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Thailand has a rich history and a rich culture. The Kingdom was never colonised, and has a strong identity.
About Thai culture in detail I like to refer to Niels Mulder's book "Inside Thai Society", and also to the Lonely Planet's "Thailand" guide.
The
Chulalongkorn
university and Siam
Society in Bangkok arranges seminars and activities for those interested
in Thail culture.
In brief on some aspects of Thai culture
Position is important.
Everybody knows their place in relation to others, and when people meet they
soon find out where they are ranging compared to everyone else present. Age,
income, occupation and influence are the most important factors in determining
position.
In this system it is expected, to a certain degree, that those of lower position
defers to those of higher. At the same time higher rank comes with duties,
such as assisting with money, picking up restaurant bills and more.
There are literally not two completely equal individuals if you go by the
strictest interpretations, even twins born seconds apart still differs in
age! Of course, some are almost, and for practical purposes, equal.
Face must not be lost. It is important not to cause loss of face, and to avoid loosing yours. Thai people will go to great length and efforts to avoid loss of face, not only for themselves but also for others.
The smile is
not only used to make a display of being happy or having fun, but to express
comassion, regret, or in any situation where one is uncertain as to how to
react.
Should you make a fool of yourself in some small way and you find people smiling
at you, it is because they sympathise rather than anything else - an effort
to assist you not to loose your face.
Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, but is also used about work. Sanuk is important, and work better be fun, or emplyees may wanish. Anything not Sanuk is avoided as far as possible.
You do not shake
hands in Thailand. Instead, you put your hands together in front of you and
perform a "wai". How high you raise your hands in the Wai against
your face, combined with how low (if at all) you bow your head, indicates
the politeness/respect of the Wai.
Someone of lower status always Wai's first ald lowest. Monks do not Wai back
to people.
You do not Wai waitresses, parking attendants and so on.
Your appearance is important. Well kept and clean clothes, good manners and attendance to personal hygiene is essential. Displays of high emotions of any kind is frowned upon, as is general loudness (expect where any TV, stereo, etc. is concerned).
Respect for the
King of Thailand and the Royal family is important. No form of critics there
are welcome, whatsoever. At 8 am and 6 pm the National Anthem is broadcasted.
In places like rain stations all will then raise and stand still untill the
anhem is ended.
In cinemas and theatres, the Royal anthem is played before the main event.
Again all raise up and stand still and quiet untill it is over.
Monks must not
be touched by any women, or directly given alms or anything from one. Be aware
of this in crowded spots. A rather lenghty ritual is neccessary for a monk
who has had direct conact with a female, regardless of how unintentional.
THAILAND
- TRAVEL ADVICE - VARIOUS
ADVICE - EVENTS - FOOD AND
DRINK - HEALTH HOLIDAY - SAFETY
- BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
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PAGE - PICTURES
Norwegian Version