ทำนาบนหลังคน
“To plough the field on other people's backs.”
To profit or prosper by exploiting the labour and hardship of others.
— Traditional Thailand Wisdom, Thailand
Source: Traditional Thai proverb, public-domain oral tradition
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When the water rises, hurry to scoop it up.
Seize an opportunity while it lasts, because favourable moments do not last forever.
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Slowly, slowly, and you get a fine blade.
Patience and careful, unhurried work produce excellent results.
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Hot water, the fish lives; cold water, the fish dies.
Frank, sharp words can be more helpful than sweet, flattering ones that deceive.
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If you love your cow, tie it up; if you love your child, discipline them.
True love sometimes requires firm guidance and discipline rather than indulgence.
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By the time the beans are cooked, the sesame is burnt.
Being too slow or indecisive can cause you to lose everything at once.
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Entering a town where people squint, you must squint along too.
Adapt to local customs when you are in a new place — the Thai equivalent of 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.'
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