Thailand officially the kingdom, land of the free, was know as Siam until May 11 , 1949. The word Thai means “freedom” in Thai language and is also the name of the mauority Thai ethnic group. It is the only Southeast Asian Country never to have been colonized by western power.
In the past, Thai society was very simple: the people were kind and always smild. We were called “Siam Muang Yim”. Thai people shared thing with each other. But today everything has changed because people think only about work and work to make mare money. They are too busy to help other people and only their family and themselves.
The official calender in Thailand is besed on the Buddhist Era, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calender.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and the king is extremely respected. The Thai King recently celebrated 60 years on the throne and Thai citizen commemorated the events and showed their reverence by wearing yellow-T-shirts, the official royal colour.
Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. The feet are considerd as the basest part of the body; don’t rest your feet or put your shoes on the table.
Thais feel strongly about their religion, so don’t wear your short clothes to a temple, don,t climb over the Buddha images and take off your shoes before entering a temple.
The traditional Thai greeting is the “Wai” the hands are brought together in front of the chin.
Sanuk is a Thai word describing everything that is fun. Thai combines with the phrase “Mai Pen Rai” or never minded.
