End of Month Review-November

สรุปสถิติการเข้าชมบล็อก ASEAN CORNER ประจำเดือนพฤศจิกายน ซึ่งมีผู้เข้าเยี่ยมชมทั้งสิ้น 180,555 ครั้ง เพิ่มขึ้นจากเดือนตุลาคม 109,116 ครั้ง โดยมีสถิติการเข้าเยี่ยมชมสูงสุดในวันที่ 26 พฤศจิกายน จำนวน 8,043 ครั้ง

5 อันดับบทความที่มียอดเข้าชมสูงสุดประจำเดือนพฤศจิกายน ได้แก่

• ASEAN Currency   57,305 ครั้ง
• National Costumes of ASEAN Member States  19,258  ครั้ง
• National Dishes of ASEAN   18,226 ครั้ง
• The National Flag of Malaysia  11,093   ครั้ง
• The National Flag of Vietnam  8,508  ครั้ง

สำหรับเดือนพฤศจิกายนก็เป็นอีกเดือนที่บล็อก ASEAN CORNER มีความคึกคักเป็นอย่างยิ่ง หลังจากเปิดภาคเรียนที่ 2 ในปีการศึกษา 2555 มีผู้เข้าเยี่ยมชมบล็อกตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง รวมทั้งจากประเทศเพื่อนบ้านในภูมิภาคอาเซียน อย่างไรก็ตามขอออกตัวก่อนว่าผู้ดูแล The ASEAN Corner Project นั้นไม่ได้เป็นผู้เชี่ยวชาญทางด้านนี้แต่อย่างใด ไม่ได้ทำงานในโรงเรียนระดับมัธยมศึกษา หรือเป็นหัวหน้าศูนย์อาเซียนศึกษา ปัจจุบันทำหน้าที่หลักคือการสอนในระดับชั้นประถมศึกษาปีที่ 1 เท่านั้น เพียงแต่มีความชอบส่วนตัวในเรื่องของการเมืองระหว่างประเทศ อีกทั้งมีแนวคิดว่า การเรียนรู้อาเซียนผ่านภาษาอังกฤษนั้น เปรียบเสมือนการยิงปืนนัดเดียวแต่ได้นกสองตัว จึงเป็นที่มาของ มุมอาเซียน เล็กๆแห่งนี้

ในส่วนเนื้อหาของบทความที่นำเสนอในแต่ละเดือนนั้น หากมีความคลาดเคลื่อนประการใดผู้จัดทำก็ขออภัยมา ณ ที่นี้ และยินดีร่วมแลกเปลี่ยนเรียนรู้กับทุกท่าน เพื่อให้ข้อมูลต่างๆ มีความถูกต้องมากที่สุด เพื่อเป็นประโยชน์กับการเรียนรู้เกี่ยวกับประชาคมอาเซียนของเยาวชนไทยและผู้สนใจทุกคน

Kru Ekachai

True or False Quiz 9:จริงหรือเท็จเกร็ดความรู้อาเซียนชุดที่ 9

ASEAN QUIZ 15:ตอบปัญหาอาเซียนชุดที่ 15

ASEAN QUIZ 15มาร่วมทดสอบความรอบรู้เกี่ยวกับมารยาทและข้อพึงปฏิบัติของประเทศต่างๆ ในภูมิภาคอาเซียนกับ ASEAN Quiz ชุดที่ 15

English Grammar Quiz 6

English Grammar Quiz 6เรียนรู้ไวยากรณ์ภาษาอังกฤษง่ายๆ ผ่านเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับอาเซียน

English Corner:มุมความรู้ภาษาอังกฤษ

Should & Must

What is the difference between should and must?

Should is used to give advice, to make recommendations, or to talk about what is generally right or wrong.

• You should store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place.
• You should visit a local market in the morning to experience a daily life of Cambodian people.

Should not is used when offering advice or opinions.

• You should not eat street food unless you know it's safe for consumption in the Philippines.

Must is used to talk about an obligation or necessity.

• You must take off your shoes before entering a mosque.

Must not is used to say that something is NOT ALLOWED.

• You must not get involved with drugs of any kind in Singapore.

