essay about thailand culture

• Countries and Their Cultures
• Culture of Thailand

Culture Name

Alternative names.

Siamese, Central Tai

Orientation

Identification. The name "Thailand" is associated with the dominant ethnic group, Thai. Thailand was never under European colonial rule. It was an absolute monarchy until 1932, when it became a constitutional monarchy. In 1939 the country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand. Military dictators ruled the nation until the early 1970s; the military remained a powerful force in national politics into the early 1990s. Since that time, its role has diminished, and a new constitution was adopted in 1997. The military governments after World War II promoted rapid economic development and attempted to assimilate ethnic minorities. Rapid economic growth continued until the late 1990s, when the economic boom of the early part of the decade came to an abrupt end. As part of a trend toward devolution of authority, the democratic governments of the 1990s adopted more liberal policies with regard to ethnic minorities. However, members of ethnic minorities continue to face many problems in regard to political rights and economic security.

Location and Geography. The Kingdom of Thailand has an area of 198,114 square miles (513,115 square kilometers). The country is commonly divided into four main regions and borders Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The northern region is hilly, with much of its population concentrated in upland valleys and the flood plains of rivers; the dominant geographic feature is the Khorat Plateau. The southern region is a narrow isthmus with hills running down the center.

The Thai (also known as the Central Tai) live mainly in the central region, with closely related groups of Tai-speaking peoples occupying most of the remainder of the nation. Smaller ethnic groups are scattered throughout the country, especially in the north and the northeast. Bangkok has been the capital since the late eighteenth century, when it replaced the earlier capital of Ayutthaya, which was sacked by Burmese invaders in 1767. With a population of almost 10 million, Bangkok is the most important city politically and economically. About twenty smaller regional cities have populations of two hundred to three hundred thousand.

Demography. The population estimate for 2000 is approximately 62 million. There are about 75 ethnic groups, and approximately 84 percent of the population is Thai, including people from other Tai-speaking ethnic groups; the Thai, constitute about 36 percent of the population. The Thai-Lao account for about 32 percent of the population; their territory formerly was part of the Lao kingdom. The Lanna Thai account for about 8 percent of the national population. The Pak Thai constitute about 8 percent of the population. Other major ethnic groups include Chinese (about 12 percent of the population), Malay-speaking Muslims (about 3 percent), and Khmer (about 2 percent). The majority of the Chinese live in central Thailand, especially in urban areas. The Malay-speaking Muslims live near to the border with Malaysia. The Khmer live near the Cambodian border.

Linguistic Affiliation. Thai is a Daic language in the southwestern Tai group. Other Thai groups speak related southern and east-central Thai languages. Large-scale Chinese migration took place in the nineteenth century. Most of the Chinese in the country speak dialects of Min Nan Chinese. There are twenty-four Mon-Khmer-speaking groups, whose languages can be subdivided into four groups: Monic, Aslian, Eastern Mon-Khmer, and Northern Mon-Khmer.

Seven Austronesian languages are spoken, all of which belong to the Malayic Malayo-Polynesian group. The main Austronesian language is Pattani Malay, which is spoken by about 2.5 million people in the southern region. The Pattani Malay, Malay, and Kedah Malay populations live in an area associated with the kingdom of Patani, which fell under Thai control in 1786.

The nineteen Tibeto-Burman-speaking groups include nine groups that speak Karen languages. Three Hmong-Mien languages are spoken in the north. Various migrant communities speak Korean, Japanese, Tamil, and Urdu.

Thai is the national language and the medium for education and mass communication. It is widely used by speakers of other Tai languages and is a second language for most other people.

Symbolism. The most potent national symbols are the king and images associated with Buddhism. The monarch serves as the most important symbol of national identity and unity. Images of the king appear frequently in public and in people's homes, and he is featured often on television and the other mass media. His image is on all banknotes and coins. Showing disrespect for the king is a serious legal offense. Images of the Buddha and shrines are found in public buildings (including schools and government offices) and homes as well as temples. The promotion of Buddhism as a symbol of national identity has met with opposition from the Muslim minority.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. Evidence of an agricultural civilization with metallurgical capabilities has been found in northeastern Thailand; the earliest bronze artifacts date back to approximately 3,000 years ago. In the eighth and ninth centuries C.E. , Mon states influenced by Indian civilization occupied portions of central and northern Thailand, where they were referred to as Dvaravati. In Thailand, the most important Mon center was Nakhon Pathom west of Bangkok. Mon influence declined in the eleventh century as the Khmer invaded the area from the east. The Khmer occupied not only the Mon areas, but part of northeastern Thailand.

As early as the fifth or sixth century, Tai-speaking peoples began migrating from northern Vietnam and southern Yunnan into areas adjacent to the Mekong River. The Tai in northern Thailand came into contact with the Mon, who converted many of them to Theravada Buddhism. Tai-speaking peoples gradually migrated southward and by the early eleventh century had moved into Mon territory. Tai peoples living in central Thailand came under Khmer control as the Khmer empire expanded. The Khmer referred to the Tai as Siams. The Tai in the vicinity of Sukhothai revolted against the Khmer rulers in 1238 and established a kingdom that promoted a writing system that formed the basis of modern Thai. In the wake of declining Khmer power, the center of Thai power shifted south to Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1351. In the north, the kingdom of Lan Na was founded in 1259. The Lao kingdom of Lan Sang was founded in 1353 and came to include much of northeastern Thailand.

The founder of the kingdom of Ayutthaya, Rama Thibodi, promoted Theravada Buddhism and compiled a legal code based on Hindu sources and Thai customs that remained important until the late nineteenth century. Ayutthaya pushed into Khmer territory and sacked the capital of Angkor. Both Ayutthaya and Lan Na became strong and prosperous states during the latter part of the fifteenth century. After the deaths of the two rulers both kingdoms degenerated. Lan Na witnessed several civil wars and came under Burmese control. Ayutthaya was attacked by the Khmer and Burmese in the sixteenth century briefly came under Burmese control. In 1585, Ayutthaya began a period of rejuvenation. Starting with the establishment of a Portuguese embassy in 1511, there was a growing European presence in Ayutthaya. In 1765, the kingdom was invaded again by the Burmese; in 1767, the Burmese captured and destroyed the city.

After pushing the Burmese back, the Thai established a new capital at Thonburi. Chao Phraya Chakkri became king in 1782 and founded Bangkok. The third Chakkri ruler established a system of royal titles, and named himself Rama III. During his reign, treaties were signed with the United States and some European countries, and Christian missionaries were allowed into the kingdom. Rama V (ruled 1868–1910) successfully resisted European colonization and introduced modernizing reforms.

A group of young Thais who had studied abroad staged a coup in 1932 and transformed the country into a constitutional monarchy. From 1935 to 1945, a military dictator, Phibun Song-khram (commonly known as Phibun), ruled the country. Phibun changed the name of Siam to Thailand. In 1945, there was a brief return to civilian government, and the country's name was changed back to Siam. Between 1947 and 1973, the country was ruled by military dictators. After the brutal suppression of antigovernment demonstrators in 1973, military was forced out of office, but in 1976 it again seized power.

In 1980, a more moderate government headed by Prem Tinsulanonda assumed office. Prem is credited with achieving political and economic stability. This period saw the end of a communist insurgency in the countryside, a gradual transition to democracy and economic growth. An election was held in 1988, but the elected government was overthrown by a military coup in 1991. Those who staged the coup appointed a civilian prime minister and a cabinet of civilian technocrats. A new constitution was passed in 1991, and an election was held in 1992, returning the country to civilian rule. After a subsequent period of political and economic instability a far more democratically reformist constitution was promulgated in late 1997. National elections were held under this constitution in early 2001.

National Identity. In the twentieth century, the culture of the Central Tai came to dominate the national culture. The military dictator, Phibun, passed a number of Cultural Mandates that promoted a centralized national culture and identity. Other mandates promoted the use of the national dress and the national language.

The term "Thai identity" was coined in the late 1950s. The Ministry of Education played an important role in expanding the national culture. The military government that seized power in 1976 viewed the national identity as something that had to be defended against Western cultural influences. A National Culture Commission was established in 1979 to coordinate efforts to defend the national culture. Those efforts were closely linked to national security and occurred against the backdrop of a communist insurgency that involved members of ethnic minorities.

In the 1980s, a revival of regional and local identities began, especially in the northern and northeastern regions where there was a resurgence of local foods, celebrations, and styles of traditional dress. Democratic reforms and moves to devolve power since the early 1990s have allowed this process to accelerate. The sense of national identity is no longer viewed as precluding local and regional identities.

Ethnic Relations. Thailand often is portrayed as a culturally homogeneous country, but there are approximately seventy-five distinct ethnolinguistic groups. The Central Tai is the dominant ethnic group and accounts for 36 percent of the population. The Thai-Lao and Lanna Tai, who together account for about 40 percent of the population, were not assimilated into the national culture until the twentieth century.

There have been Chinese in Thailand for centuries. In the nineteenth century, their numbers more than doubled until they constituted about 10 percent of the population. Along with Westerners, the Chinese merchant class dominated the economy in the nineteenth century, especially with the exportation of rice. In the early twentieth century, the Chinese established their own educational institutions, resulting in antipathy toward them under the nationalistic Phibun regime, which blamed the Chinese for the country's economic problems. In 1938, the Phibun government taxed the Chinese, limited the use of their language in schools, and closed most Chinese-language newspapers. Chinese immigration came to a virtual halt. While anti-Chinese sentiment remained strong, by the 1970s virtually all the Chinese had Thai citizenship. With the growth of a more open and democratic society in the 1990s, the Chinese began to express their culture openly.

Since it came under Thai control in 1786, the Malay Muslim population has posed difficulties for the Thai state. This region has mounted numerous rebellions against central authority over the past two centuries. In 1948, the Phibun regime banned Malay and Islamic organizations, sparking a rebellion that was violently crushed. Education has been a point of conflict between Thai authorities and the Malay Muslims since the government introduced compulsory education in 1921. As a result, many Muslims sent their children to Malaysia and other Muslim countries to be educated. In the 1960s, returning students joined various independence movements. Guerrilla activities in the south reached their height between 1970 and 1975. Counterinsurgency operations failed to end support for the separatists. In the late 1980s, the national political environment changed with greater sensitivity to the Muslim religion and culture. The civilian government elected in 1992 initiated reforms to ease tension in the Muslim south.

