http://asiasociety.org/policy-politics?newsid=77892
Thailand: History & Culture
An AsiaTODAY special report (April 11, 2002): Celebrate Thai New Year news stories; multimedia; recipes; Thai temples; links & resources
Ed's Photos: The A gallery of photos by Ed Kaspar Thailand Galleries
The History of Thailand A brief illustrated history
Created by Michael Leming: student-written The Karen of Northern ethnographic report (1999): Karen Weblinks; a Thailand Web museum of artifacts; video; bibliography
A Smithsonian Magazine article on a bust of King Mongkut in the Smithsonian collection, debunking The Object at Hand the caricature of the king perpetuated by the musical The King & I
Introduction to "the people, arts & cultures of South Thailand between the Thai & Malay Worlds The South Thailand on the Golden Peninsula": research projects & Homepage publications of Ryoko Nishii, Alexander Horstmann, & others; photo gallery; links
A Frenchman's perspectives on Thai society & Thai WorldView culture
Research on "the region of mainland Southeast Asia & those areas of the Peoples Republic of Thai-Yunnan Project China, particularly Yunnan,which have had long cultural, economic & social relations with each other"
Thailand: SiamWEB Discussion forum for people with interest in Cyber Culture Thailand, general information & news, etc.
History & culture, sights & experiences, travel Tourism Thailand tips & information
Ups and Downs: Anchalee Chaiworaporn's program notes for the Thai Cinema in 2003 Udine Far East Film Festival 2004 The Making of a Nation
Thailand is one of the few countries in the world which has never been colonised.The first independent Thai Kingdom was established in 1238, but the origins of Thailand and the Thai people go back much further.
Pre-History
The central area of Indochina from the Maekhong River valley to the Khorat Plateau was inhabited as far back as 10,000 years. Linguistic scholars can trace origins of ancient Chinese to an earlier Thai language. Archaeology gives us several pointers to early development of the human race in the area. For example, in the Ban Chieng area of north-east Thailand:
Prehistoric Dating from tools from the about 3,000 BC Chiang Saen these artifacts region of from Ban northern Chieng in Thailand. north-east Thailand.
Ban Chieng Ban Chieng artists and bronze musical potters were equally instruments accomplished.People show a high dressed well and degree of printed their own silk design textiles. sophistication.
• Rice may have been cultivated as early as 4,000 BC (China was still largely growing and consuming millet, although evidence does suggest that rice was first cultivated in the Yangtze valley c. 6500 BC) • Bronze metallurgy began c. 1700-1500 BC.
This pre-historic cultural development formed a nucleus of migrating people. A linguistic map of south China, north-west India and South-East Asia, as far as the islands of Indonesia, clearly shows the presence of these early Thai migrants. They settled in river valleys from the Red River (Hong River) in south China and Vietnam to the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
During the second half of the 13th century a growing pressure with the rise of the Mongol hordes under Kublai Khan forced the south China Thais to retrace their steps and return to their roots. Sukhothai
The greatest concentration of these early Thais first appeared in the north of modern Thailand, around Chiang Saen and valleys to the south. They formed themselves into principalities, some of which later became independent kingdoms.
A union of Thai princes took Haripunchai from the Mons and formed Lan Na Thai (which means ‘Million Thai Rice Fields’), today often referred to simply as Lanna, and drove the Khmers from Sukhothai (which means ‘The Dawn of Happiness’).
The Kmer influence can still be seen in these Sukhothai Phrangs
The Sukhothai kingdom declared independence in 1238. Sukhothai is considered to be the first true Thai kingdom. Today many Thais view the Sukhothai period as the golden era of Thai history, an ideal state, a land of plenty, governed by just and paternal kings who ruled over peaceful, contented citizens. It developed a distinct style of its own. During this period the first Thai writing system was evolved, which became the basis for modern Thai, and the Thai form of Therava Buddhism was codified.
Within the walls of Sukhothai are the ruins of twenty wats (temples) and monuments, the greatest of which is Wat Mahathat. Still splendid in its current day setting.
These Sukhothai Wats show how the beauty of water was used to enhance their spiritual aspect.
The giant Buddha at Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai before and after restoration.Take a look at the full pictures:
Under the rule of king Ramkamhaeng (Rama the Brave) the Sukhothai kingdom flourished and expanded as far as Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south, to the upper Maekhong River valley in Laos, and to Bago in Burma.
In 1287 Ramkamhaeng formed an alliance with two northern Thai princes, Mengai of Chiang Rai and Ngam Muang of Phayao. Mengai founded Chiang Mai (’New Town’) in 1296 which became the capital of Lanna.
The southern kingdom of Ayutthaya expanded rapidly by teaching the importance of religion over military might, and extended control over the Chao Phya River valley. With the rise of Ayutthaya the Sukhothai influence declined and in 1378 their seat of power moved to Phitsanulok. Sukhothai’s population followed and by 1438 Sukhothai was a deserted city. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya began as an ancient settlement named after Rama’s legendary kingdom in India.
It’s importance in Thai history began when a cholera outbreak forced Phya U-Thong, the ruler of the principality of U-Thong (today known as Suphan Buri), to evacuated his people. He officially established his seat in Ayutthaya in 1350, after three years of preparation, when he assumed the title Ramathidibodi I.
The Ayutthaya kings became very powerful moving east to take Lopburi a former Khmer stronghold and then, in 1431, on to Angkor the great capital city of the Khmer empire. The image shows the temple complex of Angkor. The large bluish-black rectangle is the Western Baray (reservoir), part of Angkor’s famous irrigation system. The large square to its east is Angkor Thom, a fortified city. The brown spot at the centre of the square is the Bayon, a monumental structure. To its south is the fabled temple of Angkor Wat, surrounded by a wide moat. Angkor, Cambodia Other temples and the Eastern Baray are located round the complex. The road running south from Angkor Wat goes to the nearby town of Siem Reap. The wide bluish strip to the south is the flooded lake of Tonlé Sap.
Although the Thais were responsible for the decline and eventual collapse of Angkor, the Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer court customs, language and culture. Unlike the paternal rulers of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya’s kings were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja or God King.
Ayutthaya became one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in Asia, rivalling London in its influence. From the early 16th century the Portugese established trade and supplied mercenaries to fight in continuing campaigns against the rival kingdom in Chiang Mai. They taught the Thais cannon foundry and musketry. Ayutthaya is situated on an island in the Chao Phraya River, at the junction of the Lop Buri River and the Nam Pasak River, about 80 km north of Bangkok.To appreciate the city as a 17th century vistor might have done, travel up the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok.
Weakened by the wars with Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, was attacked by King Tabinshweti of Burma in 1549. Aided by the Portugese, the attack was repelled, but in 1569 Ayutthaya eventually fell to Tabinshweti’s brother in law, King Bayinnaung. The invading Burmese forces ransacked and plundered the city, forcibly transporting most of its population to Burma.
Naresuen, the eldest son of the defeated king’s leading deputy, was held captive in Burma until he reached the age of 15. As soon as he returned he immediately began to gather armed followers, which he trained in guerilla warfare. He took the opportunity to declare Ayutthaya’s freedom in 1584, whilst the Burmese rulers were weakened by revolts in their own provinces.
Although the Burmese made numerous attempts to retake Ayutthaya, Naresuen was able to assume full kingship upon his father’s death in 1590. He rebuilt his kingdom and Ayutthayan turned the tables on the war elephants as seen through the eyes of a Burmese with repeated 17th century French artist. attacks until the Burmese
Empire itself disintegrated. He finally subdued the Khmers on his eastern border. He became known as ‘Naresuen the Great’ and under his rule Ayutthaya prospered, becoming the great and thriving metropolis described by 17th century European visitors.
Siam 1686This French map of Siam from 1686 shows the capital city of Ayutthaya (called Judia by the French) lying along the Chao This Phraya River, contemporary oil painting protected by the shows the foreigner’s view of mountains and the ‘Venice of the East’. forests.
A long period of peace and tranquil prosperity was ended when a village headman united the Burmese Empire which attacked Ayutthaya in 1760. The Burmese army was repelled but in 1767 a second Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya, after a siege of 14 months. The withdrawing Burmese army sacked the city, burning and looting and melting down the gold from Buddha images. They took their booty back to Burma, together with members of the royal family and 90,000 captives.
2,000 Spires clad in gold
At one time Ayutthaya had a population of a million. Europeans wrote accounts of the fabulous wealth of the courts and the ‘2,000 spires clad in gold’.
The 1767 Burmese invasion left the city largely destroyed.
During the seige, a Thai general named Phya Taksin broke through the encircling Burmese and took a small band of followers to Chantaburi on the southern coast. There he assembled an army and navy. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya the general and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupying garrison.
He immediately moved his capital to the west bank of Bangkok, known as Thonburi, and was proclaimed king. During his reign he liberated Chiang Mai and the rest of northern Thailand from the Burmese and his generals brought Cambodia and most of the present day Laos under Thai control. When a revolt broke out in 1782, Taksin was forced to abdicate. The Chakri Dynasty
Upon his return from the Cambodian campaign general Chakri was offered the throne. He became known as Rama I. He moved his headquarters to the more spacious Bangkok on the opposite bank of the river.
He set about restoring the confidence of his war-shattered people. Buddha images were transported from Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Bricks from the old capital were floated down the river to build the new city walls. Master craftsmen designed and built the first permanent building in the new capital, Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Bangkok began as a city of canals and elephant paths on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, just a few kilometres from the sea. The first of the new structures ordered by King Ramathibodi, later known as Rama I, was the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was later surrounded by the grounds and buildings of the Grand Palace.It was built in the style of the Royal Temple of the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya.
Modern Thailand is indebted to Rama I for his cultural revival programme. He and his successors up to the present King Bhumibol, Rama IX, have transformed their country from a war-torn Asian land to a modern nation.
A series of galleries to show the photos of Thailand by Ed Kaspar.
New photos!
Over 130 new photos of gambling, spiritual guides, vigils, slaughters, and of course plenty of ceremonies in the new gallery An Akha Funeral
Ko Phi Phi Tchieux 2 Tchieux
An Akha X-mas Project Moonmuang Temple Life
Floats and Firebombs A Monk's Funeral Thai New Year BUFFALO
Buffaloes have always played an integral part in Thai culture and Thai society. The Thai alphabet's fourth letter is said "KHO KHWAI". In Thai alphabet each consonant is associated to a word (chicken, egg, buffalo, monk and so on...).
ควาย or "KHWAI" is the carabao or water buffalo.
Buffaloes have been used since centuries by peasants in order to plough their rice fields. Since 1960 mechanical ploughs have replaced the buffaloes. Since a few years buffaloes are regaining favour as farmers look to old ways. But there is concern over sharp fall in their numbers. The buffalo population has declined from an estimated six million head in 1987 to 1.8 million in 1999. Experts predict the buffalo could be extinct from Thailand in 10 years.
Iron Buffalo
Thailand's buffalo population dropped 26% from 1998 to 2008. Buffaloes are disappearing from some village. "PITHEE SU KWAN KWAI" (พิธีสู่ ขวัญควาย) was a ceremony to show gratitude to the buffaloes. It was observed for centuries, but now it's being neglected because of the advent of tractors.
Buffalo in countryside
The annual Buffalo Racing Festival is held in Chonburi province.
Some farmers say that a machine is good as it is fast, can plough deep, doesn't need to rest. Buffaloes need to be watched after during rice growing season as they may wander in other farmers paddy fields. Some farmers say that buffaloes manure is good for nature (no need for artificial fertilizer), buffaloes don't need repairing and oil, yield is better with buffalo.
Buffalo in countryside
Some farmers complain buffaloes are too slow. Tractor machines never get tired. Tractors are called "Iron Buffalo" (ควายเหล็ก). About 400,000 buffaloes are slaughtered for meat each year. Most are females, many of them pregnant. The males are kept for their strength and castrated to increase their size and value as draft animals, which reduces the breeding stock still further.
Buffalo in countryside
The Carabao is the most famous pop group of Thailand. Their symbol is buffalo horns.
In year 2001 the most famous animal in Thailand was a buffalo. This buffalo has very long horns and is a major player in the Thai movie "BANG RAJAN" (บางระจัน). This movie relates the fight of a Thai village during the Burmanese invasion in 1767.
Bang Rachan buffalo The music in movie "BANG RAJAN" (บางระจัน) is played by the Thai pop group Carabao. A few months after the film was shot, the buffalo died. A big ceremony was organized for his funerals. The Carabao leader asked for its horns.
Some monks have campaigned to help poor people in the northeastern rural areas where they have established "buffalo banks". When a borrowed buffalo gives birth, half of the young buffalo belongs to the farmer and the other half belongs to the buffalo bank.
Buffalo in countryside
The worst insult in Thai language is to be called "Buffalo" as this animal is seen as stupid and stubborn.
In year 2008 the "Kasorn Kasiwit" (Buffalo Farming Science) School was launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is a strong supporter of efforts to preserve conventional paddy farming techniques. The school is teaching both buffaloes and farmers to work in harmony using traditional ploughing techniques. Buffalo in countryside
The growing use of farming machines had driven many farmers into debt due to rising fuel costs, which accounts for up to 50% of farming costs. For many city residents, the buffalo is a symbol of stupidity. But for millions of people who work the land for a living, the strong animals have long been treasured as a farmers' best friend.
Buffaloes provide a sustainable source of farm labor than tractors since they don't require costly fuel.
Buffaloes in Tiger temple
The bird "NOK IENG" (นกเอี้ยง) is always the buffalo's friend, which sits on his back.
The current King Rama IX have launched the Ox-Buffalo Bank project. This project was set up to lend buffaloes. When buffaloes breed, the farmer has to give back the babies to the bank in order to increase the buffalo number. Cows in countryside
The buffalo bank lends out animals to farmers who might not otherwise use them.
To save the beast from extinction, Boontha Chailert has opened a water buffalo refuge in Ban Muang Pha village, 360 miles north of Bangkok. Nowadays farmers are showing renewed interest in using water buffaloes to plough their fields. Farmers return to traditional, cheaper, methods of farming. Tractors are said to be too expensive to take care of.
Buffalo skull
A buffalo school has been opened in Bua Yai and animals can learn various plowing tactics. It usually takes four to six weeks for a full training including threading a rope through the buffalo's nose to guide the animal, plowing training, ability to make turns.
Buffalo in countryside
Click to see more pictures
Home > Culture > Thai Animals > Buffalo THAI CALENDAR
JANUARY
01 : New Year's Day / วันขื้นปีใหม่
Since a few decades, the western New Year's Day is also a public holiday in Thailand. But for Thai people, the traditional and most popular New Year's Day happens in April. It is called "SONGKRAN". There is a 543 years difference between the Buddhist calendar and the Gregorian calendar. Year 2010 in Europe is year 2553 in Thailand.
09 : Thai children Day / วันเด็กแห่งชาติ During this day, feasts organized by children happen. Children are highly respected in Thailand. In a bus an adult often gives his seat to a child but may not give it to an elderly person. This day always happens on the second saturday of January.
16 : Teachers Day / วันครู
This day is an occasion for pupils to make merit for their teachers (ไหว้คร่). Teachers are highly worshipped in Thailand for their knownledge. Pupils do not dare to embarrass their teachers by asking questions.
25 : Thai Army Day / วันกองทัพไทย
During this day, Thai King Rama IX visits the army and watches a military parad.
FEBRUARY
14 : Valentine's Day / วันวาเลนไทน์ 14 : Chinese New Year's Day / วันตรุษจีน
Thailand has more than 60 millions of inhabitants. Around 6 millions of them have Chinese ancestors, who immigrated to Thailand last century. So Chinese New year's day is an important public holiday. Click here to learn more about
Chinese New Year
28 : Makabucha day / วันมาฆาบูชา
It comes from the day when 1250 disciples gathered to listen to Buddha's Dharma speech (ธรรมะ) after his enlightment.
