Betel quid chewing has always been an important part of Thai culture and tradition. In the past, betel chewing was a popular daily activity among Thais all over the country.[1] Betel comes from the plant known as Areca catechu, which grows wild all over Thailand and is known as หมาก (maak).[2][3]
In a rural hill tribe in Northern Thailand, a villager smiles with stained teeth from her Betel Chew.Areca Catechu (Betel plant), Betel nutA kin mak basketThe picture above shows a betel kit and the main ingredients needed for a traditional Thai chew.