The Thai government treats the Khmer as part of a generic northeastern Thai ethnic category called Isan. Efforts to assimilate the Khmer into the national culture in the 1960s and 1970s were spurred by concern over their support for communist insurgents in the northeast. In the 1990s there was a cultural revival among the Khmer in the northeast that included the formation of dance and music groups to promote Khmer culture. The hill tribes in the north, with the exception of the Lawa and Karen, are relatively recent immigrants. The majority of hill tribe members did not become citizens until recently and lacked political rights. These hill tribes have faced economic difficulties related to their lack of land rights. The authorities generally have viewed them as primitive peoples. In the 1980s and 1990s, there was encroachment on their land by lowlanders, who believed that their presence was a key factor in environmental degradation in highland areas. Proponents of rights for the tribes in the 1990s led to the granting of citizenship for the hill tribes. Nevertheless, there are many conflicts, including those involving corrupt government officials and business interests that are attempting to exploit highland resources.

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

A little over 20 percent of the population lives in urban areas, including about ten million residents of the Bangkok metropolitan area. Over the last decade, regional towns have undergone rapid growth. Thailand's second largest city, with a population of around 300,000, is Nakon Ratchasima (also known as Korat). Until the early 1980s it was a relatively small country town, but industrialization has resulted in rapid growth. Other northeastern towns also have experienced rapid growth. Economic growth in the southern region (in part associated with the rubber, shrimp, and fishing industries) in the late 1980s and 1990s also resulted in sharp population increases.

In the past, towns were centers of government administration, Chinese business, and the Buddhist religion, featuring government offices and housing for civil servants, Chinese shops and storage facilities, and Buddhist temples. The growth of the cities is reflected in a lack of planning and growing congestion, but the core features of the cities have not changed. Wood has given way to cement as the main building material, and new forms of architecture include high-rise buildings for offices and residences, and air-conditioned shopping malls. The 1980s witnessed the emergence of suburban housing developments and shopping complexes. There are few public parks, and urban planning is focused on building roads. The use of waterways for transportation is waning.

Modern government offices are highly standardized to instill a sense of national unity, and even Buddhist religious architecture has become uniform. There were regional differences in houses, especially in rural areas, but these differences are disappearing. The traditional house is raised on a framework of wooden posts to provide protection from floods and intruders, and to create a multipurpose space under the house. This underpart served as a place for women to work, a place to sleep during the hot season, a storage space, and a place to keep domestic animals. The size and complexity of the raised area varied with the wealth and status of the family. The house is constructed of prefabricated units that fit together with wooden pegs. The raised part can be divided into an open area and an enclosed area. The open area includes a front veranda that is partially shaded. People usually sit on mats on the veranda. The rear of the house has an open balcony for washing clothes, doing laundry, and performing other domestic chores. This area also is used to lie out food to dry, and for spinning and sewing. The interior includes a living room and a sleeping space. People usually sit on mats, and there is little furniture. There may be a cooking area in the living room in smaller houses, but usually there is a separate space for cooking. In larger houses, there is a separate kitchen and granary.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. Rice is the staple food at every meal for most people. All food is brought to the table at once rather than being served in courses. A meal will include rice, dishes with gravy, side dishes, soup, and a salad. Whereas in central and southern Thailand polished white rice is eaten, in the north and northeast people eat glutinous or sticky rice. Fish and shellfish are popular. Curries are eaten throughout the country, but there are regional varieties. Northern and northeastern food is similar to that of Laos and consists of more meat, including meat served as sausages, or as larb (a salad is usually made of raw meat). Chinese food has influenced the national cuisine, especially in regard to noodle dishes. Sweets are eaten as snacks. A popular snack is green papaya salad. In the past, there were marked differences between the food of the common people and that of the nobility. Women in noble households were proficient at decorative carving of vegetables and fruits. In recent decades, this practice has become popular among the middle classes. Whereas commercial alcoholic drinks are common throughout the country, non-commercial alcohol made from rice is still drunk.

Basic Economy. Thailand has a relatively diversified export-oriented economy that grew rapidly in the latter part of the twentieth century until the crash of 1997. Manufacturing and tourism led its growth, but agriculture continued to play an important role—employing over 60 percent of the workforce. The country remains a major producer and exporter of agricultural products, including rice, rubber, and tapioca. Thailand's currency is called the baht .

Land Tenure and Property. In the past, all land was owned by the crown in theory, but individuals had use rights if they paid taxes on the land that they occupied. Because of the low population density, land ownership in rural areas was not a matter of concern. Large agricultural estates were rare. The commercial buying and selling of land took place in the main towns, where commercial life was concentrated. Urban land was often owned by Sino-Thais. In the 1950s, around 90 percent of farmers owned their own land. Strong nationalist sentiments influenced the 1941 Land Act, which made it difficult for non-Thais to own land. Informal means of circumventing these restrictions on land ownership helped create a chaotic system in which the title to land was difficult to determine. Under the new constitution and after the economic collapse, efforts were made to reform land ownership. Many restrictions on foreign ownership were removed, including those placed on Thais married to foreigners and their children.

Commercial Activities. Thailand has a large and relatively modern commercial sector, with domestic and foreign commercial banks and a stock exchange. The 1997 crash resulted in the closing of some financial institutions and the consolidation of others. Producers of agricultural products traditionally sold their products through local brokers, but since the 1980s there has been a trend toward contract production for sale to large firms. Most towns and cities have small shops and traditional markets with small-scale traders who sell food, consumer goods, hardware, and medicines. In larger towns, shopping malls and large multipurpose stores have assumed a significant role since the 1980s.

Major Industries. Major manufacturing industries include motor vehicle and motorcycle units and parts, computers, garments and footwear, electrical appliances, and plastic products. There also are large commercial farming and fishing industries. The main agricultural products are rice, tapioca, sugar, corn, and fruits. In addition to fresh and frozen agricultural products, food-processing industries produce canned and frozen products. Thailand has a large fishing industry and is a major producer of farmed shrimp. The country is one of the world's leading producers of rubber. Cement production is also important. Mining has declined in recent decades. The country produces some oil and natural gas but must import gas and petroleum products to meet domestic demand. It is a major center for cutting and selling gems. Thailand is Southeast Asia's top tourist destination, and that industry is the largest earner of foreign exchange. Japan is the largest foreign investor; the United States is also a major source of foreign investment.

Trade. In the mid-1990s, exports were equal in value to about 25 percent of the gross domestic product. The most important exports are computers, integrated circuits, and related parts. Other major exports include electric appliances, garments, rubber, plastic products, shrimp, footwear, gems and jewelry, rice, and canned seafood. Major imports include nonelectric machinery and parts, electrical machinery and parts, chemicals, vehicle parts, iron and steel, crude oil, computers and parts, metal products, and integrated circuits. After the 1997 crash, the manufacturing sector declined sharply, especially the sectors that were highly dependent on imports, such as garments. By late 1998, however, manufacturing had begun to recover. The United States and Japan are the largest markets for the country's exports and suppliers of its imports. Neighboring countries, especially China, have become increasingly trading important partners.

Division of Labor. The division of labor in the agricultural sector is based on gender, with little specialization by ethnicity. Ethnic Chinese have long played a major role in commerce and industry, but few jobs or professions are the monopoly of a single ethnic group. Traditional craft specialization is sometimes associated with specific villages or communities. Primarily ethnic minorities produce hand-woven textiles. Positions in modern technical professions such as medicine and engineering are related to education and specialized training and thus exclude members of the smaller rural ethnic minorities.

Social Stratification

Classes and Castes. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the social strata included an elite of Thai nobles, a small commercial middle class of Chinese and Europeans, and a lower class that included mostly rural farmers. With the development of a more modern economy, the structure of social stratification has become more complex. Noble birth continues to have some bearing on status, but the modern class system is based primarily on wealth. There now is a much larger middle class. The growth of towns and cities has given rise to a class of urban poor in addition to the traditional rural poor. In addition to regional differences in income, there are regional differences in income distribution: Income is distributed more equally in the center and south than it is in the north and northeast.

Political Life

Government. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king, on occasion, involves himself directly in political affairs when national stability is threatened. Between 1932 and the early 1990s, the government was dominated by a military and bureaucratic elite. After the elections in 1992, political parties opposed to military intervention formed a coalition government, with the leader of the Democratic Party becoming prime minister. Parliament was dissolved in 1995, and the Democratic Party lost to the Thai Nation Party. That government lasted only until 1996, when a former military commander formed a coalition government and became prime minister. The economic collapse of 1997 led to the fall of that government and the eventual assumption of power by a coalition government led by the Democratic Party with its leader, Chuan Leekpai, as prime minister.

A reformist constitution was promulgated in late 1997 with the intent to enhance participatory democracy. Attention has focused on eliminating corrupt political practices and devolving power. Devolution has included holding elections to a wider range of local offices. A National Counter-Corruption Commission was formed and given some powers to monitor electoral fraud.

Thailand held its first national election under the 1997 constitution in January 2001. The newly formed Thai Rak Thai party led by Taksin Shinawatra, one of Thailand's richest men, defeated the Democrats and won 248 of parliament's 500 seats. The Thai Rak Thai party was joined by the smaller New Aspiration party to form a coalition with 325 seats. Voters appeared to have grown tired of Chuan Leekpai's six-party coalition government. They were lured by Taksin Shinawatra's promises of expansive economic policies, including his pledge to give every one of the country's 70,000 villages 1 million baht (about U.S. $25,000) in development funds. The election was fraught with corruption, which the National Counter-Corruption Commission proved to have only limited influence in curtailing.

Leadership and Political Officials. The kings of the Chakri dynasty had numerous wives and concubines, resulting in the existence of a large number of nobles who were related to the king; in addition, some commoners were given high positions. In central Thailand, administration was directly linked to Bangkok and the king; in more remote areas, there were vassal princes. Below the government officials were freemen and slaves. The system was stratified, but social mobility was possible.

After the advent of military rule and the end of the absolute monarchy in the 1930s, the state remained highly centralized, with government officials being appointed by those in power in Bangkok, primarily military officers and former officers. In the new system, power was gained through factional struggles within the military. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the rise of "money politics," as wealthy civilians came to play an increasingly important role in politics. Increased democratization in the 1990s resulted in a much more complex political system. While wealth continued to be important, many major political figures claimed to speak for the poor, especially the rural poor. The newly formed government of Taksin Shinawatra is seen by some observers as a return to the old politics of wealth and patronage. Taksin is one of the country's wealthiest men and his party is held together mainly through an extensive patronage network. In the 1990s, a growing number of Muslims from the south attained elected political positions. Similar political gains have not occurred among the smaller ethnic minorities.