Click here to learn more about
Makabucha day
MARCH
No public holidays during this month.
APRIL
06 : Chakri day / วันที่ระลึกมหาจักรีบรมราชวงศ์ This public holiday commemorates the Chakri dynasty. The current King is the ninth King of the Chakri dynasty. A Royal ceremony is performed by the King to pay respect to King Rama I the Great, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty.
13-14-15 : Songkran / วันสงกรานต์
The "SONGKRAN" festival happens during the hot season in mid April. This festival happens in all Buddhist "THEREVADA" countries, i.e. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Burma (Myanmar). Songkran is the ancient New Year's Day. Now the official New Year's Day happens on the 1st January. But the most popular feast in Thailand is still "SONGKRAN".
Click here to learn more about Songkran
festival
MAY 01 : National Labour day / วันแรงงานแห่งชาติ
The first day of May is a public holiday commemorating the workers.
As 01st May is a Saturday, Monday 03rd is given as a substitution public holiday.
05 : Coronation day / วันฉัตรมงคล
This public holiday is a day to commemorate the coronation of current King Rama IX.
13 : Royal Ploughing / วันพืชมงคล
The Royal ploughing is done every year by Brahminic priests. This event happens in the front of the Royal temple "WAT PHRA KAEW" (วัดพระแก้ว) on the big field called "SANAM LUANG" (สนามหลวง).
This ceremony symbolises the beginning of the sowing period. Brahminic priests bless seeds and make symbolic furrows using a plough pulled by buffalos. Once the ceremony is over, onlookers run to the furrows in order to get the blessed seeds. Those seeds are supposed to bring good harvests.
This is a public holiday. 28 : Visakabucha day / วันวิสาขบูชา
This day is a Buddhist public holiday. This day commemorates the birth, the enlightment and the death (entry into the nirvana) of Buddha. Temples throughout the country are crowded with people listening to sermons about Dharma (Buddha's teaching). In the evening there is a candlelit procession around the main building of the temple (โบสถ์) containing the Buddha statues.
JUNE
No public holidays during this month.
JULY
26 : Asalabucha day / วันอาสาฬหบูชา
This day is a Buddhist public holiday. It happens one day just before the Buddhist Lent day. This day commemorates the first sermon of Buddha to his five first disciples. One of them asked to become a monk. So this day is sacred because it deals with Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (Buddhist community). There are also candlelit processions.
27 : Buddhist Lent day / วันเข้าพรรษา
This day is a Buddhist public holiday. It is the beginning of the Buddhist rain retreat which lasts three months. During this period monks are not allowed to sleep outside their temple. Thai people buy big candles and offer them to temples.
Click here to learn more about Wax
Candle procession AUGUST
12 : H.M. The Queen's Birthday / วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าฯ พระบรมราชินีนาถ
This public holiday is Thailand Mother's Day. This day is the birthday of the current Thai Queen. On this day all the buildings of Thailand are covered up with images of H.M. The Queen.
Click here to learn more about H.M. The
Queen's Birthday
SEPTEMBER
No public holidays during this month.
OCTOBER
23 : Rama V 's day / วันปิยมหาราช This is a public holiday day to commemorate the Rama V or Chulalongkorn's wise reign over Thailand. Thanks to him, Thailand did not become a French or English colony even if Thailand lost his leadership over Laos, Cambodia and the northern provinces of Malaysia. During his reign, Thailand became a modern country.
As 23rd October is a Saturday, Monday 25th is given as a substitution public holiday.
23 : End of Buddhist Lent day / วันปวารณา ออกพรรษา
This day is a religious event. The three months rain retreat is over for monks. Monks are allowed to go out of temples. Robes offering ceremonies ("THOT KATHIN" - ทอด กฐิน) happen everywhere in Thailand. Thai people choose poor remote Buddhist temples and bring there clothes, food for the monks. "THOT KATHIN" ceremonies last one month.
24 : Robes offering ceremony start / วันออกพรรษา เริ่มกฐินกาล
NOVEMBER 21 : Loi Krathong day / วันลอยกระทง
Loi Krathong is a religious event which happens every year on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (first full moon day of November). All Thai people buy or make a "KRATHONG". It is made of styrofoam surrounded by banana leaves, with flowers and a candle in the middle. During the evening Thai people go to places where there is a river, a pound to launch their "KRATHONG".
Click here to learn more about Loi
kratong
DECEMBER
03 : Trooping of the Colors
During this day, Thai Royal guards parade in front of the members of the royal family and pledge allegiance to H.M. the King. They are dressed in colorful uniforms, reminding the time when coloured flags served as rallying points during the battle.
05 : H.M. The King Birthday / วันเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา พระบาท สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว
This public holiday is Thailand Father's day. This day is the birthday of the current Thai King, Rama IX. All the buildings of Thailand are covered up with symbols of the monarchy and the King. Click here to learn more about H.M. The
King's Birthday
As 05th December is a Sunday, Monday 06th is given as a substitution public holiday.
10 : Constitution Day / วันพระราชทานรัฐธรรมบูญ
Since 1932 Thailand is a democracy. Before 1932, Thailand was called Siam and was under the total rule of the King. Now Thailand is a democracy. The king has still some power, but just a moral power over Thai people, who worship him for all its kindness and goodness. Thailand is similar to English system, i.e. a King with no real power, a government and no president. This public holiday is the day to commemorate the Thai constitution.
25 : Christmas Day / วันคริสต์มาส 31 : New Year's Eve / วันสิ้นปี
This public holiday is the last day of the year. The New Year holiday and "SONGKRAN" period have always high accident tolls. During New year holiday 2002, 501 people were killed in traffic accidents. Many were found to have been caused by reckless and drunk motorcyclists.
Click here to learn more about New
Year's Eve tradition
http://www.thaiworldview.com/lao/isan5.htm EVERYDAY LIFE
All Isan villages have common characteristics that are described below.
Many Isan houses are made of old and strong wood. Modern houses are made of brick. When travelling through Isan, visitors can see many houses with non hidden bricks. The owners couldn't finish the external aspect of the house. "ISAN" is Thailand's poorest area.
Isan house In some remote villages, houses don't have running water. There are some big jars to keep water that fall from the roof. There is a pipe that goes from the roof to the jar. During the monsoon the jars are filled gradually. With two big jars it is enough for washing during a whole year.
Water
The large cement jars have become common in the mid-1990s and can be seen all over Isan area. Before small clay jars or ceramic jars were used.
In the past, during the dry season, villagers went in a caravan with many carts to large rivers and stayed a few weeks to collect enough food. Fish were dried and preserved with salt and rice bran. This kind of fish is called "PLA RA" (ปลาร้า). They would also prepare "PLA SOM" (ปลาส้ม) with salt and rice to make salty and sour fish. It could be kept and eaten over a long period of time. Nowadays such food is still a favorite for local Isan habitants.
Cart with buffaloes A village was always settled on the edge of a river or in a place where water resource could be available within a day.
Buses speed through Isan villages. There are footbridges to cross the roads because cars, autobus really drive fast and it can be dangerous for children. Sometimes Police stop buses to check the ID papers. They are looking for illegal immigrants from Laos or checking the autobus driver hours of driving.
Bus to Loei
In Isan area there are more motorcycles than cars. Often three people ride motorcycles, i.e. the parents and their child. Five people (two adults and three children) is also not a rare combination! They don't wear a helmet due the heat.
Such "TUK TUK" (ตุ๊กตุ๊ก) is very useful to carry farmers in order to go working in the paddy fields. They are also used to carry the rice after the harvest. Tuk Tuk
The engine is the same as a ploughing machine. Such Tuk Tuk cannot go fast but can carry heavy loads.
Tuk Tuk
In a pickup car, more people can seat. Two in the front seats, four in the back seats, and many people in the pickup back area. That is the typical configuration before going for lunch near a waterfall. Many people coming means it will be very funny (สน๊ก - "SANUK"). Nowadays, when a farmer goes to his fields, he often rides on a ploughing machine. The ploughing machine has replaced the buffalo and cart. It acts as a tractor and pulls a trailer. The iron-spiked wheels then need to be exchanged for tyres.
Ploughing machine
It is very common to see many old people and young children in Isan villages. Young people go to Bangkok to find work and come back home for festive period such as New Year or "SONGKRAN".
Such local "TUK TUK" (ตุ๊กตุ๊ก) is used to carry workers directly to paddy fields.
Local Tuk Tuk In many Isan temples close to Mekong river, long boats can be found lying under sheds. They are used for races at the end of rain retreat.
Boats
In Isan villages Buddhist temples have often toned down colors. Temples are less glittering than in Bangkok. Often they are just covered with painted colors. No stuff that glitters in the sun. Due to hot temperatures (up to 40 °C / 104 °F) and heavy rains during the monsoon, the temples colors lose gradually their brightness.
Thai temple Some skillfull men make baskets ("KRATIT KHAO" - กระติก ข้าว) to keep hot the sticky rice ("KHAO NIO" - ข้าวเหนียว ) and also specific nets to catch fishes in rice fields.
Arts and crafts skills
In Thai villages, 7-Eleven convenient stores have not yet settled. Each village has a few local stores selling basic commodities such as instand noodles, beer, gasoline in bottle...
Local store
Previously in Isan villages, stores were often managed by Chinese or Vietnamese people. When Vietnamese people leave a village, they never sell their store. They leave it there for the next Vietnamese people. They were often blamed to send the money to Vietnam, not like Chinese peole who stay here during their whole life. The "NAI HOI" were historical local cattle merchants leading buffalos from Isan to the central regions of Thailand to sell them.
Local store
The major difference between the "NAI HOI" (นายฮ้อย) and Chinese traders was that villagers knew that the "NAI HOI" were local people. So while trading, they understand locals and their culture.
In provincial cities, such buildings are very common with shops on the ground floor and the housing on upper floors.
Local store During the dry season in many villages visitors can also see older women looking after babies and children, while fathers and the youth are working in Bangkok or other big cities.
Children in village
Significant groups of Chinese and Vietnamese migrants settle in Isan. In Nongkhai province, Vietnamese sandwiches can be purchased.
Vietnamese bread After rolling the papers on the bamboo panels, there are set in the sun to dry. Sri Chiang Mai is famous worldwide for this activity.
Rice Paper for Spring Rolls
Isan man have always use tatooes. It is part of their life. Isan girls have always liked young men with tatoos. Tattoing the body was common among young village men as it was a sign of manhood.
In Thailand, houses have been built with strong wood because termites, ants and other insects quickly destroy the soft wood.
Isan house Electricity came to most districts in the late 1960s. Electricity in villages allows the purchase of electrical products so creating new needs for villagers and starting the endless debt cycle.
Houses were usually 5 to 6 meters high. The ground level is left for cattle, buffaloes, chicken and ducks. The family live in the upstairs part. Such house has no toilets and no bathroom.
Isan house
Around the house, families grow fuits trees such as mango, papaya, banana trees and have a small garden to grow vegetables.
Isan house
Up until the late 1970s hospitals were only found in provincial towns or sometimes in larger district towns. In most district towns, the government establishes community Health Centre ("SUAN SUKHAPHAP" - สวนสขภาพ). Each village has a community Health Centre ("SUAN SUKHAPHAP" - สวนสข ภาพ).
Community Health Centre
There are still some "MO YA SAMUNPHRAI" (หมอยาสม๊นไพร) or medicine herbs doctors. They are well known healers who use herbal medicines. The "MO YA PHI FA" (หมอยาผีฟ้า) is invited to cure a sick person in cases when the cause is not known.
Local Thai farmers are bringing back their cows before sunset time.
Cattle The "MOLAM" (หมอลำา) are those who are known for their skills of singing, dancing and entertaining in "LAM" (ลำา) style. Nowadays "MOLAM" music is famous all over Thailand.
Local bins are made old recycled tyres. In fact tyres are broken down and the material re-used in lower grade applications.
Local bin
Villagers always construct a spirit shrine or "SAN PU TA" (ศาลปู่ตา) at the fringe of the village. The place has to be peaceful with big trees offering shade. Recently arrived migrants shall always ask for the protection and blessings of "SAN PU TA". At the Shrine of the village ancestors, local people make an offering to the spirits of their ancestors. Every year everybody must pay respect to the ancestors and all the grandmothers and grandfathers who have died. If people did not do that, they could not expect to have a good life.
Shrine of the village ancestors
Most villagers still seek the advice of elders. They know that without their blessing it would be difficult to get villager's participation in community activities.
Having many children was a sign of fertility and the large family was blessed. After the birth, the woman has to lie by a fire. This fire helped to purify of all poisons and influences from ghosts. Newborn child
"MOLAM" (หมอลำา) concerts are very popular in Isan area. In the past medicine trucks ("ROT KAI YA" - รถขายยา) were travelling through Isan. During the dry season, these mobile cinemas come to village to show films and sell medicine.
Molam concert advertisement
Today the Isan language continues to be language learnt and spoken at home.
Local pond Villagers used to assist each other during stages of rice growing. Help was needed during transplanting, harvesting and threshing. Nowadays farmers rely on their family and hired labour.
Farmer house
Click to see more pictures THAI FAMILY
Thai family has a hierarchy with the parents at the top of it. Children are educated to always honor their parents and to thank them for the time and money spent for education. Children shall have gratitude ("KATANJOO" - กตัญญ่) towards their parents. The worst insult for a Thai people is to be deemed ungrateful.
Gratitude is the first qualification of a good person in Thailand. Father and mother are to be respected and honored. Young people shall send money to support their parents until at least they get married.
Many words are used in Thai language to identify all the members of the family.
Within children there is also a hierachy.
o Every child has an elder, called "PHI" or พี่ o Every child has a younger, called "NONG" or น้อง When speaking to an elder, Thai children always use the word "PHI" ( พี่ ). When the difference of age is not important, they only use first name. Younger must respect elder, listen to their advice. Elder shall protect younger.
Grandmother and grandfather have also different names. Thai children must use four names instead of two in westerner countries.
o The mother of the mother is called "YAI" or ยาย o The father of the mother is called "TA" or ตา o The mother of the father is called "YA" or ยูา o The father of the father is called "PU" or ปู่
Uncles and aunts have also different names. Thai children must use four names instead of two in westerner countries.
o An elder brother of one's parent is called "LUNG" or ล๊ง o An elder sister of one's parent is called "PA" or ป้า o A younger sister or brother of one's mother is called "NA" or น้า o A younger sister or brother of one's father is called "AH" or อา Thai family having fun in a Bangkok Lumphini park.
Thai family
The words "PHI" (พี่), "NONG" (น้อง), "LUNG" (ล๊ง), "PA" (ป้า), "YAI" (ยาย) are also used in everyday life with unknown persons. Thai people evaluate the age of the person in front of them and then use the correct word. For example, in a restaurant a waitress is called "PHI" or "NONG". In case of doubt about her age, "PHI" is used. A taxi driver in middle age is called "LUNG". A woman selling street food in middle age is called "PA". Older people more than sixty years old are called "YAI" or "PU".
To be more polite the word "KHUN" (ค๊ณ) can be added before.
Even between friends, there is a hierarchy. The younger person use the word "PHI" (พี่). The elder person use the first name.
In ceremonies such as a marriage, when the couple thank everybody during a speech, they use the word "PHI-NONG" ( พี่น้อง ), which means all sisters and brothers. All guests are not from the close family but in villages, all are considered like a family. Everything is a question of age and sex. Seniority is a important part of Thai society. A younger person shall respect the older person. When Thai children write letters to their parents, they often begin their letter with the words "FATHER, MOTHER THAT I RESPECT" (พูอแมูที่ฉันเคารพ).
Thai children used to live not far from their parents. A big part of the wages should be given to parents. Now things are changing. With the industrialisation of Thailand, many young Thai people go to Bangkok to take their chance. They almost continue to send money to support their parents. But parents, far away from their children, have less influence on them. In previous decades parents chose the mate. Nowadays many young Thai people choose on their own.
