THAILAND

GROUP 1
Country located in
the center of
mainland
Southeast Asia.
Located wholly
within the tropics,
Thailand
encompasses diverse
ecosystems, including
the hilly forested
areas of the northern
frontier, the fertile
rice fields of the
central plains, the
broad plateau of the
northeast, and the
rugged coasts along
the narrow southern
peninsula.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand
Capital: Bangkok

Currency: Thai baht

Spoken languages: Isan; Kam
Mueang; Pak Tai

Official language: Thai
Thailand is often called the “LAND OF SMILES”.
CULTURE AND BELIEFS

-THAILAND
CULTURE
• Much of Thailand’s culture comes from the ethnic Thai people.
• One of the most important influences on Thai culture has been Buddhism.
• Bangkok's culture is influenced by the modern day, yet still retains very proud
links to its tradition and Buddhist spirituality.
• This culture can be found on every street corner, in the food, language,
music, dance, the arts, and Buddhist temples.
• Buddhism, Animism and Westernization also play a significant role in shaping
the culture.
• Hinduism has also made important contributions to Thai culture, and the close links
between Thailand and India can be seen in art, literature, and in many Thai
customs.
• In summary, present day Thai civic culture defines Thailand as the land of 
Central Thais (Siamese), with a single religion, Theravada Buddhism, and
under the Chakri dynasty.

https://www.reachtoteachrecruiting.com/guides/thailand/culture-in-thailand/
CULTURAL ETIQUETTE
• Don’t point your foot at a person or object.
• You should dress appropriately when visiting temples.
• Remove your shoes when entering a Thai homes or Buddhist
temple.
• Touching feet as a sign of respect.
BELIEFS
• Historical evidence shows that Thais believed in Hinduism and animism.
• Today, Thai society portrays the harmony combination of three belief
systems: Animism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
• The most important values that Thai people hold to are respect, self-
control, and a non-confrontational attitude
• Women are not allowed to touch monks
• Thai weddings are by Buddhist traditions.
• Touching the head of a Thai is very bad
• Gift giving
THAI SUPERTITIONS
• No haircut on wednesday

• Stopping rain with lemongrass

• Person who has the last piece of food gets a good looking partner.
• Wearing amulets.
• You’ll get a soul mate if wrapped by a snake in a dream.

• You’ll get a soul mate if wrapped by a snake in a dream.

Tradition
• Traditional Thai clothing is called chut thai (Thai: ชชดไทย Thai
pronunciation: [tɕʰút.tʰaj]) which literally means "Thai outfit".

• Many of the traditions and beliefs of the people in Thailand

stem directly from Buddhist principles.

• Perform the typical Thai greeting, called the Wai

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Thailand
THAI TRADITIONAL COSTUMES

Female Male
Characteristic of Thailand
(people)

The values and traits of Thai people include these:

• Relaxed, not in a hurry about anything, cannot be hurried.

• Polite interaction, pleasant.

• Family, friends, community and good food are most important.

• Be happy, have fun ("sanuk")

• Avoid conflict, keep your cool, don't lose your temper.

FESTIVALS
FESTIVALS

Loy Krathong – The Festival of Light

FESTIVALS

Mother and Father/King and Queen

FESTIVALS

Songkran – The Water Festival

 THAILAND COMMUNICATION

VERBAL: NON-VERBAL:
• Honorifics • Physical Contact
• Humour • Personal Space
• Swearing • Gestures
• Soft Voices • Pointing
• Eye Contact
• Height/Bowing
• Nodding
• Beckoning
• Smiling
• Head
• Feet

www.culturalatlas.sbs.com.au
THAI SLANG WORDS

• Cool = Jaap
• I = Goo
• You = Meung
• Lover = Gig
• Playboy = Jaow Chew
• Hip young person = Dek Naew
• Mad = Ting Tong
• High Society = High So
• Money = Tang
• Poor = Grop
• Sad = Joy