Social Problems and Control. The government generally respects the human rights of its citizens. There is considerable freedom of expression, but there are laws that prohibit criticism of the royal family, threats to national security, and speech that may incite disturbances or insult Buddhism. The constitution makes it unlawful for the government to censor, ban, license, or restrict print or broadcast media except in times of crisis. While newspapers and periodicals practice some self-censorship, media criticism of public figures, political parties, and the government is widespread. Freedom of religion is protected by law.

Thailand is no longer a significant producer of narcotics, but is still an important route for international heroin trafficking, and domestic consumption of narcotics has increased dramatically. Social problems associated with narcotics trafficking include money laundering, police and military corruption, and criminal activity by addicts. Political corruption is widely viewed as a serious problem.

The National Police Department, with over one-hundred thousand personnel, includes the provincial police, metropolitan police, Border Patrol Police (BPP), and Central Investigation Bureau. The police force has a culture of corruption, and demands for bribes are routine. This corruption encourages illegal activities such as income tax evasion, gambling, drug trafficking, smuggling, and prostitution. Enforcement of the law is lax, but in many respects the police force works well. In general, the law requires that police officers making an arrest have warrants, and it is rare for police officers to be tried for extrajudicial killings or the use of excessive force.

The legal system blends principles of traditional Thai and Western laws. In the Muslim south, Koranic law is applied. There are courts of the first instance, courts of appeal, and the supreme court, along with a separate military court. A constitutional court was created in 1998 to interpret the new constitution. There is no trial by jury. Career civil service judges preside over the courts, and supreme court judges are appointed by the king. Judicial appointments and structures are not subject to parliamentary review, and judges have a reputation for venality.

Conditions in prisons are poor because of overcrowding, and medical care in prisons does not meet minimum international standards. Access to prisons is not restricted, and the government permits visits by human rights monitors and the Thai International Red Cross.

Military Activity. Since 1992, the military's role in political affairs has been reduced. Responsibility for internal security and law enforcement is mainly in the hands of the police. The military's primary role is national defense, especially problems along the border with Burma. However, former senior military officers still account for a large percentage of the elected members of parliament and the military retains wide-ranging legal powers.

The total strength of the military is around 270,000, including the army, navy, and the air force. In addition, there are about five-hundred thousand reserves. Male citizens between ages twenty-one and thirty are required to serve in the military for two years. Under civilian governments, defense spending has declined. Although there is a domestic arms industry, most military supplies are provided by the United States and Great Britain.

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations

Local, domestic, and international nongovernmental organizations are active in social welfare, heath, political reform, the status of women, the environment, religion, and business. Those organizations face few restrictions and are relatively free to publish their findings. Government officials generally are cooperative with such organizations.

There continues to be discrimination against the hill tribes, which are widely viewed as being involved in narcotics trafficking. The Tribal Assembly of Thailand has lobbied the government for greater transparency in decisions affecting those tribes, especially in regard to the granting of citizenship and land issues.

Gender Roles and Statuses

Division of Labor by Gender. Both men and women do agricultural work, and although some tasks tend to be assigned mainly to men or women, that division of labor is not adhered to rigidly. There is also some variation in the allotment of tasks according to region. In the north it is traditional for men alone to prepare land for planting and sow seeds, but in central Thailand, women sometimes perform those tasks. Women transplant rice seedlings in all areas, but sometimes men do that job as well. Harvesting is done by both men and women. Domestic work is done mostly by women. Weaving usually is done by women. Pottery, basketry, plaiting, making lacquerware, and making umbrellas can be done by men or women. Small-scale market selling and itinerant trading are conducted by both men and women. Transportation of goods and people by animal, carts, boats, and motor vehicles is done mainly by men. Religious specialists and traditional healers generally are male. Traditional theatrical and musical performances involve both genders. In the modern professions, women work mainly in teaching and nursing.

The Relative Status of Women and Men. Gender inequality is manifest in violence against women, societal discrimination against women, and trafficking in women for prostitution. Efforts to improve the status of women have increased, and the 1997 constitution provides women with equal rights and protections, although, some inequalities in the law remain. Domestic abuse affects women in all social classes. Specific laws concerning domestic violence have not been enacted, and the rules of evidence make prosecuting such cases difficult. Domestic violence often is not reported, since many victims and the police view it as a private matter. Sexual harassment in the workplace was made illegal in 1998, but only in the private sector, and no cases have been prosecuted. Thailand serves as a source, place of transit, and destination for trafficking in women for prostitution. Prosecutions for such activities are rare.

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. In general, individuals find their own marriage partners, although the choice of a spouse may be influenced by one's family among the wealthy. The value of goods provided to the couple and elaborateness of the wedding ceremony vary with the wealth of the families of the couple. Polygyny was common among the elite in the past but is now rare, although wealthy and powerful men often have a de facto second wife known as a minor wife. Divorce is not difficult and is usually a matter of a couple ceasing to live together and dividing their property.

Domestic Unit. The ideal is for a married couple to establish its own household as soon as possible. However, especially among poorer couples, residence with the parents of the husband or wife is common. The nuclear family is the core of the domestic unit, but it often includes members of the extended family. Including unmarried siblings, widowed parents, and more distant unmarried or widowed male and female relatives. The husband is nominally the head of the household, but the wife has considerable authority. Female members of the household are responsible for most domestic chores.

Inheritance. Property generally is divided equally among the children after the parents die. However, it is common practice for one child, usually the youngest daughter, to assume primary responsibility for looking after the parents in their old age, and this person inherits the family home.

Kin Groups. The Central Tai reckon descent bilaterally. Various forms of kin groups may be formed. The most common type is formed by siblings, married children, and sometimes more distant relatives living in a multihousehold compound. Members of these groups may share domestic and other tasks. Sometimes larger kin groups encompass several compounds to form a hamlet cluster. In some instances, a hamlet cluster forms around a wealthy and powerful individual.

Socialization

Infant Care. Adults take a great deal of interest in children, including the children of other people. A mother keeps her baby with her whenever she leaves the house. Young children are pampered and given considerable freedom of movement and are allowed to handle almost anything that catches their attention. Weaning usually takes place when a child is two or three years old.

Child Rearing and Education. Children in rural areas grow up surrounded by the implements that they will later use and see adults performing domestic, agricultural, and artisanal tasks. In the past, young boys attended school in a nearby Buddhist monastery, where they would be taught to read and write. Girl's education took place mainly at home as they learned to perform domestic tasks. After 1932, the government secularized the public school system by replacing monks with trained teachers. In the late 1990s, eighty-eight percent of children of primary school age were enrolled in schools and ninety-three percent of the adult population was literate. However, the economic crisis of the late 1990s resulted in an increase in the number of children leaving school. The government raised compulsory education requirements from six to nine years in 1999 and is attempting to improve educational standards.

Higher Education. Institutes of higher education include comprehensive universities, technical institutes, and religious universities. Traditionally, education was handled by religious bodies. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a growing number of people went abroad for higher education. The first university, Chulalongkorn University, was founded in 1916. That university initially served mainly to train civil servants. An Arts and Crafts School was established in the 1920s. After the 1932 revolution, Thammasat University was founded. This was an open university with unrestricted admission and an emphasis on legal training. Chulalongkorn University tended to cater to the elite, while Thammasat University was more populist. In 1942, the Arts and Crafts School attained the status of a university, Silpakorn University. All three of these institutes are in Bangkok. A fourth institute was added in 1948 after the reorganization of advanced military education at the Chulalongkorn Royal Military Academy, whose graduates came to dominate not only the military but also politics. Admission to the military academy was restricted to "native Thai" until 1973, mainly to keep out ethnic Chinese.

In 1960, less than one percent of the population had completed a higher education. In the 1960s and 1970s, new universities were founded, including the first regional university and a number of technical colleges and teacher training colleges.

Buddhist educational bodies continue to play a role in education, offering not only religious education but a wide range of other subjects. There are also private universities which tend to focus on business education. There has been a boom in the growth of private higher educational institutes since the early 1990s, and plans are in place for the privatization of public universities.

The Thai and other Buddhists follow the widespread Buddhist custom of not touching a person on the head, which is considered the highest part of the body. Patting a child on the head is thought to be dangerous to the well-being of the child. A person should not point the feet at anyone or at an image of Buddha. Footwear is removed when entering temple complexes, and it is polite to remove footwear when entering a house. Buddhist monks are not supposed to come into contact with women. It is traditional to greet a person with a prayerlike gesture called a wai . It is considered improper to lose one's temper or show too much emotion in public.

Religious Beliefs. About eighty-five percent of the people are Theravada Buddhists, and the monarch must be a Buddhist. Virtually all Tai-speaking peoples are Theravada Buddhists, as are members of many of the ethnic minorities. The Buddhism of Central Tais often is referred to as Lankavamsa, reflecting its origins in Sri Lanka. Thai Buddhism, however, is a syncretic religion that borrows from earlier animistic beliefs, Hinduism, and Christianity. A noticeable manifestation of animism in Thai Buddhism are the spirit houses associated with almost all houses and buildings. These usually are small model houses placed on a pedestal, that serve as a home for the spirits associated with the site. These houses are decorated and presented with daily offerings. Many large trees also are considered to serve as the home of spirits and are decorated and given offerings.

Approximately ten percent of the population is Muslim, primarily ethnic Malays in the south. Although Christian missionaries have been active in the country since the nineteenth century, only about one percent of the population is Christian. The Christian population consists primarily of non-Tai ethnic minorities in the north and ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese. There are small numbers of animists, Confucianists, Taoists, Mahayana Buddhists, and Hindus.

Religious Practitioners. The majority of religious practitioners are Buddhist monks. Most young men become Buddhist novices and go to live in a monastery. While most young men remain at the monastery for a short time before returning to the secular life, some become ordained monks. A person who wants to become a monk is expected to be free of debt and certain diseases, have the permission of his parents or spouse, to agree to follow the disciplinary rules of the monkhood, and not become involved in secular life. Monks are expected to lead a life of aestheticism but commonly perform important functions in the community, especially as counselors. A variety of religious practitioners are associated with the animistic side of the religious beliefs of most Buddhists, including exorcists, spirit doctors, astrologers, and diviners.