Often Thai children continue to live in their parent's house even if they are old enough to live their own life. Especially for girls, they should not leave their parent's home if they are not married. If a girl is living alone, everybody gossip that she is a bad girl or a "MIA NOI" (เมียน้อย), mistress of a wealthy man.
In Thailand there is no pension when workers retire. So the only support for the old parents are their children. Thai people don't like the westerner principle to send old parents in special nursing-home. They say it is not a nice way to thank parents for all the goodness they did. All the family shall live together. Children are the assurance for the parents. Khmer empire
Before any Thai kingdom, there were Khmer kingdoms. Khmer empire was made of actual Cambodia, Laos and a big part of Thailand. Some towns like Lopburi, Phimai still have Khmer ruins. In all northeastern area there are many old Khmer ruins not all in good condition. The major ones are in Phimai (near Nakhon Ratchasima) and Phanom Rung (near Buriram). The most beautiful Khmer ruins outside Cambodia can be seen in Thailand.
Phimai sanctuary Sukothai
In 1238 Sukhotai kingdom was created. It did last until 1438. This period is well known for the Sukhotai Buddha statues that are very beautiful. Some can be seen at the National Museum or "WAT BENCHAMABOPHIT" in Bangkok. Almost all monuments are made of light bricks. So they didn't resist to monsoons over centuries. The ruins in old cities of Sukhotai, Kampeang Phet, Sri Sichanalai are worth visiting.
Sukhotai
Old city of Sukhotai has been recognised by UNESCO as a treasure of humanity. The famous King Rama Khampheng was the first to write with the first known representation of Thai writing. He says that Thai people do not starve because they have rice in the fields and fish in the rivers. Sukhotai was absorbed by the rival kingdom of Ayuthaya. Ayuthaya Ayuthaya was a great kingdom. Its capital had more than one million of inhabitants, i.e. more than in European capitals at the same time. Kingdom of Ayuthaya had diplomatic relations with European countries such as Portugal and France. Some Thai diplomats went to France in 1687 to the royal court of Louis XIV, the French King who did build Versailles. They arrived by boat in the French town called Brest. Since this time the major avenue of Brest is called rue de Siam which means "Siam street". Kingdom of Ayuthaya was always in war with Burmese, Laotian and Khmer kingdoms.
Ayuthaya
Suriyothai, Queen of Ayutthaya, is the queen who fought and died to protect her husband and king's life while advancing into battle against the invading Burmese battalion in the 14th century.
King Naresuan is famous for having a duel on elephants with the Burmese Crown Prince and won against him. King Naresuan regained independence from Burma for the Ayuthaya kingdom.
Nai Khanom Tom was a famous Thai boxer, who, having been captured by the Burmese, regained his freedom by defeating nine of the enemy's gladiators in a contest witnessed by the Burmese king.
Ayuthaya defeated Khmer kingdom and seized the mythic town Angkor in 1431. More than 37 wars opposed Burma and Siam during three centuries. Finally Ayuthaya was defeated in 1767 by Burma. Ayuthaya was complete destroyed, Buddha statues were molten in order to get the gold. Still nowadays the old remaining ruins can be visited. Chakri dynasty
In 1782 General Taksin succeeded to beat the Burmese Kingdom. He did establish a new capital Thonburi.
After Taksin's death, Rama I became the first king of the Chakri dynasty. He did establish a new capital Bangkok on the other shore of the river Chao Praya.
Wat Phra Kaew
Rama IV is very famous. His name was Monkgut. Before being king, he was a monk until 45 years old. He was very clever and even calculated the date of an eclipse. Pitiful he caught malaria when observing this eclipse. Rama V (dead in 1910) is known as the King Chulalongkorn. He is still highly worshipped in Thailand. His statue is at "Ratchadamnoen avenue" near Dusit Throne Hall. Every year, on the 23th october, there is a huge crowd for his birthday celebration. He is famous because he worked for the improvement of Thailand in the modern world.
Bang Pa In
Rama V is the one who made school mandatory for all, suppress slavery, transform the administration to match with foreign administration. It was the only way to escape from the invasion of colonial French and English troops. It was to show them that Thailand was a modern country. But he did not succeed to avoid territorial cuts, i.e. France did take Laos and Cambodia west part that were under Thai rules and also southern provinces that were taken by English troops. He is the one which brought many foreign customs (table, chair, fork, spoon, woman with long hairs) in Thailand. He also sent his children abroad in order that they studied foreign methods and then came back in Thailand to support him. 23 October is Rama V 's day ( วันปิย มหาราช) and is a public day to commemorate the Rama V or Chulalongkorn wise reign over Thailand.
Rama V
The Paknam Incident on July 13, 1893 is remembered as a dispute over a large part of Laotian territory on the banks of the Mekong River and led to a military clash between Siam and France on the Chao Phya River near Bangkok. Siamese troops opened fire on French gunboats sent up the river to Bangkok. The French fired back. The battle ended with the loss of 151 Siamese soldiers and 32 French troops. The Treaty of Peace and Convention between France and Siam was signed in Bangkok on October 3. Under the pact, Siam had to renounce all rights to the territories on the left bank of the Mekong (about 143,800 square kilometres) and to all islands in the river.
Before Thai kings have several wives and queens. There was a rank between all his wives. That is why after 5 generations , all royal status disappear because there will be too many people with a royal status. Nowadays the king acts as normal person and has one wife. Before Thailand was called kingdom of Siam. It has changed the name in 1933. Actual King is Rama IX who became king in 1946.
Rama IX
Thai revolutions
A bloodless revolution in 1932 put an end to absolute monarchy in Thailand and led to a constitutional monarchy.
October 14, 1973, October 6, 1976, and Black May 1992 are major dates in Thai history for the struggle for democracy. The Thai army has shot on Thai people on these three events. There has never been any formal apology. Each time the Thai army has said it could never happen again.
Between 1963 and 1973 Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn presided over a repressive military regime which was overthrown by pro-democracy students who suffered scores of casualties the 14 October 1973.
FM Thanom is also at the origin of the Thammasat university massacre. His return in 1976 from overseas exile in the robes of a monk provoked the anger of students. This leaded to the 6 october 1976 massacre in Thammasat university where 300 students were killed by soldiers. Military argued that these students were a communist threat for the country. After the massacre many students joined the PLAT (Popular Liberation Army Thai) and fought until the amnesty in the 1980's. Black May in 1992 happened when pro-democracy protesters were brutally suppressed by military forces under army commander Gen Issarapong Noonpakdi. In the attack on protesters demanding Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon step down as Prime Minister, 48 died and 44 went missing, according to official accounts.
In march 1999 complaints arose due to the appointment of FM Thanom Kittikachorn as a special royal guard. FM Thanom Kittikachorn is remembered as one the men who crushed the 1973 pro-democracy uprising in which 77 people were killed and 800 injured. Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, facing protests against his decision to award a former dictator a military honour, plans to set up a special committee to review the historical record of the October 14, 1973, uprising. Chuan Leekpai has built his political credentials largely on being a dedicated fighter in the battle for democracy. And so it is ironic that it should be he, as defence minister, who appointed FM Thanom Kittikachorn to an honorary position with the army.
Home > Society > Thai History THAI SOCIETY
. Status and Rank . Everyday life . Cultural Shocks
. Thai School
STATUS AND RANK
Thai society is very hierarchised. In Thai language many words are used to to say "I" or "YOU". The ways of saying "I" or "YOU" are depending on the person your are talking to. It depends on your status, on the status of the person in front of you.
That is why clothes are very important in Thai society. Many foreigners don't understand why Thai people wear pants instead of shorts, shirts with tie-rack, shirts with high sleeves and so on... with a so hot weather. That is because appearance is important in Thai society, it can reveal the status of the person. On the opposite point Thai people are always puzzled by foreign tourists who wear so few, so short clothes. They are really puzzled.
When talking to Thai people for the first time, they always talk about your age, your family, your job and your wages. First it is surprising but they have no bad idea in mind, it is just a way to know your status, your rank.
Here are the most common words to say "I" or "YOU". Their use depends on the interlocutor.
o ฉัน or "CHAN" means "I" with family, wife, husband. o เธอ or "THEU" means "YOU" with family, wife, husband. o ผม or "PHOM" means "I" (masculine) with friends, person of higher status. o ดิฉัน or "DICHAN" means "I" (feminine) with friends, person of higher status. o ค๊ณ or "KHUN" means "YOU" with friends, person of higher status. o ทูาน or "THAN" means "YOU" with person of really higher status. o เรา or "RAO" means "I" (feminine) among the young generations. o แกู or "KAE" means "YOU" with close friends, servants, parents to children or elders to youth. o ข้าพระพ๊ทเจ้า or "KHA PHRA PHUTA CHAO" means "YOU" when talking to the King. o ก่ or "KU" means "I" used by person of really lower status. o มึง or "MEUNG" means "YOU" used by person of really lower status. Foreigners shall not use these two last words as they are really not polite at all. If foreigners use them with a Thai people, they loose a friend forever.
There is also many different words when talking with sons of the king, daughters of the king. Different words for five generations. Since King Rama 5, people lost their royal ranking status after 5 generations.
Vocabulary used when speaking with a monk is not the same as everyday vocabulary. Monks deserve respect. Depending on the age of the monk different words are used when talking to a monk.
Thai monks
o หลวงพี่ or "LUANG PHI" means "YOU" with a monk that could be a brother. o หลวงพูอ or "LUANG PHO" means "YOU" with a monk that could be a father. o หลวงปู่ or "LUANG PU" means "YOU" with an old renowned monk. o หลวงตา or "LUANG TA" ( often a man that did become a monk when he was quite old ) is less respectful that "LUANG PHO". o หลวงเถระ or "LUANG THERA" is a Thai word used for a man being a monk for 10 years. A boy has to be seven years old at least in order to ordain ("BANPHACHA" - บัพชา) and become a Buddhist novice.
A person who has spent a Lent in monkhood is called "THIT" (ทิด) meaning a cultivated person who is mature enough to have a family of his own.
Even for monks, the rank and status appear in Buddhist ceremonies. When a group of monks go for their morning alms walk, the monk with the highest rank and age is at the front of the line while the youngest monk is at the end.
The end of the sentence is also very important. When speaking with unknown persons, end of sentence particle shall be used to show politeness. With closed friends it is not necessary at all. Like words to say "I" or "YOU" there is many end of sentence particles. Here are the most common.
o ครับ or "KHRAP" is used by masculine person with person of same status. สวัสดี ครับ is used by men to say hello. o กระผม or "KHRAPHOM" is used by masculine person with person of higher status. o คูะ or "KHA" used by feminine person with persons of all status for affirmative sentences. สวัสดีคูะ is used by ladies to say hello. o คะ or "KHA" used by feminine person with persons of all status for interrogative sentences.
Thai society is an image of Thai family. Relations elder-younger are part of Thai society. The following example shows the relationship between the village chief and the villagers.
o The village chief is called "PHO BAAN" or พูอบ้าน (father - house) o The villagers are called "LOOK BAAN" or ล่กบ้าน (children - house) EVERYDAY LIFE
The following concepts are part of Thai everyday life:
o ใจเย็น or "CHAI YEN" is more a way of life, it is to keep your temper whatever the situation.
Thai people are educated in the family and in school to keep frustration inside. Instead of showing their anger toward a problem or situation, Thai people show "CHAI YEN", i.e. calm or patience.
"CHAI YEN" concept can be seen when Thai people are standing and waiting for the bus during the hot summer without complaining. To show one's feeling to the others is not valued in Thai society. Respect of the other is highly valued. Especially in up-country villages where everybody knows each other, conflicts are always solved with the help of elderly people or monks. In big cities like Bangkok it is quite different because nobody knows nobody so behaviours are changing.
The sentence "CHAI YEN YEN" (ใจเย็นเย็น) is often said when people start to lose control. It means to calm down.
o ใจร้อน or "CHAI RON" is the opposite of "CHAI YEN", it means to lose temper.
So Thai people keep all their problems inside. Then with no previous warning, like a pressure cooker that explodes, people can act very violently. Thailand is well known for crimes related to love. Many women did cut their husband's sex with a knife because he was infidel. Thailand is supposed to have the best surgeons for these special treatments. Women did know their husband's infidelity but one day they could not support it anymore and acted violently without any previous warning. It is a typical Thai behaviour. An another example happens in 2001 when a German motorcyclist who made an obscene gesture to a van driver was shot dead by the angry motorist. o พ่ดประชด or "PHUT PRACHOT" is used when Thai people want to mask their feelings.
There is no exterior sign that they are angry. They keep it inside. But they can show it with subtle ways. By refusing or avoiding a direct confrontation with the person, they speak with an animal or with a child making him remarks that are in fact dedicated to the other person. They speak loud enough in order that the concerned person can listen and understand. o เกรงใจ or "KRENG CHAI" is the concept of respect to the elder or to other people.
"KRENG CHAI""is the way that Thai people try to avoid hurting other people's feelings.
The elders shall not be criticized at all. For example professors are highly admired because they represent the knowledge. No students dare to ask a question that could embarrass the teacher. In Thai schools the pupils learn lessons by rote repetition. So there are not educated in a way of changing things, of innovating. There are still conservationists in Thailand and some Thai artists were obliged to withdraw their paintings due to conservationists threats.
"KRENG CHAI" concept is also valid for monks. During summer 1998, there was a problem with a monk, who did make a Buddha statue that was not conforming to the Buddhist rules. Same things for art creation, especially for religious arts, there is not a total freedom. Students learning abroad bring to Thailand westerner ways of working, thinking. o สน๊ก or "SANUK" means "to have fun".
An important thing in everyday life is "SANUK". Thai people love to have fun together. "SANUK" can represent many things : eat together, to be with friends and chat, to go out with friends. For Thai people "SANUK" happens with several persons. When coming back from business, Thai people often ask "was it funny ?" (สน๊กไหม) before "was it successful ?". Going together to the waterfall is always very funny. Bring food, beer, ice cubes, guitar and play in the fresh water.
Waterfall
In Thailand, the group is more important than the individual. It is linked to Thailand's agriculture-based culture. An individual belongs to a group, such as family, institute or social class. These groups dictate who you are, what you are entitled to, how important you are, and so on. If you do not belong to a group, you are nobody. Hence, the key is to maintain relationships with others. We have to be careful not to harm any relationship with the group. o เกียรติ์ or "KIET" is the concept of repute. ก้่หน้า or "KU NA" is the concept of saving face.
Open and direct criticism is not valued in Thai society. One should flatter about the good qualities instead of saying direct critics. Many foreign bosses did confront such problems in Thailand. For example after harsh critics, some employees have pretended to have a sudden headache or their grandmother have died suddenly. They never came back in the office. Criticism in front of others employees is not a right thing because if Thai people lose face in front of other people they might seek revenge.
Thai people always wish to help. Sometimes when looking for a place, it is a good idea to ask Thai people. Even if they don't know, they indicate a direction. They would lose face if they say they don't know their country. o ไมูเป็นไร or "MAI PEN RAI" means "It doesn't matter".
Thai people can use "MAI PEN RAI" for important or minor issues. Something important from a foreigner point of view can be seen minor from a Thai point of view.
Thai people use "MAI PEN RAI" to avoid making other people feel bad. Most of the time, "MAI PEN RAI" is a response to a problem. For example, a staff member forgets to bring a report to his manager. This report is not urgent. The staff member will be able to bring it in the afternoon. The manager will say "MAI PEN RAI. Bring it later this afternoon".
The first likely reason why Thais are so "MAI PEN RAI" lie in the interpretation of detachment in Buddhism. Thai people control their feelings by not allowing their face to show any frustration. They keep them inside to make society harmonious. o กินข้าวแล้วหรือยัง means "Have you already eaten ?" same as "How are you ?" in everyday speech.
