Thai Culture
Thai Culture Information
Thai culture is a unique blend of various influences that have evolved over time. Local customs, animist beliefs, Buddhist traditions, and regional ethnic and cultural practices have all played a role in shaping Thai culture. Thainess, which refers to the distinctive qualities that define the national identity of Thailand, is evident in the country’s history, customs, and traditions.
The wai gesture of greeting is a common way of showing respect and politeness in Thailand. It consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The higher the hands are held in relation to the face and the lower the bow, the more respect or reverence the giver of the wai is showing
The wai is used for different situations, such as saying hello, goodbye, thank you, or sorry. It is also used to acknowledge seniority, social status, and religious reverence. The position of the hands and the depth of the bow vary depending on the context and the person being wai-ed
For example, a wai to a monk or a statue of Buddha would have the fingertips touching the forehead and the head bowed low, while a wai to a friend or a peer would have the fingertips at the chest level and the head slightly tilted
As a foreigner, you are not expected to master the nuances of the wai, but it is good to know the basic etiquette and show some appreciation for the Thai culture. A simple rule is to return a wai that is offered to you, unless it is from someone who is younger or lower in status than you, such as a child or a service staff. In that case, a smile or a nod would suffice
Thai etiquette is the set of rules and customs that govern how people behave and interact in Thailand. It is based on the principles of respect, politeness, and harmony. Thai etiquette covers various aspects of social life, such as greeting, dining, dressing, and visiting. Here are some of the most important points of Thai etiquette that you should know:
Greeting: The traditional way of greeting in Thailand is the wai, which is a gesture of pressing the palms together and bowing the head. The wai is used to show respect and gratitude, as well as to say hello, goodbye, thank you, or sorry. The level of the wai depends on the age, status, and relationship of the person you are greeting. Generally, the higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect you are showing. You should return a wai that is offered to you, unless it is from someone who is younger or lower in status than you, such as a child or a service staff. In that case, a smile or a nod would suffice
Dining: When dining in Thailand, you should follow some basic rules of etiquette, such as waiting for the host to invite you to sit and eat, using a spoon and fork instead of a knife, and leaving some food on your plate to show that you are full. You should also avoid pointing your chopsticks at anyone, licking your fingers, or making loud noises while eating. It is polite to compliment the food and the cook, and to offer to pay for the meal if you are a guest
Dressing: When dressing in Thailand, you should dress modestly and appropriately for the occasion. You should avoid wearing revealing, tight, or torn clothing, especially when visiting temples or government offices. You should also remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home, and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. You should also avoid wearing black or white clothes, as they are associated with mourning and funerals
Visiting: When visiting someone in Thailand, you should bring a small gift, such as flowers, fruits, or sweets, to show your appreciation. You should also avoid touching anyone’s head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body, or pointing your feet at anyone, as it is considered the most disrespectful part of the body. You should also avoid showing anger, frustration, or impatience, as it is considered rude and immature. You should always smile and be polite, even when you disagree or have a problem
These are some of the main points of Thai etiquette that you should be aware of. Of course, there are many more details and nuances that you can learn by observing and interacting with Thai people. Thai people are generally friendly, tolerant, and forgiving of foreigners who make mistakes, as long as they show respect and goodwill
Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body in Thai culture. This is because feet are used for walking and often touch the ground. Therefore, there are some rules and customs related to feet that you should know and follow when visiting Thailand
Some of the most important ones are:
Do not point your feet at anyone or anything. This is seen as very rude and disrespectful, especially if you point your feet at a person, a Buddha image, or a monk
Do not put your feet on furniture or raise them higher than someone’s head. This is also considered impolite and offensive, as it implies that you think your feet are superior to the person or the object