Rituals and Holy Places. A number of Buddhist religious festivals are held throughout of the country, and there are local events related to particular places and individuals. The Buddhist religious calendar begins with Songkran, in mid-April when images of Buddha are washed and monks are offered special alms. This celebration is marked by dousing people with water and festive behavior including dancing, singing, and theatrical performances. Visakha Puja in May celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and entrance into nirvana. The day includes the ceremonial watering of the banyan trees that represent the tree under which Buddha sat when he attained enlightenment. Asanha Puja celebrates a sermon given by Buddha. Khao Phansaa in July marks the start of the three-month lenten period. It is at this time that young males become novices. Lent is considered a period of spiritual retreat for monks, who are expected to remain in the monasteries. Thawt Kathin from mid-October to mid-November marks the end of lent. During this period, monastic robes and other paraphernalia are given to monks. In some communities, there is a celebration to produce new garments for monks and images of Buddha in which members of the community work together to produce the cloth in a single day. Magha Puja in February commemorates Buddha's preaching to enlightened monks. It culminates in a candlelit procession at temples.

Death and the Afterlife. Buddhists believe that those who die are reborn in a form that is appropriate to the amount of merit they accumulated while alive. The cycle of death and rebirth is believed to continue as long as ignorance and craving remain. The cycle can be broken only through enhanced personal wisdom and the elimination of desire. Funerals involve either burial or cremation. The funeral ceremony includes a procession of monks and mourners who accompany the coffin to the cemetery or crematorium, with monks chanting and performing rites along the way. Funerals for monks tend to be very elaborate, while people who have died a violent death are buried quickly, with very little ceremony, since their spirits are believed to linger after death as malevolent ghosts.

Medicine and Health Care

The health of the population has improved over the last few decades, with increased life expectancy and lower rates of major diseases. An exception to this trend is the AIDS epidemic. The spread of AIDS is related to both sexual practices and narcotics use. The government has devoted substantial resources toward AIDS education and awareness programs and AIDS-related research.

The health infrastructure includes facilities and programs provided by the public sector, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. The majority of health resources are concentrated in urban areas, where a marked difference in access to health facilities depends on wealth. Private sector facilities exist almost exclusively in urban areas. Public health facilities in rural areas include district hospitals and community health centers. In small towns and villages, health care is provided mainly by village health communicators and village health volunteers who receive little training. In urban areas, private hospitals are becoming important providers for the wealthy and the middle class. In the 1990s, the government adopted a policy of self-reliance that included greater attention to classical traditional medicine and herbal folk medicine. A government sponsored, codified system of traditional medicine draws on elements of Chinese and Indian medicine. Many unlicensed healers practice folk medicine.

Secular Celebrations

Most celebrations are associated with the Buddhism or other religions. The most important secular holidays are related to the monarchy. Celebrations include Chakkri Day (6 April), commemorating Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty; Coronation Day (5 May), commemorating the coronation of the current king; the Royal Plowing Ceremony (second week in May), an ancient ritual held near the Royal Palace in Bangkok to start the rice-planting season; the queen's birthday (12 August); Chulalongkorn Day (23 October), held in commemoration of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V); and the current king's birthday (5 December). Other secular celebrations include Constitution Day (10 December) and New Year's Day.

The Arts and Humanities

Support for the Arts. Support for the arts comes from both the public and private sectors. The Department of Fine Arts underwrites programs throughout the country, and there a national theater. Silpakorn University is the main public educational institution for the arts, and there is a national College of Dance and Music. The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupational and Supplementary Techniques, founded in 1976, is associated with the queen and runs projects throughout the country for traditional artisans. There are private art galleries, mainly in Bangkok, and private auction houses have become a commercial outlet for paintings.

Literature. Written literature dates back to the Sukhothai period (1250–1350), and earlier traditions. The oldest known poem, the Suphasit Phra Ruong, was written in the late 1200s. The Traiphum Khatha (1345), is a treatise on Buddhist cosmology.

Poetry from the fifteenth century includes epics, poems based on the life of Buddha, and the Lilit Phra Lo, Thailand's first love story. The reign of King Narai in the seventeenth century is considered the golden age of Thai literature. Most of this literary work consisted of epics and love stories written in poetic form. Cau Fa Thamathibet (1715–1755) is famous for so-called boat songs, which abound in mythical allusions. The eighteenth century saw the emergence of a new genre of poetry, lakhon. This was a type of theatrical poetry in which players positioned themselves before an audience and recited texts derived from the Ramakien (the Thai version of the Ramayana ), Inau (an epic of Javanese origin), and Anirut tales (which were more local in origin).

King Rama II was a poet, and during his reign epics expanded in scale and in performance. There were some famous female poets during this period, including Khun Phum, who wrote a poetic eulogy for Rama IV. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), prose writing emerged and poetry became more realistic. Prince Damrong Ratchanuphap (1861–1947) compiled histories of Thai literature.

The modern period has witnessed the emergence of many new forms of poetry and popular fiction. This fiction is realistic, often portraying the lives of common people and the underclass in the face of adversity. While most of the stories are set in central Thailand, there has also been regional literature, such as the novels of Khamphun Bunthami, which are set in the northeast. Since the 1970s a good deal of fiction and poetry has focused on social criticism.

Graphic Arts. The graphic arts include art forms associated with Buddhist temples such as sculpture in wood, stucco, and stone; mural painting; and bronze castings of images of Buddha. Other forms of graphic arts include lacquerware, mother-of-pearl inlay, gold work, nielloware, silverware, wood carving, ceramics, basketry and plaiting, weaving, and painting on paper or canvas.

In the Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods, there were distinct royal and common textile traditions. The nobility imported textiles from China, India, and Persia and received special textiles as tribute from neighboring regions. Commoners produced clothing for themselves until the nineteenth century, when imported cloth became widely available. There are still distinct regional styles of weaving that include the production of special hand-woven cloth for sale to elite customers in urban areas. There are many local, regional, and national weaving competitions and fairs to promote textiles.

Painting traditionally was done in tempera in the form of murals on temple walls as well as on cloth and paper. While Buddhist themes were predominant, temple murals often included depictions of secular objects. Artistic styles initially were influenced by Sri Lanka and southern India and later were influenced by China and the West. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) imported Western works of art and Western artists. Especially noteworthy were realistic painted portraits and statues of prominent individuals. In 1910, King Vajiravudh tried to revive traditional art, by creating the Department of Fine Arts in 1912 and the Arts and Crafts School in 1913. The Italian-born sculpture Corrado Feroci became a central figure in creating modern art in Thailand. As director of the Fine Arts University (Silpakorn University), he is widely viewed as the father of modern art in the country. The university held the first National Exhibition of Art in 1949, and this annual event became central in defining the state of contemporary art.

Much of the work of modern Thai artists has mirrored trends in Europe and North America, but many artists have mixed imported styles with subjects associated with the national culture.

Performance Arts. Classical dance developed from folk dances and incorporated elaborate Indian hand gestures and arm and leg movements, probably through the Mon and Khmer cultures. Various forms of dance, including masked dance dramas, are shown on Sukhôtâi stone inscriptions. The eighteenth century is considered the golden age of classical dance and dance drama. Although many musicians and dancers of Ayutthaya were taken by force to the Burmese royal court in 1767, those who remained behind taught their traditions to others during the early Bangkok period.

Classical dance and drama were attacked by leftists in the 1970s because of their links to the aristocracy. When the military returned to power in 1976, it promoted classical art forms. In 1977, the military regime held a national festival of dance and drama that included classical forms and patriotic plays glorifying the country's past. In recent years, classical, folk, and modern dance and drama have been popular. Folk dances are regional in character. Each dance style is accompanied by different musical instruments. Dances in the central region have been influenced by courtly traditions. Southern dances have been influenced by Sri Lankan and southern Indian styles. Individual dance styles are associated with many of the ethnic minorities.

The State of the Physical and Social Sciences

Teaching, training, research, and publishing in the physical and social sciences are well developed. Most higher educational institutions offer courses in the physical and social sciences, and a number of government and government-sponsored institutes and agencies work in those fields. However, an insufficient number of university students are pursuing degrees in the physical sciences. The government has launched a number of programs to encourage students to go into the physical sciences.

Bibliography

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——. Thai Tourism: Hill Tribes, Islands and Open-Ended Prostitution, 1996.

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Howard, Michael C., Wattana Wattanapun, and Alec Gordon. eds. Traditional T'ai Arts in Contemporary Perspective, 1998.

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—M ICHAEL C. H OWARD

T OBAGO S EE T RINIDAD AND T OBAGO

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• 11 Things You Should Know...

Things You Should Know About Thai Culture

You’ll quickly notice many differences when travelling around Thailand . Things like Thais greeting each other, showing respect, apologising, and saying goodbye with a gesture known as the wai , without a handshake in sight. Thai culture has many idiosyncrasies, big and small. Here are some examples of the Thai customs and traditions. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Family matters.

Family almost always comes first in Thailand, with a much greater emphasis placed on the extended family than it typically is in western countries. If you’re shocked by the number of siblings a Thai person has, it’s highly likely many of those are cousins—there’s no word in Thai for cousin and people refer to cousins as their brothers and sisters.

It’s normal for extended families to live close to each other, with many Thais maintaining strong links with their home villages even if they move away for work. It’s fairly common for children to be raised by grandparents or aunts and uncles if their parents need to work elsewhere, such is the role of extended family in everyday life. Younger members of the family are expected to help take care of older members. This can be financially, or by doing a range of chores.

Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise from Bangkok

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Combine a visit to Ayutthaya, the UNESCO-listed ancient capital of Siam, with a riverboat trip on the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok. With an informative guide, explore Ayutthaya’s temples, stone ruins, and Buddha statues, learning about Thailand’s rich history and the 18th-century Burmese invasion. This full-day tour includes lunch and features a scenic return journey to Bangkok by boat. Highlights of the trip include Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots, and the expertise of an English-speaking licensed guide. Convenient pickup and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels make this an easy and enriching experience.

Status is important

Although it may not be immediately apparent, status is a huge thing in Thai culture. Age, family connections, job types, education, and income levels are all contributing factors to a person’s perceived status in society. Status is not fixed, as in some cultures; a Thai can gain or lose status if their circumstances change. Thais perform different versions of the wai depending on a person’s status, and there are social rules concerning who should offer the first wai . Status is important when a group of people are socialising together—it’s traditional for the highest earner to foot the bill.