Food takes an important part in Thai life. Thai people always talk about it, about next meal. o บ๊ญค๊ณ or "BOONKHUN" means reciprocation.
In Thai society, people in contact ask for favours from time to time. It helps to endorse a relationship. If a Thai people helps another Thai people, it creates dependancies and the possibility of reciprocation in the future if a favor is asked. This value creates personal connections and favouritism in both the private sector and government. o โชกดี or "CHOK DEE" means "chance". Garlands ("DOOK MALAI" - ดอกมาลัย) are supposed to bring luck. Garlands can be found everywhere in Thailand. Every driver has got a garland in his car in order to avoid misfortune.
Garlands
o Thai people are very superstitious. Odd number are supposed to be lucky numbers. Lottery tickets with odd numbers are likely appreciated. The number "9" is supposed to bring good luck. In Thai language number "nine" is closed to the word "rice" and to the word "to enter". So it is an important word of luck, food, improvement. For Buddhist ceremonies such as wedding or new shop settlement, nine monks are always invited. The number "9" is an auspicious number. The number "3" is also an important number because three multiplies three is nine. So in old times there were ceremonies for new born babies on the third day and third month of life. o ข้าว or "KHAO" means "rice". เก้า or "KAO" means "nine". เข้า or "KHAO" means "to enter". o ไมูแยแส or "MAI YAE SAE" means indifference.
Thailand is said to be a country of individualists. Thai people don't care a lot with social organisation. For example, when going working abroad Thai people must borrow money at high rates. There is no philanthropic organisation that could help them by lending money at low rates. Many children cannot continue their studies due to a lack of money. There is no philanthropic organisation that could help these children. When being adults and working, they would give back the money and it could be used for another child.
Thai drivers behavior (it frequently happens to see a motorcycle, tuk-tuk or even cars driving in the wrong way in order to do a detour) and dirty waterfalls filled of rubbish, broken bottles after a week-end are two examples of Thai indifference. o ไปเที่ยวไหน means "Where are you going ?" is same "How are you ?" in everyday speech.
BODY LANGUAGE
Greeting somebody ( "WAI" - ไหว้ ) is an important action in Thai society.
Greeting
The way to "WAI" depends on the person you greet. The highest rank the person is, the deepest and lowest your greeting must be. It is not like a hand shaking. People don't have to answer to it each time. For example if a waiter greets the guests, they don't have to answer. Answering to his greeting is a fault. The waiter would be embarrassed and would think the guests are kidding him. Younger people always have to greet first.
Thai society is changing in contact with westerner civilization. Now hand shakes happen especially in Bangkok. It is smart to act like foreigners. In Thai greeting there are no contact between bodies. The "WAI" is a greeting with no physical contact.
When dancing ( traditional "RAM WONG" - รำาวง ) there is no physical contact. Only the hands are moving in a beautiful way in the air. Of course the westerner friendly punch on shoulder or back is not appreciated. Also head shall not be touched because it is the most valued part of the body. No one shall be pointed using the foot. It is the worst insult because the feet are the less valued part of the body. Also holding hands between girl and boy is not appreciated. On the contrary holding hands between girls or between boys is tolerated because it is a sign of friendship. Of course a kiss in the street in front of everybody is not imaginable. Thai people are shocked. Same for holding one's arm, put your hand in your girlfriend's (or boyfriend's) jeans rear pocket. These are not Thai customs. Some Thai people do it but it is only a reaction against society. It is only a way of shocking the others.
When a gift is offered to Thai people, they always thank but might not open the gift immediately. It is not an offense. In Thai society, intense joy expression are not shown to others. So the gift is opened when the person is alone. Anyway if the person doesn't like the gift, nobody see her disappointment ! But now with the use of foreign customs in Thai society, the gift is often opened immediately. One thing not to do is to make a joke about the gift offered by a Thai people. The person might not appreciated the joke especially if she has searched for the gift during a long time. It is like losing the face in front of the others.
To show expression such as anger in front of other is not valued. It is the same for laughs. Especially for women. Most of the time they put the hand before the mouth when laughing.
TIME
Often problems can happen with Thai people about timetable misunderstandings. From a Buddhist point of view, time is not so important because before reaching enlightenment many lives are needed.
Thai Time is divided in five sections :
o เช้า or "CHAO", the morning, from 6 AM to 11 AM. o บูาย or "BAI", the afternoon, from 1 PM to 3 PM. o เย็น or "YEN", the beginning of evening, from 4 PM to 6 PM. o ทู๊ม or "THUM", the evening, from 7 PM to 11 PM. o ตี or "TI", the night, from 1 AM to 6 AM. o เที่ียง or "THIENG" means midday. o เที่ียงคืน or "THIENG KEUN" means midnight. When using Thai language no confusion is possible. But when using English language confusion may appear. Thai people often translate the Thai time into English language but without any English background. So when a Thai person says four o'clock, it is better to check if it is four o'clock in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening or the night. No problem with bus, train or plane because timetables are displayed through international standards (i.e. 24 hours mode).
Thai people don't bother about time as much as foreign people, especially about past and future. Past is not important. It's over especially bad events. Future is not so important also. What is important is present, the current time. For future they will see later.
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CULTURAL SHOCKS
o Cultural shocks frequently happen due to weak knowledge of Thai Buddhism. a Belgium society published an advertising showing a monk being clasped by a woman. A monk is not supposed to touch any part of the body of a woman. So this publicity was removed after the Thai and Laotian embassies complained about it.
Belgium chocolate
A few years ago when a famous Thai monk was visiting the USA, a woman - new adept of Buddhism - wanted to kiss the monk to greet him. The bodyguards have to do their best to protect the monk.
In year 2004, an American company was selling a Buddha-laden swimsuit on the Internet. News of the bikini controversy reached Thailand, where government and military officials criticized the bathing suit. Victoria's secret
Westerner people make advertising, TV commercials, music clips with their own culture in mind and don't think about cultural conflicts that could happen. In foreign societies, monk are always seen like quiet, peaceful, undisturbable persons, always concentrated on meditation. So showing monks having a big fun and forgetting their rules shows that the product can even disturb them from their ultimate goal.
In year 2004, an Australian shoe company used an imprint of a Buddha image on the back of shoes, causing Thailand to register its displeasure.
Ecobuddha
In year 2003 airline Lufthansa has apologised to Thailand for an offending picture in its magazine showing a woman sitting on a statue of Buddha. The publicity was removed after the Thai embassy complained about it. In year 2004 the movie "Hollywood Buddha" poster depicts the lead actor sitting on top of a bust of Buddha. The Foreign Ministry has assigned the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles to raise the issue of the promotional poster with the movie's producer. To Thai Buddhists, the head is the most sacred part of the body and is not to be touched, let alone sat upon.
Hollywood Buddha
The Ministry of Culture plans to launch a "Do and Don't" booklet for foreigners to learn about Thai culture before coming to the country.
These two old pictures are offending pictures as these two men are sitting on a statue of Buddha. In 2007 the censorship of controversial scenes in Apichatpong Weerasethakul's film "Saeng Sattawat" (Syndromes and a Century) has led to a call to liberate Thai films from state intervention. The film's director refused to cut the scenes and instead agreed not to screen the film in Thailand at all. The scenes involve the portrayal of monks and doctors in inappropriate ways, according to censors. Two scenes feature a monk playing a guitar and a monk playing a game. The Culture Ministry objected to the scenes.
In 2007 the Culture Ministry received complaints about an American company which had been advertising products using the Buddha as their logo. The image of the Buddha was displayed on clothing included women's strings, men's underpants, dog warmers and women's spaghetti- style tops.
The Philosophy Shop
In year 2008 two German tourists were arrested for having sex on a wall of the Srisanphet Temple in Ayutthaya. The couple were handed over to police and were fined Bt500 each before released.
o Cultural shocks frequently happen due to weak knowledge of Thai culture.
In april 1998 a wife of a north European diplomat slapped the face of a little Thai boy because he threw water on her evening dress. This happened during the Songkran feast. Traditionally this ceremony is aimed to pour water into the palms hands in order that bad actions, bad thoughts flow away with the water. But nowadays Songkran is better known for the tourist game of throwing water. The wife had to excuse herself to the family of the little boy.
Thai people are always ready to help. If somebody asks for his way, Thai people might prefer saying a wrong indication instead of saying they don't know. The concept of saving face is very important.
To criticise is not popular in Thai society. Thai society is based on harmony, consensus. In a factory, a boss shall not criticise one staff in front of all employees. It shall be done with tact with indirect critics and not direct critics. It is the contrary of western methods. For example teachers are never criticised because they represent the knowledge.
o Cultural shocks frequently happen due to weak knowledge of Thai monarchy.
In Thailand, the Royal family is highly worshipped, especially the King Rama 9. Nobody dare to criticise them. There is even a law for crime de Lèse-Majesté. A few years ago a foreigner did have big problems when a misunderstanding happened with a restaurant owner. Disagreeing on the bill, the foreigner did walk on a bank note on purpose. But on every Thai bank note, there is the King's face! The restaurant owner gave him a painful correction for this serious offence.
Buddhist enlightenment is reached by using meditation through the mind, so the head. The head is the most valued part of the body. Of course the King's head is the most valued. The feet symbolize the attachment to the ground, so the human beings' suffering. The feet are the lowest part of the body. In 2001 a Scottish man could have been sentenced to death for allegedly urinating on or near a picture of the King of Thailand. Following Thai law, this man faced Thai death sentence for shameful exposure. He was finally deported.
500 Baht banknote
A French businessman was charged with lese majeste in year 1994 for uttering an swearword on a airline after a flight attendant asked him to turn off his reading light to avoid disturbing a nearby princess.
In year 2006, a drunk Swiss faced jail for royal graffiti. This Swiss man was arrested for drunkenly defacing portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the revered monarch's birthday and faced up to 15 years in jail. It was a lese-majeste case. In 2007, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail but finally His Majesty has granted him a pardon and he was deported from Thailand. In year 2007, Thai authorities had blocked the popular website YouTube, over an insulting video of His Majesty the King. The video showed pictures of King Bhumibol Adulyadej with a pair of woman's feet superimposed on his face.
King
In year 2008, a cabinet minister was forced to resign after he was accused of offending the King in a speech about the 2006 coup by royalist generals who ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thai Politicians often use such 'Lese Majeste' argument to attack each other.
In year 2008, a Thai woman was arrested for refusing to stand as the royal anthem played in a Bangkok cinema. She could face up to 15 years in prison.
o Cultural shocks frequently happen due to weak knowledge of Thai behavior. Thai people are rarely seen in swimming suit. They swim with their pants and tee-shirt. Skin shall not be dark. A sunbathed skin is not appreciated by Thai people because it is the symbol of the peasant. If one has a skin dark, it means that he is working outside. Symbol of beauty is the whiteness. For Thai people, it is also to do with their level of self-decency. So in Thailand foreigners are looking for sun to get a sunbathed skin - symbol of nice holidays - but Thai people try to escape it!
BangSaen beach
Thai people are also puzzled to see topless foreigner women on the beach. A normal Thai woman will never do this. Two places with a serious contrast are Pattaya and Bang Saen in Chonburi area. Pattaya is the famous international beach resort dedicated for foreigners. Bang Saen is a beach resort only frequented by Thai people.
Seeing a Thai woman with an umbrella when the sun is shinning ? In all Asian countries umbrella is also used to protect against sun. In year 2007 actress and student Chotiros was rebuked for wearing a revealing outfit to the Subhanahongsa Awards, Thais version of the Oscars. She has attracted criticism because she is a liberal arts student at a leading university. The university rector said its students should be responsible not only to themselves but to the school and society. She had to perform community service as part of punishment meted out by Thammasat University.
Chotiros Suriyawong
The way Thai people close the car doors is different from the foreigner way. In Thailand doors are closed in order to avoid somebody opening it from the outside. In westerner countries doors are not closed in order to allow a fast opening in case of an emergency.
When having a shower, Thai people shall not use the same towel for the whole body. The correct way is to use one for the upper part (the head) and another for the lower parts.
o Cultural shocks frequently happen due to weak knowledge of Thai language.
Some Thai people greet foreigners by saying "Hey you !". From a foreigner point of view, this is not a polite way to greet people. What will Thai people think if foreigner greet them with the word "MEUNG" (มึง), i.e. "YOU" used by person of lower social status. Anyway when they say "Hey you !", Thai people always use a nice smile.
o Cultural shocks frequently happen due to weak knowledge of Thai body language.
. Thai people do not like big effusion, body contact. They don't like to be stared eye into eye. It is the opposite of western methods. . Big and loud laughs are not common. Thai women often put their hand in front of the mouth before laughing. . Holding hands is fine, but hugging or kissing in public are not acceptable. Love is barely shown outside home. . As feet are considered as the lowest valued part of the body, pointing somebody with a foot is a big mistake. The westerner attitute to put the feet on the desk, cross over a meal while people are eating are also mistakes. As the head is considered as the highest valued part of the body, heads should not be touched except for children. . Thai smile has several meanings from a greeting, a thank, answer to a greeting, a way to excuse one-self, a way to not answer and so on... If a lovely Thai girl smiles at you, it doesn't means that she is fond of you. She might be puzzled by your clothes, your blond hair and simply by the way you walk. And don't forget that Thailand is the Land of smiles. . Some foreigners living in Thailand complain that Thai people often smile at inappropriate times. To the foreigner, what appears as a smile (no matter that it is not a happy smile) is seen as the Thai people taking the situation too lightly. Thai society puts much emphasis on relationships. Thai people want to create a friendly atmosphere. . Speaking loudly is not also a typical Thai attitude. Foreigners speaking loudly to get something or because they are angry won't succeed at all. It will only worsen the situation.
However customs are evolving fast, notably in Bangkok where more western customs are adopted.
WEB SITES
o Discover the column of KOMSAN (The Nation). It deals about Thai cultural differences and subtleties.
o Discover the column of KAT It shows daily life in Thailand through the eyes of a curious westerner trying to sort out the meaning of it all. THAI SCHOOL
During centuries in Thailand, most of schools (โรงเรียน - "RONG RIEN") were installed inside Buddhist temples. Monks were teaching pupils. Due to Dharma (ธรรม - teachings of the Buddha) rules, little girls did not have the opportunity to study and reach a high level. The only alternative was for boys. They had to enter the Sangha (สังฆ - Buddhist community) and then could study in the Bangkok Buddhist universities. Only since Rama V (1853 - 1910), school is mandatory for both boys and girls. Since that time schools are under the state rule. Schools are mandatory from age 6 up to 15.
It is compulsory for children between the ages of six and fifteen to attend school in Thailand. After the mandatory schooling is completed, attendance rates drop up to 50 percent, according to some statistics. Only a small percentage of students continue their education beyond secondary school.
Thai school scouts
But the attendance rate of Thai children attending primary school is still very high. The attendance rate of Thai middle-school students - measured in 2006 - was 89%, compared to a world average of 79%. Thai high-school students had an attendance rate of 65%, compared to a world average of 51%. Meanwhile, the attendance rate of Thai college students - 41% - was still considered acceptable.
The first six years are called "PATHOM" (ปฐม). The last six years are called "MATHAYOM" (มัธยม). It is divided into two sections of three years.
Thai pupil
Lessons in "PATHOM"'s first year focus on respect toward parents, a green world, to help each other, to take care about the forests, not to cut trees to avoid floods, to take care about public belongings, not to forget one's word, to respect Thailand, to listen to the parents, to dislike robbery, to read in order to have knowledge. During the 1997 Asian economic crisis the number of children in school has not diminished at all, it has even increased. Some parents realised that education is the most important thing.
Thai school
In poor rural area like "ISAN" (อีสาน - northeastern part of Thailand), many children used to stop going school even before twelve years old. Especially little girls because parents thought that the girl shall find a husband and therefore no education was necessary. Also in poor families children stopped learning in order to help their parents to make a living. Often the older sacrifices him-self to help the younger.
