Thailand life

Life style

Welcome in Thailand-"country of liberty" has ever right to its name, as it is the only South-East Asian country never to be ruled by a western colonial power. It is also a country full of contrast: aside from Bangkok, the charming, lively metropolis, that today lies surrounded by the fumes of its unrestrained traffic, Thailand is a country know for its tranquility: idyllic beaches lined by palm trees in the south and on the islands of Phuket and KoSamui invite visitors to relaxing vacations; the tropic jungle lures with the exotic fauna and flora and the mountainous north is a paradise for climbers. The most fascinating feature of Thailand is, however, its culture which cannot be reduced to colorful temples, magical, mysterious ruins and tasty curries but finds expression in the wisdom of their national religion - Buddhism.

 

รักเธอ ประเทศไทย

Thailand has known to be a land of smile, a country of great people. Way of Living of the Thai people and their traditional wisdom which have been passed on from generation to generation over millennium have benefited the Thai people today. Thai identities, way of living and traditional wisdom are the source of pride that all of us have inherited and will pass on to generations to come.

In the Thai social system, the village is the unit. It was in former days, a self-contained one in its economy and needs. The people's habits and customs were based mainly on agriculture and religion. Most villages had a Buddhist monastery and a shrine for a village deity. The monastery served their spiritual as well as the people's education. All arts, crafts and learning emanated from the monastery. From birth till death it centered round it. Its precincts were the meeting place for social gatherings on festive occasions. As to the village shrine it was used only occasionally in times of distress or on New Year's day when offerings were made. It had nothing to do with Buddhism.

No doubt Buddhism softened and tamed animism in many of its cults. The above is only a fundamental and comparative statement which a student has to bear in mind when dealing with mod ern cultural problems. The social system, habits and customs as seen in modern times are superficial modifications of the fundamentals and in a comparative degree only.

In some outlying districts where there are retarded developments of culture due to lack of intercommunication and new ideas, the people are still in their primitive state, quite in contrast to the progress in the capital, towns and cities.

In these progressive parts "old times are changed, old manners gone" and a new type of cultures fills its place. This is a sign of progress but it must come gradually. Adapt the old to the new but not in a revolutionary way. The new cultures have also their dangers with problems to be solved, because people take too much interest in politics. To adopt new cultures wholly unsuited to the needs which are peculiar to, and characteristic of each particular place is a danger. Culture ought to be varied with characteristics of its own in each locality and area, harmonizing, however, with the whole-a unity in diversity.

TRADITION & CULTURE

Thailand is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With and independent history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into something uniquely and memorably Thai.

Each of its four major region offers a distinctive experience for the traveler in search of discovery. Misty mountains in the north shelter verdant valleys and exotic hill tribes, while in centers like Chiang Mai traditional customs and crafts have been preserved over generations. Along the picturesque coastlines of the east and south lie some of the world's most beautiful beaches and off-shore islands, each with its own beauty. Scattered over the northeastern plateau are superb khamer monuments from the time of Angkor Wat and natural parks teeming with wild life. In the Central Region can be found the evocative ruins of ancient Thai capitals and bustling Bangkok with its dynamic and countless pleasures.

Thai language

Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and other European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nation-wide.

Thai resources

• Thai history
• Thai nature
• Thai kitchen
• Thai fruits
• Thai women
• Thai travel
• Thai transport
• Thai-Bulgarian story

 

Buddhism

Thailand's innumerable multiroofed temples inspired major artistic creation. Another reason for Buddhism's strength is that there are few Thai Buddhist families in which at least one male member has not studied the Buddha's teachings in a monastery. It has long been a custom for Buddhist males over twenty, once in their lifetimes, to be ordained for a period ranging from s days to a months. This usually occurs daring the annual Rains Retreat, a a-month period during the Rains Season when all monks forego travel and stay inside their monasteries. Besides sustaining monastic communities.