When talking with each other, Thais have words that indicate a person’s age, using pee before an older person’s name to show respect, and nong for somebody younger than them. Things aren’t always quite so simple, though, as a younger person may be referred to as pee if they have a higher status, for example through marriage or by way of their profession. These small social rules are easy to miss by an outsider but are tightly woven into the fabric of Thai culture.

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Loss of face and respect are big deals

Respect, shame, and the concept of face are important in Thailand, perhaps more so than in many western countries. The use of language and the wai are just a couple of ways for Thais to show respect. It’s considered bad form and disrespectful to visit somebody’s home without taking at least a small gift. Not removing shoes before entering a home is also a big sign of disrespect. Disrespecting someone, in a variety of ways, can cause a person to lose face, that is, to be embarrassed or shamed publicly. Yelling at somebody in public is another way of causing that person to lose face.

There can be strong repercussions for causing loss of face, with violence an extreme example of what can happen. It’s not uncommon for Thai people , particularly in rural areas, to deal with perceived injustices according to social norms (and outside of legal frameworks), with individuals, families, or communities dishing out punishments as they see fit.

Patriotism is huge

National pride is very much part of the Thai psyche. The country clings to pride that it’s the only nation in Southeast Asia to have never been colonised by European countries. The national anthem is played twice a day, with the expectation that people will stop and stand until the song has finished. The national flag is flown in many places, raised with the national anthem each morning and lowered again in the evening. The King’s anthem is played before movies start in cinemas. Many Thais profess an enduring love for their country, extending to religion and the monarchy . While foreigners are generally welcome in Thailand, they will always be on the fringes, even if only slightly.

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Thais rarely display strong negative emotions, with bouts of anger, tantrums, and public crying somewhat unusual. This doesn’t mean they aren’t displayed in private, or that the emotions aren’t there, simply that a person does not want to lose face by showing their feelings in public. Thais are often seen as being super laidback because of this.

A common phrase heard many times each day is mai bpen rai , which translates loosely as no worries, or no problem. You spilt your drink? Mai bpen rai . You failed an exam? Mai bpen rai . You ran someone over with your bicycle and broke their leg? Mai bpen rai . A close relative just died? You got it … Mai bpen rai .

Foreigners sometimes take this as meaning that Thais don’t really get ruffled, take offense, or take things too seriously. Don’t abuse the notion that Thais are a completely carefree group, though, as underneath, they often do care, but have been conditioned to respond in such a way.

Smiles can have many meanings

Connected to above, many people think Thailand a warm, happy, and welcoming nation because of the constant smiles. Indeed, Thailand is known as being the Land of Smiles ! Smiles don’t always show happiness, though, and are sometimes used as a mask. That’s not to detract from the fact that many Thai people are, in fact, kind, welcoming, hospitable, and lovely, but to show that a smile may not be quite what you think it is.

Yes might mean no

On the rare occasion a Thai person says no outright, it means a firm no. Maybe is a safer, face-saving option, which probably means no, but may mean yes. Yes, however, doesn’t always mean yes. Thai people don’t like letting others down, and will sometimes agree to things even if they don’t want to or have no intention to actually follow through on what they said. Plans are often fluid. It’s also quite rare for a Thai person to say they don’t know something, for example when giving directions. Rather, you may sometimes be told what a person thinks will make you happy at that particular point in time to save disappointing you or being unable to help, rather than thinking ahead about a greater inconvenience or disappointment later down the line.

The religion is unique

The predominant religion in Thailand is Buddhism , specifically Theravada Buddhism. The religion practiced in Thailand is somewhat unique to other Buddhist nations, having been infused with many outside elements. Hindu practices and traditional Chinese beliefs have influenced local beliefs to an extent, with animist beliefs playing a large role in making Thai Buddhism what it is today.

You will see, for example, many Thai people wearing amulets or carrying talismans, despite Buddhism prohibiting attachment to material objects. Belief in ghosts and spirits is strong in Thailand, stemming from traditional pre-Buddhism beliefs, and you’ll notice spirit shrines in all manner of places.

Superstitions are rife

Often connected to the belief of ghosts and spirits, Thailand is a land of superstitions . It is customary for people to consult a fortune teller or monk for an auspicious date before arranging a wedding, buying a home, test driving a car, and other situations.

The tradition of giving newborn babies a nickname originated from a desire to trick malevolent spirits who may want to steal the baby away. Traditionally, people avoided complimenting parents on their new baby too, fearing making the child seem too desirable to the spirits. There are superstitions related to spirits housed inside the body of dolls , not cutting children’s hair if they are sick as a baby, male and female twins, animals, dreams, and more.

Monks are highly respected

You’re sure to see many monks during your time in Thailand, both inside the temples and outside on the streets, on buses, at festivals, and in a variety of everyday settings. Monks are highly revered and respected in Thai culture and disrespecting a monk is a huge no-no.

There are designated seats on public transport for monks, for example, and people should always give up their seat to a monk if no other is available. Females, especially, should be careful of their actions around monks. As well as not touching a monk or directly handing things to them (females should put any offerings etc. on a monk’s dish rather than into their hands), women shouldn’t sit next to a monk or their belongings. If you act inappropriately around a monk in Thailand you can be sure that regular people around you will quickly point out your errors with disapproval.

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Explore a hidden side of Bangkok on a scenic cruise along the city’s enchanting canal ways. Glide peacefully on a traditional longtail boat through the klongs of the Chao Phraya River, offering a glimpse into the local life of Bangkok’s Thonburi district. Spend up to two hours on the water, with stops to visit cultural gems like Baan Silapin (The Artist’s House) and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. Learn about Thai culture and traditions as you navigate through these vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you prefer a morning or afternoon tour, this intimate experience caters to small groups, ensuring a personalized journey with up to 10 people.

Body awareness

Thais place importance and significance to different parts of the body. The head is seen as the most spiritual part of the body and you should never touch a person’s head… although, most people wouldn’t go around touching strangers’ heads in any case! This goes for children too—an affectionate ruffling of the hair could cause offence to Thai parents.

Thais are not overly touchy-feely in general. It’s not so common to see Thais holding hands, hugging, or otherwise touching in public, and kissing and other public displays of affection are a big no.

Although it’s preferable to walk around two people, rather than cutting between them, if you must pass between two people you should stoop slightly so that your head is lower than theirs. It is also polite for Thais to stoop slightly when walking past somebody they know has a higher social status than them.

The feet are seen as dirty and symbolically low. You should never touch somebody with your foot, sit with the sole of your foot pointing outwards, or point your foot at a person or a Buddha image. Even crossing your legs can cause some people to inwardly wince. This means no holding doors open with your feet, pushing your bag along with your feet, or otherwise using your feet in place of your hands. There are many times when you should take off your shoes too.

Pointing with a finger is also seen as impolite, as is beckoning somebody with a crooked finger. Thais will often use their lips to point, pushing out the lips to indicate a direction. Alternatively, use the whole hand, with all fingers outstretched, to point. To beckon somebody, the palm should be face down with all fingers extended and the action from the wrist.

Thais are generally very tolerant and understand foreign visitors will sometimes make a faux pas. As long as it’s not something major , like showing disrespect to the religion or monarchy, yelling in public, or walking around semi-naked, many Thais will overlook cultural differences.

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Experience Thai traditions and cultural values in Thailand’s annual events and festivals

Thailand is a land of festivals and celebrations that reflect Thai traditions and cultural values. Most Thai festivals derive from the Buddhist and Brahman beliefs, with many being originated from local traditions, folklore and the way of life. Many have taken place over the course of a year for centuries.

Two internationally known festivals are Songkran or the Thai New Year with its water-based fun and the charming full moon festival of Loi Krathong. And among many religious events tourists are encouraged to witness include the ‘Khao Phansa’ and ‘Ok Phansa’ festivals that respectively mark the beginning and the end of Buddhist Lent.

Each Thai festival has its own outstanding features, which differ from region to region, and here are just some of the many events and festivals celebrated annually in Thailand.

World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony

17 March, Ayutthaya

The annual World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony, held annually at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, allows the opportunity for hundreds of Muay Thai practitioners from around the world to express their gratitude to their masters in the time-honoured tradition known as the Wai Kru ceremony, as well as to celebrate the aged-old martial art of Muay Thai.

The event begins with an afternoon Muay Thai fair featuring unique Thai traditions including sword-making, Thai tattooing and calligraphy and Thai martial art shows. Taking place thereafter is the highlight: the ceremony to pay respect to ancient Thai kings and warriors who protected the sovereignty of the land; namely, King Naresuan the Great, Phrachao Suea, and Phraya Phichai Dap Hak, with a Wai Kru dance performed by all participating Muay Thai boxers.

Poi Sang Long Festival

March-April, Mae Hong Son

The annual Poi Sang Long Festival is an aged-old ordination ceremony undergone by boys between seven and 14 years of age of the Tai Yai ethic group in Northern Thailand, but mostly synonymous with Mae Hong Son province. Usually, a large group of boys are ordained as novice monks at the same time. The three-day ritual is believed to help gain more merit than an ordinary ordination.

On the first day, the boys enter a tonsure ceremony and dress up in the Sang Long dress. On the second day, the boys are carried on the shoulders of their male relatives or mentors, as their feet are not allowed to touch the ground except at home and in the temple. On the last day, the novice monks enter the temple for a period, which can vary from a week to many months or more.

Songkran Festival

13-15 April, nationwide Songkran Festival is an event where boisterous fun and ancient traditions go hand-in-hand. For tourists, the event offers a chance to enjoy a huge celebration where water parties break out in the streets of Thailand’s towns and villages. For locals, it is a time when they can spend precious moments with their families and visit the temples to observe ancient rites and make merit.

Some of the best locations to celebrate the Songkran Festival, region-by-region, are: Central and Eastern Region: Bangkok and Pattaya; Northern Region: Chiang Mai; Northeastern Region: Khon Kaen; and Southern Region: Hat Yai.

Bun Bung Fai (Rocket) Festival

May or June, some provinces in the Northeast and South

Among the most spectacular festivals to be experienced in the Thailand is the annual rocket festival, which takes place in the Northeast as the rainy season begins. Known as Bun Bung Fai, the festival is seen as a way of encouraging the rains to fall and to help the local rice crops to grow. It also allows people to have a fun and festive break before the hard work of planting and harvesting begins.

The celebrations differ from province to province, but mostly involve the firing of homemade rockets up into the sky with teams competing against each other to send their rockets the highest. There are also parades with floats and displays of traditional costume and dancing.

