If you ever find yourself teaching English in Thailand, there's one tradition you’ll encounter at the start of every single lesson, without fail, without variation, and without room for negotiation.

As you enter the classroom, your students will rise in unison, stand rigidly behind their desks, and, with military precision, chant: “Good morning, Teacher!” (or “Good afternoon” if you’ve had the misfortune of drawing an after-lunch class).

Now, at this moment, you might be tempted to shake things up, maybe throw in a casual “Hey, guys!” or an upbeat “What’s up?” But don’t. This is not the time for creativity. This is not the time for free expression. This is a well-oiled ritual, drilled into your students since primary school, and your role in this performance is clearly defined.

Your scripted response:

“Good morning, students. How are you?”

To which they will, without hesitation and with eerie synchrony, reply:

“Fine, thank you, and you?”

Now, you might be tempted to engage them, perhaps mix it up with, “Actually, I had a bit of a rough morning. My motorbike nearly got hit by a tuk-tuk, and I spilled coffee on my shirt.”

Don't.

Because, regardless of what you say, the response will always—always—be the same: “Fine, thank you, and you?”

At this point, you are expected to conclude the exchange by saying, “Fine, thank you. Please sit down.”

The students will sit. The ritual is complete. You may now begin your lesson.

Why Does This Happen?

The origins of this routine are a bit murky, but it’s deeply rooted in Thai cultural norms surrounding respect, hierarchy, and rote learning. In traditional Thai culture, students are expected to show deference to their teachers, much like they would to monks, elders, or parents. A formal greeting serves as a way to acknowledge the teacher’s authority and express gratitude for their instruction.

Somewhere along the way, the Thai education system decided that this particular English exchange was the best way to mimic that cultural expectation in a foreign language. The problem? It’s about as natural as a robotic voicemail greeting.

It’s also completely immune to change. Even if you introduce an alternative,say, “How’s everyone doing today?”, your students will pause, look confused, and then, after a brief conference among themselves, default back to: “Fine, thank you, and you?”

Because that’s what they’ve been trained to say. Deviating from the script is simply not an option.

A bit ridiculous? Maybe. But…

Yes, it’s a little bizarre to have an entire classroom inquire about your well-being as a single unit, only for you to reciprocate in a way that elicits a pre-programmed response. And yes, it would be nice if students were actually encouraged to answer honestly.

But at the same time, this ritual is not really about the words being spoken—it’s about respect, structure, and setting the tone for the lesson. It mirrors the Thai custom of offering a respectful greeting before engaging with a teacher, much like students might traditionally wai (place their palms together in a gesture of respect) before sitting down.

So, as unnatural as it may feel, just roll with it. Accept that this is one of those immovable parts of the Thai classroom experience, like students falling asleep at their desks after lunch or spending an entire lesson on their phones despite your best efforts.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Thailand, say: “Fine, thank you. Please sit down.”

Then get on with the lesson.