Previously children from rural villages rarely had the chance to study many years because their parents worked on paddy fields. They wanted the children to stay at home and to take care about the house. The children were forced to stay away from school during rice farming season because buffaloes were not allowed to wander in the fields. They would ruin and eat the crops.
Thai school pupils If their parents don't have enough money, the children cannot go to school. Sometimes parents cannot afford to purchase school uniforms - white shirts, blue trousers or skirts, white socks - and take their children out of school rather than lose face by having their child go to school without uniform.
Some remote hill tribes villages don't have official governmental schools. Hopefully such village schools, mixing children with different ages, teach the basis to pupils.
Thai Karen village school
Some Northern temple schools give free education to poor young hilltribe people as many remote ethnic minorities are neglected. In older time, schools were in temples. Sometimes, when governmental schools were established, monks still teach but received no salary from the government.
In year 1999 more transparence was asked about the Grade 1 entrance exam results. Some universities or private schools refuse to give them. Some say bribes ("tea money") allow entrance, no matter what test scores they achieve.. Thai school pupils
In 1999 a revolution in Thai education was announced for year 2000. There shall be freedom of choice of subjects to study, and no more mandatory textbooks. The radical changes are to switch the emphasis from rote learning to developing creativity and a questioning mind.
In Thai society children are highly valued. In a bus, a person gives his seat to a child but not necessarily to an old person. It is contrary of foreign view.
Thai school feast
Since year 1999 provisions for the state to provide 12 years of free basic education won the legislature's approval. Lawmakers agreed the state must provide free compulsory education for nine years, and another three years of free schooling for those who wish to further their studies. In 2001 teachers and school executives who succeed in changing their teaching methods to suit the new learner-centred education may be paid bonuses. Thailand's new syllabuses for 12-year compulsory education, which would be officially used in year 2002, emphasise understanding, not rote learning. Thai classrooms are large with classes of 50 students or more.
Thai school pupil
Qualified teachers are found to be concentrated in elitist schools due to better salaries. There is a problem distributing teachers with similar educational backgrounds and experience as well as learning materials to schools in remote areas. A Thai superstition says that adults shall not drink or food left by their children as they will not be afraid of parental authority anymore.
Thai school pupil
In year 2010 test results in Thai schools have shown a failure rate of more than 80 per cent in mathematics, biology and computer studies among the teachers. More than 84 000 teachers and school directors took the exams, the first of their kind. The poor results have ignited controversy about educational standards. Many feasts happen in Thai schools such as Sport day, Teacher's day, Children's Day, the Queen's day and so on... The Children's Day features child- centred activities, most of which were to encourage the creativity and skills of children as well as to support the underprivileged.
Thai school feast
Teachers Day (วันคร่) is an occasion for pupils to make merit for their teachers. Teachers are highly worshipped in Thailand for their knowledge. Pupils don't dare to embarrass their teachers. This day happens on the 16th January.
Holidays for children are of course during summer. But in Thailand summer (or hot season) is during months April and May.
Thai school Thai alphabet is quite difficult for young Thai children. It takes a few years to master the whole alphabet, read and write.
Thai alphabet book
ONE DAY AT SCHOOL
Every morning, Thai pupils need to line up before the flagpole. They have to listen to the head teacher and show respect to the Thai flag. Pupils have to stand up very straight while singing the Thai national anthem. Thai village school
In the early morning, the head teacher is making a speech and ask witty questions to the children. These questions can be related to everyday life (Buddhist festival etc...)
Thai temple school
School girls and boys are standing in rows and line up before the flag pole. The Thai flag is hoisted at 8 AM sharp.
Thai temple school
Children show respect to the flag and are standing up very straight while singing the Thai national anthem. A pupil is singing the Thai national anthem. Another pupil is saying Buddhist auspicious sentences.
Thai temple school
Happy school children are waiting for their teacher who is late today. In village school, it is acceptable for a teacher to arrive late if he was present and helping at a temple fair the previous night!
Thai temple school Tooth brushes with individual name are present in each classroom. Children need to remove shoes when entering into the school building. They put the shoes in front of the classroom wall.
Thai temple school
In the evening around 4 PM, pupils are standing in rows again. The head teacher says a few sentences and then releases them. It is time to go home.
Thai temple school Many parents are waiting for their kids and bring them home by riding a motorbike. Many children have to do their homework by them-selves.
Thai temple school
Some children can go back home thanks to the shuttle bus provided by the village.
Thai temple school Click to see more pictures LIBRARY
ThaiWorldView website focuses on Thai culture and Thai society. ThaiWorldView pages are based on own experience about Thailand but also on various readings from Thai newspapers and books. Please find below ThaiWorldView Thai books database classified by genre.
. Tourism . Novel . Culture . Buddhism . Language . Economy . Society . Photography . Cinema
THAI TOURISM BOOKS o Author: William Warren, Paul Chesley o Publisher: Les Editions du Pacifique o Isbn: 981-3018-18-6 o Year: 1994 o Language: French o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Tourism
Bangkok
Summary: William Warren is American. He is living in Bangkok since 1960. He has written more than 20 books about Thailand. Paul Chesley likes photographing everyday life and Asian culture.
o Author: Folker Reichert o Publisher: Editions J.C. Lattes o Isbn: 90-05-45-1831-2 o Year: First Edition, 1990 o Language: French o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande L'Iconotheque
Summary: Aux "Pays des hommes libres", les somptueux temples de Bouddha voisinent avec les maisons des esprits nichées dans les arbres; en Thailande - terre du lotus et du pavot -, l'on passe des montagnes ravinées par la mousson aux grandes plages de sable blanc ombragees par les cocotiers... Du chatoiement sagran des robes des moines à l'or des statues, du sourire d'une enfant akha à la pierre burinée d'un monument khmer, decouvrez l'authentique royaume de Thailande attachant, insolite, troublant.
o Author: Luca Invernizzi, Alberto Cassio, William Warren o Publisher: Times Edition o Isbn: 981-204-036-6 o Year: Third Printing, 1995 o Language: French o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande Vue du Ciel
Summary: Vu du ciel, le paysage de la Thailande est une étude fascinante de contrastes et de motifs: des colonnes de ruines décapitées se tendant vers le ciel, des immeubles blancs reluisants dominant un labyrinthe metropolitain, des vallées se cachant parmi des montagnes brumeuses, des rivages enchanteurs bordés par une mer translucide, des motifs formes par des rizières aussi vieilles que la nation et des agglomerations urbaines flambant neuves. 'Thailande Vue du Ciel' vous emmene dans une extraordinaire tournée au-dessus d'un pays extraordinaire. o Author: Jorg Modrow, Jochen Mussig o Publisher: Vilo o Isbn: 2-7191-0350-0 o Year: First Edition, 1997 o Language: French o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande
Summary: Villes royales, temples et sanctuaires, montagnes isolées et monasteres, jungles impénétrables et plages de reve, la Thailande enchante ses visiteurs par la richesse de ses merveilles naturelles et de ses trésors culturels.
o Author: Christine Le Diraison, Patrick de Wilde o Publisher: Editions Atlas o Isbn: 2-7312-0855-4 o Year: First Edition, 1990 o Language: French o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande des Bonzes
Summary: L'ame de la Thailande est le bouddhisme. Il a faconne le caractère du pays. C'est lui qui le guide aujourd'hui. C'est pourquoi nous avons choisi de vous faire découvrir ce fascinant pays, dans ses lieux les plus secrets et ses aspects les plus intimes, a travers la vie typique des hommes en robe safran. Beauté, courtoisie, delicatesse, harmonie et tolérance impregnent leurs actes.
o Author: Steve Van Beek o Publisher: Minerva o Isbn: 2-83-070269-7 o Year: First Edition, 1995 o Language: French o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande Le royaume des temples d'or
Summary: C'est le pays des femmes souriantes, des temples d'or, des gigantesques bouddhas et de l'immense et inquiétante Bangkok, mais c'est aussi celui des plages de sable fin, de la nature vierge, des impénétrables forets pluviales. La Thailande est un kaléidoscope d'images, d'histoire et d'émotions, une nation aux mille visages, en plein coeur de l'Asie.
o Author: Suzanne Held, Yves-guy Berges o Publisher: Herme Sun o Isbn: 2-85099-065-5 o Year: 1994 o Language: French o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande Summary: Peu de pays au monde exercent, avant le contact, une telle fascination, distillent apres, une telle nostalgie. A quoi cela tient-il?
o Author: Guides Voir o Publisher: Hachette o Isbn: 2-01-243422-3 o Year: 2001 o Language: French o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande
Summary: Les guides qui montrent ce que les autres racontent.
o Author: Joe Cummings, Richard Nebesky o Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications o Isbn: 2-84070-030-1 o Year: Second French Edition, 1995 o Language: French o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Tourism
Lonely Planet: Thailande
Summary: Culture ancienne aux multiples facettes, longue tradition d'amitié et d'hospitalité, rizières verdoyantes, exotisme de ses iles, raffinement de sa cuisine: la Thailande saura vous seduire! Ce guide, universellement salué par la critique, fournit toutes les informations indispensables aux voyageurs indépendants.
o Author: Joe Cummings o Publisher: Lonely Planet o Isbn: 0-86442-728-x o Year: 2000 - Second Edition o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailand's Islands and Beaches
Summary: Whether you're seeking deserted beaches, wild nightlife or the best dive sites, this is the essential guide to Thailand's enchanting coastal regions.
o Author: Marc Schultz, Jean-Marie Boelle o Publisher: Vilo o Isbn: 978-2-7191-0846-8 o Year: 2006 o Language: French o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande, Un gout de paradis
Summary: Symbole de l'ouverture du monde au voyage, la Thailande, qui accueille des millions de visiteurs par an, conserve son parfum d'aventure et son légendaire sourire à fleur de montagnes, de fleuves et de plages. C'est de son exigence que nait sa noblesse. Au carrefour des grandes civilisations asiatiques, elle se montre, depuis toujours, jalouse et fière d'une indépendance en forme de vie. A l'originalité d'une culture bien a lui, l'ancien royaume du Siam ajoute la richesse d'une nature en joie. L'une et l'autre procure des émotions rares. Economiquement fievreux, philosophiquement serein, le pays, à la fois fourmi et cigale, est déjà demain et encore hier. Sous des ciels lumineux, nous y cheminons au-devant de jungles mystérieuses, de temples d'or, d'iles paradisiaques, mais aimerions-nous tant la beauté de l'image sans cette population si courtoise, si délicate, qui nous prend la main, et, sentinelle ardente de tous les bonheurs, nous entraine au Paradis?
o Author: Unseen Planet o Publisher: Unseen Plane o Isbn: 9-7897-4770-6-67-3 o Year: 2007 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Tourism
Best paradises in Thailand
Summary: Discover the Best Paradises in Thailand by exploring the captivating splendor of 70 finest resorts in prime locations throughout Thailand. This collection allows you the chance to enjoy quality time with family and friends, gather a lifetime of memories, and experience the timeless natural wonders of this magnificient kingdom. o Author: Herve Beaumont o Publisher: Editions Marcus o Isbn: 2-7131-0021-6 o Year: 1991 o Language: French o Rate: 4/7
o Type: Tourism
Thailande
Summary: La Thailande ne decevra pas. Pays des temples dores, des bouddhas magnifiques, des moines en robe saffran, des soies opulentes, des orchidees, des elephants et des iles aux plages vierges, elle offrira en plus l'inoubliable sourire de ses habitants.
ThaiWorldView Tourism library contains 13 items.
ThaiWorldView library contains 113 items.
THAI CULTURE BOOKS o Author: William J. Klausner o Publisher: The Siam Society o Isbn: 974-8298-22-1 o Year: Fourth Edition, 1993 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Reflections on Thai culture
Summary: William J. Klausner's love and understanding of Thailand have made him an effective bridge between the cultures of the East and the West. This book of collected articles is an eloquent summary of the author's efforts to achieve understanding and rapport and overcome conflict and tension resulting from the contact of different cultures.
o Author: William J. Klausner o Publisher: The Siam Society o Isbn: 974-8298-38-8 o Year: First Edition, 1997 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Thai culture in Transition
Summary: William J. Klausner's love and understanding of Thailand have made him an effective bridge between the cultures of the East and the West. This book is mainly concerned with cultural transition and transformation and is thus a logical extension of the author's Reflections on Thai culture which focused on traditional patterns of Thai culture.
o Author: ส๊ภักดิ์ อน๊ก่ล o Publisher: o Isbn: 974-507-006-8 o Year: Third Edition, 1994 o Language: Thai o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
วันสำาคัญของไทย
Summary: This book gives deep explanation on Thai important days such as public holidays, religious days, administration days.
o Author: Carol Hollinger o Publisher: Asia Books Co o Isbn: 974-8303-03-9 o Year: 1995 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Mai Pen Rai means Never Mind Summary: An American housewife's host love affair with the Irrepressible people of Thailand.
o Author: P.C. Roy Chaudhury o Publisher: Learners Press o Isbn: 81-71810266-x o Year: 1995 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Folk tales of Thailand
Summary: Folk takes of Thailand have a unique affinity with those of India. This is because the Thais have preserved and followed many Indian traditions, which the Indian have lost or are in the process of losing. Folk takes play an important role in Thai culture, and the Thai attitudes and values of life are well expressed in them.
o Author: Thanapol Chadchaidee o Publisher: Chulalongkorn University Press o Isbn: 974-632-638-4 o Year: Seventh Edition, 1999 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Essays on Thailand Summary: ...the essays inside are the most informative stories ever written by the Thai authors. Moreover, the book can be used not only for further reference but also for enhancing general knowledge about Thailand, especially for foreign visitors who want to become acquainted with local situations and the Thai way of life...
o Author: Matti Sarmela o Publisher: o Isbn: 952-91-9353-x o Year: 2005 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Laws of destiny never disappear: Culture of Thailand in the Postlocal World
Summary: The book is a descriptive overview of the culture of the villages. It contains material on the villagers' housing, rice farming and other means of livelihood, community life, festivals, weddings, funerals, sorcerers and healers, as well as village Buddhism. The author draws surprising parallels between the worldviews of peoples of Thailand and Finland, the past and future of local cultures. The book also speaks through the voices of villagers themselves and village monks. They describe the everyday lives of local people, and how they cope under conditions of a constant flux of change, what they think about life, the future, and the fate of human beings after death.
o Author: Robert & Nanthapa Cooper o Publisher: Times Books International o Isbn: 981-204-157-5 o Year: Third Edition, 1990 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture Culture Shock! Thailand
Summary: Whether for a long-term stay or a lazy weekend, Culture Shock! Thailand will provide you with a fun-filles crash course on the do's and don'ts, through topics such as language, food and entertaining, social customs, festivals, relationships, helpful business tips, as well as explanations of daily sights and scenes that might confuse or deter the visitor from a desire to learn and live with surroundings that are sometimes alien and uncomfortable.
o Author: Denis Segaller o Publisher: Post Books o Isbn: 974-202-006-x o Year: Third Edition, 1997 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Thai ways
Summary: Denis Segaller grew so fond of Thailand that he decided to make it his permanent home. He married a Thai, switched careers to a newspaper writer at the age of 59, and soon afterwrads, somewhat to his surprise, suddenly became a Buddhist. This book is a collection of his writing in his regular weekly column "Thai Ways" which appeared in the now defunct BangkokWorld from 1975-1985. o Author: Denis Segaller o Publisher: Post Books o Isbn: 974-202-034-5 o Year: Second Edition, 1995 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
More Thai ways
Summary: More Thai ways, a sequel to Thai Ways, is a collection of the latest and most memorable articles from the author's weekly column in the former Bangkok World. Together they represent the reader with a fascinating background to Thailand and the Thai way of life. The weekly "Thai Ways" column stopped in 1985.