The Festival can be enjoyed in many provinces of Isan including Roi Et, Yasothon and Kalasin.  There is also a rocket festival in Sukhirin district in the southern province of Narathiwat, initiated by people who moved south from Isan .

Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival

June-July, Loei

One of the most vibrant, and distinctly unique festivals in Thailand’s Northeastern Region is the Bun Luang and Phi Ta Khon Festival in Dan Sai district, Loei. The three-day event normally takes place during the first week after the sixth full moon of the year (in June or July).

The entire event is traditionally called Bun Luang, a mass merit-making ceremony organised with the aim to celebrate the return of Prince Vessandorn (the last incarnation of Lord Buddha) and to worship Phra That Si Song Rak, the highly-revered Buddha stupa for both Thai and Lao people.

But the highlight is the Phi Ta Khon masked-dance procession. Villagers, mostly male, dress in ghost costumes and wear huge masks made from carved coconut-tree trunks, topped with wickerwork and sticky rice steamers, dance and strike amusing poses to the cheerful crowds as they parade around town. Other activities include Phi Ta Khon costume competition and the firing of Bung Fai (rocket).

Khao Phansa or Buddhist Lent Day

On the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month (normally in July), nationwide

One of the most charming festivals celebrated in Thailand is Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent Day, which marks the start of the rainy season and the period when monks traditionally retreat to their temples for a three-month period. Traditionally, candles were donated to temples enabling monks to continue their studies into the evenings. Nowadays, these offerings take the form of huge wax effigies, which are shown off in local parades accompanied by folk dances, displays of local crafts, and sound and light performances.

Khao Phansa day itself is a day of special celebration and is held on the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month (normally in July). But many of the celebrations to mark the festival will take place over several days during the week. Some of the best locations to witness spectacular candle parades are Ubon Ratchathani, Saraburi ( Tak Bat Dok Mai or flower offering), Ayutthaya and Nakhon Phanom.

OK Phansa or End of Buddhist Lent Day

On the full moon of the 11 th lunar month (normally in October), nationwide

The Ok Phansa festival is celebrated on the full moon of the 11 th lunar month and marks the end of the Buddhist Lent. It is a time of celebration and merit-making with provinces nationwide set to celebrate the occasion on different days and in distinctive styles, depending on their locality and tradition.

Among the notable Ok Phansa celebrations include Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession, Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival, Naga Fireball Festivals in Nong Khai and Bueng Kan, Chaiyaphum ‘ Ti Khli (fireball croquet)’ competition, Samut Prakan Rap Bua (receiving lotus) Festival, Uthai Thani ‘ Tak Bat Devo ’ Ceremony, and Mae Hong Son ‘ Chong Phara ’ procession of the Tai Yai ethnic group.

In the Southern region, several provinces including Surat Thani, Phatthalung and Trang are famous for their unique Chak Phra, Lark Phra or Hae Phra ceremony, where a highly-revered Buddha image is carried on beautifully decorated floats and hauled in the river or on the road, allowing Buddhist devotees to join in making merit.

Long-boat Racing Festivals

Normally held coinciding with the Ok Phansa Festival at selected locations nationwide

There are many long-boat racing festivals organised in Thai provinces where big rivers pass; such as, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Saraburi, Pathum Thani, Nan and Surat Thani.

The Phichit Traditional Long-boat Races is the first type of such festival held in Thailand as well as one of the oldest. It is also regarded as one of the grandest and most spectacular boat races in the country. Meanwhile, the Nan Boat Races, initially organised to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent, has become a fixture on Thailand’s annual festival calendar, having the most numbers of boats entering the races or about 200 boats from over 100 communities. In the South, the annual Surat Thani Long-boat Races is held alongside the Chak Phra Festival.

Vegetarian Festival

Normally held for nine days during the period of the ninth lunar month (around October), nationwide

One of Thailand’s most unique and lively events, the Vegetarian Festival has its origins in Chinese culture. It is believed that abstinence from meat and stimulants will bring about good health and peace of mind to individuals and the community. Thus, a lot of Thai people, especially those of Chinese lineage, will restrict themselves to only a vegetarian diet for nine days and nine nights as a form of purification of a person’s body, mind and spirit.

Phuket boasts Thailand’s most famous Vegetarian Festival celebration, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, with notable ceremonies including the processions of god images and of celebrants in a trance-like state displaying awe-inspiring supernatural power. Other locations with unique celebrations have included Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Chon Buri (Pattaya) and Samut Sakhon.

Loi Krathong Festival

On the full moon night of the 12 th lunar month (normally in November), nationwide

Nearly all visitors to Thailand agree that in this land of festivals, it is Loi Krathong that stands out as the most charming.

The annual ceremony is a time of special celebration in Thailand. The rains have mostly ended, and the weather is cool, so people take the chance to get out for the evening, socialise and enjoy many fun activities as well as making and floating krathongs. These are candlelit floats, traditionally made from banana stalk and leaf or coconut shell and decorated with incense, offerings, flowers and candles. They are then floated out onto the water as a way of paying respect to the water spirits to thank them for their bounty as well as to apologise to rivers and streams for pollution and for their use of water over the year.

Some of the best locations to see Thai people at their most fun loving while enjoying a genuinely beautiful spectacle include Bangkok, Samut Songkhram (Loi Krathong Kap Kluai), Tak (Loi Krathong Sai), Sukhothai (Candle Festival), Chiang Mai (Yi Peng Festival) and Roi Et (Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip).

River Kwai Bridge Week

November-December, Kanchanaburi

The River Kwai Bridge is one Thailand’s more recent historical attractions. It commemorates the sacrifice of British, American, Australian, Dutch, and New Zealand prisoners of war, in addition to the many Thai, Burmese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malays, and Indians, who were part of the estimated 61,700 people who died there.

The River Kwai Bridge Week pays respect to their memory while also balancing the freedom all who attend enjoy. It is known for staging one of Thailand’s most spectacular sound and light shows that tells the stories of the World War II in honour of the prisoners of war who built the infamous Death Railway, the Bridge on the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass. The event normally takes place for 10 days around November and December.

For more information on other events and festivals in Thailand, call the TAT Contact Centre on 1672 or log on to www.tourismthailand.org .

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Essay on Thailand

Students are often asked to write an essay on Thailand in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Thailand

Thailand’s rich history.

Thailand has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. The country has been home to many different kingdoms and empires, each of which has left its mark on the country’s culture and traditions.

Friendly People

Beautiful temples.

Thailand is home to many beautiful temples, including the famous Wat Pho in Bangkok. These temples are not only a place of worship but also works of art.

Delicious Food

Thai food is known for its delicious flavors and spices. Some of the most popular dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Khao Pad.

Amazing Beaches

250 words essay on thailand, thailand at glance.

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country, famous for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and friendly people. It shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Thailand has a population of over 70 million people, and its capital city is Bangkok.

History of Thailand

Thailand has a rich and long history. It was once part of the Khmer Empire, and later the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Thonburi was established, which later became the Kingdom of Siam. In 1932, Thailand became a constitutional monarchy.

Culture of Thailand

Thailand is known for its vibrant culture, which is a blend of Thai, Chinese, and Indian influences. The people of Thailand are known for their hospitality and their love of food. Thailand is also known for its traditional dances, music, and art.

Tourism in Thailand

Thailand is a popular tourist destination. It offers visitors a wide range of attractions, including beautiful beaches, temples, and historical sites. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui.

Economy of Thailand

Thailand has a strong economy that is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The country is a major exporter of rice, tapioca, and sugar. Thailand is also a leading producer of automobiles, electronics, and textiles.

500 Words Essay on Thailand

Thailand: the land of smiles.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and welcoming. They are always willing to help visitors, and they are known for their warm smiles. This is why Thailand is often called the “Land of Smiles”.

Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. It is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular Thai dishes include pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.

Stunning Beaches

Ancient temples.

Thailand is a beautiful country with friendly people, delicious food, stunning beaches, and ancient temples. It is no wonder that Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Geography Notes

Essay on thailand: an outstanding essay on thailand.

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Next to Myanmar, Thailand is the second largest country on the Southeast Asian mainland. Its territory of 198,115 sq. miles (over 513,117 sq. km) shelters a population of over 62 million. Geography and history have conspired to make the country a unique nation. There has been a major Thai state in the present territory of Thai­land for the last six hundred years, and the country is one of the very few in Asia to have escaped European colonialism.

Lying off the major historic sea lanes, it was spared the influences that shaped the mari­time world to the south and east—notably the Muslim religion and the European rule. Thailand has thus acted as a buffer be­tween the conflicting interests of France and England for control of the region, and partly because of this competition suc­ceeded in preserving its independence during the European colonial partition of Southeast Asia.

The monarchy became and remains a potent symbol of the country’s historical continuity and national identity. For over a century, the country has prac­ticed a neutral stance in world affairs, and its post-1950 dependence on the West is a sharp break with tradition.

The non-colonial development of the economy is illustrated by the fact that em­phasis was placed almost entirely on non-estate agriculture except for the rub­ber plantations in the southern peninsula. The great rubber, tea, coffee, coconut, palm, and other plantation estates of Indo­nesia, the Philippines and Indonesia are conspicuously absent in the nation as has been the European and American capital.

It is only in the exploitation in tin extrac­tion in its peninsula region and in the growing manufacturing sector that the American and European involvement has been significant. Thailand, for a long time, remained neglected by the West, partly be­cause the colonial powers were engaged elsewhere, and due in part to Thailand’s lo­cation off the historic routes of maritime trade.

Physical Characteristics:

Thailand’s physical configuration is simple: a south- facing river basin enclosed on the west, north and the southeast by mountains, and a long, slender peninsular finger in the south. The northern and western moun­tains are the southward continuation of the complex mountain system of the Hi­malayas from eastern Tibet curving to the south that, in part, form the boundary be­tween southern Myanmar and Thailand.

These mountains are a series of north- south ranges, rise to nearly 8,000 feet (2,440 meters), and trend southward into Malaysia. To the north are the hills and dissected plateau region of Myanmar that contains caves from which remains of pre­historic humans have been excavated.

The Khorat Plateau in the northeast covers a third of the country that gently tilts to­ward the east, and lies in the drainage of the Mekong. The Plateau is enclosed on the west and south by low, linear hills. Surface elevations on the Khorat range from 650 feet (198 meters) in the north­west to 300 feet in the southeast.

Lying between the northern and western moun­tain ranges and the Khorat Plateau is a sizable Chao Phraya River basin, which is the cultural and economic heartland of the country, known also as the Central Low­lands. This region consists of rolling plains in the north and a low-lying flood plain and delta of the Chao Phraya formed by the large deposits of alluvium brought by the tributaries of the rivers.

