Thai Support Groups and Communities in Germany
With the advent of new technology that brings people closer though miles apart, the homesickness that Thai women in Germany feel is probably much easier to handle nowadays. However, there is something different about being part of an organization with like-minded individuals. Here are some of the most popular Thai groups in Germany today.
1. Thai Student Association (TSA) or Thai Society (ThaiSoc) – The aim of this organization is to help visiting scholars and new students by establishing and supporting activities that benefit Thai nationals. Established in 1957 under the patronage of His Majesty the King, it also takes part in introducing traditional, cultural, and social information about Thai culture in many countries like Germany. For someone who is thousands of miles away from home, meeting people who share the same circumstances would certainly help. But as the English author A. A. Milne wrote, it is about not staying in the forest waiting for the others to come. Instead, one must have the initiative to go to them.
2. Human Help Network – Consisting at the moment of three independent organizations in Rwanda, Thailand, and Germany, this group and its sister organizations work together in helping children in various locations around the world. The one in Mainz, Germany, was founded in 1990. So, if children have a soft place in you and your fiancée’s heart, then it would be an excellent idea to be a part of this wonderful group. This is also an excellent way to discover each other’s take on children and children’s issues. Perhaps this could help in determining whether you two are ready to raise children of your own.
3. Phuenthai German International Organization and Thailandfreunde e.V. – These two charitable organizations have bases in Thailand and Germany. They work together to support the poor and the underprivileged, especially kids in Thailand. Also operating in cooperation with other charitable institutions in the local scene, wherever it is found, this group works with honor, integrity and dedication at its base. In fact, all donations given go 100 percent to those people in need. Instead of simply receiving monetary help from generous donors, they prefer to organize events and then make profits therein.
4. Friends for Asia – This is one organization that provides opportunities for German volunteers to help Thailand. Its members step into the frontlines and do their share in the fight against HIV through the HIV Orphanage Project. Some invest time and energy by helping single mothers in marginalized communities secure opportunities. On the aspect of environmental issues, they also have an elephant-conservation project. Medical students can also get the chance to have internship experience by shadowing private doctors in Chiang Mai hospitals.
5. Thai-Deutscher Families Association (Der Thailandisch-Deutscher Familien Verein) – Being in a foreign country without friends and family can be very difficult for some. In fact, others suffer from the separation so much that they end up depressed and just plain unhappy. Located in Ingolstadt, Germany, this organization acts as a help desk for Thai and people coming to Thailand. The group also offers free consultancy for Thai-Germans planning to travel to such destinations as China, America, Australia, and Singapore. By taking advantage of their networks throughout the world, anyone can expect to meet new friends and gain wonderful memories.
Many Thai women today who are brave enough to go to other countries aim to make a better life. Whether they do it for themselves or for their families, the act of leaving their country somehow involves a great deal of sacrifice on their part.
Thus, for sure, they would appreciate it much if you help them find organizations that would cater to their talents and interests and, at the same time, make them feel at home. They may not show or ask for it, but they would certainly appreciate it if you give them your support.
Notable Thai Temples in Germany
Dealing and adjusting with a new culture can become a big, if not overwhelming, challenge for your Thai spouse. And take note, about 95 percent of the Thai people practice Buddhism. Although you can be there for her in times of need, you can’t always be there for her all the time, right? You have to work, for example. And while you’re away, she can get very lonely and homesick. She needs to meet people who understand what she’s going through. Buddhist temples are also scattered across German states and territories. Even if she is far from her home country, she can still worship regularly. So whenever your Thai partner feels the need to worship, it will certainly make your fiancée feel close to home if you take her to two of the most notable temples in Germany:
• Das Buddhistische Haus (The Buddhist House)
Located in Berlin, this temple complex belongs to the Theravada Buddhists. Construction of this holy structure was finished in 1924, thus making it the oldest Buddhist temple in all of Europe. Aside from being enamored by its long history, you and your fiancée can have a fruitful visit here by participating in some of the weekly events conducted there.
On Saturdays, they conduct Dhamma talks in the library, wherein they offer mediations, introductory lectures, and guidance to groups. It is recommended though to give appropriate donations and, of course, to give a timely notification by e-mail or phone before coming to the temple for these activities. Take note, however, that this program could change anytime if there are unforeseen events, so it is always good to call before going.