Vocabulary Revision - November

รวบรวมคำศัพท์ภาษาอังกฤษจากบทความของบล็อก ASEAN CORNER ที่นำเสนอตลอดเดือนพฤศจิกายน เพื่อเป็นประโยชน์สำหรับผู้ที่ต้องการเพิ่มพูนความรู้ด้านคำศัพท์
convert (v.) 
Definition: to change from one form or use to another  (เปลี่ยน)
Sentence: You should convert most of your currency in Malaysia due to the restriction of bringing large amounts of Ringgit into or out of the country.


custom (n.) 
Definition: usual way of behaving  (ธรรมเนียม, ประเพณี)
Sentence: When visiting Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim populated country, visitors should observe local customs and practice.

etiquette (n.) 
Definition: the rule of polite and correct behaviour  (มารยาท)
Sentence: The Philippines has its own unique culture, traditions and  etiquette.

mandatory (adj.) 
Definition: that you must do or obey (ที่เป็นคำสั่ง)
Sentence: There is a mandatory death sentence for drug-trafficking in Malaysia. 

penalty (n.) 
Definition: a punishment for breaking a law or rule   (การลงโทษ)
Sentence: Singapore carries a mandatory death  penalty for drug-trafficking.

refrain (v.) 
Definition: to not do something (ละเว้น,งดเว้น)
Sentence: Tourists should  refrain from displaying affection such as embracing or kissing in public when visiting Islamic countries.

Dos and Don'ts in Thailand:มารยาทและข้อพึงปฏิบัติในประเทศไทย

Thailand  is predominantly Buddhist, so many of the customs and traditions in Thai culture are based on Buddhist values except in the Deep South where most of people are Muslim. 

The country is famously known as the "Land of Smiles" because of the cheerful nature of its people. However foreigners should be aware of some simple customs and etiquette as well as certain comments or actions which should always be avoided. Here is a list of Dos and Don'ts in Thailand.

Do:

• Say "Sawasdee Krab" for men or "Sawasdee Ka" for women when greeting Thai people.
• Perform the 'Thai Wai", a slight bow with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fasion, while saying "Sawasdee Krab" or "Sawasdee Ka".
• Use "Khun" as the honorific title before a person's first name .
• Always respect the elders. If someone is older than you, address them as "Pee" or "Nong" if they are younger.
• Speak softly and smile warmly.
• Respect the places and dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites.
• Always treat any image of a Buddha and Buddhist monks with extreme respect.
• Always ask for permission before taking pictures of anyone.
• Avoid kissing or hugging in public.
• Remove shoes before entering a Thai home.
• Try to learn a couple of Thai words and phrases.

Do not:

• Express negative opinions about the King or any member of the Royal Family. Thai people have utmost respect for the Thai monarchy.
• Pass anything with your left hand and point with one finger.
• Get involved in anyway with drugs. Penalties are very severe from 10 years up to the death penalty for trafficking.
• Point at people or things with your feet.
• Touch a Thai person on the head.
• Raise your voice or get angry as it is a sign of disrespect in Thailand.

Dos and Don'ts in Myanmar:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปเมียนมาร์

Image credit:http://www.freeflagicons.com

Myanmar is a country of people with deep rooted custom and religion. If you are a visitor travelling to the country of pagodas and legends, there are a number of things you need to observe. Respecting the culture, customs,traditions and etiquette of Myanmar will gain respect and friendship from Myanmar people. The followings are some of the general rules that you should always keep in mind in front of Myanmar people.

Do:

• Say "Mingalabar" for hello when meeting Myanmar people.
• Put "U" in front of the name when talking to an elderly male or a man in a senior position
• Put "Daw" in front of the name when addressing an elderly female or a woman in senior position.
• Wear decent clothes when visiting the the pagodas or monasteries.
• Remove your shoes including socks before entering a pagoda, temple and monastery.
• Take off your shoes before entering a private house.
• Show respect to monks, novices and nuns.
• Bend a bit when crossing close in front of the elders.
• Try to speak Myanmar language.
• Try to speak slowly and clearly.
• Behave in a proper manner.

Do not:

• Touch any adult on the head.
• Touch a part of a lady's body. You might end up in a police station.
• Point a finger straight in the face.
• Point your feet to point to a thing or place.
• Sit down higher than a monk or than a statue of Buddha.
• Put Buddha statues or images on the floor or somewhere in appropriate.
• Show affection in public.

Sources:

http://www.myanmartourdestinations.com/dos-and-donts.htm

http://www.myanmar2day.com/myanmar-culture-custom/2008/12/myanmar-etiquette-general-rules/
http://www.advantiquegroup.com/about-myanmar.html

Dos and Don't in Laos:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไป สปป.ลาว

Image credit:http://www.softicons.com

If you are travelling to Laos, it is very important to know what you should do or shouldn't do in this country.

Do:

• Say "Sa Bai Dee" for hello with a warm smile.
• Show respect and dress neatly while in temples.
• Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple.
• Speak to the local in a soft tone because Lao people are peace loving.
• Gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated.
• Always ask for permission before you take a photo of someone.
• Try eating delicious Lao food whenever you can to help local business and Lao farmers.
• Help to keep Laos clean and beautiful by not leaving litter.

