Thailand Culture, and Traditions Guides
Thailand’s culture is unlike anywhere else in the world. The Thais have most definitely got their own stamp on a beautiful and colorful culture with aspects of Indian, Laotian, Khmer (Cambodian), Burmese (Myanmar), and of course Chinese culture in the mix.
Thai culture pervades every aspect of Thai life with the main influence centered in Buddhism. Depending on where you are visiting in Thailand different cultural aspects are more prominent (i.e. North ‘Chiang Mai’, North East ‘Issan’, central ‘Bangkok’ and the south, then deeper south).
Respect, Self Control and Generosity
Respect, self-control, kindness, and generosity are important character assets that most Thai people aspire to show, and us westerners are at an advantage within any Thai community if we show these assets. Thailand’s culture is very different than the west –which I will go into more depth in the articles.
Cha Cha (slowly slowly) – Sanook Mai? (Is it fun?)
Do you want a Thai person to fall asleep quickly? Talk about politics or your worldly concerns, you’ll soon have them in a coma. Many Thais, especially outside of Bangkok like things to be ‘slowly slowly (Cha Cha)’ and want what they’re doing to have a large element of sanook (fun) within it. Slowing down and losing a serious approach to everything while visiting will pay dividends…….Thailand has its own way.
Thailand Etiquette and Customs
An aspect of travel that makes it so appealing to many travelers is to see and engage in another culture, and Thailand has plenty of it.
Thai people are very proud of their culture and welcome foreigners that appreciate their traditions and customs. Some aspects may seem odd to foreigners while others may make them feel like they are missing something like this in the west –enjoy the differences (See Thailand Etiquette and Customs – Do’s and Don’ts).
The Thai Wai— a Brief Guide on How, When and Why
It won’t take a visitor to Thailand very long to notice that they are welcomed by Thai people placing their palms together and saying Sawasdee Khrap/Kha. Placing their palms together is the way Thai people greet in their culture. Foreigners could easily mistake ‘out of politeness that Wai-ing to everyone who welcomes them with the Wai is the norm– when that’s not the case (See The Thai Wai— a Brief Guide on How, When and Why).
How Well is English Spoken in Thailand?
In statistical terms the majority of Thai people do not speak English at all. When you consider that 70% of the country is actually rural and largely undeveloped, things start to make more sense as there has never been much of a tourism demand across the north-eastern farmlands. Thus it is largely limited to the city and tourist areas (See How Well is English Spoken in Thailand?).
Drinking Culture In Thailand – Do’s and Don’ts
Many Thai people love drinking just like us westerners and use any opportunity to get together to eat, drink, and party. (See How Well is English Spoken in Thailand?). However, there are differences in the behavior of most Thais, as they tend to be much more conservative in public. The bars and clubs in tourist and beach areas are well acquainted with the western style of boozing and accommodate it (See the do’s and don’ts of the drinking culture in Thailand).
Thailand Festivals –a Guide to Understanding and Celebrating Them
Thailand has plenty of festivals throughout the year to enjoy. It’s likely that many previous visitors will already have been caught up in at least one of these annual displays of culture and ceremony at some point and witnessed the exotic and bright displays (See Festivals in Thailand Guide).