Do not touch anyone’s head with your feet. The head is the most sacred and cleanest part of the body in Thai culture, so touching it with your feet is a serious insult
Do not move anything with your feet or step over someone. This is also disrespectful and shows a lack of care and consideration
Do take off your shoes before entering a temple, a home, or some shops and offices. This is a sign of respect and cleanliness, as well as a way of avoiding bringing dirt inside. You will usually see a pile of shoes outside the entrance, indicating that you should remove yours too
Total respect for the Thai royal family is a core value of Thai culture and a legal obligation of Thai citizens. The Thai monarchy is revered as a symbol of national unity, stability, and continuity. The king is regarded as the head of state, the head of religion, and the protector of the people
The Thai royal family is protected by the lèse-majesté law, which forbids any insult, criticism, or defamation of the king, the queen, the heir apparent, and the regent. Anyone who violates this law can face up to 15 years in prison for each count of offence. The law is among the strictest in the world and has been used to suppress dissent and silence critics
As a foreigner visiting Thailand, you should be aware of the cultural and legal implications of disrespecting the Thai royal family. You should avoid any negative comments or gestures towards the monarchy, as well as any actions that could be seen as disrespectful, such as stepping on or defacing banknotes or stamps that bear the king’s image, or raising your feet above someone’s head when they are holding a picture of the king. You should also show respect and reverence when encountering royal symbols, such as the national anthem, the royal flag, or the king’s portrait
The national anthem of Thailand is called Phleng Chat Thai, which means Thai National Anthem. It was adopted in its current form on 10 December 1939, after the country’s name was changed from Siam to Thailand. It replaced Sansoen Phra Barami, which remains as the royal anthem of Thailand
The melody of the anthem was composed by Phra Chenduriyang, and the lyrics were written by Luang Saranupraphan. The anthem expresses the pride and loyalty of the Thai people towards their nation, as well as their willingness to sacrifice and defend their independence
The anthem is played twice daily, at 8 am and 6 pm, on radio and television stations, as well as in public places such as schools, offices, and cinemas. During the anthem, people are expected to stand still and show respect
Here are the lyrics of the anthem in Thai and English:
เพลงชาติไทย
ประเทศไทยรวมเลือดเนื้อชาติเชื้อไทย เป็นประชารัฐ ไผทของไทยทุกส่วน อยู่ดำรงคงไว้ได้ทั้งมวล ด้วยไทยล้วนหมาย รักสามัคคี ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด เอกราชจะไม่ให้ใครข่มขี่ สละเลือดทุกหยาดเป็นชาติพลี เถลิงประเทศชาติไทยทวี มีชัย ชัยชนะ
Thai National Anthem
Thailand is the unity of Thai flesh and blood There is no place for any other race Thailand has been a single and indivisible Kingdom Because the Thais have always been united The Thai people are peace loving, but they are no cowards at war They shall allow no one to rob them of their independence Nor shall they suffer tyranny All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood For the nation’s safety, freedom and progress
Buddhism is a religion or philosophy that originated in India and is based on the teachings of the Buddha, who lived in the 5th century BCE. Buddhism teaches that the goal of life is to attain enlightenment, which is a state of inner peace and wisdom that frees one from suffering and the cycle of rebirth
Buddhism has many branches and traditions, but some of the common beliefs and practices include:
Following the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature and cause of suffering and the way to end it.
Following the Eightfold Path, which is a set of ethical and mental guidelines that lead to enlightenment.
Practicing meditation, which is a method of training and calming the mind and developing insight.
Taking refuge in the Three Jewels, which are the Buddha, the dharma (the teachings), and the sangha (the community of followers).
Cultivating compassion and wisdom, which are the two main qualities of a bodhisattva, a being who strives to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment.
Respecting the law of karma, which is the principle of cause and effect that determines one’s future rebirths.
Celebrating various festivals and rituals, such as Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha
Buddhism is one of the major world religions, with over 500 million followers, mostly in Asia. However, Buddhism has also spread to other parts of the world, such as Europe, America, and Australia, where it has adapted to different cultures and contexts
What does 555 in Thailand mean?
The meaning of 555 in Thai, the number 5 is ห้า which is pronounced Ha. So 555 is HAHAHA which is the same sound as laughing. That's it! So next time you see a bunch of 5s you will know its just people laughing. 555 is the equivalent of LOL, LMAO, or hahahaha.