RELIGION. CULTURE. CUSTOMS.
It is easy to love thailand . the country is relaxed, fun and kind-hearted. thais don't often expect foreign visitors to know much about their country, but are truly delighted if they do. put a smile on a thai's face just by knowing a few facts of the traditional thai culture.
RELIGION
Thailand's main religion is Buddhism. Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population. There are many opportunities in Thailand to visit Buddhist temples and to learn and study about Buddhism. Meditation, one of the primary practices of Buddhism,is also taught throughout many regions of the country.
Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives. Selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being. Thai people believe that the true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as 'nirvana.' Nirvana is an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings.
Religion in Thailand pervades many aspects of Thai life. Monks are highly revered and it is not uncommon to see their images held on walls of businesses or homes or upon ornaments inside of taxi cabs. In many towns and villages, the neighbourhood temple is their heart of social and religious life. Buddhist holidays occur regularly throughout the year (particularly on days with full moons). On these special holidays, many Thai people go to temples.
Thailand's main religion is Buddhism. Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population. There are many opportunities in Thailand to visit Buddhist temples and to learn and study about Buddhism. Meditation, one of the primary practices of Buddhism,is also taught throughout many regions of the country.
Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives. Selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being. Thai people believe that the true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as 'nirvana.' Nirvana is an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings.
Religion in Thailand pervades many aspects of Thai life. Monks are highly revered and it is not uncommon to see their images held on walls of businesses or homes or upon ornaments inside of taxi cabs. In many towns and villages, the neighbourhood temple is their heart of social and religious life. Buddhist holidays occur regularly throughout the year (particularly on days with full moons). On these special holidays, many Thai people go to temples.
CULTURE
Hierarchical Society
One of the most important parts of Thai culture is hierarchical society. Thai people greatly respect hierarchical relationships. These relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other. For example, parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates. When a Thai person meets a stranger, it is common for them to immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated. This is usually done by asking what might be seen as very personal questions in other cultures. Status can be determined by clothing and general appearance, age, job, education, family name, and social connections.
Hierarchical Society
One of the most important parts of Thai culture is hierarchical society. Thai people greatly respect hierarchical relationships. These relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other. For example, parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates. When a Thai person meets a stranger, it is common for them to immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated. This is usually done by asking what might be seen as very personal questions in other cultures. Status can be determined by clothing and general appearance, age, job, education, family name, and social connections.
Thai Family Culture
The family is the cornerstone of Thai society and family life in Thailand is often more closely knit than in western cultures. It is very common to see most people in your family everyday and people who live in the same village consider and treat everyone like family, regardless of their blood relation. Community as a whole is very important in Thailand. Thais will call anybody close to them their brother, sister, aunt or uncle even if they aren’t actually related. In Thailand, to show respect to somebody close to you, you call them phee (older sibling) or nong (younger sibling) if they are close to your age. If they are much older, you call them lung (uncle) or baa (aunt).
Thais financially support their parents, by following the rule: they took care of you when you were young, so you take care of them when they are old. Many Thais believe old age is a sort of ‘second childhood’. Parents will almost always live with one of their children when they get old. Age is very important in Thailand and it is extremely important to show respect to your elders. The oldest person in the family is almost always listened to and revered.
Most Thai children sleep with their parents till they reach the age of about 8. After that, many kids will sleep with their grandparents or another sibling if they have one. Even as adults, Thai people don’t like to sleep alone and will share a room with siblings or other family members. Thais are uncomfortable with sleeping alone because they are afraid of spirits that come out at night. They believe they are safer if they spend the night with another person.
Thais don’t show affection in public and will only wai a family member. The wai is the common form of greeting in Thailand. It is done by raising both hands with the hands together and fingers facing upwards (like a prayer). The wai is also a sign of respect as well as a greeting.
Hugging is usually only reserved for immediate family members or significant others and people don’t do it often, especially in public. Though, once they reach a certain age, these affection restrictions loosen completely. Elder Thais hug just about anyone!
The family is the cornerstone of Thai society and family life in Thailand is often more closely knit than in western cultures. It is very common to see most people in your family everyday and people who live in the same village consider and treat everyone like family, regardless of their blood relation. Community as a whole is very important in Thailand. Thais will call anybody close to them their brother, sister, aunt or uncle even if they aren’t actually related. In Thailand, to show respect to somebody close to you, you call them phee (older sibling) or nong (younger sibling) if they are close to your age. If they are much older, you call them lung (uncle) or baa (aunt).
