Thai Culture and Tradition

Thai Culture and Tradition

 

-        Thai 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 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.

-  Thai Tradition

 

                      Thailand is a country that is steeped in tradition, from religion and spirituality to the foods served on its people’s table to the direction in which one points one’s feet. The “wai,” or the traditional Thai greeting is done by putting your hands together, in front of your chest, and bowing your head a bit. As a courteous visitor, you can do this when someone “wai’s” you, when you are meeting someone for the first time, or when you are greeting someone. If you hold your hands higher and bow your head longer, it shows great respect. A visitor isn’t expected to know all of Thailand’s traditions – but as with any locale, the more you understand and honor those traditions, the richer your experience will be.

 

                      One Thai tradition that will thrill visitors is the abundance of festivals devoted to praying for rain. Farmers depend on rain for healthy crops, of course, and they hold a variety of events as a means of asking, of hoping, and of inspiring themselves for the rainy season.

                       Thailand’s traditions revolve around respect: touching someone on the head may be rude, for instance, or pointing your feet towards someone while you sit on the ground is a sign of disrespect. While we may trip up and perform faux pas when visiting, it is the attempt at honoring Thailand’s traditions that matters most. It is our own sign of respect. Make the attempt, apologize sincerely if a mistake is made, and above all, enjoy the remarkable hospitality of the people of the “Land of Smiles.”