o Author: Katherine Tosi o Publisher: BangkokPost o Isbn: o Year: 2000 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Kat's Window
Summary: It shows daily life in Thailand through the eyes of a curious westerner trying to sort out the meaning of it all. The weekly "Kat's Window" column stopped in 2002. o Author: o Publisher: o Isbn: 974-86695-9-9 o Year: 1998 o Language: Thai o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
ประเพณีพื้นบ้าน ตำานานพื้นเมือง
Summary: Many Thai traditions are deeply explained such as wedding, Phi Ta Khon, Monk ordination, playing kites, hunting cat fishes, ฝังล่กนิมิต, พิธีบูายศรีสู่ขวัญ...
o Author: Philip Cornwell-Smith o Publisher: River Books o Isbn: 974-9863-00-3 o Year: 2005 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Very Thai - Everyday Popular Culture
Summary: A pioneering celebration of Thai pop and folk culture, Very Thai delves beyond the traditional icons to reveal the everyday expressions of Thainess that so delight and puzzle. Through colourful text and 500 quicky photos, explore the country's alternative sights, from truck art and taxi altars to buffalo cart furniture and drinks in bags. The Siamese blend of finess with fun resounds through home and street, bar and spa, fashion and music. See how ancient ideas infuse modern trends, whether cute or occult, undeground or on TV. And discover how imports got customised into the tuk-tuk, the poodle bush and neo-classical shophouses. You'll never look at Thailand the same way again.
o Author: Daniel Ziv, Guy Sharett o Publisher: Equinox o Isbn: 979-97964-6-6 o Year: 2005 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Bangkok inside out
Summary: A teeming, chaoticmetropolis of ten million, Bangkok has long been subjected to endless cliches and over-exoticized imagery. Bangkok inside out makes sense of all the madness, leading readers on a humorous, no-holds-barred journey through the real Bangkok. Like the city itself, this book is packed with idiosyncrasies, inside scoops and outrageous anecdotes, exposing Bangkok's charm and quicks with irreverent prose and striking photography. From soi dogs to street food, lotteries to ladyboys, traffic to tabloids and gambling to gem scams, Bangkok inside out is an illuminating pop culture exploration of life in Thailand's frenzied capital. o Author: Seri Phongphit, Kevin Hewison o Publisher: White Lotus o Isbn: 9-7475-3492-4 o Year: 2001 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Village life - Culture and Transition in Thailand's Northeast
Summary: This book deals with Thailand's Northeast - Isan. The region is a large and populous area that, despite ever-closer integration with the Thai nation and great cultural diversy, retains its distinctiveness. This book provides insights into village life in an accessible format and style. It explains the esence of village life in the Northeast, showing how this has changed under the pressures of centralisation and economic development. The focus is on popular wisdom as displayed in the dynamics of daily life, the villagers' special occasions, their religious and cultural rites, rituals, festivals and celebrations, their work and entetainment, and their moments of joy and grief. As the pace of change has accelerated, so the struggle for self-reliance has become more difficult. o Author: Mike Smith and Robin Hayes o Publisher: Musicline Publications o Isbn: 1-898754-23-3 o Year: 2000 o Language: English o Rate: 4/7
o Type: Culture
Bangkok Angel
Summary: Over fifty percent of marriages in the UK end in divorce! Dating/ marriage agencies have never had it so good. Many middle aged lonely divorcees turn to such agencies in desperation to kick start their lives. One such lonely, downtrodden man was Mike. At forty-eight and living with two children, two cats, two chinchillasm one dog and a cocateil with perfect pitch, he felt the need to look for a new partner before all his hair and teeth fell out. So, armed with a bottle of light oak hair colour and aftershave that was guaranteed to be alluring, he began a journey that would eventually take him to the other side of the world in his search for a new wife.
o Author: Majupuria o Publisher: Tecpress Service, L.P. o Isbn: 9-7487-4525-2 o Year: 1993 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Erwan Shrine and Brahma worship in Thailand
Summary: The book deals with some of the Hindu deities of Thailand with special reference to the Erawan shrine of Bangkok, consecrated to lord Brahma. There are 22 small chapters, besides select references. The author has described from the origin of Erawan worship to Thailand to the various facets of hinduism and Buddhism in different chapters, besides the mode of worship dances, music etc. at the Erawan Shrine. The author also traces the association of elephants woth Lord Brahma, the signifiance of lotus flower, symbolism of swan, Brahma's family, Brahma worship in India and Nepal etc.
o Author: Siraporn Nathalang o Publisher: Chulalongkorn University Press o Isbn: 974-346-046-2 o Year: 2000 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Thai Folklore - Insights into Thai Culture
Summary: I hope that these materials will help the students and those interested understand Thai society from the angle of Thai folklore. I think this is perhaps the first time that research papers on Thai folklore written in English are put together as a volume, and it is also the first time to have a book on Thai Studies viewed from the aspects of Thai folklore. o Author: Andrew Forbes, David Henley o Publisher: Teak House o Isbn: 1-876437-03-0 o Year: 1997 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Khon Muang: People and Principalities of North Thaland
Summary: The Khon Muang, or "People of the Principalities", inhabit the hills and valley of Northern Thailand - formerly known as Lan Na, or the "Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields". In times past the people of the north spoke a different language to the central Thais. They dressed differently, women wore their hair long in contrast to the cropped fashion of Bangkok, and the men covered their bodies with tattoos to ward of sickness and injury in times of war. The Golden Age of the Lanna Kingdom was in the 13th-15th centuries, when Chiang Mai, the region's capital, treated on equal terms with Siam, Burma, Laos and even distant Sri Lanka. then came Burmese conquest, Siamese invasion, and subequent cultural domination by Bangkok. In recent years, amid signs of a general cultural rebirth, the Khon Muang have started to rediscover their past. o Author: Michael Freeman o Publisher: River Books o Isbn: 974-8225-27-5 o Year: 2001 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Culture
Lanna Thailand's Northern Kingdom
Summary: The country that we now refer to as Thailand only achieved its present form in the nineteenth century. Beofre that, there florished Lanna (meaning 'one million rice fields'), a region whose documented history began in the eight century; in 1931 it was incorporated into Siam and ceased to exist as a political entity, but its cultural influences is far reaching. Taking the region valley by valley, the author explains how the principal cities and sites developed, but most importantly, he provides a fascinating guide to Thailand's northern kingdom as it is nowadays - all accompanied by stunning photography.
o Author: William E.Wormsley o Publisher: Isan Books o Isbn: 974-272-360-5 o Year: 2000 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Culture
Thailights - Bright Spots in an American Fulbright Year
Summary: Bill Womsley went to Thailand as a Fulbright Scholar in 1989. He taught Anthropology at Silpakorn University in Bangkok. Over the course of the next year he came to know and love the people and culture of Thailand. With faculty and student colleagues from Silpakorn, he visited towns, cities, and rural villages thoughout Thailand, including an extended trip through Isan where he and a group of Chinese photographers followed the course of the Mekong river along Thailand's northeastern borders. He attended weddings, funerals, cremations and festivals. He conducted research aimed at understanding the urban adaptations of migrants from rural Isan as they brought their hopes and lives to Bangkok. He focused on activities of tutuk and taxi drivers, sidewalk food vendors, and go-go dancers. As an anthropologist he participated in their lives, as they did in his. Thailights is the story of that year and the people and activities that led the author to be seduced by Siam.
o Author: Amara Pongsapich o Publisher: Chulalongkorn University Press o Isbn: 974-636-970-9 o Year: 1998 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Traditional and Changing Thai World View
Summary: The editor and authors expect this volume to merely provide background on Thai society and culture for new students and those who recently become interested in the field. The book is interdisciplinary and consist of diverse topics such as traditional Buddhist World View, Traditional but Changing World View, Contemporary WorldView and Value Systems. o Author: Suthon Sukphisit o Publisher: Post Books o Isbn: 974-202-027-2 o Year: 1997 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Folk arts and folk culture: The Vanishing Face of Thailand
Summary: With a few exceptions, most of the stories as indicated by the title of the book deal with the disappearing local craftmanship and local communities in Thailand. With his simple downright style, the author touches the life of the grass roots who hardly have a place in the history. From remote villages, he puts the modern artists on the pedestal. From forgotten back rooms, he brought their work to light.
o Author: Mont Redmond o Publisher: Redmondian Insight Enterprises o Isbn: 974-86270-4-7 o Year: 1998 o Language: English o Rate: 3/7
o Type: Culture
Wondering in Thai culture Summary: This book explores many issues mean from a Thai point of view. Newcomers and tourists will encounter nuggests of information and insight that may help make their stay interesting and more enjoyable. Those who have lived here a few years already may profit from explanations of Thai behaviour and attitudes that constantly baffle them. Long-term resident of the Kingdom will find plenty of matter intended to provoke their laughter, tears, sneers, or vehement agreement.
o Author: o Publisher: o Isbn: 974-7524-33-3 o Year: 1996 o Language: Thai o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
ประเพณี พิธีมงคลสำาคัญของไทย
Summary: This book gives deep explanation on Thai important festivals in all 4 regions, i.e. North, Central, South and Northeast.
o Author: Kujie Ho o Publisher: Asia One Printing Ltd o Isbn: o Year: 2004 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Culture Tastes of Thailand in Hong Kong and Macau
Summary: This book is offering an introduction to Thai food and a comprehensive list of Thai restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau.
o Author: Robert Cooper o Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Editions o Isbn: 9-7898-1261-4 o Year: 2007 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Thailand Beyond the Fringe
Summary: This book is written to entertain. The author is convinced that the flavour of Thai society can only really be appreciated when taken with a large dose of salty humour. This humour is capriciously directed at many of the thoughts, goals, interpretations and preconceptions the expatriate in Thailand wittingly or unwittingly brings from home and carries with him in situation involving Thais. Some of his excess baggage serves no useful function and encumbers a smooth path to integration. The author invites the reader to lighten up by lightening that load and brings his lifelong experience with Thailand and the Thais to focus on those areas of Thai culture that most trouble or confuse a foreigner, even one living in the country for several years. This book is written principally for the expatriate who is in Thailand for the long haul. o Author: Pornpimol Senawong o Publisher: Samaphan Publishing Co o Isbn: 9-7897-4641-1 o Year: 2006 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Culture
Thai ties
Summary: Social customs and cultural traits that ties all Thais together. With as many as 62 concise but complete topics related to Thai social custom and cultural traits, the book provides non-Thai readers with the background knowledge they need to understand Thailand and Thai people.
o Author: o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: 1995 o Language: Thai o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Culture
พระรถเมรี
Summary: This is a Thai Folklore story. o Author: o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: 1995 o Language: Thai o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Culture
สังข์ทอง
Summary: This is a Thai Folklore story.
o Author: Tanistha Danslip and Michael Freeman o Publisher: Periplus o Isbn: 9-7896-2593-7 o Year: 2002 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Culture
Things Thai
Summary: From the soaring chedis of Sukhothai to the homes of ordinary village people, Thailand offers a plethora of arts and crafts of an exceptionally high quality. Be they items created for royalty and wealthy patrons, devotional objects made in the service of Buddhism, or simply rural crafts of daily life, they offer insight into Thai culture and customs. Photographed entirely in Thailand, the objects showcased range from elegant lacquerware and mother-of-pearl inlay pieces, to woodcarvings and decoration in monasteries, to day-to-day items such as homespun textiles, farming implements and basketry.
o Author: Dr. Iain Corness o Publisher: Editions Bamboo Sinfonia o Isbn: 978-616-7111-02-5 o Year: 2007 o Language: French o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Culture
Farang - La Thailande a travers les yeux d'un expat
Summary: Dr. Iain Corness fell in love with Thailand while on holiday there in 1975, and finally managed to move there permanently in 1997. As a settled farang, or foreigner, he enjoys a unique perspective on Thai life and all its eccentricities; looking in from the outside while also getting to see the things most foreigners don't. Like all good doctors and authors, Corness provides comfort for the aches and pains of ex-pat life. His stories and anecdotes are full of the joys of life, and celebrate this exotic and exciting land in all its glory, with painfully funny observations. From a date with a fortune teller to tales of a reincarnated squid, Corness revels in the chaos and charm of 'the only country where you can be run over by a shop.' This is a book to be enjoyed by tourists and Thai people alike.
ThaiWorldView Culture library contains 32 items.
ThaiWorldView library contains 113 items. THAI SOCIETY BOOKS
o Author: Erik Cohen o Publisher: White Lotus o Isbn: 974-8496-65-1 o Year: First Edition, 1996 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
THAI TOURISM: Hill Tribes, Islands and Open-Ended Prostitution
Summary: Thai Tourism: Hill Tribes, Islands and Open-Ended Prostitution brings together almost two decades of Erik Cohen's studies on different aspects of tourism in Thailand. A broad introductory review of the principal recent trends and transformations in Thai tourism is followed by in-depth studies of three tourist domains: ethnic tourism in the hill tribe area of northern Thailand, vacationing tourism on the islands of southern Thailand and sex tourism in Bangkok. These studies are based on extensive field work and set within the theorical framework of contemporary sociology of tourism, on which the author is a leading expert. o Author: Guido Franco o Publisher: Autrement o Isbn: 2-86260-297-3 o Year: Third Edition, 1992 o Language: French o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
Thailande: Les larmes de Bouddha
Summary: Thailande, pays de reves, de pagodes, de Bouddhas, d'enfants souriants. Cliche 1. Et si les pagodes aux toits dorés, les Bouddhas en méditation, les étangs aux fleurs de lotus disparaissaient dans une gigantesque poubelle de déchets urbains? Si les enfants souriants devaient quitter leur foyer pour survivre et etre parfois vendus au plus offrant?... Cliche 2. La Thailande telle qu'on la reve serait-elle morte ou n'a-t-elle jamais existé que dans l'imagination de voyageurs nostalgiques? Dialogue totalement inédit entre un auteur farang et de nombreux observateurs Thailandais, ce numero refuse de répondre à une question aussi naive. Il prefere l'aborder de biais en décrivant, entre les lignes, la Thailande telle qu'elle est aujourd'hui pour ceux qui y vivent, délivrée des mythes et des clichés. Villes, campagnes, frontières. Images de l'exode rural, de l'affairisme, d'une démocratie a demi-cuite, mais partout une étrange sagesse, sabai-sabai pu le bonheur d'etre Thai, l'ame en paix. Le regard inattendu, ironique, décapant d'écrivains, journalistes et chercheurs Thais. o Author: Niels Mulder o Publisher: Editions Duang Kamol o Isbn: 974-210-511-1 o Year: Fourth Edition, 1994 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Society
INSIDE THAI SOCIETY: An Interpretation of Everyday life
Summary: This book is about the ways the Thais perceive and handle their social life. It identifies the basic classifications that, in their elaboration, give meaning and order to existence and that make life in Thai society eminently reasonable. As such this book constitutes an original contribution to developing the 'logic' of Thai life, that is, its indigenous cultural theory of action.
o Author: Siriporn Skrobanek, Nataya Boonpakdee, Chutima Jantateero o Publisher: Zed Books Ltd o Isbn: 1-85649-527-2 o Year: First Edition, 1997 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Society
The traffic in Women: Human Realities of the International Sex Trade Summary: A serious violation of human rights, the trafficking of women generates huge profits for those involved in it. This book explores the nature, extent and reasons for the global traffic in women.
o Author: Pira Suddham o Publisher: Shire Books o Isbn: 974-89123-4-5 o Year: Seventh Edition, 1994 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
People of Easarn
Summary: An act of bribery, take bribes, buying votes, using corrupt practices, stealing donated funds; moral detorioration. A theme which Pira Sudham has deeply explored in his books. What must be told has been written with eloquence and in a most human and touching way so that millions of people in remote villages of Thailand will not live unnoticed and die in vain. Pira Sudham was nominated for the 1990 Nobel Prize of Literature. He speaks on behalf of the people of Esarn, one of Thailand's most economically and politically disadvantaged regions. o Author: Cleo Odzer o Publisher: Book Siam o Isbn: 1-55970-281-8 o Year: First Edition, 1994 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Society
Patpong sisters
Summary: Cleo Odzer, a young American anthropologist, spent three years studying Bangkok's red-light district, Patpong, an area of a few blocks teeming with bars and explicit sex-shows. Odzer got to know the bar girls, the bar boys, and their varied entourages. She gained their confidence, interviewed them at length, lived among them, and accompanied some of them home to vist their families - whom they often supported - in the isolated countryside, where theywere idolized.
