Global Cultural Diaspora

Theatre and dance culture in Bangkok, Thailand

2009-07-13T13:38:00.000+05:30

Bangkok is the capital town of Thailand popularly known as the hub for kingdom’s dance and theatre scene. A complete range of styles and approaches to dance and theatre is usually offered in this capital city. Various classical forms such as the Likay, Lakon Nai and Khon are available at institutions such as the National Theatre and the Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre. Highly contemporary productions are normally offered at theatres such as Patravadi Theatre. Bangkok is the genuine treat if you are interested in real arts.

There are some theatre halls present in Bangkok that should be visited at least once in lifetime.

Chalermkrung Royal Theatre:

This theatre was opened in 1933. Chalermkrung Royal Theatre is also known as Sala Chaloem Krung. The specialty of this theatre is the performances of ‘Khon’. This is a traditional Thai dance of around two hours. An excellent storyline based on aspects of Thai history and ancient Thai myths are carried throughout the dance. Some other Thai performing arts i.e. cinema, etc. are also staged at the theatre throughout the year.

Patravadi Theatre:

This theatre was founded by actress Miss Patravadi Mejudhon. This was Bangkok’s first open-air theatre located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace is situated opposite to it while Wat Rakang is located just next to it. Patravadi Theatre holds regular demonstrations and lectures on the subject of dance and arts. Regular training and workshops are also provided for local students of performance arts. ‘Khon’ and Thai folk dances are a central theme at the theatre.

The National Theatre:

The National Theatre of Thailand primarily shows Thai Classical drama and features performances of Khon. Khon is mainly a drama where players wear traditional Thai masks. The costumes of this drama are very flowery. Lighting is excellent. Your weekend can become extra ordinary with the exhibitions of Thai classical dancing and music in this National Theatre.

People in Thailand

2009-04-08T13:36:00.002+05:30

The city of Thailand is a multicultural society. In Thailand you will get many immigrant people like Tai, some Chinese and also Indians. From time immemorial Thai culture, civilization and identity has enhanced by the combined culture of Chinese, Indian, Tai and other community. People call the city’s residents as ‘Thai’. By this name it proves that they are unified in a political sense and also are subjects of Thai nation. The name ‘Thai’ has a cultural and linguistic sense. In Thailand most of the people speak Thai language but they also know other languages as well. Mentions about the first dwellers are there in the prehistory link.

After prehistoric times there were the Mon, the Khmer and other Austro-Asiatic tribes. These can be mentioned as the Lawa, H' tin, etc. Their defining moments are up until 1300 and the arrival of the Tai tribes. The Khmer who established the Kingdom of Chenla and Angkor are described in East Thailand People. It has also been proved that Khmer influence was significant elsewhere as well.

The Austro-Asiatic speakers including the Mon are considered in Central Thailand People and North Thailand People regions. The Mon had separate kingdoms in each region. The other Austro-Asiatic speaking tribes are considered but these were less significant. In North Thailand People are described as the smaller groups of Austro-Asiatic speakers such as the Lawa, H' tin and other hunters and gathers of that region.

The Tai tribes are considered the oldest and the most significant inhabitants in the regions of North Thailand, Central Thailand, South or Southern Thailand and North East Thailand. These regions are relevant in that ethnic diversity and also varied through out the regions of Thailand. Modern Thailand is a modern political nation now. The belief systems, ethnic characteristics, and languages and lifestyles of each of all the tribes are always compared. Between the Tai tribes the points of comparison can be named as script and language including culture, art and architecture style. As between all the other ethnic tribes comparison comes in the language groups, animist and non animist beliefs, monogamous and polygamous cultures, indic script or Khmer based text, spirit beliefs, ancestor worship or not, highland dwellers or lowland farmers, hierarchical and non hierarchical societies, and religion such as Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Muslim, animist, etc.

Thailand and its different temples

2009-04-07T13:30:00.002+05:30

More than seven million visitors visit the city of Thailand every year because of the various attractions such as beautiful temples, great weather, rich culture and history, exotic food and world-renowned sandy beaches. The total population of Thailand is almost sixty million and the total land area is equal to France. The economic expansion is quite satisfactory in Thailand and it is 8 percent to ten percent each year. Mainly this is the reason why Thailand continues to enter the sights of Thailand property investors looking for new opportunities away from the traditional European and Caribbean markets. The domestic economic growth and tourism are the two strong grounds behind the upwardly mobile Thailand property market. It is expected that developments in both areas will contribute to a continuing upward trend in property prices. People buy property in Thailand for various reasons. The reason can be sometimes capital investments or holiday rentals or personal use as a holiday or retirement home. Sometimes people buy property to build temple. But to think in that line people should have proper knowledge about the city.