Thais financially support their parents, by following the rule: they took care of you when you were young, so you take care of them when they are old. Many Thais believe old age is a sort of ‘second childhood’. Parents will almost always live with one of their children when they get old. Age is very important in Thailand and it is extremely important to show respect to your elders. The oldest person in the family is almost always listened to and revered.
Most Thai children sleep with their parents till they reach the age of about 8. After that, many kids will sleep with their grandparents or another sibling if they have one. Even as adults, Thai people don’t like to sleep alone and will share a room with siblings or other family members. Thais are uncomfortable with sleeping alone because they are afraid of spirits that come out at night. They believe they are safer if they spend the night with another person.
Thais don’t show affection in public and will only wai a family member. The wai is the common form of greeting in Thailand. It is done by raising both hands with the hands together and fingers facing upwards (like a prayer). The wai is also a sign of respect as well as a greeting.
Hugging is usually only reserved for immediate family members or significant others and people don’t do it often, especially in public. Though, once they reach a certain age, these affection restrictions loosen completely. Elder Thais hug just about anyone!
CUSTOMS
Meeting Etiquette
Thai people generally use first names when calling someone and with the honorific title 'Khun,' before the name. 'Khun' is an all purpose form of address which is appropriate for men and women. When meeting new people, you should wait till you are introduced. This introduction will allow everyone to understand your status to their own and know who performs the wai or how low the head should be bowed.
Gift Giving Etiquette
When invited to a Thai person's home, a gift is not expect though it will be widely appreciated. When giving a gift, there are some rules to follow. Gifts should be wrapped up attractively and bows/ribbons should be used. Do not wrap a gift in green, black or blue as these are used at funerals and in mourning so instead, try using the royal colours - gold and yellow. Red wrapping paper should be used when giving a gift to a Chinese Thai. Appropriate gifts include flowers, good quality chocolates and fresh fruit, while money is usually a gift for weddings and ordination parties.
Dining Etiquette
When invited to dine with a Thai, you should arrive close to the organised time. Though, being late a few minutes will not cause any offence. Upon arrival and entering the home, check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If they are not, it is polite to remove your shoes before entering.
While eating, remember that the fork, spoon and chopsticks are the usual eating utensils. The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Most meals while dining are served as buffets or with platters in the centre of the table. You may begin to eat as soon as you are served. When you are full, leave a little piece of food on your plate, representing that you are full. Finishing everything on the plate indicates that you are still hungry. Though, never leave rice on the plate. This is considered wasteful as rice is a significance to Thai eating. Always wait to be asked before taking a second helping and do not lick your fingers!
Thai people generally use first names when calling someone and with the honorific title 'Khun,' before the name. 'Khun' is an all purpose form of address which is appropriate for men and women. When meeting new people, you should wait till you are introduced. This introduction will allow everyone to understand your status to their own and know who performs the wai or how low the head should be bowed.
Gift Giving Etiquette
When invited to a Thai person's home, a gift is not expect though it will be widely appreciated. When giving a gift, there are some rules to follow. Gifts should be wrapped up attractively and bows/ribbons should be used. Do not wrap a gift in green, black or blue as these are used at funerals and in mourning so instead, try using the royal colours - gold and yellow. Red wrapping paper should be used when giving a gift to a Chinese Thai. Appropriate gifts include flowers, good quality chocolates and fresh fruit, while money is usually a gift for weddings and ordination parties.
Dining Etiquette
When invited to dine with a Thai, you should arrive close to the organised time. Though, being late a few minutes will not cause any offence. Upon arrival and entering the home, check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If they are not, it is polite to remove your shoes before entering.
While eating, remember that the fork, spoon and chopsticks are the usual eating utensils. The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Most meals while dining are served as buffets or with platters in the centre of the table. You may begin to eat as soon as you are served. When you are full, leave a little piece of food on your plate, representing that you are full. Finishing everything on the plate indicates that you are still hungry. Though, never leave rice on the plate. This is considered wasteful as rice is a significance to Thai eating. Always wait to be asked before taking a second helping and do not lick your fingers!