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Grand Palace (The)
Grand Palace (The), Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Jim Thompson's House and Museum
Jim Thompson's House and Museum, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Wat Pho
Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Ancient City
Ancient City, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel |
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Thailand's History and Culture
Thai people will often use only three words to define their own culture. Nation, Religion and King. Loyalty to these things is the distillation of thousands of years of history.
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Ancient Thai history is the story of empires on the ascendant and on the wane. From the 6th Century the Hindu, Dvaravati Kingdom held sway in what is now central Thailand and Southern Myanmar. By the 11th Century it had been eclipsed by the mighty Khmer empire of Angkor. With its heart at Siem Reap now in Cambodia where the remnants of Angkorian civilization can still be seen, this immensely powerful Kingdom ruled all of what is now Cambodia, Laos, southern Vietnam and the Andaman coast of Burma. The only part of what is now Thailand that stayed free from Khmer influence was the Kingdom of Lanna seated in Chiang Mai. Ruined Khmer cities can be found as far west as Kanchanaburi and far into the heart of Thailand's rural north east.
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The seemingly invincible Khmers were first beaten back by the growing power of the northern Thai kingdom of Sukhothai. They were then smashed and subjugated by the central Thai empire of Ayutthaya in the 14th and 15th centuries. Ayutthaya was more powerful even than Angkor and its lands, although reduced over history, provide the basis for the modern state of Thailand.
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During the age of European conquest Thailand, or Siam as it was known until recently, never succumbed to colonial domination. With British occupied Burma to the north, Malaya to the south west and French Indo-China to the East and the south east a series of ingenious and wise rulers managed to preserve Thai independence. Perhaps chief among them was King Rama V at the end of the 19th century who managed to modernize his kingdom whilst fending off the European imperial powers.
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Traveling through Thailand in any direction is a trip through the multiple layers of history. The country abounds with ruined cities, fortifications and religious monuments.
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Thailand is part of the 'Indianized' territories of South East Asia. Religion, language, art, culture and folklore were all heavily influenced by the sub continent mainly through trade. This reached a zenith during the rule of Angkor. Originally Hindu, the 'God Kings' covered their monuments with sculptures portraying episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata - ancient Hindu texts. Under the reign of Jayarvarman VII another Indian religion, Buddhism, began to gain more sway.
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That continues to this day. 95% of Thais are Theravada Buddhists, although there are also large Muslim populations scattered throughout the country. This has been the case since the Sukhothai era in the the 13th to 15th centuries. Although Buddhism in Thailand is heavily influenced by local superstition and folklore, it is the wats, or temples, that often give communities their focus. Every morning at dawn orange clad monks can be seen making their 'alms round'. Local people will improve their 'karma', or fate, by putting food in the bowls of the monks and receiving blessings in return.
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Where ever they are from in the country certain things in Thai culture remain common. The word 'sanuk' is very important. It roughly translates as 'fun', but it actually means more than that. Sanuk is about removing the boring and unpleasant things in life and giving every action a playful aspect. You will see the importance of Sanuk from important government offices to the most rural and remote rice fields. Sanuk also rubs off onto the visitor and it is that, in conjunction with the graciousness that Thais are famous for, that makes the Thai hospitality industry so successful.
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The other concept that defines Thai culture is 'face'. Avoiding any kind of confrontation, embarrassment or humiliation is very important. This can be frustrating to outsiders for whom 'getting things done', is more important than how everyone feels. Thai people will always try and reach a 'face saving' solution to any problem. It is unavoidable and the visitor has no option but to be aware of it.
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To all Thai people the King and the Royal Family are symbols of everything that is good about their nation. They are revered. To insult or criticize them in any way is seen as the gravest personal insult to all Thais. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is one of the world's longest serving monarchs.
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The culture and history of Thailand reflect its position at the heart of South East Asia. A kaleidoscope of influences mean that wherever you go in modern day Thailand you will come face to face with a fascinating past and a vibrant living culture.
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About The Author
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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