Do not:

• Touch someone's head.
• Show public displays of affection.
• Touch a monk or his robes if you are a woman.
• Shout or raise your voice when you are in a temple.
• Distribute gifts to children as it encourages begging.
• Buy antique Buddhas or other sacred items.
• Use drugs in Laos.

Sources:

http://www.laosheritagetour.com/about-laos/dos-and-donts

http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=13&CID=113

Dos and Don'ts in Cambodia:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปกัมพูชา

Image credit:http://www.softicons.com

Cambodia has so much more for visitors to see. Cambodian people are well-known for their hospitality and warmth. This charming country is a great place to visit once in a lifetime. A list of Dos and Don'ts in Cambodia will provide all the information you need to know about the traditions, customs, culture and etiquette before embarking on your trip to Cambodia.

Do:

• Dress appropriately when visiting a religious site.
• Always take off your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship such as a pagoda or temple.
• Ask for permission before taking photographs of any Cambodian people.
• Learn some words in Khmer such as "Hello" or "Thank you".
• Visit a local market in the morning to experience the daily life of the local.
• Try local cuisine with specialty such as fish Amok and Num Bachok.
• Bow a little when you walk between two Cambodian people.
• Avoid hugging or kissing in public.

Do not:

• Touch a Cambodian person on the head.
• Use your feet to point at someone.
• Purchase historical artifacts in Cambodia.
• Take home pieces of stone from the temples or tourist sites.
• Start to eat when you are a guest at the dinner before your host has taken a bite.

Source:

http://www.theangkorguide.net/?opt=1&hlineid=107&langid=18

Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปเวียดนาม

Image credit:http://www.softicons.com

Vietnam is a country of natural beauty and has an excellent mix of the Chinese and French colonial cultures. It's a friendly and safe place to visit, but you have to abide by the country's etiquette, manners, culture and customs. You should keep in mind  a list of Dos and Don't in Vietnam to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.

Do:

• Dress conservatively wherever possible.
• Use both hands to pass things.But do not pass anything over someone's head.
• Take your shoes off at the entrance if you're invited to a Vietnamese's home.
• Ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone.
• Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuable things in a safe place.
• Try to learn a couple of basic Vietnamese phrases.

Do not:

• Cause Vietnamese to lose face.
• Talk about the Vietnam War.
• Carry large amount of money or wear a lot of jewelry.
• Sit with your feet pointing towards people.
• Discuss politics or religion with the Vietnamese.
• Touch someone head and point with your finger.
• Lose your temper in public.

Sources:

http://www.traveltaboo.com/category/asia/vietnam/

http://vietnam-country.com/vietnam-travel-tips/dos-and-donts-in-vietnam.html

Dos and Don'ts in the Philippines:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปฟิลิปปินส์

Image credit:http://www.softicons.com

Like any other country, the Philippines has its own unique culture, traditions, and etiquette. There are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting this archipelago country. Here is a list of Dos and Don'ts in the Philippines.

Do:

• Smile when you greet the Filipinos.
• Address people and business partners by using titles such as Sir, Mister or Miss.
• Come in appropriate clothes when visiting churches or government institutions.
• Try to learn basic Tagalog words and phrases.
• Show respect to customs, traditions, laws and culture.
• Present and receive business cards using both hands.
• Use the thumbs-up sign for "OK".

Image credit::http://openclipart.org/detail/20321

Do not:

• Eat street food unless you know it's safe for consumption.
• Give alms to the poor on the road.
• Beckon or point with your index finger when calling someone.
• Show off your valuables and gadgets.
• Discuss or debate Philippine politics with strangers.

Sources:

http://dfatip.ph/index.php/what-to-do/culture/dosdonts

http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7204

Dos and Don'ts in Brunei:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปบรูไน ดารุสซาลาม

Image credit:http://www.softicons.com

Brunei Darussalam is an Islamic country in Southeast Asia. It is located on the shores of the Island of Borneo. The country mainly comprised of Malay and Chinese citizens. The official language is Bahasa Melayu and the official religion is Islam.

As with any foreign country, there are a few things you should bear in mind when visiting Brunei. You may find it is useful to familiarize with the following common dos and don'ts before embarking on your trip to Brunei.

Do:

• Observe the local dress code and dress modestly.
• Shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. The traditional Malay handshake is known as "Salam".
• Always remove your shoes when visiting a mosque.
• Point with the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
• Pass gifts and food only with your right hand.

