Thailand Vistor Center » Thailand Culture

Thailand Equals Diversity

www.thailandvisitorcenter.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

With a population estimate exceeding 62 million that includes 75 ethnic groups and various peoples such as hill tribes and inhabitants of the northern mountain areas, you bet Thailand is a demographically diverse country. Thai is the national language, but seven Austronesian languages are spoken (all belonging to the Malayic Malayo-Polynesian group of languages) and there are 19 Tibeto-Burman speaking groups as well as various migrant communities that speak Korean, Japanese, Tamil, and Urdu. The country is often portrayed as one of cultural homogeny, but there are those ethnic groups previously mentioned as well as the Thai-Lao and Lanna Tai who (combined) account for about 40 percent of the population. A lot of this diversity can be attributed to the early migration (as early as the fifth or sixth century) of peoples from northern Vietnam and southern Yunnan into areas along the Mekong River. The Tai in northern Thailand came into contact with the Mon who then converted them to Theravada Buddhism. The founder of the kingdom of Ayutthaya promoted this practice and compiled a legal code based on its sources. In the 20th century the Central Thai culture emerged as the dominant national culture and the term “Thai Identity” was coined in the late 1950′s. A National Culture Commission was formed in 1979 to coordinate efforts to defend the “Thai Identity” and have been linked to national security and communist insurgency involving members of various ethnic minorities which is sure to be expected from a country with a population of its size. There continues to be a level of discrimination against the hill tribes (which are widely viewed as being involved in narcotics trafficking); however, 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.

Some Manners and Customs When Visiting Thailand

www.thailandvisitorcenter.com — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:24:24 +0000

You know the adage “when in Rome,” right? Well it definitely applies if you’re visiting Thailand, as well.Just as you would expect a visitor to your city to show respect for local customs you, too, should show respect for where you are visiting.Following are a few travel tips to keep you under the radar as a tourist and help you assimilate so you can enjoy the full Thai experience:

Never raise your voice whether it be from anger or from joviality a normal tone (volume) should be practiced at all times
Try to avoid saying anything negative or commenting on what should be done “differently”
Never show any form of disrespect for or to a Buddha image you can take pictures, but never lay hands on them
Speaking of touching, never touch anyone (including children) on the head since customs believe that the highest part of the body deserves the utmost respect
Never point fingers if you need to gesture to identify something or someone, do so with the nod or pointing of your head
Never show any form of affection in public and this includes holding hands while holding hands in larger cities is becoming more commonly accepted, it is still something that might make you stand out as disrespectful
Do not touch anyone of the opposite sex, regardless of how innocent it may seem as Americans we tend to communicate through casual touch, but this is not something tolerated in Thailand
Wai (the gesture of putting your hands together in front of you in a prayer-like position) should always be done in an appropriate fashion since it is a sign of respect toward people who are older or in superior positions in general, after the younger or subordinate wais, the superior returns the wai.

The bottom line is really quite simple watch what is occurring around you and mimic that behavior whenever possible, keeping in mind that although you may see something being done once (like kissing in public) it doesn’t automatically mean it’s appropriate for you to do so. Follow the rule of the masses and you’ll be fine.