Foreigners should know about different temples before visiting Thailand. Thailand is a Buddhist country and it is mainly dominated by the Buddhist people. Here Buddha images are held sacred. Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors. Visitors to temples should ensure that they are suitably dressed. Ladies should cover their arms and no short skirts are allowed. Shoes should be removed before entering the temple. While sitting in the main temple building one should sit politely. The Buddhist temples are very auspicious place where Royal families also visit to offer their prayers and also perform religious ceremonies. Phra Kaeo temple is situates inside the grounds of the Royal Palace. You can also see some fascinating paintings and sculptures if you visit the place. In Wat Traimit, 3 meter tall Buddha image is placed. This image is made up of 5.5 tons of solid gold. It was made about 700 years ago in the Sukhothai period but out of the fear of the invading Burmese, the image was covered in plaster. About 40 years ago the image was rediscovered and since then attracts a lot of visitors. Beside these important temples one should also visit Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Thepthidaram, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Mahathat and the Wat Rakhangkositaram.

Temples in Thailand

2009-04-03T13:27:00.001+05:30

The majority of population in Thailand is Buddhist and that is why Buddhism also prevails in the city of Bangkok. Buddhist people are generally religious and may be that is the reason over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thailand temples are known as ‘wat’. They are categorized into two main groups and these are temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions and those which are used only for living quarters for monks. In Thailand you can get a temple in anywhere and everywhere in the country. You can simply go to offer your prayers and “make merit” even if you aren’t a Buddhist. Although most of the other temples share almost similar features, some of the Buddhist temples are there which are architecturally glorious and historically important.

Based on the structural characterization Buddhist temples are classified into two main categories and these are Royal Temples and Common Temples. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples out of which only six are of the highest grade. When visiting a temple in Thailand, it is polite to seek the permission of the Abbott before taking photographs. You should also take permission before entering any place other than the main area. The permission should be taken from monk or one of the many helpers found in the temple grounds. Normally permission is granted without seeing the Abbott, but your show of respect by asking, will be returned.

If visiting popular temples, such as Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace grounds, there is no need to seek any permission regarding photography. You just need to follow the instructions if there is anything written about that. Wat Phra Kaeo temple is situated in the capital city of Bangkok. This is commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as because it houses a small two foot jade statue of Buddha which rests upon a huge golden alter.

Sriwittayapaknam School culture in Thailand

2009-04-02T02:56:00.002+05:30

Culture in Thai school is not different than any other school around the world. Some of the captivating cultures of Thai school help to make some challenging differences. Some of the simple rules can be mentioned as shoes are not allowed within the school premises. In the annual Wai Kru Ceremony all the students should bow down to their teachers just to show respect towards them. Sriwittayapaknam School, which is commonly known as Srinai, is located in the Samut Prakan City. This school is located at the distance of about 35 kms south of Bangkok. From the sixth floor of this school big container ships can be seen that are heading up the Chao Phraya River to the port in Bangkok. There is no sea at the vicinity so swimming is not possible there.

In Thailand, in most of the schools there are two semester exams. Usually there is no mid term breaks. 180-200 teaching days are there in every year. First term starts in May first week and it continues till October first week. The second term starts at November first week. As because Buddhism prevails in Thailand, there is no Christmas leave. At New Year’s time, four to five days leave are there. Second term finishes at February end or March first week. After that the students get two long months summer vacation. The month of April can be recorded as the hottest month and only 70% of students attend school at that time.

In Thailand, some of the teachers and students reach school very early sometimes even before 6 a.m. If the parents of some students are working in Bangkok, he or she reaches school early. The others reach school 7 or 7.30 a.m. The national anthem starts at 8 a.m. and all should be present by that time. Lunch break for kinder garden starts at 10.15 a.m. junior students get lunch break at 11 a.m. while seniors get at 11.30. Most of students go home by 4.45 p.m. The last students are generally picked up by parents by 6 p.m. at the latest.