The alluvial deposits of the river valleys are the most fertile in Thailand, as these are replenished year after year with river sediments swol­len with annual monsoon rains. The topography of the peninsular arm is roll­ing to mountainous, with little flat land. Higher mountains rise to about 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) on the west, off the rugged and indented coast, lie several small is­lands, including the Phuketl Island, which is rich in tin.

The climate of Thailand may be de­scribed as tropical monsoonal. The major influences are the country’s location in the tropics, monsoon zone and the topo­graphic features affect the distribution of rainfall. In early May the southwest mon­soons flow from the Indian Ocean, and bring large amounts of rainfall, which reaches a maximum in September.

The wind system is reversed between Novem­ber and February, when a northeast monsoon brings cool, dry air. Occasion­ally, typhoons may come across the China Sea and bring some rain but fades out across Thailand. The amount of rainfall varies from 40 inches to 120 (1,016 to 3,048 mm) in the various parts of the country.

In the southern peninsular region a dry sea­son seldom occurs and receives as much as 160 inches of precipitation annually, whereas Bangkok gets 55 inches (1,397 mm) and Khorat, sheltered by hills on all sides even less than 30 inches (762 min) and almost the whole of the peninsular region receives over 80 inches distributed throughout the year. Temperatures are, in general, moderate to high, averaging be­tween 77° and 84°F (25° and 29°C).

The season of highest temperatures is in late March, April and early May. In central, peninsular and southeastern Thailand, maximum temperatures seldom reach 100°F (37.7°C), while minimum tempera­tures are lower than 65°F (18.3°C). In northern Thailand, temperature range tends to be much larger.

Soils of the river valleys are fertile, and the most fertile land IS in the flood plains of the lower Chao Phraya basin because it receives large amounts of the rich, alluvial deposits of soil every year. Relatively flat areas else­where and parts of the coast also have fertile soils. Elsewhere, soils tend to be poor, highly leached laterites of the humid tropics.

Cultural Patterns:

Among Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is the most iden­tity-conscious nation. Relatively homo­geneous, the country does not possess the multiplicity of languages found in Indone­sia and the Philippines, nor contains a complex ethnic mix as in Malaysia. Eighty- five percent of the population speaks Thai, which is a member of a large cluster of lan­guages spoken in all bordering countries as well as southern China and northern Viet­nam.

Like the people of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, the Thais are Bud­dhists of the Theravada school. In 1991 ninety-five percent of the population was listed as adhering to Buddhism. The mi­norities include Muslims (who account for four percent of the population), Hindus, Sikhs, and a few Christians, which are con­centrated chiefly around Bangkok. The national government plays down regional loyalties, and the Thai language is taught in schools throughout the country.

Non-Thais number nearly 12 million or 20 percent of the population. The larg­est ethnic minority, comprising over 8 million or 12 percent of the total popula­tion are Chinese, who have been assimilated to a far greater degree than in either Malaysia or Indonesia. There are no barriers to intermarriage, and most have embraced Thailand’s Buddhism.

The next largest minority is that of Malays, who profess the Muslim faith, and are largely concentrated in the southern peninsular neck of the country close to the Malaysian border. In the northern and northwestern part of the country along the Myanmar border are several hill peo­ple—the tribal groups, chief of which are Karens, and Shans (numbering over one million each). Most are shifting cultivators.

Also included among Thailand’s minori­ties are Vietnamese, who moved and settled in the northeastern part of the country in the 1940s and 1950s to escape Indo-China war with the French, and Khmers (Cambodians) who fled their homeland as refugees after the 1979 Viet­namese invasion of Cambodia.

Such border areas inhibited by the minority groups in the north, northwest, northeast and the southern peninsula are imperfectly integrated into the Thai state, and are eco­nomically backward as well. The Thais dominate the lowlands, and there are lay­ers of non-Thai people in the mountainous borderlands.

Economic Activity:

Traditionally, ag­riculture has been the dominant sector of Thailand’s economy. Although through government encouragement to small in­dustry, its contributions to economic growth have declined consistently since 1950. The proportion of the agricultural la­bor force has declined from 88 percent in the 1950s to less than 50 percent.

Agricul­ture’s contribution to the national economy relative to manufacturing has also declined from more than 50 percent in the 1950s to less than 11 percent in the 1999. Despite this shift to manufacturing, agricultural production has continued to expand, and Thai farmers continue to pro­duce enough rice for the country’s needs as well as a surplus for export.

Today, Thailand is the world’s fifth largest producer of rice and its largest ex­porter (exporting one-third to a quarter of rice exports of the world). Agriculture is overwhelmingly associated with rice culti­vation, and close to ninety percent of the country’s cultivable area is given to it, nearly one-half of which lies in the Chao Phraya basin where the flood waters of the river provide irrigation and silt-laden fer­tile soils to the fields.

During the 1960s movement toward crop diversification be­came popular and the farmers began growing such other export crops as maize, sugarcane, pineapples, tobacco, coconuts, and kenaf (a substitute for jute) on a larger scale than before.

These crops have since been slowly acquiring greater prominence. In addition, large quantities of vegetables and fruits are also grown. Cattle breeding are important in the Central plains, and pigs and poultry are widely raised. Fishing is also of considerable importance, and con­stitutes a growing export commodity. Rubber production—introduced into the country during the 19th century—is im­portant in the southern, peninsular section.

Thailand ranks third in the world in natural rubber production. It produces nearly one-sixth of the world’s production of hardwoods—particularly teak. Its major forest products are now exported in small quantities, following a government ban on logging imposed in 1989.

Mining constitutes a small segment of nation’s economy, with only 0.2 of labor- force engaged in it and contributing less than 2 percent to the domestic gross prod­uct. Tin, mined mostly in the peninsula, has long been a valuable mineral resource, and the country has become one of the world’s largest tin producers, producing on the average about one-tenth of the world’s total output. Coal, zinc, gypsum, tungsten, and limestone are some other minerals produced.

The manufacturing sector has dramati­cally grown during the last four decades, representing primarily the large invest­ments made by private firms; the larger ones have been financed by foreign and Thai capital. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore have been the major sources of investment for industry that is particu­larly oriented to producing consumer goods such as clothing, canned goods, and electrical products. Japanese capital is in­creasingly invested in the manufacture of textiles and machinery.

At the same time, growth of the traditional, factory-type in­dustry including that of rice milling, sugar and timber, the manufacture of tobacco, jute sacks and cement as the production of textiles (especially based on silk), clothing, furniture, and footwear owned primarily by domestic investors has also registered substantial gains. Factory industry is heav­ily concentrated in the Bangkok area.

Thailand’s imports include electrical machinery, minerals and fuels, iron and steel, vehicles, plastics, and organic chemi­cals—items necessary for its growing industrialization and domestic needs. Its major exports in the mid-1990s in the cate­gory of manufactured items were electric machinery, textiles and apparel, and nu­clear reactors that collectively accounted for nearly forty percent of all exports, whereas the traditional exports of rice, tin, rubber, and teak made up for nearly 22 percent of the nation’s export earnings.

Physical and Economic Regionalism :

Physically, and economically, Thailand is composed of several distinctive natural units, although the key area is the central lowland, the plain of the Chao Phraya, which accounts for about one-fifth of the country’s territory and two-fifths of its population. This is the area of most com­pact Thai settlement and most important agriculture.

Population densities are high­est of any region: over 600 persons per sq. mile (230 persons per sq. km). It was for­merly forested but now consists of unbroken paddy (rice) fields. Soils are ex­tremely fertile, composed of rich alluvium brought by the river. Despite receiving a relatively low total rainfall of a little over 50 inches (1,250 millimeters) a year, it is the country’s agricultural heartland and the rice basket.

Cassava, maize and other crops are also grown here. For most of the nation’s history, the capital has been lo­cated here and the people of the central lowland have been the dominant group in the country. Most of Thailand’s commercial, indus­trial, and service industries are located in the central lowland, focused largely on Bangkok, the capital.

The most important theme of the nation’s modern history has been the steady concentration of political authority and economic power in a cen­tralized government and at a single place: Bangkok, the capital (population 5.6 mil­lion), which has come to concentrate all facets of Thai life to a remarkable degree unsurpassed elsewhere.

In the process, the city grew to be a classic example of a “pri­mate city,” collecting nearly 10 percent of the national population; its metropolitan area is nearly 30 times larger than the next biggest city—Nakhon Ratchasima 250 miles to the northeast in the Khorat Pla­teau. Containing more than 300 Buddhist temples, the royal place, and other cultural attractions, it is a tourist Mecca.

Most of the country’s trade passes through its port, and the manufacturing sector is growing rapidly. Chiang Mai (population: 1.6 mil­lion) located in the north, is another tourist center outside the capital. The vast northeastern region, sepa­rated from Laos by the Mekong River, is the plateau area of Khorat. Not blessed with the fertile soils and adequate precipi­tation of the central plains, it is the poorest area of Thailand, and contains about eight million people who are officially desig­nated as living in poverty.

Like the northern region, this area had a history of semi-autonomy until the late 19th century. The people speak a language similar to the Lao, and have often displayed discontent with the central Thai administration, which has recently been trying to bring them into the national fold. The long peninsular tail to the south which joins central Thailand with Malaysia is less fer­tile, but is the country’s major rubber-growing and tin producing region.

Thailand has recorded some of Southeast Asia’s most impressive eco­nomic gains (averaging between 6 and 7 percent a year) during the last three dec­ades. The fastest expansion has been seen in the manufacturing, service and trading sectors. Domestic markets have expanded and production of such commodities as ce­ment, soft drinks and textiles has continued to grow. American military ex­penditure during the 1960s and 1970s and Japanese investments further bolstered the economy.

Between 1950 and 1970 a rapidly grow­ing population particularly in the Central lowlands and around Bangkok had caused great concern, and the administration which had previously supported popula­tion growth reversed its policies. Since 1970s the family planning programs of the government helped to substantially reduce the population growth rates, which now stand at 0.9 percent a year at nearly one- third of those prevailing during the 1960s and 1970s.

The country is now a model for other developing nations seeking to reduce their rates of population increase. How­ever, a third of Thailand’s population belongs to the youthful age group (be­tween 20 and 40) that creates high demands on the nation’s education, hous­ing, health and employment systems, but the government is trying to utilize its highly literate human resource (with a lit­eracy rate of over 90 percent) for economic development.

