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The culture of Thailand has been greatly influenced by Buddhism. But there have
been other dominating influences of Hinduism as well along with the effects of
the repeated invasions of Myanmar, Laos and also the Chinese immigrants.
Arts and Crafts in Thailand
Traditional visual arts in Thailand bear a great influence of Buddhism but contemporary
Thai art is a combination of the modern techniques along with the traditional
styles. Crafts include textiles and decorative items that bear the distinct
Thai style.
Architecture of Thailand
Classical Thai architecture is found in the temples and royal palace buildings
and the best examples of Thai architecture are the Grand Palace, the Wat Benchamabophit,
Wat suthat to name a few.
Thai Cuisine
Thai cuisine is extremely popular due to the blending of the four fundamental
tastes of salty, sour, spicy and sweet. Most of the dishes combine all of these
and there are innumerable spices and herbs used to achieve this.
Music and Dance in Thailand
Music consists of both the folk music and also the classical traditions along
with pop or string music.
The Ram Thai or Rabam is the main art form while the dance forms can be divided
into the high art or classical dance and low art or folk dance divisions.
Religion in Thailand
Thailand is predominantly a Theravada Buddhist country but there are the minorities
like the Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera and the Muslims as well.
Thai Customs and Traditions
The most distinctive Thai custom is the Wai that bears resemblance to the Indian
namaste demonstration of affection amongst friends are common in public. It
is considered rude to put the feet above someone's head or step on a Thai coin
as it has the King's head engraved upon it.
Thailand Hill Tribes (Akha, Karens, Lahu, Lisu, Meo, Yao)
The tribes of the Akha, Karen, Hmong, Yao, Lisu had migrated to Thailand about
a 100 years back from the southern part of China and they have their own religion,
art, culture and dress.
Fashion in Thailand
Thailand is a land where the latest styles and traditional crafts have been
well blended and there is some thing or the other for every buyer irrespective
of the budget.
Thai Etiquette
The behavior of the Thais is well controlled by etiquette based on the Buddhism.
The society is non- confrontational in nature and so disputes need to be averted
at all costs. Thais prefer proper behavior and dress. Revealing clothes and
behaving rudely in public needs to be avoided at all costs.
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