Newspapers in Thailand

2009-04-01T01:06:00.001+05:30

There are numerous newspapers in Thailand. These are basically for mass circulation which covers business, politics, and sensational, etc. All the newspapers are printed in broadsheet format but exceptions are there. These others can be named as tabloids. All the daily newspapers are published in Bangkok except one in Chiang Mai. After publication the papers are distributed all over the country.

The mass circulation dailies can be named as Thai Rath, Khao Sod, Kom Chad Luek, and Daily News. Among them Thai Rath is recorded as having one million circulation. This is also known as the most influential newspaper of the country. This newspaper mainly covers all sensational news regarding accidents, crime, etc. Daily news is also popular and having 900,000 circulation. Khao Sod can be listed in the third position while Kom Chad Luek has the circulation of 850,000. National Multimedia Group is the owner of this paper.

Some of the good daily papers are Thai Post, Naew Na and Matichon. The political stance of Thai post is known as most progressive of all other Thai dailies. Some of the business dailies can be named as Post Today, Krungthep Turakij and Phoojadkarn Daily. The dailies in English language are Bangkok post, The Nation, International Herald Tribune, etc. semi-weekly business newspapers can be named as Siam Turakij, Prachachart Turakij, and Than Settakij. There are two weekly newsmagazines in Thailand and those can be name as Nation Weekend and Matichon Weekly. Two business newspapers are there which are weekly. These are Phujatkam Weekly and Krungthep Turakij Biz Week.

These are the newspapers that make the Thai people aware of the fact what is happening in and around Thailand. Other than these some monthly and other newspapers are there which are distributed throughout Thailand.

Cinema in Thailand

2009-03-31T01:00:00.001+05:30

Cinema of Thailand started many years back. In 1897, when king Chulalongkorn came to Switzerland, the whole incident was recorded by Francois Henri Lavancy Clarke. After shooting, the film was brought to Bangkok. There the film was exhibited and the response was very good. After this Thai Royal Family and local businessman start talking interest in film production. They also started organizing some film festivals where foreign films were shown. In 1920, a local film production center was started in Thailand while in 1930 the Thai film industry celebrated its golden age with some of the finest locally produced films. After Second World War, Thai film industry had a revival as by that time they started shooting films in 16 mm. Nonzee Nimibutr, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, etc. are known as new wave directors in Thailand. By 1990 for them and also action hero Tony Jaa, Thai films were appreciated around the world.

In today’s film fraternity awards has taken an important part. Your film is not hit if it has not grabbed any award and that is the usual scene in filmy world. In 1997 Thai film industry organized Thai short film and video festival. In 1998, Bangkok had started organizing film festivals. In 2002, the Tourist Authority of Thailand organized Bangkok International Film Festival and this was a great event. Recently in 2007, Digital Forum was started in Bangkok. This has begun as an outgrowth of Thai video and short film festival. In the same year Phuket Film Festival took place and it has also seen a great success.
In Thailand, the first award was the ‘Golden Doll’. This was given by Tukata Tong magazine. The formal awards were given in the year 1957. At first the awards was designed after Thai classical dancer but later it was remodeled as Phra Suratsawadi who was Thai god of art. Eth Tulaka Tong awards ceremony was stopped after eight years, but again revived in the year 1974. At that time the Association of Entertainment News Journalists organized it. Thailand National Film Association Award is popularly known as Subhanahongsa award.

Some lovely holidays in Thailand

2009-03-30T11:39:00.001+05:30

Some festivals of Thailand are really interesting where you will get something unique about the city it is celebrated. This would be really good if you get a chance to visit the city during any one of this celebration time. Some are mentioned below:

Songkran: This festival brings some light wave to the Thai people. This is mainly celebrated during Thai New Year i.e. in April. Generally April 13th, 14th and 15th are the days but it also varies sometimes. In this festival people throw water on each other. The main thought behind this action is that Thai people think this will wash off their sin from the past years. You will get water pistols and super soakers everywhere in the city. You can feel the actual enjoyment in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Khao San Road area in Bangkok, Ko Samui and also Phuket. But if you don’t like to get wet, this is not the right time for you to come to Thailand. Sometimes people even splash iced water on each other. After three long days the whole city becomes drenched in water. It is advisable to wear dark colored clothes as light colors can become transparent after splashing water.

Coronation Day: This is celebrated on May 5th. This records the crowning of the current King in 1950.