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Thai Culture

Core concepts.

Often referred to as ‘the Land of Smiles’, Thailand is renowned for the welcoming and warm disposition of its culture and people. Rice plantations and ornate temples are interspersed in and around busy cosmopolitan cities, reflecting the diversity of landscapes and lifestyles. Being a historically autonomous Asian kingdom, Thailand is significantly influenced by its traditions. Buddhism and the monarchy have historically been seen as sources of order and stability in society and continue to act as symbols of unity for the Thai people. Yet, the culture is also accommodating of contemporary practices and values. Many Thai people have embraced progressive ideas as their country has globalised. This is reflected in the country’s capital, Bangkok, which is a vibrant cosmopolitan city containing a melting pot of traditional influences and contemporary attitudes.

Harmony and Respect

Despite the fact that Thailand is often promoted as a ‘partying’ tourist destination for Australians, Thai society is quite modest and conservative. The concept of ' face ' is one of the underpinning factors influencing the way in which Thais behave and interact with one another. Face refers to a person’s or a collective’s reputation, dignity and honour. Through actions such as complimenting a person, demonstrating respect or increasing another’s self-esteem, one can give face . Moreover, pointing out someone’s error, criticising them or raising one’s voice are all seen as actions that can cause a loss of face and bring shame. Thus, face can also be lost, saved or maintained. In cultures that have an awareness of face , individuals typically act deliberately and with restraint to protect their self-worth and peer perception.

Generally speaking, conservative conduct is the norm as people wish to maintain harmony between each other and show everyone the amount of respect they deserve. To preserve peace and minimise risk of losing face , Thais are often contemplative and deliberate in how they present themselves. A harmonious demeanour and calm disposition is the norm, while excessive displays of negative emotions (e.g. anger, selfishness) or outbursts are avoided.

Hierarchy and Loyalty

Many social interactions among Thai people take into account another individual’s status relative to one’s self (i.e. their age, level of education, line of work). In nearly all cases, how one sits, walks or otherwise interacts with others will depend upon the status of each person present. Therefore, it is not uncommon for Thais to ask personal questions to discern your status to ensure they address you correctly and behave appropriately. For example, Thai people indicate respect with the depth of a wai (see The Wai in Greetings ) and also by using honourifics that indicate both affection and relation. On a broader level, the highest level of respect is awarded to the king and the monastic community.

While there is a certain amount of social mobility in Thailand, people generally do not challenge the hierarchical structure. Rather, they tend to observe the chain of authority and accept the differences in status among people. Being a collectivistic society, strong emphasis is placed on honouring and being loyal towards one’s family. Indeed, loyalty to one’s family, friends or community will, at times, override social rules. For example, Thais rarely jeopardise the interests of the collective group and often take responsibility for fellow members.

National Identity and Freedom

In 1939, the country changed its name from ‘Siam’ to ‘Thailand’, signifying “the Land of the Free”. This rhetoric of freedom has since played a significant role in constructing Thailand’s national identity. Thais generally value their freedom of personal expression, speech and religion. The country’s history of evading colonisation by European nation states has also contributed to the sense of pride and value in freedom and autonomy. However, despite the cultural value placed on freedom of expression, laws limit the extent to which Thais can criticise or insult the two fundamental institutions of their society: the royal family and Buddhism. Additionally, the experience of freedom for the Thai people has been marred by underlying tensions since the 2014 military coup. Common feelings regarding the current unstable political situation include uncertainty, lack of trust and fears about the status of democracy in the country.

The name ‘Thailand’ was also intended to represent “the Land of the Thai”. The government's establishment of a ‘Thai identity’ in the late 1950s was part of a national rhetoric to affirm a unified ‘Thai culture’ associated with the ‘Central Tai’ – the dominant ethnic group in Thailand. This concept of a Thai identity was used in part to challenge the Chinese ethnicity within the country. Ethnic Chinese have long played a significant role in Thailand’s business and commerce sectors. Few professions are monopolised by a single ethnic group, but it is commonplace to encounter stereotypes of Chinese-Thai as people of commerce. Although the rhetoric of a unified national Thai identity persists, there is recognition of the diversity between people of different regional backgrounds.

With the country’s long history of monarchical rule, the king plays a central role in Thai culture. Officially, the king is the head of state, and he occasionally intervenes in political affairs. The recently deceased king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, ruled from 1946 to 2016, making him the world’s longest-reigning monarch. Sometimes known as the ‘heart of the Thai people’, Abulyadej is given the utmost respect as many saw him as a national symbol of Thai identity and unity. Images of the recent monarch pervade the daily life of Thais, frequently appearing in public as well as in people’s homes as a constant reminder of a unified ‘Thai identity’. This is also evident in Australia, with many Thai restaurants showcasing a portrait of the recent king.

Showing disrespect for the king and the royal family is illegal and a social taboo. Citizens are restricted from exhibiting behaviour that could be interpreted as defamatory or critical of the royal family. However, this makes it hard to determine whether some Thais defer out of true respect or out of obedience.

Over the past few years, the political structure of Thailand has received significant international attention due to shifts in governance. Opinions about the current and future political status are quite contentious among the Thai people. Currently, many Thais are mourning the recent loss of their beloved king and also have particular concerns and fears directed towards the future of the country, given the departure of Thailand’s symbol of unity.

“Mai pen rai” (nevermind) is a Thai expression that reflects the overarching approach to life that “it is to be enjoyed”. Thais generally have a strong work ethic yet are simultaneously willing to be content with what they have. This attitude is reflected in ‘sanuk’, the effort to achieve satisfaction in whatever one does and make the most of any situation. This can be seen in the way some Thais inject playfulness and fun into mundane activities. Indeed, it is common to see Thai people smiling and laughing when interacting with others.

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11 Reasons Why I Love Thailand (And Why You Need to Visit)

I’ve been to Thailand more times than I can count. I’ve lived in Bangkok twice, I’ve run tours through the country, and, if I stay away for more than a year, I feel as if a piece of me is missing.

I love Thailand.

It holds a special place in my heart.

People often ask me why I return to places I’ve already visited instead of exploring somewhere new. Well, that’s an easy answer: because I feel at home when I’m visiting them .

And Thailand is probably the one place outside of the United States where I feel most at home.

But why do I love Thailand so much? What makes it so special?

To shed some light on why this country holds a special place in my heart, here are 11 reasons why I love Thailand — and what you can look forward to when you travel there:  

1. The Delicious Food

All over the streets of Thailand, outdoor stalls serve up the cheapest and best meals you can find. You’ll be hunched over a bowl of noodles next to a little kid, office worker, and bank president. Street food in Thailand is the great equalizer and fundamental to Thai culture. No matter what time of the day it is, there’s always food available somewhere.

There are also tons of local markets you can tour to take in the local pace of life and sample the delicious food on offer.

Moreover, Thailand has developed world-class international food and boasts a few Michelin starred restaurants. Some of my favorite sushi restaurants are in Bangkok, and you can find amazing halal and Indian food in the downtown Sukhumvit area as well.

Thailand is a foodie’s dream.  

2. The Weather

(OK, that’s not entirely true. In January, I do wear a jacket. It gets pretty close to 20°C here. You can always tell the expats from the tourists in Bangkok because they are the ones wearing sweaters and jackets in January.)  

3. The Friendly Locals

I always feel safe in Thailand too. Thailand is one of the few countries I feel comfortable leaving my laptop out while I go to the bathroom.  

4. It’s the Perfect Travel Hub

You can get to a lot of places easily from Thailand, which, for a traveler like myself, is really appealing. You can generally find a cheap flight too!  

5. The Postcard-Perfect Tropical Islands

I particularly love Ko Chang , Ko Kood, Surin Island, Ko Adang, and Ko Lanta . The best islands are down south near the Malaysian border. They all look like the above picture.

As long as you avoid the super touristy and overdeveloped beaches (and there are many), you’ll find the postcard-perfect beaches you’ve already dreamed of!  

6. The Lush Jungles

And be sure not to miss Doi Inthanon National Park , the highest point in the country (the park is near Chiang Mai).

They may not be the wild and untamed jungles of some places in Borneo or the middle of Africa, but they still offer amazing views, dense forests, waterfalls to cool off in, and an interesting variety of wildlife.

7. The Global Atmosphere

Thailand is a melting pot of people, and you’ll find people from around the world. I’ve made friends here from France, Germany, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Israel, just to name a few.  

8. It’s Convenient

Thailand is just an easy place to live and move around in. And in Bangkok, you never have to wait for a taxi.  

Bangkok, it turns out, is an easy city to live in. There’s lots to do, plenty of events, great bars, and amazing food (see above), and it’s easy to get around (except during rush hour). I love cities where there’s always something to do. No matter what time of the day or day of the week, you can always find something to do in Bangkok.

I began to love Bangkok when I got to know it beyond the temples and the tourist trail. When I found hidden markets and amazing street stalls frequented only by locals, became friends with residents, and understood how it operated, I knew why people loved Bangkok so much.

While there are lots of day trips from the city (including the the famous Ayutthaya ), Bangkok is not a city for tourists.

It’s for residents.

Take some time here and enjoy it.  

10. It’s Cheap!

A few years back, I was telling my friend that after a month bouncing around the islands, I had spent around 40,000 THB ($1,400 USD). He was shocked! “How the hell could you spend so much money in one month!” he exclaimed.

If you’re traveling here on a backpacker’s budget, you can get by for about $30 USD a day.  

11. There’s Something for Everyone

Digital nomad? Head to Chiang Mai.

Looking for yoga? Head to Pai .

Want to escape the hectic cities? Go explore Isaan .

No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, you can find it in Thailand!

When people ask me what my favorite country is, I always say Thailand . Though I wonder how you can pick a favorite country. Each one is amazing in its own right. No country is really better than another, just different.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Thailand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Bloom Cafe & Hostel (Ko Lipe)
• Julie Guesthouse (Chiang Mai)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Thailand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Thailand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Festival / Thailand’s Rich Cultural Tapestry: Religion, Cuisine, and Festivals

Thailand's Rich Cultural Tapestry: Religion, Cuisine, and Festivals

• Category: Life , Religion , Culture
• Topic: Festival , Religious Beliefs , Tradition

Pages: 2 (723 words)

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Thai Religion

Thailand culture food, thai culture festivals, songkran or the water festival, the ‘festival of floating light’ or loi krathong, yi peng/lantern festival:, cultural differences.

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