THAI CULTURE AND SOCIETIES

Chuleewan PraneethamJanuary 2012

Content

General Information (geography, population, language, symbol, economic)

History Culture Dos and Don’ts Official Holidays 2012 Coordinating Agent in Thailand Quiz

General Information

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Geography

Heart of the Southeast Asian mainland

Area: of 513,115 sq.km. (50th)

North-South: 1,620 km

East to West: 775 km Borders: North – Myanmar and Lao PDR

East - Cambodia and and the Gulf of Thailand

West - Myanmar and the Indian Ocean

South – Malaysia

Geography (cont.)

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Six-region systemN orthNortheastWestC entralEastSouth

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The North, a mountainous region, comprises natural forests, ridges and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys. The leading city of this region is Chiang Mai.

Central Thailand, the basin of the Chao Phraya River, is a lush, fertile valley. It is the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country and has often been called the "Rice Bowl of Asia." Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located in this region.

The Northeast region, or the Korat Plateau, is an arid region characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills. Harsh climatic conditions often result in this region being subjected to floods and droughts.

The Southern region, hilly to mountainous, with thick virgin forests and rich deposits of minerals and ores. This region is the center for the production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops.

Four Natural Regions

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The climate is tropical with long hours of sunshine and high humidity.

There are three seasons:

Average temperature is 20°c - 37°c.

Climate

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

 HOT   

 Rainy   

 Cool   

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Thai Flag

King Rama VI and was first used on September 28, 1917 (95 years)

Red represents for “The Nation: life-blood of Thai people”

White represents for “The Religion: the purity of Buddhism”

Blue symbolises for “The King”

The flag is raised daily at 8.00 am and lowered at 6.00 pm at all official buildings, public places, large private enterprises, and schools, usually to the accompaniment of the Thai National Anthem.

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National Anthem

The national anthem was adopted in 1939 (73 years).

A literal translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

For the nation's safety, freedom and progress.

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National Symbol/ Emblem

Garuda

A mythical half bird, half human figure Figure from both Buddhist and Hindu mythology

Used as a symbol of the royal family and authority

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Population

Total population is 67 Million (January, 2011)

1. Bangkok: 8.25 Million2. Nakhon Ratchasima: 2.58 Million3. Ubon Ratchathani: 1.81 Million4. Khon Kaen: 1,76 Million

77. Ranong: 183,079

Religious

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Language

National and Official Language: Thai English is its unofficial second language Some words in Thai are borrowed from Pali,

Sanskrit and old Khmer. The word “Thai” means “Freedom” in Thai

language. Speaking Thai and Written Thai The Thai language is comprised of 44

consonants, 32 vowels and five tones in Thai pronunciation.

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Language (cont.)

Thai letters do not have small and capital forms like the Roman alphabet.

No space between words Word order is

Subject – Verb (adverb) – Object (adjective)the subject is often omitted

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• GDP : $ 584.8 billion (2010)

• GDP per capita : 9,187$

• Exports : textiles and footwear, fishery products, rice, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances

• Imports : intermediate goods and raw materials, consumer goods, fuels

• Agriculture products : rice, rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans

Economy

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• Natural resources: tin, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land

•Industries : tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles (Toyota, Honda, General Motor, Masda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Isuzu, Benz, BMW) and automotive parts

Economy (cont.)

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Regional Disparities in

Thailand

Poverty incidence by province

Poverty concentrated in NE and some border provinces in North & South

Source: NSO, NESDB

History

History

There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thais. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in Northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated down to their present homeland.

However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy going back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of a far more sophisticated culture than any previously suspected by archaeologists. It now appears that the a Thais might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China.

History (cont.)

Sukothai Period from 1238 to 1438 (200 years)

Ayutthaya Period from 1351 to 1767 (416 years)

Thonburi Period from 1767 to 1782 (15 years)

Rattanakosin Period from 1782 until the present (230 years)

Culture

Culture

The Wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol.

The wai is both a sign of respect as well as a greeting.

The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai. 

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Thai Clothes: Eight Styles of Thai National Costumes   

Thai ChakriInformal ceremonies

Thai BoromphimanEvening ceremonies

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Thai Clothes:  

Thai SiwalaiWedding, dinner  

Thai DusitEvening parties

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Thai Clothes:    

Thai Chakraphad National ceremonies 

Thai AmarintraEvening ceremonies

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Thai Clothes:  

Thai Chitralada Temple, day time ceremonies

Thai Reun TonKatin, waterfall

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Thai Silk

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Thai DanceNortheastern Folk Dance

Blessing Dance

Northern Dance

Central DanceSouthern

Dance

Ancient Dance

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Songkranthe traditional Thai New

Year is celebrated every year between 13-15 April. The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water .Songkran days are also considered the family days and the elderly days .

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L oi Krathong romantic event on the full

moon night in November i n which homage is paid to th e Mother of Waters. All over t

he country, people gather at the rivers, ponds and lakes u

nder the moonlight to float kr - athongs, small lotus shaped offerings containing incense,

flowers, a candle and a coin.