Loy Krathong: This one falls on the first full moon day in the twelfth month in Lunar calendar. The month is usually November. At this time people float candle laden banana leaf, flower and other auspicious things in the water of sea and also in swimming pools of hotels. They believe that in this way they float away their bad luck and welcome the new things. Many Thai people float some strands of hair and nail clippings in the karthong i.e. banana leaf boat. They say that if you wish something and the karthong floats out of sight before the candle burns out, your wish will be fulfilled. This is a traditional festival of Thailand which is celebrated with a holy heart.

A typical Thai Bathroom…

2009-03-27T10:30:00.000+05:30

In Thailand you will get bathrooms in unique style. You need to have proper knowledge about using Thai bathrooms. A venture in the Thai bathroom is really exciting. Don’t try to be smart while you are going to a Thai bathroom. You may not know how the hot water and flush really works there. Thai toilet is also known as squatter. This is like a hole in the ground and this can create a great confusion for the westerners. Sometimes the Thai people make fun of the western people because of this reason. Many people become nervous after seeing the style of Thai toilet.

You won’t find any toilet paper in Thai toilet. Don’t be scared, a bucket of water will be there to serve your purpose. Your left hand and water will be used for the purpose. Don’t feel nervous if you need to shake left hand of a person in Thailand. For your convenience you can carry toilet paper along with you but where would you dispose it that’s a question. Flushing in Thai toilets is not like western toilets and it can create some clogging if you dispose it in the toilet.

Usually Thai people take shower thrice a day. In Thailand the weather is very hot and humidity is also high. So people take bath as much times as possible. The Thai people who are not taking bath thrice are considered as dirty. But this behaviour is only common when the Thais live in Thailand. When a Thai person comes to America, he behaves like any other common man in America and takes bath once or at best twice. The water is also very cold in Thailand. While traveling in Thailand it’s always better to carry a few baht for using public bathrooms. All the public bathrooms are pay bathrooms and that’s why very clean.

Thailand Holidays

2009-03-26T11:35:00.000+05:30

In Thailand you can enjoy some exciting festivals. The festivals are really colorful and spread liveliness everywhere. Sometimes visitors specially come to Thailand to be a part of its festivals. But one thing should be kept in mind that at these times the hotel accommodation can be little costly. So, in this case you can take the help of the websites and do your booking in advance. Various festivals are there out of which some are randomly selected and mentioned below:

Wat Phra Si Sanphet: This festival is celebrated in Ayutthaya. In Thailand most of the festivals are related to Buddhism and the monarchy. This is one of them. Except for some banks nobody celebrates all of them.

Chinese New Year: This Chinese New Year is celebrated by Chinese Thais. They are numerous in Bangkok. They celebrate this festival by cleaning their houses. They also offer food to their ancestors during this festival. Feasts take an important part in this festival. Everywhere you will see merrymaking. If you are visiting Bangkok’s Chinatown or Yaowarat, you can have the idea of real festivity.

Makha Bucha: This festival in Thailand falls on the full moon of the fourth Lunar month. Usually this falls in February or March. During this festival nearly 1250 followers venerate in front of the Buddha. This eventually leads to their ordination and subsequent nirvana i.e. enlightenment. Buddhists carry candles at temples in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. They also walk around the main shrine three times in a clockwise direction. People in Thailand are very religious and they show this nature during this festival.

The King’s Birthday: King’s Birthday is celebrated on December fifth. This is known as Thailand’s National Day which is also celebrated as Father’s Day. During this time you will find all the buildings and homes are properly decorated with the king’s flag. Around the Royal palace in old Bangkok, you can see some lighting on trees, roads and buildings. You will see happy faces everywhere in the city at this time. The Queen’s Birthday i.e. Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12 in the same way with great pomp.

Thai Cloth washing & Sunbathed skin

2009-03-25T13:45:00.000+05:30

Thai people are usually very clean in their clothing as well as their character. You cannot see any couples holding hands in a public place. They usually give enough respect to the elders of the society. They always maintain cleanliness. Thai people usually wash their top clothes separately from their bottom clothes. As for example jumpers, shirts are washed together while trousers and underwear are washed separately. This is done so as according to Buddhists ideology, the lower part of the body is unclean while the upper part is sanctified. A Thai who is a Buddhist never takes out the skirts over their heads and this is also done because of the same reason.

