Thailand culture and social life

Thailand's culture is about more than music and paintings. It arises from a complex system of mutual respect and politeness that binds the country's people together. The Thai's are mainly Buddhist in fact 94% of them are. They believe in The Lord Buddha, The Dhamma, (the way he taught) which can lead to Enlightenment and Nirvana, and the Noble Order of Enlightened.

Religion plays a central part of community life and the monastery offers refuge for those seeking solace. Thai culture evolves largely around Buddhism and respect for seniority, whether in terms of age, status or wealth. Often the father of the family retires to the monastery after the death of his wife. Practically every Thai male will become a monk for at least three months of their life during their youth. The monks follow a simple life which starts early in the morning. They walk around the areas adjacent the temple to receive alms from the local community. This is where practically all of their food comes from.

Religion influenced much on Thai Traditional Literature. Most of the literature in the old days consisted of works on Buddhism and Hinduism directly or indirectly. Whatever culture the Thai people brought with them from their homeland in Southern China where they had been in contact with Chinese culture for centuries was adapted to its later conception of Buddhism, their adopted religion. Traces of their original culture may be found here and there in a disguised and weak form embedded in their literature. Most of the works of emotive literature were written in veerse in various patterns.

Visitors of Thailand should know a traditional greeting - the wai, made by pressing the fingers and palms together at chest level while slightly bowing the head. The wai serves several functions: saying hello, showing respect to a senior and asking forgiveness. A wai is always returned, unless it is from a child.

Whatever you decide to do in Thailand, wherever you decide to go, you are assured of a friendly welcome, for the Thai people are amongst the most hospitable people you will find anywhere. Thailand has a rich, exotic diversity of culture and tradition. With its long history, superb tropical climate and the famous Thai cuisine and hospitality, the Kingdom has become a place for many people to visit and for most of them: to come back again. With tourism stirring demand for accommodation and Thailand property, Thailand's insightful and enticing marketing, low cost living and non existent capital gains tax for foreign investors, Thailand inarguably holds great and gratifying potential. Thailand is proving popular with a wide variety of buyers looking for different types of Thailand property and investment opportunities.

When you visit Thailand, do show respect for the king. This isn't just a guideline; it's the law. Rise when the national anthem is played (typically at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in many public places, and before public events.) Never insult or joke about the king or royal family. As you learn more about the present king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, you'll readily respect him; in more than a half-century on the throne, unlike so many other rulers, he has been a powerful and positive force toward improving the quality of life for the Thai people.

You should not to miss the most famous of Thailand's cultural show Khon. Khon masked drama evolved in the royal court of Siam, although its roots lie in folk dances of the countryside. Here, performers don elaborate jeweled costumes; men wear masks and women gilded head-dresses. Music accompanies the dance and the dialog and songs are performed by an off-stage chorus.

Author: by Amanda Miller
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