THAILAND

 Culture

Much of Thailand’s culture comes from the ethnic Thai people. One of the most important influences on Thai culture has been Buddhism. Many of the traditions and beliefs of the people in Thailand stem directly from Buddhist principles. Hinduism has also made important contributions to Thai culture, and the close links between Thailand and India can be seen in art, literature, and many Thai customs. The cultures of nearby Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China have also played an important role in forming the traditions of Thailand, as have indigenous belief systems such as Animism.

Of Thailand’s nearly 70 million people, roughly two-thirds are from Thai ethnic groups.

Although the ethnic Thai people can be divided into dozens of different subgroups, their traditions, languages, and cultures differ only slightly. This leads to a population with a strong sense of shared traditions and cultural identity.

Since the 1950s, Thailand’s government has made efforts to preserve and strengthen the sense of national culture and national identity. During the 1980s and 1990s, however, Thailand saw a resurgence in local culture and traditions. Although there is still a strong national identity, local food, dances, music, celebrations, and beliefs have begun to play a more important role in Thai life.

THAILAND

Values

Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion. With around 95% of the country being Theravada Buddhist, the belief system and values of Buddhism play a huge role in day-to-day life. Throughout the country, the most important values that Thai people hold to our respect, self-control, and a non-confrontational attitude. Losing face by showing anger or by telling a lie is a source of great shame for Thai people.

No matter how frustrated or upset a person might feel, he or she will always strive to maintain a positive and friendly attitude, a sense of humor, and a smile.

Respect for elders and for those in higher social positions is also important. Hierarchies of social status characterize nearly every interaction. The young must show deference to the elderly.ouples will set up their own households, it is not uncommon for the extended family to live with them. Often, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles will all live in the same household and help to raise children and provide for the family.

Respect and equal rights for women has, in recent decades, become an important part of Thailand’s law and values.

It could refer to a spontaneous and joyful meeting with someone on the street or a humorous pun made at just the right moment. The sense of humor and joie de vivre captured in Sanuk is central to the Thai way of life.

  THAILAND

FOOD

A typical Thai dining experience will include four different flavors all consumed together: salty, spicy, sweet and sour.

 THAILAND Celebrate the new year

Thailand’s Celebrate
Songkran Day or Thailand New Year is one of the biggest events in Thailand each year

More importantly
Songkran Festival takes place on April 13th is
You will have no troubles purchasing a water gun on the streets of every Thai city and town. There will be guns in differing sizes, priced from around 100 – 800 Thai Baht. You can even buy the water if needed, as the shopkeepers have large water barrels on their premises

THAILAND   ..Traditional Thai clothing is called chut thai (Thai: ชุดไทย Thai pronunciation: [tɕʰút.tʰaj]) which literally means “Thai outfit”. Chut thai for women usually consists of a pha nung or a chong kraben, a blouse, and a sabai. Northern and northeastern women may wear a sinh instead of a pha nung and a chong kraben with either a blouse or a suea pat. Chut thai for men includes a chong kraben or pants, a Raj pattern shirt, with optional knee-length white socks and a sabai. Chut thai for northern Thai men is composed of a sado, a white Manchu styled jacket, and sometimes a khian hua. In formal occasions, people may choose to wear a so-called formal Thai national costume.