While hanging out the clothes for drying, the same process is maintained as clothes of upper part of the boy are placed separated from the clothes of the lower part of the body. The same should be applied when drying one's self after bathing. While taking a shower one thing should be kept in mind that one single towel cannot be used for the whole body. The ideal is one towel should be kept for head and second one for the lower part. Thai people don’t like the suntanned skin. According to them this type of skin shows teh poor living conditions of a person.

If someone has dark or heavily tanned skin that means he or she is working outside. So, they believe that the status of a person can be anticipated from the whiteness of their complexion. In this respect Thai people are different than westerners. Westerners want to have tanned skin and that’s why they enjoy sunning thmselves while Thai people want to escape from it. It is a common scene in Thailand that people carrying umbrella in sun. Don’t be surprised if you see a motorcyclist carrying an umbrella in one hand and driving with other hand.

Process of making Nielloware artifacts in Thailand

2009-03-24T16:09:00.000+05:30

In Thailand each of the Nielloware artists has his own formula of making the Niello amalgam. The process starts when the desired quantity of copper, silver and lead melt in a crucible at 300 degree Celsius and the heating should continue till four hours. Then sulpher should be mixed but the sulpher should not continue any bubbles. Afterwards the amalgam should pour in a flat container. After drying the amalgam should be black colored with luster of light blue color. The amalgam has low melting point with solid hardness. It comes in the shape of a rod and also in small pieces. The whole process takes twelve long hours.

Later the metal is given the desired shape. This is done by hammering or by casting. Then the desired pattern can be drawn on the object. This is done either directly on the object or by screens. The design can be craved by hand into the metal. This is also done by stamping machines or acids. After that Niello amalgam should be mixed with soldering flux and then the carved out design is filled properly with the mix. Then heat should be applied with blowpipe. The Niello amalgam on the object and silver level should be properly matched. When the amalgam is applied on the object, it is set to dry and then cool. This step is very important where the craftsmen become very careful so that no minute hole can remain in the object. Then it should be filed and any overflow of amalgam should be removed.

Then comes the process of polishing. Fine sanding paper is used in it. Afterwards the object should be rubbed with charcoal and should make it smooth. It should be further polished by using hand and cotton and also metal polishing substance. This should be followed by washing and drying. Some touch-ups can be done later and your Nielloware object is ready for the market.

Thailand and Nielloware

2009-03-23T13:50:00.000+05:30

Nielloware in Thailand is a very common term. The name is derived from the word niello, the plural of which is nielli. The Italian form of this Latin word is known as nigellum. This is actually a tiny word of niger i.e. black. The word nigellum actually referred as the amalgamation of black color that is used in ‘nielloing’ somewhere in the Middle Ages. In Renaissance time the term ‘niello’ comes in place of nigellum.

The official meaning or definition of Nielloware is mentioned in Royal Dictionary in Thailand. In 1950 version the definition comes like this, “The manner of making receptacles by means of the application of a lead amalgam, superimposed upon or poured into incised designs. This type of container is referred to as ‘Nielloware’”

There are different terms which are related to this art form. As a matter of fact Niello is the black inlay which chiefly consists of the sulphides of copper, silver and also lead. The amount of the ingredients obviously varies according to the mode of application. It also varies according to the application of the amalgam and the composition of the objective on which Niello is used.

It is a known fact in Thailand that every Niello artist inherits a secret making process for his own Niello liquid. Nielloware is a term that is usually use to describe any man made object that has used Niello amalgam. Most of the Niello objects are made of gold and silver. Some are also made of bronze, copper and brass. Thai people think that Nielloware object should made of pure silver with 92.5% purity.

Some of the famous Nielloware artist in Thailand can be named as Mr. Songwut Khongwan, Mrs. Butsabakorn Khongwan, Mr. Adison Chantarangsee, Professor Wichian Na Nakon, etc.

Traditional dances in Thailand

2009-03-21T10:38:00.000+05:30

Thai dances are very interesting where you will see lots of colors and enthusiasm. In Thailand there are various occasions where you can enjoy a lot. Thai people love enjoyment. They want to find happiness in every possible way. There are some types of traditional Thai dances which are very popular among the local people. Some of the names are randomly selected:

Khon: This is a conventionalized variety of Thai dance. In this type of Thai dances the performer mimes the whole action while the story is being sung by other singers in background. The dancers of the show usually wear intricate dresses and also masks to depict different characters. Some of characters can be mentioned as humans, monkeys, demons and also celestial organisms. Muscular exertion is necessary in this Khon dance. The Khon dancers find their story from Ramakien. This is the Thai version of Ramayana i.e. the Indian epic.

