Culture & Traditions

Thais have been practicing Theravada Buddhism since at least 100 AD and it has left a deep impact on Thai culture, although Hinduism has also impacted art and literature. Some 90% of Thais call themselves Buddhists, a faith that calls for a sense of peace with one’s surroundings and the people one meets. They will aim to project a smiling, positive air and avoid displays of emotion such as anger. Politeness and respect for others, particularly elders, is key.

All this helps explain the air of calm self-effacement that makes the Thai people so welcoming to visitors in the “Land of a Thousand Smiles”.Visitors should try not to show anger in public, as it is deeply insulting to those criticized. Any “loss of face” is something to be avoided at all costs by both sides. The common Thai greeting is a “wai”, with both hands joined as if in prayer and raised to the chest while the head bows. The depth of the bow depends on the respect being shown.

In a hierarchical society, young people respect elders, everyone respects monks, and hotel staff will obviously show respect to guests.In a more private setting, establishing hierarchy is done by looking at thing like clothing and behavior but it also depends on the asking of questions that may seem very personal to those from outside the culture.The extended family is very important in Thailand, and children are expected to defer to and look after their parents for life. Thais eat with a spoon, the main implement, in the right hand and fork in the left, which helps food onto the spoon. Sticky rice can be eaten by hand.It is traditional to leave a little food on the plate to show you are full, although rice is an exception, given its significance in the culture.

Much of Thailand’s culture comes from ethnic Thai people. One of the most important influences on culture in Thailand is Buddhism. Many of the traditions and beliefs of the people in Thailand stem directly from Buddhist principles. Hinduism has also made important contributions to Thai culture, and the close links between Thailand and India can be seen in art, literature, and in many Thai customs. The cultures of nearby Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China have also played an important role in forming the traditions of Thailand, as have indigenous belief systems such as Animism.  Of Thailand’s nearly 70 million people, roughly two-thirds are from Thai ethnic groups. Although the ethnic Thai people can be divided into dozens of different subgroups, their traditions, languages, and cultures differ only slightly. This leads to a population with a strong sense of shared tradition

S and cultural identity 

The meaning third of the population is made up primarily of Chinese,  as well as minorities including Vietnamese, Khmer, Hmong, and Mein. Even among these diverse ethnic groups, the Thai language is widely spoken and understood, and the Thai script is often used in place of traditional writing styles. Since the 1950s, Thailand’s government has made efforts to preserve and strengthen the sense of national culture and national identity. During the 1980s and 1990s, however, Thailand saw resurgence in local culture and traditions. Although there is still a strong national identity, local food, dances, music, celebrations, and beliefs have begun to play a more important role in Thai life.

Thai Values

There are many things to learn about the culture in Thailand. For one, the people are deeply influenced by religion in Thailand. With around 95% of the country being Theravada Buddhist, the belief system and values of Buddhism play a huge role in day-to-day life. Etiqutte in Thailand is extremely important. Throughout the country, the most important values that Thai people hold to are respect, self-control, and a non-confrontational attitude. Losing face by showing anger or by telling a lie is a source of great shame for Thai people. 

In general, displays of emotion in public are viewed in a very negative light. No matter how frustrated or upset a person might feel, he or she will always strive to maintain a positive and friendly attitude, a sense of humor, and a smile. Respect for elders and for those in higher social positions is also important. Hierarchies of Social status characterize nearly every interaction. Children are expected to respect their parents and teachers. The young must show deference to the elderly. Those with highly prestigious positions in society, such as doctors, important public figures, and minks are almost revered. 

    Family is central to Thai life. Although many newly-married couples will set up their own households, it is not uncommon for extended families to live with them.  Often, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles will all live in the same household and help to raise children and provide for the family. Children are expected to show great respect for their parents, and they maintain close ties, even well into adulthood. Although Thailand’s family life and society have been traditionally male-dominated, women are granted considerable respect. Recent laws and legislation have allowed women more freedom to move out of traditional roles and into professions such as politics, medicine, and business. Respect and equal rights from women has, in recent decades, become an important part of Thailand’s law and values. Another concept that is very important in Thai culture is Sanuk. Sanuk is a wide-reaching idea that embodies the playfulness and sense of humor that is so central to life in Thailand. It could refer to a spontaneous and joyful meeting with someone on the street, or a humorous oun made at just the right moment. The sense of humor and Joie de vivre captures in sanuk is central to the Thai way of life.