There are also lecture series conducted in the temple, usually for four straight Sundays in a month. If you yourself want to learn more about Buddhism, a lecture on understanding Buddhist teachings is also conducted during weekdays. Formally called Buddhist Studies, the course is open to the public, provides great insights on the teachings of Buddha, and helps guide students in their practical application to daily life. What is more interesting is that there are regular festivities almost every month. In May, for instance, the temple celebrates Vesakh, which relives the birth of Buddha, his extract into homelessness, subsequent enlightenment, and then his perfect extinction. In June, the temple recollects the religion’s history in the third century BC.
Finally, there is the Kathina Festival, which is celebrated at a full moon during the last days of the rainy season, which usually falls in the month of October or November. One of the highlights of this event is the giving of new robes to the monastery monks.
• Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
Organized to help in the spiritual development of the people through the principles taught by Buddha, this monastery in Offenbach, Germany, is one of the 35 branches of the organization throughout the world. With the intention of spreading the religion to local and international communities, the monastery welcomes visits by outsiders and considers it an excellent opportunity to spread the practice of Dhamma.
Just like in most real Thai temples, you should not expect to see the Hollywood version, or else, you will only be disappointed. However, it is likely that you will be surprised to see friendly monks speaking in English or German, even offering to exchange e-mail addresses with visitors. As in most countries today, the rules have become somewhat relaxed, with some monks even eating meat, using mobile phones, or smoking.
Mostly, you will find the monks in the courtyard or in small worship areas. Although some practices have become less strict, you should always be mindful about showing respect, not only to other people but also to sacred places of worship in the temple. For instance, you should always remove your shoes prior to entering Bots, which are sheltered areas containing Buddha statues. And never ever make the mistake of standing beside an image of Buddha for a picture, as raising yourself higher than the statue is considered a form of disrespect. Likewise, touching images, the monks, or their robes is prohibited; otherwise, a lengthy cleansing process would have to be done as a consequence.
Although not expected or required, if you happen to see metal donation boxes in the temple, it would be good if you drop some donation, particularly if you enjoyed your visit. Even if we Thais are highly adaptable people, it’s only normal for anyone to experience some culture shock when one relocates to another country and intends to stay there for a long period of time. So it shouldn’t be surprising if your Thai wife, as resilient as she is, would experience the same. After all, there would likely be certain Thai social customs, values, and behaviors that would no longer serve her once she steps foot on Germany.
Fortunately, the various support groups and communities in Germany can help her adjust to living in her new environment. Some of these groups can have a mix of different nationalities while others have mostly Thai members – either way, they are there to help her deal with the changes. Of course, you would be her main support, but sometimes you will need a helping hand, right?
Of course, she will probably be very apprehensive with the idea at first. She’s a newcomer, after all. Your role, therefore, is to help ease her in. Be the one who helps her become part of support groups and communities who can be there for her in case you’re not.
To better understand how such organizations can help, here are some of the benefits they offer:
o Communities can help her cope with her situation
One of the best things about such groups is that they aim to help Thai newcomers deal and cope with any problems they are experiencing. The meetings they hold can give her the opportunities to express concerns or frustrations your spouse might have, and the more senior members can give her advice on how to go about such dilemmas.
Moreover, since she is with people who have already gone through what she is still going through, she may be able to get guidance and tips on her situation. Besides, even if she didn’t have any problems at all, the simple fact that she gets to talk and listen to other people can help make her feel more at home.
o Members of such organizations usually share common interests
Individuals who relocate to other countries often feel fear and anxiety. However, empathy does wonders when it comes to appeasing such emotions. Your wife, for example, may feel apprehensive when she migrates, thinking that she’ll be in a land where she doesn’t know anyone; no familiar faces and places. Now having peers who not only understand her situation, but also share similar interests as hers, would go a long way in helping her adjust in a foreign country (at least it’s foreign to her now, but someday she’ll learn to love it as home).
o Groups can become her bridges to her native land at some point, your Thai wife will miss her homeland a lot.
But though homesickness can’t be totally cured, something can be done about it. Aside from the love and care you provide her, you should have her join a community whose members are fellow Thais so that she’d feel instantly at home. For one, being around others who have the same roots as hers can give her some great memories of her homeland. For another, she gets to talk to others in her native language, and trust me, this can really make her happy. It’s akin to drinking a glass of hot coffee on a very cold morning.
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