Do not:

• Pass in front of a person in prayer and non-Muslims should not handle the Koran, the holy book of Islam, when visiting the mosques.
• Eat or drink in front of Bruneian Muslims in daylight during Ramadan, an annual holy month for Muslims.
• Smack the fist of your right hand into your left palm.
• Offer alcoholic beverages to Bruneian Muslims and must be consumed privately in your hotel room.
• Insult or speak badly of the Sultan of Brunei or the Royal family.

Dos and Don'ts in Indonesia:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปอินโดนีเซีย

Image credit:http://www.softicons.com

Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population. When visiting Indonesia, visitors should observe local customs and practices.

Do:

• Shake hand with both hands but without the grasp, and then bring your hands back to the chest. Some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling.
• Always take off your shoes when you visit a home or the mosques.
• Use your right hand when giving or receiving objects.
• Use the thumb of your right hand with  four fingers folded under to point at places, objects or persons.
• Try to practice your Bahasa with Indonesians.

Image credit:

http://news.chaobuoisang.net/facts-and-figures-about-sea-games-2011-184217.htm

Do not:

• Do not touch a person's head as it is considered an offensive gesture.
• Do not offer alcoholic beverages to Indonesian Muslims.
• Do not use your left hand in handshaking, handing over or receiving something.
• Do not eat or drink in public during the month of Ramadan.
• Do not kiss or hug a person of the opposite sex in public.
• Do not offer gifts made out of pork to Indonesian Muslims.

Dos and Don'ts in Singapore:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปสิงคโปร์

Singapore  is a very clean, safe and efficient country due to the strictly enforced laws. There are some rules and guidelines you must adhere to when you are in Singapore.

Do:

• Address someone by using the titles Mr., Mrs. or Miss with the surname.
• Perform handshaking with others as a warm way of greeting, but be aware that Malays do not shake hand. A nod of the head and a bright smile is a polite greeting between people of the opposite sex.
• Remove your shoes while entering a private house, a temple or a mosque.
• Leave a little on the plate when you have finished eating.

Do not:

• Do not litter while in Singapore.
• Do not chew your gum in Singapore. Chewing gum in this country may get you arrested.
• Do not smoke in public.
• Do not get involved in any drugs. Singapore carries a mandatory death penalty for drug-trafficking.
• Do not touch someone's head.
• Do not discuss religion or politics.
• Do not point someone with your index finger, which is considered very rude.

Dos and Don'ts in Malaysia:จำให้ขึ้นใจเมื่อไปมาเลเซีย

There are several dos and don'ts that a visitor should remember while in Malaysia.

Do:

• Smile when you greet people.
• Shake hand with men for greeting, but not women unless they offer to do so first.
• Dress neatly when entering places of worship. 
• Remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian home or  religious buildings.
• Follow simple rules when visiting places of worship.
• Use right hand to receive or give something.
• Wait to convert your currency in Malaysia. There is restriction of bringing large amounts of ringgit into or out of the country.

Do not:

• Do not touch the head of an adult. Touching people on the head is considered rude.
• Do not point forefinger at things. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred way.
• Do not point your feet towards people or sacred images.
• Do not wear hot pants and vests at mainland beaches if you are female.
• Do not kiss in public. Most Malaysians refrain from displaying affection such as embracing or kissing in public.
• Do not discuss ethnic relations or the political system. They are both sensitive subjects.
• Do not ever involve in illegal drugs. There is a mandatory death penalty for trafficking.

Sources:
http://www.tourismmalaysiany.com/dos-a-donts.html

http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/travel_tools/dd.cfm 

Message From Kru Ekachai - November

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Image source: 
http://empoweredlotus.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-in-rome-do-as-romans-do.html

This idiom means that when you are visiting a different place or culture, you should try to follow their customs and practices.

When the ASEAN Community materializes in 2015, the citizens of ASEAN countries will be more convenient to visit other parts of the region. Moreover, there will be free flow of skilled labour in eight professions comprising doctors, dentists, nurses, engineers, architects, accountants, surveyors and the tourism industry.

The ASEAN citizens can migrate to live and work in the other countries’ territory without the need for visas or permits. But different countries have different cultures. Every nation has its own customs and traditions, dos and don’ts. People who want to work or travel far away from their hometowns should be aware of the customs and etiquette of other countries.

In keeping with the saying “ When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, you should try to observe other countries’customs during your time in their territories. Be polite and gracious to your host country or city.

The ASEAN Corner Project will be dedicated to providing lists of dos and don’ts in the ASEAN countries for the whole month of November. Gaining knowledge of different cultural practices will give you a chance to appreciate the richness of the ASEAN cultural diversity. The guidelines may help you a lot when you want to go explore our region.

Thank you for staying connected to the ASEAN Corner Project.

Kru Ekachai