The Dining Capital of Asia

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:02:35 +0000

From curbside food stands to exquisite fine dining restaurants, Thailand offers a wide variety of food that is as rich and diverse as its culture. Famous for its balance and harmony, Thai dishes incorporate the five fundamental tasteshot, sweet, sour, salty, and bitterinto one dining experience. The unique taste, however, is not the only quality that sets Thai cuisine apart from traditional American grub. Thais traditionally eat their meals in informal circles. They serve individual plates of rice and share a variety of community dishes at once.Because Thais use such an assortment of flavors and tastes created by fresh ingredients and herbs, it is helpful if you can distinguish the different types of Thai cuisine. Thais break their varieties of food into six basic groups: snacks (such as stuffed dumplings, Satay, and spring rolls which are eaten alone), chili dips (usually either a main dish or a side dish), salads (also called yam, usually meat, seafood, vegetable, or fruit salads that taste sour, sweet, and salty), curries (the heart of Thai cuisinemade from fresh herbs and spices then cooked in coconut cream before adding meat and vegetables), soups (ranging from hot and spice to mild and clearTom Yum King and Tom Kha Kai are the most popular), and desserts (not as sweet as what you’re used to, usually sticky rice with fruit dumplings).Another way to differentiate different Thai delicacies is by region. Most of these dishes have absorbed Eastern and Western influence but still maintain their own unique characteristics. Central Thailand is home to diversified dishes of foreign influences. Favorites of this region include green and Phanang curry, Tom Yam hot and sour soup, and Phat Thai noodles. Northern Thailand’s cool climate offers a variety of vegetables and herbs that simmer nicely into local favorites such as Khao Soi egg noodles curry, Hang Le pork curry, and Sai-Ua spicy pork sausage. The flavors of Northern Thailand picked up some Myanmar, Laos, and Yunnan influences. Northeastern Thailand enjoys highly seasoned Laos inspired dishes including Som Tam green papaya salad, Lap spicy minced meat salad, and barbequed chicken. Lastly, Southern Thailand is well known for its distinct fragrant aromas and flavors. Favorite dishes, such as Satay skewered barbequed meat with spicy peanut sauce and Mussaman curry have a little help from Malaysian and Indian influences.Whether you choose to save your ‘Baht’ (Thailand’s currency) by picking up local cuisine form a street vendor or drop some Bahts in a fancy Bangkok restaurant, the exotic mixture of flavors and textures offered by Thai cuisine made Bangkok the dining capital of Asia for a reason.

Bangkok: The City of Angels

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:34:03 +0000

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, the capital city should be at the top of your list. In addition to the rich culture and history of the area, the world renowned nightlife and cuisine in Bangkok could fill a trip in itself. This city offers a culture entirely different from anything you’ll find in the West. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a must-see while in Thailand. Peddlers and farmers sell their products to customers and tourists standing on the side of the canal as they float along in small narrow boats.For a taste of Thai religion and history, visit the Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew. The latter is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and many Buddhist ceremonies take place within this structure. There is an extremely strict dress code inside the Wat Phra Kaew and no shoes may be worn. The nearby Grand Palace is the official residence of Thailand Kings. The impressive, ornate architecture of these structures is worth the trip out to see them. The National Museum and The National Gallery are also both worthwhile trips for those interested in art and culture.Though a less kosher topic, we can’t write about Bangkok without mentioning their famous red light district. A range of bars with varying degrees of promiscuity can be found along the streets of Bangkok. For a more wholesome evening out in the City of Angels, visit one of the many bars and pubs in the area. Chic upscale 87 is perfect for a fine drink and a dance. For something a bit more laid back and casual, try Molly Malones, the Thai version of an Irish pub.The few things mentioned above only begin to scratch the surface of all that Bangkok has to offer. Plan your trip carefully in advance in order to make the most of your time here.

A Cultural Experience like no other

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:26:33 +0000

As soon as you step off the plane you will be overtaken by Thailand’s unique culture. Filled with Buddhist arts and temples, Thailand’s culture could take months to fully experience. If you’re like most tourists, you have one or two weeks at most to discover a culture that took centuries to establish. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a list of cultural hotspots that will provide you with a vast but in depth overview of Thailand’s rich history and current way of life.The Grand PalaceThailand’s number one tourist attraction, The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a timeless complex of Thai-style buildings from the 1700′s. Built by King Rama I, the ruler of the Thai monarchy in 1782, the architectural detail and magical splendor of the Grand Palace is awe inspiring. One of the many monumental buildings in the Grand Palace is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo). The centerpiece of the Wat Phra Kaeo is the most sacred Buddha statue of Thailand. Carved out of one piece of beautiful Jade stone, Thais from all over Thailand flock to the majestic Buddha to pray every day. Witnessing this ritual provides a true glimpse into Thai culture.Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Historical ParksAt Sukhothai (which means Dawn of Happiness), the first Siamese Kingdom and the birth of Thai language was developed in the middle of the 13^th century. This historic park isn’t your typical stroll through history. Instead, you can rent mountain bikes and cycle through the ruins of a classical Buddhist architecture and the remnants of Thai art. At the world heritage site of Ayutthaya Historical Park, you can cycle through what used to be the most glorious town and trading port in Asia.Floating MarketsWhile in Thailand, be sure to visit one of the many river canals that truly showcase the Thai way of life. Here, farmers bring produce to sell by boat and the colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables prove to be a sight you’ll never forget. Recommended markets include Damnoen Saduak, Taling Chan, Amphawa, and Tha Kha.