Tomorrow is Father’s Day and most of you living in the same city as daddy will probably end up doing the last-minute, guilty-grab of flower garlands from street vendors on your way home tomorrow. Those nurturing long distance relationships with dad will cop out with pointless e-cards that he’ll never read anyway.
Natives or expats in this exotic country can definitely do better and come up with a gift that shows some cultural influence. These wonderful gift ideas are guaranteed to make your father’s day worthwhile.
1. The Culinary Dad: Thai spices
If your dad loves being the regular chef of the family, put together a gift basket filled with spices that pull out the unique taste of Thai food. Just to name a new, simply look for turmeric, cinnamon, dried chilies, and curry powder for for his kitchen experiments. Don’t forget to throw in a Thai cookbook as well and set aside the day for learning his favorite recipe together.
2. The Lazy Dad: Triangle cushion
If your dad spends the afternoon drinking Singha and napping in front of the TV, a triangle-shaped cushion is a perfect Father’s Day gift for him. Usually made of bright red, green and gold colors, it really screams Thailand. Not only is this cushion a Thai remedy for back pain, it tells the world “I am a worldly dad who appreciates Oriental decor.”
3. The Outdoorsy Dad: Reed picnic mat
Of all the famous Thai handicrafts, reed mats stand out for their functionality. If your father is the type given to recharging his dad powers with some outdoor adventuring, he will love channeling some of that wild Southeast Asian nature through this reed mat.
4. The Stylin’ Dad: Checker-print sarong
For dads who can pull off tailored suits and dabble in expensive Armani, surprise him with a pa kao ma, or men’s sarong in a louder-is-better checker print. Commonly worn by Thai men in rural areas, the pa kao ma will take dad back to the future by providing ample comfort as a bottom or substitute for a Western leather belt. The print is extremely hideous but dad will leap way ahead of the curve, fashion-wise.
5. The Slacker Dad: Rice farmer uniform
It’s comfy. It’s cotton. It has a wonderful meaning. Thais admire farmers and consider them “the backbones of the country,” so this classic blue uniform makes for an exotic gift and fine nightwear for the man of the family.
6. The Viagra Dad: Penis-shaped amulet
Palad khik, the penis-shaped wooden amulet, is normally worn by Thai men around their waist. According to believers, palad khik is a serious mojo-enhancer which can increase dad’s charm and way with the ladies. We’re not sure that inspiring sexual desire in a woman is as simple as strapping a wood penis to your hip, but it certainly will get attention and start conversation at the next party he goes to. Of course that conversation may begin and end with, “Okay, we get it.”
Photos: Freedoms, ifood, Nattapornpan, Pantip