Food: Rice

Rice Sticky Rice

Food: Tom Yum Kung Hot and Spicy Shrimp Soup

Food: Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai Green Chicken Curry

Food: Pad Thai Thai Style Fried Noodle

Food: Pad Kaphrao Minced Pork with Sweet Basil

Food: Kaeng Phet Ped Yang Roasted Duck Curry

Food: Tom Kha Kai Chicken in Coconut Soup

Food: Yam Nua Spicy Beef Salad

Food: Moo Sa-te Roasted Pork coated with Turmeric

Food: Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmaphan Chicken with Cashew Nuts

Food: Kaeng Phanaeng Meet with Coconut Cream

Food: Som Tum

Sport

Thai Boxing or "Muey Thai" Muey Thai has musical accompaniment which

consists of a drum or "Krong" small brass cymbals called "Ching Chup" and a Thai clarinet commonly called " Pee." At the being of each fight the contenders dance to the rhythm of the music around the ring to pay homage to their respective Archarn or Kru Muey [teacher], usually for five to ten minutes.

Transportation: Sam Lor

Transportation: Tuk Tuk

Dos and Don’ts

Dos and Don’ts

The MonarchyNot tolerate any lack respect towards any

members of the royal family. (tolerate=ยอมให้�เกิ�ดขึ้��น)

Criticism of the king and royal family is not just frowned upon in Thailand; it is against the law – a punishable offence that is taken very seriously. E.g. 2002 two journalists from the Far Eastern Economic Review

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

ReligionAlways dress ‘politely’ when entering a

temple or religious shrine. E.g. Wat Prakeaw forbids you from

entering if you are dressed inappropriately.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

Buddha ImagesBuddha images are sacred, whatever size or

condition. (sacred = เป็�นที่��สั�กิกิาระที่างศาสันา)Never climb on a Buddha imageBe very careful about taking photos – some images

are so sacred photographs are forbidden. Do not point your feet at the Buddha which is an act

of sacrilege (sacrilege = ลบห้ล� ศาสันา)

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

Buddhist MonksNot allowed to touch or be touched by a woman or accept

anything a woman might offerNot shake a man’s hand – that type of contact is forbidden. Monks travel on public transport and require the same

respect there as they would receive at the temple. Usually, special seats are allocated for monks only – don’t sit in them!

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

ShoesDo not wear shoes inside a temple where

Buddha images are kept. Take your shoes off before entering someone’s

home.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

GreetingsThais do not shake hands; they ‘wai’

The junior person in age or status is the first one to offer the wai to older persons in age.

The senior person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest. 

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

The HeadThais regard the head as the highest part of the

bodyTouching someone’s head is entirely unacceptable.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

The FeetWhereas the head is the highest point of the body, the

feet are the lowest. Do not point at things with your feetDo not point the palms of your feet at anyone

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

DrugsThailand takes drugs very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful

drugs entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances.Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and people

made to put forward urine samples. If you test positive, penalties will be harsh.

Trading in drugs will lead to the death penalty or likely decades in prison.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

DrugsThailand takes drugs very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful

drugs entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances.Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and people

made to put forward urine samples. If you test positive, penalties will be harsh.

Trading in drugs will lead to the death penalty or likely decades in prison.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

KissingKissing, cuddling and similar behaviour in public are

unacceptable – especially amongst older Thais.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

Smoking, discarding cigarette stubs, or dropping rubbishSmoking, discarding cigarette stubs, or dropping rubbish in public

areas in the street is illegal – you can be fined 2,000 Baht.

Dos and Don’ts (cont.)

Shout in publicIt's unusual in Thailand and that makes you look ridiculous

Calling by first nameThais generally use first rather than surnames, with the honorific title Khun before

the name. Khun is an all- purpose form of address that is appropriate for both men and women

Business Etiquette and Protocol Relationships & Communication . Relationships develop slowly, it may take several meetings.   . Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more

important than verbal communication. . Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered. . Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these will be believed over

your words.

Business Etiquette and Protocol (cont.) Business Meeting Etiquette. Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance. . Send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials to show

the relative status of the people attending meeting for properly plan.. Arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are

meeting. .

Business Etiquette and Protocol (cont.) Business Meeting Etiquette. Always send an agenda, material and data to substantiate the position prior

to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested. 

. Written material should be available in both English and Thai. 

Official Holidays 2012

Official Holidays 20121. Tuesday 3 January Substitution for New Year’s Day

(Sunday 1 January)2. Wednesday 7 March Makha Bucha Day3. Friday 6 April Chakri Memorial Day4. Friday 13 April Songkran Festival5. Monday 16 April Substitution for Songkran Festival

(Saturday 14 April)6. Tuesday 17 April Substitution for Songkran Festival

(Sunday 15 April)7. Monday 7 May Substitution for Coronation Day

(Saturday 5 May)8. Monday 4 June Wisakha Bucha Day9. Thursday 2 August Asarnha Bucha Day10. Monday 13 August Substitution for H.M. the Queen’s Birthday

(Sunday 12 August)11 Tuesday 23 October Chulalongkorn Memorial Day

(Sunday 23 October)12. Wednesday 5 December H.M. the King’s Birthday13. Monday 10 December Constitution Day14. Monday 31 December New Year’s Eve

Coordinating Agent in Thailand

Coordinating Agent in ThailandRecipient's Address:

Ms. Suchada Thaibunthao

Acting Director General

Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA)

The Government Complex

Building B (South Zone), 8th Floor,

Laksi District, Bangkok 10210 Thailand

Contact Person:

Ms. Pin Durongkhatham

Tel. +66 (0) 2 203 5000 Fax. +66 (0)2 203 5001

Thank you for you attention