Sawasdee is derived from the Sanskrit word for being or living in good condition, as well as good luck, success, wealth, and happiness, all of which have been used as blessings in Thai since ancient times. Until Phraya Upakit Silpasarn began using it as a greeting among teachers and students at Chulalongkorn University, and the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram announced its implementation as a general greeting on January 22, 1943.
Written, translated, and illustrated by: Ratchanok T.
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