Thailand Cultural Essentials

The only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized, Thailand has a proud history that continues to influence the spirit of Thai society. The country’s love for its King, flag, and national anthem is felt in each bustling street and quiet countryside, despite current political unrest. Tourism is Thailand’s lifeblood; fifteen years ago one million people descended on the “Land of Smiles” each year. Today, that number has risen to an estimated 10 million. There are sights to satiate every traveler’s desires: beachgoers head to the picturesque islands off the eastern and southern coasts, while more adventurous travelers trek through hill-tribe homelands in the mountainous north. Others explore the ancient cities of Central Thailand, where the ruins of great kingdoms now lie in silent majesty, a testament to a glorious past. For travelers new to Southeast Asia, there is no better place to start than “Amazing Thailand.”

Beaches. Ko Samet and Ko Chang , off the east coast, are easy on the wallet and easy going. Down south, Ko Samui , Ko Phangan , and Ko Tao offer a more raucous brand of sun and fun with a broader slate of aquatic activities. Krabi’s seaside cliffs offer world-class climbing.
Hiking And Trekking. Northern Thailand offers an impressive range of affordable treks. Less-touristed Mae Hong Son and Sangkhlaburi have activities ranging from elephant excursions to river rafting.
Hanging Out. Towns along the Mekong, including Chiang Khan and Nakhon Phanom , are unparalleled spots to unwind and take in stunning natural settings. Kanchanaburi is the place to go for top-notch accommodations and tasty cuisine. Tiny Pai , nestled in the northern highlands, has a host of bubbling natural hot springs.
Cultural Heritage. The temples and palaces of Bangkok (p. xx), the ancient capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya , and the Khmer ruins of Phimai are enthralling and accessible. Chiang Mai is not to be missed for its stunning architectural legacy and religious significance.
Nightlife. Bangkok , Chiang Mai , Ko Phangan , Ko Samui , and Khon Kaen hit the dance floor when the rest of the kingdom hits the hay.

Land

The diverse beauty of Thailand’s physical expanse is a geographer’s dream and a cartographer’s headache. Despite the country’s small size, it contains a plethora of topological features. It is ...more

Demographics

Use of the word “Thai” began in the 20th century when the country shed the name “Siam” for “Thailand”. “Thai” is a political and geographical designation ...more

Language

Like the people themselves, the Thai language has absorbed influences over time from languages including English, Chinese, and Sanskrit while still retaining its distinctive characteristics. Thai is ...more

Religion

Theravada Buddhism may be the state religion in all but name—-the Thai Constitution requires that the reigning monarch be Buddhist, and any speech that insults Buddhism is strictly prohibited&mdash ...more

Flora And Fauna

Thailand’s diverse topology yields a wealth of plant and animal species. Intrepid visitors to the country encounter come of the world’s best scuba diving, bird-watching, and trekking. Even the world’s ...more

History

Human habitation in what is now Thailand was present but faint until the coming of agriculture and bronze in the second millennium BC. Remains discovered at Ban Chiang in the Khorat Plateau suggest ...more

Thailand Today

With positive growth rates since 1999, Thailand seems to be well on its way to economic recovery. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) inaugurated the ambitious “Amazing Thailand” campaign to boost ...more

Culture

In 2001, a Scottish national made the nearly-fatal mistake of urinating on a picture of the king, an action that under Thai law, carries the death penalty. He got lucky and was only deported after substantial ...more

Additional Resources

The Chastening: Inside the Financial Crisis that Rocked the Global Financial System and Humbled the IMF , by Paul Blustein (2002). A cogent study of the Asian Financial Crisis. Thailand’s Durable ...more