What can we learn about the differences in Thai and Laos culture by looking at this picture?

1. Laotians take pride in their beer. Thais like to drink it just as much, but they keep the Singha, Chang, or Leo on ice. Although slightly overrated, Beer Laos remains the backpacker favorite beer of S. E. Asia and as such, watering the tasty brew down with some ice is a bad call in Laos. (Note: they don’t give you straws with every single drink either. Did the French have something against straws?)

2. There’s a salt shaker on the table. Sure, they still use fish sauce in their traditional cooking, but the baguettes, hamburgers, and quiche are made with out. In Thailand you're more likely to find chilies chopped up in fish sauce or that spicy orange sauce that goes so well on Thai omelets. In Laos however, it's in with falang food and out with the Asian food. Goodbye rice, Hello Bread. No more fish sauce, cover your french fries with mounds of salt.

3. There are napkins (serviettes) in a glass. Thailand on the other hand always offers toilet paper in a "cute" box disguising it as napkins. I can deal with it while living in Thailand, but still, in Laos it’s nice to use what’s meant for you hands with your hands, and what’s meant for you ass, with your ass.