Culture.
Thailand lies between Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, with the Gulf of
Thailand to its south. Its culture mixes strong Indian influences,
Chinese traditions, and elements that are uniquely Thai. With its
diverse geography, friendly people, and stunning scenery, the “Land of a
Thousand Smiles” is a must-see destination in South East Asia.
Thailand is the 50
th largest country in the world with an
area roughly equal to that of France. With rugged mountains in the
north and world-famous tropical beaches in the south, it is a land of
pristine beauty.
Thailand is separated into four distinct regions. Despite the
overarching strength and unity of Thai culture, each region has its own
unique cultural and geographic features.
Northern Thailand shares its border with Myanmar and Laos. This
region is mountainous and filled with thick forests and river valleys.
Its culture is heavily influenced by Burmese culture and it carries
strong influences from the historical Lanna kingdom.
Northeastern Thailand, also known as Isan, is largely isolated from
the rest of Thailand by a large mountain range. A Lao-speaking
majority, as well as a primarily agricultural society, characterize this
culturally distinct region.
Southern Thailand, located on the Malay peninsula, is home to many of
Thailand’s pristine beaches and resorts. With a more tropical climate,
this narrow land mass is home to a many fishing communities.
It is the region of Central Thailand that is predominant, though.
This region is the seat of Thailand’s modern-day capital city, Bangkok.
With its fertile plains, it has also long been the economic center of
the country, producing the majority of Thailand’s rice. Central
Thailand is also the area that has the greatest population density, and
the greatest concentration of the ethnic Thai majority. It is the
political, economic, and cultural center of Thailand.
Culture identity.
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 in 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.
The remaining third of the population is made up primarily of
Chinese, as well as various minorities including Vietnamese, Khmer,
Hmong, and Mein. Even among these diverse ethnic groups, the Thai
language is widely spoken and understood, and the Thai script is often
used in place of traditional writing styles.
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.
Values.
Thai culture is deeply influenced by religion. With around 95% of the
country being Theraveda 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 are 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.
In general, displays of emotion in public are viewed in a very
negative light. 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. Children are expected to respect their parents and
teachers. The young must show deference to the elderly. Those with
highly prestigious positions in society, such as doctors, important
public figures, and monks are almost revered.
Family is central to Thai life. Although many newly-married couples
will set up their own households, it is not uncommon for 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. Children are expected to show great respect for
their parents, and they maintain close ties, even well into adulthood.
Although Thailand’s family life and society has been traditionally
male-dominated, women are granted considerable respect. Recent laws and
legislation have allowed women more freedom to move out of traditional
roles and into professions such as politics, medicine, and business.
Respect and equal rights for women has, in recent decades, become an
important part of Thailand’s law and values.
Another concept that is very important in Thai culture is sanuk. Sanuk
is a wide-reaching idea that embodies the playfulness and sense of
humor that is so central to life in Thailand. 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.
