representative of power on the other hand is calledkrengklua(to respect out of
fear). The meaning behind certain actions can differ completely as well. To return
gratitude (tob thaen bun-khun) in an inner-group relation is based on the principles
of morality and commitment; in an outer-group relation this is, however, of a formal
and business-like character. Thais do not approach prostitution, for example, from a
moral criterion, but on the basis of relations within the power sphere (Jeffrey 2002 ;
Meyer 1988 ). More of these everyday situations, which are often said to be
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Fig. 4.1 Main characteristics of Thai culture
58 4 A Village in the Jungle: Culture and Communication in Thailand