About Thailand

people & culture — climate — flora & fauna

 

Thailand has roughly 63 million inhabitants, 75% of them being ethnically Thais, and roughly 15% of Chinese origin. The rest of them are ethnically Malay (3%), but also Khmers, Mons and some hill tribes.

The official language is Thai. The national religion, Theravada Buddhism , is practiced by 95% of all Thais, Thailand being one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in Asia.

Their leader, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has reigned for more than half a century, making him both the longest reigning current monarch in the world, and the longest reigning Thai monarch of all time.

The official language here is Thai, but numerous languages are also spoken here, from the Lao dialect to tribal languages. English is not widely spread, the number of fluent speakers is low, especially outside main cities.

Thailand's culture incorporates influences from Indian and Chinese cultures, as well as other South-east Asian cultures, and like most Asian cultures, an essential part in the Thai spiritual practice is the respect towards ancestors. Thais have a strong sense of generosity, hospitality and social hierarchy, elders are ruling in family decisions by tradition.

Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is the national sport in Thailand , being closely related to the "Muay" martial art, which was taught to the Royal soldiers for combat. Since 1990s, this sport became ever popular in the rest of the world.

Among things considered taboos in Thailand we have touching someone's head, as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Similarly, pointing with the feet is considered as a taboo, as the feet are considered the dirties part of the body.

The cuisine in Thailand uses common ingredients (chilies, garlic,lemon grass and lime juice, fish sauce), combining them into the five fundamental tastes: salty, sour, bitter, spicy and sweet. Almost every meal includes rice-Thais consume each over 100kg milled rice each year.

^ top ^