Bangkok holidays - travel guide - culture

Bangkok culture

Social Conventions

Thai people do not generally shake hands to greet people, but instead the Wai is considered normal - this is usually in the form of a prayer-like gesture with the hands, or a nod of the head. In Thai culture, the head is considered as high, whilst the feet are low. As such, it is considered rude to touch anyone's head, and to use the feet to gesture, move things or touch people. Although t-shirts, sandals and shorts are considered appropriate dress for informal occasions; visits to temples and palaces require something more appropriate. Shoes should also be removed before entering a home or temple.

Religion

95% of the Thai population are Buddhist, whilst 4% are Muslim. The remaining 1% is made up of minority religions.

History

The history of Thailand began when people migrated from their ancestral home in Southern China to the mainland of southeast Asia in the 10th century. Formerly ruled by the Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms, the Thais established their own states - primarily with the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms. The states fought between themselves, and also found themselves under threat from the surrounding countries of Khmers, Burma and Vietnam. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian state to avoid colonial rule in its history. Once the absolute monarchy ended in 1932, Thailand endured sixty years of military rule, before the democratic system was established in 1973.

Demographics

The largest ethnic grouping in Thailand is Thai, which makes up 80% of the population. In addition, 10% are Chinese and 3% Malay. The remaining groups are minorities, such as Mons, Khymers and Hill Tribes.

Thai is the official language, however it largely incomprehensible to the majority of tourists. As such, English is also widely understood- with most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations speaking English, and some additional European languages. In addition, Thai-English road and street signs can be found throughout the country.