Fawn Thai: This is a form of folk dance where you can also enjoy the use of folk music. There are five classic style in this fawn Thai and these are Fawn Leb i.e. fingernails dance from the place Chiang Mai. The second one can be named as Fawn Ngiew which is scarf dance from Chiang Rai. Third one is Fawn Marn Gumm Ber i.e. butterfly dance. Fourth one is Fawn Marn Mong Kol i.e. happy dance and the fifth one is Fawn Tian i.e. candle dance.

Lakhan: This is less formal dance and here the dancers do not wear masks. Lakhan dance movements where the hands and upper torso moves are really graceful and also sensual. All the dancers are female and they perform as a group rather than performing as an individual dancer. In Lakhan also, they take the story ideas from Ramakien and the Jatakas. These are all folk stories and some are taken from the lives of Gautam Buddha.

Manohra Dance: This type of traditional Thai dance is unique to the south. This is mainly a dance drama where we can see the love story between Kinnari Manohra and Prince Suthon. Kinnari Manohra was a half bird and half woman kind. The story is very pathetic where the unprincipled court members of prince advised him to sacrifice Manhra into fire to save his own life when he is at war.

Thai Language

2009-03-19T12:59:00.000+05:30

Standard Thai is the official language of Thailand which is also known as Central Thai or Siamese. More or less 65 million people speak this Thai language. In Nakhon Ratchasima, 4 million people speak Khorat Thai. This language has taken a place in Thai linguistic culture between Central Thai and the Isan. A group of people in the Isan region speak a vernacular language of the Lao. This influenced the central Thai dialect as well. In addition to Standard Thai, Thailand has also some other related Thai languages. These can be mentioned as Isan in Northeastern Thai. This is the language of the Isan region of Thailand. Being a dialect of the Lao language this language is spoken by fifteen million people. The population of Nakhon Phanom Province, Udon Thani Province of Northeast Thailand and Sakhon Nakhon Province speak Nyaw language. People of Nakhon Phanom Province of Northeast Thailand also speak Galung language. In Northern Thailand 78,000 people speak Lu.

Phuan is a language that is spoken by some people in central Thailand, Northern Laos and Isan. Phu Thai is spoken by about 156,000 around Nakhon Phanom Province. Shan i.e. Thai Luang, Tai Long, Thai Yai are spoken by about 56,000 in north-west Thailand. The area lies along the border with the Shan States of Burma. Song is spoken by about 20,000 to 30,000 in central and northern Thailand as well. Southern Thai or Pak Dtai is spoken about 5 million. Thai Dam is spoken by about 20,000 people in Isan and Saraburi Province.

Many of the above mentioned languages are spoken by people outside Thailand. In most of the schools and universities people speak Central Thai language. The tribal people from minority group speak several languages which are not related to Thai. The languages are Hmong-Mien i.e. Lisu, Yao, Karen, and others. Standard Thai is composed of several distinct forms and that is for different social contexts:

Street Thai: This Thai language is informal. There are no polite terms of address close relatives and friends.

Religious Thai: This language is heavily influenced by Sanskrit and Pāli which is used when discussing Buddhism and also when it is necessary to address a monks.

Elegant Thai: This is official and written version of Thai language. This includes respectful terms of address that is used in simplified form in newspapers.

Rhetorical Thai: This is normally used for public speaking.

Royal Thai: This dialect is influenced by Khmer. This is mainly used to address members of the royal family.

Thai Hospitality and Table Manners

2009-03-18T11:18:00.000+05:30

Thai hospitality is something special that you will get while your visit in Thailand. A Thai always greet a guest at home or office with glass of water. In any of the restaurants in Thailand, the waiter will server you a glass of cold water first even if you done place any order for your food. Thai’s are very particular about leaving their shoes outside the home before entering to the home and they expect the same from their guest. You have to maintain the same in all Buddhist temples. Even some of the Thai restaurants also maintain this decorum. In these traditional restaurants guests are served on floor. Thai’s prefer to seat on the floor and not on the chairs and they use the floor as table where they can serve the meal. Thai’s prefer to sleep on the floor over a mattress and don’t like to use beds. Even some rich families use large short teak wood table for dining.

