Amazing Thailand

Thailand Flag

What is Thai culture? Thailand is a country of diversity and ancient traditions with tranquil temples and chic urban excitement. With an rich history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them to form today to form the Thai culture as we understand it today. (Thailand, 2002) Other than being reflected on the tangibles such as the architecture and artefacts in Thailand, these traditions can also be seen in the behaviour, customs and beliefs of the Thai people

While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais mostly in Bangkok and urbanised cities also speak and understand English. English is typically the common language for cross-cultural conversation as Thailand hosts visitors from around the world. (Language, 2010)

Religion plays a very important role in Thai life and considered an essential pillar of society. Theravada or Hinayana Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand. 94.6% of the population in Thailand is Buddhist whereas the remaining 5.4% consists of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and other religion. (Thailand Religion, 2011)

Many Buddhist temples can be found throughout Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew, also known as Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. This temple sanctifies The Emerald Buddha which is carved from a single block of jade. (Bangkok Wat Phra Kaew, 2011) 

Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok and is known as the Reclining Buddha Temple. This temple features the highly impressive gold plated reclining Buddha, designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. (Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha Temple - Bangkok, 2011)

The Wai

The Wai is the common form of greeting for Thais where they would place the palms and fingers of both their hands together in a prayer position and at different levels depending upon the level of gesture showing a sign of respect. Other than being a form of greeting, the wai is also used to express apology or gratitude. (The Thai Wai Greeting, 2011)

King Chulalongkorn the Great

“Chulalongkorn Day” is celebrated on 23^rd October of every year in memory of King Chulalongkorn who was one of the most important king of Thailand in the past. He abolished slavery and did many other reforms which modernised the country such as the expansion of the communication system through construction of railways and establishment of post and telegraph services. (Chadchaidee, 2007)

Thai Cuisines

The spiciness of Thai cuisine is well known throughout the world. Thai food characterise on combination of several elements of Southeast Asian traditions to produce lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components.

Thailand Architecture

Thailand's architecture was heavily influenced by external influences like Indian and Khmer. Thai architecture has its own distinct style with towering spires and rooftops and symbolise the Thai soul and spirit.