o Author: Sumalee Bumroongsook o Publisher: Chulalongkorn University Press o Isbn: 974-632-638-4 o Year: First Edition, 1995 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Society
Love and Marriage: Mate selection in twentieh-century central Thailand Summary: The aim of this study is to examine in some detail the conventions of mate selection among various groups in Central Thailand from 1900 to the present. The sutdy focus on a comparison of mate-selecting methods among different social classes, between urban and rural populations, and between genders.
o Author: Jean-Pierre Predagne o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: 1999 o Language: French/Thai o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
L'amour, la famille au miroir de la langue Thai
Summary: Jean-Pierre Predagne is doing an ethno-linguistic exploration inside Thai language on love and family topics.
o Author: Jean-Pierre Predagne o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: 1997 o Language: French/Thai o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
Panorama du monde sacre au miroir de la langue Thai
Summary: Jean-Pierre Predagne is doing an ethno-linguistic exploration inside Thai language on sacred topics such as Royalty, Buddhism, celeste world, spirits, magic...
o Author: Jean-Pierre Predagne o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: 1999 o Language: French/Thai o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
Le monde de l'individu au miroir de la langue Thai
Summary: Jean-Pierre Predagne is doing an ethno-linguistic exploration inside Thai language on individual, family, society, behavior topics.
o Author: Bruce D. Missingham o Publisher: Silkworm Books o Isbn: 9-7495-7528-8 o Year: 2003 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Society The assembly of the poor in Thailand
Summary: This book chronicles the development of a national protest movement, analyzing its origins, strategies, and goals within the context of a growing democratic and civil society. Using an anthorpological approach, Bruce Missingham bases his research on ethnographic fieldwork among the men and women who participate in the Assembly, including a broad spectrum of villagers, village leaders, and NGO activists. He explores the processes underlying mass mobilization and the social construction of protest, discusses the contradictions and conflicts that have arisen, and considers the degree of participation and democracy within the grassroot movement.
o Author: Sudassa Onkom o Publisher: Sahadhammika Co o Isbn: 974-8239-65-9 o Year: Second Edition, 2000 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Society
The Price of a Life
Summary: I thought the simple story of a couple of slum-dwelling Bangkok boys and their adventures on the streets of Bangkok, renowed for their horrendous traffic and pollution, was an interesting window on a part of life few westerners have a chance to see at close quarters. The gist of the story is that, regardless of what life has in store for us, a good moral background is always a more stable foundation on which to build life. o Author: Ji Ungpakorn o Publisher: Arom Pongpangan Foundation o Isbn: 974-89451-0-3 o Year: 1997 o Language: English o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Society
The struggle for democracy and social justice in Thailand
Summary: Thailand has a reputation for is extended periods of military rule. Thais are often described as passive sufferers of army dictatorships. Yet this reputation is misleading. Thailand is one of the few countries in the world where mass uprisings have succeeded in defeating military dictatorships. Two such uprisings have occured in the last thirty years; in 1973 and 1992. This book is an attempt to explain these uprisings and to describe the evolution of the modern Thai state.
o Author: Jean-Pierre Predagne o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: 2000 o Language: French/Thai o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
Le monde de la societe au miroir de la langue Thai Summary: Jean-Pierre Predagne is doing an ethno-linguistic exploration inside Thai language on society, work, aristocracy, business, games, rich and poor.
o Author: Pira Suddham o Publisher: ShireAsia o Isbn: 9-7489-6285-7 o Year: Fifth Edition, 2002 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
Tales of Thailand
Summary: Out of the relocation of millions of people in the path of dam constructions and eucalyptus plantations, the suppression of wages and the price of agricultural produce, the corruption, prostitution, child trade, slave labour, the horror of the Thailand-Burma Death Railway during World War II, the economic crisis in July 1997, the war to win the people in impoverished Esarn in the seventies and the daily grind in the mother of Gridlock - Bangkok come tales of hope and tales of woe, tales of acceptance and tales of struggle for survival that become Tales of Thailand. o Author: Bernard Formoso o Publisher: La documentation Francaise o Isbn: 2-11-004611-9 o Year: 2000 o Language: French o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Society
Thailand: Bouddhisme renoncant Capitalism triomphant
Summary: Devenue le pivot économique et politique incontesté de l'Asie du Sud- Est continentale, la Thailande se cherche pourtant à l'aube du XXI siecle. Les problèmes induits par la forte mais tres inégale croissance de ces dernieres décennies sont tels qu'ils menacent directement son unité et ses ressources. La soif de puissance l'ayant emporté sur la quete du sens, et l'union des contraires, qui a longtemps fait sa force, entre le Bouddhisme renoncant et le captalisme agressif de la minorité chinoise étant en rupture de ban, le pays doit ajourd'hui s'inventer un modèle de dévelopement plus équilibré. A L'heure ou les traditionnels ressorts idéologiques - royauté et clergé - se découvrent de nouvelles missions, l'auteur questionne l'aptitude du pays à redéfinir les structures sociales du pays héritées du passé pour relever le double défi de la mondialisation économique et de la cohésion sociale. o Author: o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: o Language: Thai o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Society
ฝันดี ฝันเด่น
Summary: This book helps the readers to analyze and understand their dreams. It is maybe the key to win to the lottery!
o Author: o Publisher: Ploychan Publishing House o Isbn: 9749343913 o Year: 2006 o Language: Thai o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Society
1000 Love SMS Vol 2
Summary: 1000 SMS in Thai language about love... o Author: Annie Leo o Publisher: Bangkok Book House o Isbn: 978-974-8280-27-1 o Year: 2007 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Society
Thais say it best when they say nothing at all!
Summary: This book is an eye-opening resource for foreigners who want to live, work and build meaningful relationships with the Thai people. Wheter you are a newcomer, or have been working in Thailand for sometime, or you are in a leadership position, this book will help you answer your questions about how Thai express themselves and understand each other without saying a word - through nonverbal communication. In this book, you will learn the social structure of Thailand and its relevance to behavior and communication in the modern Thai society, factors which affect your social status in Thailand, different types of wai in daily life and their functions in Thai society, how Thai leaders execute the wai in different situations, how Thais express their positive and negative emotions, appropriate gifs for various occasions including gifts between boss and subordinates, social etiquette for home visitations and meal invitations. o Author: ณะ.มหาโชคอ๊ดม o Publisher: o Isbn: o Year: o Language: Thai o Rate: 5/7
o Type: Society
ตำาราทำานายฝันและเลขดีมีโชค
Summary: This book helps the readers to analyze and understand their dreams through numbers in order to win the lottery jackpot!
o Author: Pira Suddham o Publisher: Asiashire o Isbn: 974-91823-0-8 o Year: 2009 o Language: English o Rate: 7/7
o Type: Society
Shadowed Country
Summary: This book regroups books "Monsoon Country" and "The Force of Karma". Pira Suddham explores dark caverns, mysterious avenues and perilous highways and byways that lead to the take-over of a shadowed land named Thailand. Pira Suddham delves deep into the morass as opposed to the journalist's muckraking. Eventually he comes up with riveting accounts of the massacres of pro-democracy protesters, the murderers of idealistic and courageous teachers, a pernicious plot code- named DDT, corruptives forces and shadowy worlds of graft, sex trade, drug trafficking and various forms of corruption. But Pira Suddham deftly deals with such stark, painful and gross subject matters with poetic narrative that has become one of the most remarkable writing of modern literature. This exploration has been Pira Suddham's work of a lifetime, covering the span of fifty years of social, economic and political changes occuring in the shadowed country.
ThaiWorldView Society library contains 21 items.
ThaiWorldView library contains 113 items.
THAI ECONOMY BOOKS
o Author: Pasuk Phongpaichit, Sungsidh Piriyarangsan, Nualnoi Treerat o Publisher: Silkworm Books o Isbn: 974-7100-75-4 o Year: First Edition, 1998 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Economy
Guns Girls Gambling Ganja: Thailand's illegal economy and public policy
Summary: Gambling, prostitution, drugs, arms trading, oil smuggling, and trafficking in people - these six illegal business are large and getting larger. They distort the economy and victimize people. They are increasingly linked together through networks of protection and organized crime. They help to fund Thailand's corrosive 'money politics' and to sustain corruption in the police. The authors argue that control of the illegal economy, especially through reform of the police, is vital for the development of a modern economy and functioning democracy.
o Author: Elliot Kulick, Dick Wilson o Publisher: White Lotus o Isbn: 974-8496-34-1 o Year: 1996 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Economy
Time for Thailand Profile of a new success
Summary: Thailand has changed From backward traditional economics and languid autocracy, the country has very recently joined the East Asian industrial development scene and shown an unsuspected capacity for political innovation at the expense of dictatorship and in favour of more democracy. The authors have produced this pen portrait of the new Thailand just when this ancient kingdom appears to be modernising its politics and economy more successfully than many of its neighbours. The problems Thailand faces are immense, including especially environmental damage, polarity of incomes and the spread of AIDS. o Author: Bea Toews, Robert McGregor o Publisher: Times Books International o Isbn: 981-204-879-0 o Year: 1998 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Economy
Culture Shock! Succeed in Business - Thailand
Summary: Succeed in Business: Thailand combines relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that make the difference between success and failure.
o Author: Kriengsak Niratpattanasai o Publisher: BangkokPost o Isbn: o Year: o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Economy Bridging the gap
Summary: The author helps the readers to bridge the gap when faced with cross- cultural interaction in the office. o Author: Philip Bryce o Publisher: Paiboon Publishing o Isbn: 1-887521-71-2 o Year: Second Edition, 2006 o Language: English o Rate: 6/7
o Type: Economy
How to buy land and build a house in Thailand
Summary: Are you considering having your own house in Thailand? A dream house that you can actually afford. This book contains essential information for anyone contemplating buying or leasing land and building a house in Thailand. It is meticulously researched and draws on expert legal and construction information from Thailand, America, Europe and Australia. Concepts, techniques and instructions are explained in simple, clear, and easy to understand language. It follows the construction of the author's 200m2 house in Ko Phangan, Thailand with over 100 paragraphs, 2D and 3D drawings and 700 English-Thai words and phrases. This book is your ultimate resource for "buying" land and building a house in Thailand.
ThaiWorldView Economy library contains 5 items.
ThaiWorldView library contains 113 items. Thailand’s darkside
Everyone familiar with Thailand, knows of its colorful temples, floating markets, beautiful beaches caressed by clear blue-green waters, fabulous silks, exquisite culinary offerings, monks, Thai kick-boxing, and friendly, smiling people. They may know, too, that Thailand is a proud country; one that has never been colonized.
Most visitors readily acknowledge that Thailand is exciting, exotic, fascinating and a delight to visit. There are some, however, who associate these remarkable qualities with Thailand's nightlife, viz., massage parlors, "go-go" nightclubs, brothels, escort services, etc. This is truly unfortunate because not only does it portray a narrow segment of life in Thailand, but it pushes beyond and tarnishes an otherwise wonderful image of a country and of its people.
For example, if you (a male) tell someone you've been to Thailand, you may very well experience the following reaction. The person will smile --- a knowing smile --- and ask how you liked the "massage." Unquestionably, there are those who have visited Thailand for the sole purpose of sex, and this is their perception of the country. Others have gained an understanding from smutty tabloids, magazines specializing in "startling revelations," and western TV that features programs depicting the seamier side of life. But do these perceptions present an accurate picture of Thailand's culture? Hardly! They reflect nothing more than an aspect of life that exists in all countries of the world. A more realistic view would be gained if visitors, when talking about Thailand, did so with an understanding of Thai culture, history, government, system of education and its economy. But because this understanding is lacking, distortions between fact and fiction develop and grow.
Dark influences
For foreign tourists, Thailand's dark side is linked to the prostitution. But dark influences in Thailand are not limited to prostitution, which is only part of the mafia operations. The mafia is also involved with serious crimes like drugs, fraud against the people, embezzlement, contraband smuggling, contract killing, money laundering, human trafficking, extortion and robberies. It is also involved in protection fees from entertainment places, gambling and prostitution dens, as well as motorcycle taxi drivers. It is also behind the destruction of natural resources, illegal transportation, construction bid rigging and job placement operations. The sex industry alone generates upwards of 100 billion baht each year. The drug trade, based in the Golden Triangle, generates over 400 billion baht a year.
In 2003, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sent a clear message to mafia figures by launching a new war towards them, i.e. "freeing Thailand from the grasp of influential people". The government declared popular wars on drugs and dark influences as part of the scheme to rid Thai society of long running vicious cycle of evils.
Why does Thailand have this reputation ?
Past and recent history reveal to us that when large numbers of military personnel are sent to foreign lands, prostitution inevitably follows. Whether a war zone occurs in a first or third world country is immaterial; prostitution materializes and flourishes. The real boost to Thailand's prostitution occurred during the Vietnam War. During this time, American GI's (primarily) who were stationed in Vietnam, were authorized a week's "Rest and Relaxation" (R&R) in Thailand, during their year's tour of duty in Southeast Asia.
In a very short time, sex-related establishments sprung up wherever GIs congregated in large numbers, whether at a post or base (some were, of course, in Thailand) or whether on R&R leave from Vietnam. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that as more and more troops were sent to Vietnam and to Thailand, more and more girls became prostitutes. They frequently assumed roles, however, as "go-go" dancers, masseuses, and escorts. Places having the allure of South Sea Islands were especially attractive. Pattaya is one such example.
Before the war, Pattaya was a quiet fishing village, with thatch housing, palm trees and beautiful beaches. It was, and is, a beautiful spot! Understandably, Pattaya became a magnet for lonely GIs, and as one would expect, for enterprising entrepreneurs whose services involved all forms of sexual activity. Today, Pattaya continues to be a well- visited resort city, on the Gulf of Thailand. Its popularity is primarily due to the nightlife it offers. When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the clientele that frequented Thailand's nightlife simply changed from military personnel to men of many nationalities.
Other Asian countries offered these same sexual enticements, so why did so many men come to Thailand? They came simply because they knew the cost of living was low, the exchange rate was favorable, the people were friendly, and the conditions were favorable. Thailand is still the most visited country in Southeast Asia, but it is not due to its level of prostitution. Each year, more than eight million foreigners visit Thailand, and who come because they are interested in its history, culture and seeing its remarkable beauty.
Thai women bad reputation
Sadly, the conduct of a relative few has adversely affected the reputation of Thai women, in general. For example, in March 1999, a problem arose between Thailand and Hong Kong about Thai female travelers. Hong Kong custom officials attempted to assure the Thai Foreign Ministry that clearances of Thai women required longer periods of time than normal, because of the need to make thorough checks for fake passports, illegal immigration and occupation (i.e., prostitutes). The women, however, accused custom officials of undue and unjustified harassment. Despite a Thai Foreign Ministry request asking Hong Kong authorities to be more considerate of Thai women travelers, Hong Kong immigration officers were ordered to detain all Thai women below forty years of age.
Thai people look askance when they see a foreign man in the company of a Thai woman. This is particularly true when the man is in his sixties, and the woman is quite young. A Thai automatically perceives the young woman to be a prostitute --- and, of course, she may be. However, this perception is generally extended to all Thai women who are accompanied by foreign men, which is most unfortunate. Not only is this unfair to Thai women, but it is unfair to foreign men as well.
Who is responsible ?
