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The country has a population of more than 60 million, most of whom are Buddhists.
The capital is Bangkok (officially: Krungthep mahanakhon amon ratanakosin mahintara ayuthaya mahadilok popnopparat ratchathani burirom udomratchaniwet mahasathan amonpiman avatansathit sakkathattiya witsanukamprasit)
One good guidebook and my personal favourite is the Lonely Planet's "Thailand". This book will give you the information you need - and more - on history, development, culture, climate, food and so on.
History in brief
A bronze-age was developing
around 4.500 BC in the area later to be known as Thailand. One of the first
dynasties was the Srivijtaya kingdom in the southern parts, around year 1.000
AD.
The first "real" Thai kingdom was Sukhotai, from about 1.200 AD.
This was invaded by the Burmese in the late 15th century and again in the
late 16th century. The Burmese where finally friven out by King Taksin, who
establised the countrys capitol in Thonburi.
Very late in the 16th. century saw King Rama I asume power, and he moved the
capitol across the Chao Praya river from Thonburi to Bangkok.
Thailand got its first elected government in the middle of the last century.
The reigning monark, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama 9, was crowned
in 1946 and is the worlds longest reigning monark.
Here is a sumary of some important points for the visiting tourist:
Social rules and etiquette
There are a few things you should be aware of as a visitor to Thailand. You will generally do just fine with normal good manners, and the Thai people are patient with visitors from abroad. But please take note of the following:
Always be respectful towards the king and the royal family. No critics in any form is tolerated. The Thai people love their king and will be offended by any lack of respect.
The national anthem is played on TV and radio and at some public locations every day at 8 am and 6 pm. Observe your surroundings! If everyone else stops dead, or rise from sitting positions to stand still, follow their lead. The Hualampung main train station in Bangkok is one place where this ritual is observed.
At cinemas, the Kings song is played before the screening of the movie starts. Like with the national anthem, everyone is to rise and stand still while the song is played.
Be respectful towards religion, temples and other sacret places and monuments, and towards munks. Never visit a temple dressed in shorts and sleveless shirts, it is considered disrespectful and very "low".
It is ok to critisise politicians, police and not the least Bangkok traffic. But consider your expressions. Where we in the west would caracterise someone as "a complete dolt" or something equally direct and rude, the Thai would proboably come up with something like "I am not sure I like him". Our direct western ways can offend, or at the least put peole off.
You should avoid tuching
someones head or hair. The head has as the highest part of the body a special
importance to the Thai. Consequently the feet are litterarely at the bottom.
Do not use your feet to point, or to move objects.
In contrast to this the national sport, Muai Thai, is all about kicking each
others head with the feet...
Thai people are uncomfortable with diplays of affection in public places, such as kissing and even holding hands. Though in tourist spots such as Pattaya, Kho Samui and Pukhet they are more used to our sometimes to them outlandish beahviour.
With a few exeptions, swimming or sunbathing topless should be avoided. Such lack of modesty is offensive to most Thai people. Again, at some tourist spots the rules are very relaxed. Observe your sorroundings. Chaweng Beach on Kho Samui is one place where topless sunbathers seems to be accepted.
As long as you mind these things, you will find the Thais to be very tolerant and flexible.
Thai people smile frequently.
The smile does not only express joy or hapiness, but is also put on to deflect
possible confrontations or as a gesture of apology.
If you stumble or have some small mishap, people will not smile because they
enjoy the show but to be sympatetic and assist you in not losing face, after
their fashion.
In situations where you
at home would react by raising your voice and othervise make your disagreement
or discomfort known you will profit by keeping a cool head - and smile. Not
always easy, but more productive.
You could arrive at your hotel to find that your reservation is not in order.
Or your bus is delayed some hours, causing a problem. A display of anger will
make you "dangerous", with potentiall face - loss situations for
all around. The Thai reaction is often to do nothing, or simply dissapear,
to avoid any unplesantries. This does nothing to help you. If you manage to
stay cool and smile it is easier for everyone to assist.
With this advice you have the basics covered. If you plan to spend your time in the comforts of a 5 star resort there will be few if any occations where you need to know much about local ways. But if you are going to travel about and upcountry you will benefit from having some knowledge. Especially with hilltribes. The different tribes have different rules, taboos and ways to go about things. Check your guidebook and on the internet for more details.
Happy travels!
TRAVEL
ADVICE - VARIOUS ADVICE - CULTURE
- EVENTS - FOOD AND DRINK
- HEALTH HOLIDAY - SAFETY
- BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
- PATTAYA - LINKS - MAIN
PAGE - PICTURES
Norwegian Version