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Thailand is filled with many ideas as to what the term beauty means. The majority of the Thai population believes that skin whitening is one of the best ways to create a 'beautiful' look. This is a common theme in many eastern countries, where women feel the need to whiten their skin in order to have a societal approval. What is ironic about this is that in most western countries, a tanned look is much more the ideal over a pale one. This really signifies the term "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" as beautiful can mean something totally different from one person to the next.

Along with skin whitening, practices such as neck-elongation as seen in Kayan tribe are another idea of beauty found in Thailand. This tribe is found mainly in northern parts of Thailand where the country has not been as susceptible to modern influences. The women of Kayan practice neck-elongation through the use of placing brass rings around their necks which then forces weight on their collarbones and compresses the rib cage, creating the illusion of a longer neck. Young girls are known to start wearing these brass rings at the age of five years old. Although it is believed that there are many reasons for the brass rings being worn (such as to protect the neck from animal attacks), the main belief is that it creates a more desired, feminine appearance.

Sak Yant is another form of appearance altering that is believed to hold much more power than what is shown on the outside. These traditional tattoos are often given by monks using sharpened bamboo, usually in a temple setting. Although the tattoos are generally not given to women due to monks not being able to touch women as it could create lust (something monks are not to experience), some monks believe that women should be provided with these sacred powers as well.

Cosmetic and plastic surgery is another appearance altering fad that is often found throughout Thailand. Since regulations and their enforcement is much more relaxed in Thailand, the cost of these procedures is often remarkably less as to what would be expected in western countries. These surgeries are often dangerous and provide a serious, life-threatening risk and it is extremely unfortunate that people still feel the need to alter appearance, even if it means risking their lives. Although dangerous, cosmetic surgery is widely accepted by much of Thailand and it is a shame that people feel the need to permanently alter their appearance in order to feel beautiful. People not just in Thailand, but around the world need to realize that there beauty is created through differences, not simply created.

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This picture shows how traditional Thai makeup is done and also represents what the majority of people in Thailand believe the ideal look for women is. Fair skin and slim frame is without a doubt the country's desired appearance.₈

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Plastic surgery is a very big industry in Thailand as relaxed regulations make surgeries a fraction of the cost as what would be seen in North America or Europe. As the ad below suggests, breast enlargement surgery is widely accepted and advertised as a way to make create a more attractive woman.₇

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Sak Yant are sacred tattoos that are done by Buddhist monks, that are said to hold special powers. These tattoos are done all across Thailand and are often done in temple settings. ₆

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Thailand is also known for it's spas, but natural cosmetics like the ones below are not frequently found. Most of Thailand's cosmetics are made using non-natural ingredients and have been known for not being ethical products.₅

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Skin whitening is an extremely popular cosmetic treatment that is mainly seen in eastern countries, including Thailand. Although it is known to seriously damage skin, many Thai women have felt the need to alter their skin colour due to societal pressure. ₄

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This is a photo of the winner (Apasra Hongsakula) of the Miss Universe  beauty contest in 1965. On the left is the day she won, and to the right is a picture taken just a few years ago. This gives a good representation of how Thailand's view of beauty has evolved.₃

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1. "Who Do You Prefer A Former And Popular Thailand Actress." Soompi Forums. N.p., 29 May 2009. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.
2. Ligon, Cheyenee. "This Beautiful World: Standards of Beauty Around the World." Her Campus. N.p., 29 Nov. 2012. Web. 08 Mar. 2017.
3.Phro, Preston. "Is the Fountain of Youth in Thailand? 1965's Miss Universe Still Looks Pretty Incredible." RocketNews24. RocketNews24, 26 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
4.Hrbressler. "Skin Whitening Craze in Thailand." Healthy Perspectives. N.p., 16 Feb. 2015. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
5.Doman, Gaby. "5 best Thai beauty brands in Bangkok." LifestyleAsia. LifestyleAsia, 04 Feb. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
6.Blumberg, Antonia. "Thousands Gather In Thailand To Receive Magical Tattoos From Buddhist Monks." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 10 Mar. 2015. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
7."Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery | Asia Cosmetic Thailand." Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery | Asia Cosmetic Thailand. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
8.Sirinya. "Thai Beauty Ideals and Desire for ‘Fair Skin’." Sirinya's Thailand. N.p., 29 July 2015. Web. 12 Mar. 2017.

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The Kayan tribe found in northern Thailand practices a different idea of beauty through neck-elongation.₂

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This is the first image that displayed when "beauty in Thailand" is googled. The photo says plenty about what the world thinks the definition of Beauty in Thailand means. ₁