

You’re thinking of visiting Pai! The place that welcomes everyone with an instant ‘go slow’ vibe. This guide is all about practical, everyday ways that you can support Thai-owned businesses and community initiatives whilst you are there, as well as general considerations for anywhere in Thailand. The businesses listed in this article are suggestions based on my experiences in Pai to give a flavour of what’s out there. There are always new offerings being developed, so feel free to explore and see what you may discover yourself. As always, be mindful of how you can support Thai-owned businesses.

The first consideration is thinking about where to get your essentials from: accommodation, food, scooter.

The communal area for breakfast at Twin Hut, plus my mountain view from hut 2

For basic accommodation, I can recommend Twin Hut bungalows (above), where Pat and the team offer a simple way of life in nature that’s close to town. Operating since 2007 and named after the owners’ twin daughters, it’s an institution for the many long-termers who come back year after year. There’s a great community feel here, especially when breakfast is served in the shala.

Another place to check out in the centre of Pai is Baan Mak Sai, a Thai-owned hostel that has plenty of scooters to choose from to make getting around easier.

There is plenty of choice for meals and snacking on walking street

For food, you can’t miss the walking street vendors for the most choice and variety. Snacking on a few food options is a wonderful way to enjoy the experience and get the most from your dinnertime! There are also local-owned restaurants that offer great value, such as as Tham Ma Daa Cafe (below). Or you can take a Thai cookery class if you’d like to master some of the delicious dishes for yourself.

Tham Ma Daa Cafe is a family-owned restaurant not far from the bridge out of Pai centre

You can also buy fruit and vegetables from the market to support farmers, or by visiting local shops rather than supermarket chains. I have particularly enjoyed the snacks available there that are made by people who live locally. You can see some dried banana chips in the picture below, as well as rice crispie cakes, sold by Shoy the shop owner. Her place sells groceries, offers meals and does laundry for extra convenience — it’s nearby the circus hostel.

Shoy the shop owner, snacks made locally, plus Shoy and I in the shop.

When it comes to exercise, you can get fit and have a cultural experience with the Thai boxing gyms, called Muay Thai gyms, of which there are a few in and around Pai.

Events that often support local charitable causes include the open mic nights at the Art in Chai, along with the monthly-ish parties at Pittalew art gallery.

For charitable donations, you can donate at the Pai hospital. Both food bank donations are accepted, as well as monetary contributions for those in need of medical treatment who may not be able to afford the fees.

There are also local animal charities that really appreciate the support — from Pete’s mission, which rescues animals in Pai, to Elephant Nature Park, a home for elephants and other rescued animals.

There is also Conserve Natural Forests, a non-profit organisation in Pai where you can book on to an eco-tour to learn about their environmental restoration, wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives in the area.

Finally, some ways to be considerate of Thai culture:

• Make the effort to use basic Thai phrases, such as Sawadee kha to say hello as a a woman or Sawadee khap as a man, or thank you: khawp khun (khap/kha).
• Give tips — 20 THB is around half a Euro, it will be fully appreciated and and makes a difference.
• Respond to others with the wai when they greet you in that way (hands joined in a prayer position with a bow of the head). It’s a respectful gesture that goes a long way when it comes to friendly relations.
• Smile! Thailand is often called the land of smiles and even has thirteen different types of smile which make up part of the welcoming culture here.
• When presenting money or other items, use two hands, again to be respectful, and a bow of the head never does any harm.
• Staying calm, speaking in a lowered voice and making an effort not to lose your temper is very much appreciated.
• Modest dressing is also part of the culture, which is also useful if you have fair skin like me to keep out of the sun.
• Showering twice a day — it’s hot and Thai people respect hygiene.

I hope that has been helpful. Hopefully the points in this article can help you to consider how to have a more comfortable trip — both for you and the people whose country you are visiting. If you’d like to know more about the conscious community activities in Pai, you can read another article I wrote here. Enjoy Thailand!