Generosity

You could say everything starts with n'aam-jai, literally "juice of the heart" or " flow of the heart" While independence is at the core of a Westerner's self-esteem and image, Thai judge them selves and others in Thai society primarily based on the degree to which they show n'aam-jai. N'aam-jai is "generosity," a desire to give one's time, resources and attention to other just for the good feeling it generates in both. A person who shows n'aam-jai will not ask for money or any kind of payment in exchange for her generosity. The Thai will even feel uneasy accepting a payment that is offered for her generosity of the good will. Thais also show n'aam-jai each time they show concern for another's welfare.