Thailand is arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is a nation rich in history and culture, populated with a warm, hospitable people who endeavor to make any tourist or visitor feel at home. Before we discuss the people, let's begin with an overview of the country's geography.According to the official tourism website of Thailand, www.tourismthailand.com, the country is divided into four natural regions. These are the North, the high Northeast Plateau, the Central Plain, and the South. The North is mountainous and much cooler than the other areas—and many different ethnic hill people call this region home. Known for archeological finds and an arid climate, the Northeast Plateau covers almost one-third of Thailand. This plateau is called Isan. The tourism website states that “Isan is a comparatively poor region whose main income is from agriculture, and many of the younger people in the villages migrate to the city. But Isan folk have a distinctive character and dialect and a vigorous culture, with their old traditions still reflected in the many festivals unique to the region.”
[...] The structure of Thailand is hierarchical in the sense that those with more wealth, power, age or position are regarded as higher than those with a lower status in these areas. Jobmonkey.com expounds on this more fully. place you in relation to themselves, Thais will ask you questions that may seem rude, but aren't meant to be; for example, you may be asked about your age, salary, and marital status. The social structure is often revealed in restaurants when either the oldest or wealthiest person in the group pays for everyone. [...]
[...] There is also some question as to whether Anna's accounts of her time in Thailand are entirely accurate, or were enhanced to interest readers and boost sales. Honoring royalty is only one example of the customs that Thais practice. When visiting Thailand it is extremely important to remember a few cultural differences the people of the country hold. First of all, Thais smile—a lot. When they're happy, or apologizing, or saying hello, or even frustrated. In the Thai culture, children are taught from a young age to hide emotions, especially crying. [...]
[...] Horizonmuaythai.com explains it this way: of the first things you will notice when you visit Thailand is the Thai people's inherent sense of playfulness and light heartedness. Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of Sanuk. This doesn't mean Thai people don't want to work or strive. It is just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it. The famous Thai smile stems partly from this desire to make Sanuk.” Social structure in Thailand mainly comprises the relationship between the Phu Yai (‘big' people) and Phu Noi (‘little' people), according to horizonmuay.com. [...]
[...] For example, in July, on whatever day the full moon falls on, Thailand celebrates the first sermon of Buddha through a holiday called Asanha Bucha. “July sees Thai Buddhists celebrating Buddhist ‘lent' or Asanha Bucha, the full moon festival. Beginning mid to late in the month, this is the period when young men enter their monk hood for the rainy season and ordained monks remain in a single monastery for three months. One can view Buddhist temples throughout the year, but this tradition can be picturesque due to the activity of the saffron robed followers.” Two holidays celebrated in honor of the Royal Family are the Queen's Birthday on August 12 and the King's Birthday on December fifth. [...]
[...] The Thai people founded their independent state of Sukhothai around 1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period.” During the remaining four periods of history Thailand asserted its independence and began a monarchal style of government which it still holds today—although it is not an absolute monarchy as it was centuries ago. The World Almanac & Book of Facts states that the first unified Thai Kingdom was established around 1350. It's interesting to note that Thailand was never colonized as so many other countries were during the exploration periods. [...]
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