Basically, two major entities (separate and distinct) are responsible for this terribly mistaken image of Thai women. One entity comprises foreign tourists, who come to Thailand for the sole purpose of finding sexual adventures. The other, is the Thai society that has done little to honor the position, and support the standing, of Thai womanhood.
There are many reasons why Patpong, Patpong Beach and Pattaya have attracted so many foreign males to these locations. But, the primary reasons are that they provide all the enticements of a beautiful "paradise", seductive scenery, attractive women, low vacation costs, and anonymity. Men arrive from Arabic countries, China, Europe, Japan, Malaysia, the USA, etc., because they've heard the stories, or read, of this "paradise" in Southeast Asia. Muslim men are particularly attracted to Thailand, since prostitution is prohibited in Muslim countries. Prohibited or not, some Thai prostitutes are sent to Malaysia to work in clandestine brothels. Thai borders towns like Changloon near Malaysia frontier enjoy a new prosperity due to prostitution. It doesn't end in these locations, however. Back to 1959, Thai policy warned families, living in the northern part of the country, to beware of procurers trying to lure girls to Bangkok, with false promises of jobs. Despite these warnings, the deplorable practice of recruiting young girls from poor families continues still to this day. Because of the power and influence of the Mafia, girls are also recruited to work in Germany, Japan, the USA, and other countries. Some women know what will happen there but some think that they are applying for being house-keeper.
Glittering neon signs always announce fishy places.
An element of Thai people is also responsible. Frequently, individuals in tourist groups will be propositioned by pimps, while they're in hotel lobbies, hotel bars, or touring the city. And, foreign military makes its presence known once again, when its navy ships anchor near Pattaya. It's often said that Pattaya becomes the world's largest brothel when U. S. aircraft carriers come into port.
It is important to note that prostitution is not limited to foreigners in Thailand. There are far more brothels reserved for Thai people than for foreigners; as you would expect, prices are higher for foreigners. Bars and brothels are concentrated on a few streets in any city. But, prostitution can be found in unexpected places. As a result of Thailand's economic crisis, women who normally sold "SOMTAM" (สมตำา - a spicy salad from Thailand's northeast) in front of the Hualamphong Train Station in Bangkok, were selling more than just somtam in early year 1999.
Government actions
One of the richest resources a nation possesses is its youth. Thailand desperately needs to develop programs for educating women (and men) in skills that make them productive members of society. Thai women should be capable of performing work that provides them a decent standard of living, and a feeling of worth. Furthermore, because there are no government social security programs in Thailand, it is essential that women (like men) acquire benefits that provide them the financial means for a livable retirement, and needed medical care. As it is, the future confronting Thai women today is one that is bleak, depressing and (seemingly) without hope.
Officially, brothels are forbidden. But establishments like restaurants, karaoke bar lounges, massage parlors (there are 103 registered massage houses in Bangkok and about 70 in the provinces), "go-go" places are not forbidden by law since (technically) they are not recognized as brothels. Some corrupted policemen accept money or bribes to protect the sex shops from the gangsters. And, one may wonder why foreign men are allowed to manage "go-go" bars. It certainly is not the kind of enterprise the government should be seeking. Thailand needs enterprises that have a positive influence on its people, i.e that can increase Thai people knowledge through training and technology transfer.
Funds, too, are used to pay off corrupt policemen for protection, by brothel owners.
Every person involved in the prostitution business is liable to penalties ranging from fines to jail terms and even the death penalty (if murder is committed) under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996.
In November 1998, government and non-government representatives from 15 Asia-Pacific countries adopted the Bangkok Accord and Plan of Action, to combat the trafficking of women. Included in the plan are measures to provide employment education and training for young women; measures that are long overdue. It is the hope and prayer of all Thai women, therefore, that these provisions will be enforced, and not simply be a means of encompassing words of false promises that are written for the benefit of the world's media. Affording justice, hope and opportunity to these women can't come soon enough.
In october 2000 a French man was condemned to seven years jail for a rape on a twelve years old girl in Pattaya. This rape happened in 1994. The culprit and a friend shot the whole ugly scene. A few years later the tape was discovered, the culprit found and a trial organized. Even if advocates tried to defend the culprit invoking Pattaya seamier atmosphere, the guy was condemned to seven years jail. Unicef has declared this judgement and condemnation as a first very important event. Child prostitution is a delicate problem. People abusing children are now subjected to their own laws for crimes made in other countries.
In september 2001, the government has declared a "New Social Order" crusade which seeks to eradicate the spread of illicit drugs, prostitution and casual sex among the nation's youth. In an attempt to curb illicit activities at late-night entertainment venues, Thailand's Interior Minister Purachai Piumsombun has ordered police to begin enforcing laws that require bars to shut their doors by 2 a.m. Purachai's campaign has received broad support from parents and teachers, but people involved in Thailand's large and lucrative entertainment industry are complaining that the crackdown is driving them out of business. In year 2003 massage parlour entrepreneur Chuwit Kamolvisit accused city police of receiving bribes from him every month. It has led to the transferring of some policemen to inactive positions. Chuwit's assets have been frozen.
Thailand bad image
Actually, it is difficult to determine because there has never been a period in recent years when the image of Thailand hasn't been tarnished by prostitution. How many foreign tourists would have come to see the wonders of Thailand --- but didn't --- had they not been repulsed by reports of Thailand's sex activities? Admittedly, the figure is unknown, but it is felt to be high.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) works diligently to erase this SSS (Sea, Sex, and Sun) image of that country, but it can only do so much. In April of 1999, TAT sued the operators of an U.S. based internet web site for using the official "Amazing Thailand" logo to promote sex tours to Thailand.
In the minds of many people, Thailand is still thought of as being a back packer's paradise, and a destination affording cheap sex.
TAT is to be commended for promoting cultural and family-oriented tours, and rightly so. But its efforts are hampered by advertisements found in sleaze magazines, and on the internet touting the excitements to be experienced in Thailand's massage parlors, "go-go" establishments and brothels.
More than forty years ago, the Prime Minister ordered the arrest of prostitutes in Bangkok, because he did not want the city to be known to the world as a "city of prostitution." The problem, however, still remains. Whereas Bangkok was once known as the "Venice of the East," because of its numerous canals, it is now frequently referred to as the "Vice City of the Far East."
Aids
One of the more tragic consequences of prostitution occurs when a Thai wife becomes an innocent AIDS victim, due to the infidelity of her husband. Thai husbands have a reputation for being unfaithful to their wives. Ironically, Thai custom does not favor the use of preventive measures by wives that would protect them from becoming infected with the AIDS virus. Not only do these wives, who contract AIDS from their unfaithful husbands, experience considerable pain and misery while undergoing treatment --- and frequently, agonizing deaths --- but further sorrow should they learn that their children have also become infected.
Thailand has warned its citizens to the dangers of AIDS, using extensive publicity programs. But much still needs to be done. For a time, the government did little to warn its citizens because it feared that warnings of this nature would adversely affect the number of foreign tourists, and the money they'd bring with them. About 10 years ago, however, the government began a campaign to inform the public about AIDS. One of the measures to minimize the spread of AIDS, which appeared in newspapers, was for women to use condoms if they had any doubt about the persons with whom they were having sexual relations. Thai senator Meechai Viravaidya who came to be known as the "Condom King" began a crusade, handing out condoms in Bangkok's notorious Patpong red-light district.
A number of Aids-affected children are excluded from the educational system because of school and community prejudice, while others could not go to school because of their parents' illness.
The problem emanating from foreign male tourists persists, despite public announcements that the high incidence of AIDS is a government concern. Solutions to this problem are complicated because of a lack of personal responsibility, cultural ramifications, and the fact that tourism is Thailand's primary source of foreign money.
Unfortunately, people with good intentions but who lack knowledge of AIDS, disseminate incorrect information about the virus to the public. An influential monk, Phra Phayom Kalayano, of Wat Suan Kaew, created one such instance. In April of 1999, he embarrassed health authorities by telling a seminar audience that prostitutes spread the AIDS virus. His comments outraged NGOs, who put much effort into informing the world that anyone can become infected with AIDS; not just clients of prostitutes. Comments such as his only lead to further misunderstandings and increased discrimination toward persons suffering from the virus.
Another example of misunderstanding happened in February 2000, near Chiang Mai. A burial protest, organized by villagers, occurred in front of an AIDS center. The protesters didn't want the corpses to be buried near their community. They feared their water sources would be polluted. According to a Public Health Ministry report, during a 15-year period (1984-1999), AIDS had infected more than 900,000 people in Thailand, and claimed more than 300,000 lives. Thailand has been largely successful in controlling the spread of the disease. In four years, the use of condoms increased by 50%, and the number of 21 year-old men going to brothels decreased by 50% (estimates).
Aids is leading cause of death in Thailand. Health officials say one in six deaths in 1998 are believed to have been caused by Aids and related complications. Nearly one million people in Thailand have been infected with HIV, the virus that causes Aids, since the beginning of the epidemic. Of them, 300,000 have died. Thailand managed to bring down the rate of HIV/Aids infection by 80% after a massive awareness and condom distribution campaign in the early 1990s.
Morality
Before one can intelligently judge, and constructively criticize Thailand for the unfavorable image it has spawned, a brief overview of its circumstances is in order.
Despite being referred to in recent years as "one of the small dragons of Asia," Thailand is still categorized as a developing country. The media has admirably accounted for its successes (and its failures) over the past 20 years, but the successes have not provided financial rewards for every class of society. Quite the contrary; it has largely benefited a very few. Primarily, it's been a segment of Bangkok's population that has made money, and created a new middle-class using the labor of poor people, e.g., the Isans. (Thai name for people in Thailand's northeast area).
We mentioned earlier that training programs are desperately needed to provide women and men with the necessary skills to earn a decent living. In addition, social security programs are also needed to provide workers with medical care, and a retirement plan that will furnish financial and medical assistance to them in their old age. Unbelievable though it may be in the 21st century, there are no government programs today in Thailand that provide financial and medical assistance to Thai citizens. Except in rare cases, one is left to cope with these problems on her/his own. It should be mentioned here that "Empower" ( Click here to learn more about Empower foundation) is a non-governmental organization established to protect the rights of persons involved in the sex industry. What are the alternatives? Especially, what are the alternatives for those who were born in poor families, have little education, no marketable skills, are confronted with discrimination, and live in a country where decent work and living opportunities are minimal? Rather than face possible starvation, poor parents normally sell their oldest daughter into prostitution. For them, it is the surest and fastest way to gain income for the family, and to support the studies of their sons. It's been documented that many women willingly become prostitutes because they assume responsibility for their loved ones, who are hungry, elderly and/or sick. In so doing, they follow Buddhist precepts by performing good actions for their family. Ironically, without attempting to learn why they're engaged in prostitution, society condemns them. Passing moral judgement on these women, which is typically harsh and unfair, is normally made by individuals who are safe, secure, ignorant and whose stomachs are full. Admittedly, there are those who do it for self-pleasure and gain. As long as a Thai prostitute can earn much more than a Thai worker in a factory, some women will prefer this job even if the risks are high. But there are still many others, who are forced into prostitution, exploited and treated like animals.
Since a son's ordination is believed to be his parents' ticket to heaven, boys can fulfil their filial duty merely by becoming a monk. Daughters must show gratitude through self-sacrifice. It is no coincidence that female migrant workers send money home more than males, that working women give up careers to care for ailing parents, or that poor girls enter the sex trade to support their families.
In Thai society prostitutes are disliked. In Thai language many words are used to translate the word "prostitute". The more common words are "PHUJING MAI DEE" (ผ้่ หญิงไมูดี - bad woman) or "PHUJING HA KIN" (ผ้่หญิงหากิน - woman who is looking for food ).
While incarcerated, prostitutes are kept separate from other criminals. On the first of May 1999, suspected prostitutes were confined to "designated cells" at 169 police stations. To comply with the 1996 Prostitution and Suppression Law, police authorities are required to keep prostitutes apart from other criminal elements in order to protect them from being sexual abused. Unfortunately, many of these suspects had wrongfully been lured (e.g., false promises, threats, beatings, etc.) into the business of prostitution and, therefore, deserve protection while being held in jail. How many people are involved ?
A 1999 survey, compiled by the Ministry of Public Health, indicates an increase in the number of individuals engaged in sexual services. Of a total of 69,139 individuals, 3,138 are men and 66,001 are women; their services were performed in 8,431 estab- lishments. A year earlier, a survey showed a total of 63,941, of which 2,806 were men and 61,135 were women; establishments numbered 8,016. In 1990, however, the number of prostitutes was 86,494; many of whom came from Burma and China.
The number of child prostitutes rose from 4.4% to 5.3% in 1999. It's estimated that 12,000 child prostitutes are working in Thailand. Abused as children, these young victims (particularly girls) usually end up in brothels. Child abuse is not only a serious problem in Thailand but throughout the world as well.
The city with the greatest number of sex establishments is Bangkok. Those that follow are found in the districts of Chon Buri (Pattaya), Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Pattani and Sungai Kolok. The last three places are near the Malaysia border. Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai are favorite tourist destinations.
With the modernization of Thailand, and the growth of factories providing employment, the number of Thai prostitutes has declined while the number of foreign prostitutes has risen. It should be noted, however, that Thai prostitutes do go abroad (Japan, Germany, USA, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore etc.) because of higher (or the promise of higher) incomes. To be sent, they must pay a huge sum for transportation and relocation costs, which must then be paid back. ( Read the report of Human Rights Watch on Thai Women Trafficked into Debt Bondage in Japan).
Instead of becoming wealthy, as they had hoped, too often they're exploited, beaten, infected with AIDS, and killed.
The ranks of prostitutes in Thailand continue to be filled by women from the Hill Tribes, Laos, Burma and China. All these women come from poorer countries than Thailand, and experience a tremendous culture shock when confronted with Thailand's modern society. The gulf between old traditions and the new society is quite wide. But, as we know, rich places (or those perceived to be rich) always attract poor people. Is there a solution ?
Drafting and implementing viable solutions requires major changes in the minds of the public and Thai leadership regarding societal concepts. The concepts of equal stature for women, national social security programs, free education, national health programs, worker safety standards, worker training, minimum working hours and pay, etc. are difficult concepts to grasp in nations that don't have them.
Thai society is still a society for men. In earlier times, Thai men could have several wives, like the Mormons in the United States. Now it is forbidden, but some men who are wealthy, have "minor" wives, called "MIA NOI" (เมียน้อย). And, as previously mentioned, brothels exist for men; some reserved for farangs and others, for Thais.
In Thai Buddhist world, women are less valued than men, i.e. they cannot being ordained and become monks but just nuns, they cannot touch monks, during periods they shall not enter in temples and so on... As we've said, women do not have the same rights and stature in society as men. Things are changing --- but slowly. Strangely enough, although women do not have the power in the family, they're the "boss." In addition to taking care of the children and the house, they manage the family's money. Until a few years ago, men could ask for a divorce if their wives were unfaithful, but the reverse was not true. Today women have the same rights as men about divorce laws. Thai newspapers have also victimized women. In December 1999, the front page of Thai Rath showed a picture of a murdered rape victim almost completely naked, and by so doing, launched a public outcry against the editor and publisher. Again, signs of progress are visible but they simply need more momentum.
In 2003 Thai government think about proposing to legalise the country's huge sex trade. The National Economic and Social Board says it would reduce corruption and allow it to be taxed.
Thai women are neither prurient nor are they passive. They're like women everywhere. They want to be respected, have equal rights with men and be treated like human beings. If one would take the trouble to search, he/she would find that Thai people are shy, parents educate their children to mistrust strangers, women will not approach a stranger by herself, and should a Thai woman smile at you in the street, it doesn't convey an invitation. It simply reflects that she is genuinely friendly and that you're in the "Land of Smiles." And, the joy of knowing this, and other information about Thailand, will make you truly thankful that you're in "Amazing Thailand." http://www.thaiworldview.com/thailand/index.htm