In Thailand table manners and dish preparation and presentation is very unique, unlike in other countries. You will get a set of fork and spoon to have your main course and soup spoon with the soup bowl. Thai’s normally don’t use knife as the food is shredded into pieces in general. You have to use chopsticks if you are going for noodles. Although you can use you normal fork and spoon in case you not that comfortable with the chopsticks. Knifes and forks are given when ordering western dishes such as steaks.

Like in other parts of the world the deserts are served at the end. In a distinctive Thai dinner, you can have several dishes served at the same time and in some cases they are also cooked on the table, which is called fondue style. Thai’s take bits of every preparation and use them as topping for the rice and then they have it in style. Thai’s normally like spicy food.

Widely spread Thai Culture

2009-03-17T11:15:00.000+05:30

Thai culture has wide spread popularity for which people from different parts of the globe come to spend some quality time here in this city. Thai people have rich culture where they show etiquette, respect towards elder person of the society and women, different festivals, etc. Some of the popular aspects of Thai culture are discussed below.

Traditional Thai Music: Traditional Thai music is a mixture of musical elements. The blending has been done with the help of Khmer, Chinese, and especially Indian. The instruments as well as melodies are included in the same list. And these are the reason why Thai music can also be called as derivative. Despite all these facts Thai music has emerged with its distinct form and thus it belongs to the musical ethnicity of South East Asia.

Likay: Likay was considered as originated from Muslim religious performances. Thai people adopted this and over a period of time this has become a comedy folk art. Common people enjoy it in accordance with singing and also dancing. Now a day likay is used to help in political moves. They incorporate political corresponds to their repertoires. In Bangkok, people don’t regard this likay as sophisticated but recently this has gained enough recognition and established itself as an art form.

Khon: Khon is one of the famous cultural shows in Thailand. Khon is actually masked drama that is widely enjoyed. This was first evolved in Siam. The route can be found somewhere in the folk dances of the rural areas of the country. The performers of this art form dress colorfully at the time of performance. They wear jeweled costumes. Men wear masks while women wear gold head dresses. Music can be enjoyed along with dances while songs and dialog are performed by an chorus.

Shadow Puppet Plays: Shadow puppetry is rarely seen in Thailand now a day. In south shadow puppetry is known as ‘Nang Yai’ and ‘Nang Thalung’. The later one is the more popular. Here the puppets are crafted from cow hide. Strings are usually attached to the puppets for movements. Music and dialogues accompany with the puppet dance. The dialogues are mostly comical. These days ‘Nang Yai’ has become uncommon. In this art form the puppets are larger in size than those of the other one ‘Nang Thalung’.

Some unique customs of Thailand

2009-03-14T11:15:00.000+05:30

Thailand is the land of culture and heritage. Thailand is a Buddhist country where people are very polite and always smile towards each other. You will never see an angry face in Thailand. People are expected to be enough courteous at that place. Even if any foreigner violate the rule and do any sacrilegious acts, they immediately punished by imprisonment. It is not advisable to touch any Thai woman without their consent. In many cases it is seen that they are very conservative in nature. Mini skirts and short pants are not allowed in the Buddhist temple. So, you have to dress properly while in Thailand.

If you are in a plan to tan your body, think twice in Thailand because normally topless sunbathing is not allowed in Thailand. Thai people address other people with the title ‘khun’ and then their first name. Wai is their gesture to give respect to the elders. Head is regarded as noblest part of the body in Thailand. So, even if you touch someone’s head unintentionally, you should immediately offer serious apology to the concerned person. You should touch the table with foot while sitting. Avoid pointing anything by foot. It is considered discourteous or offensive if you touch any person by foot. Don’t forget to remove your shoes outside while entering in Thai temple or anyone’s house.

In Thailand showing affection between friends is common but displaying love between lovers is regarded as offensive. You can’t see any couple even holding their hands for a minute. You should never step in a coin in Thailand. It is considered as extremely discourteous. The reason behind this is as king’s face appeared on the coin it is highly offensive if you touch this with your foot. If you are visiting any Buddha temple be cautious that your feet are never pointed towards and Buddha image. Even in Thai residences, shrines are arranged in a manner that your feet will never point towards the god. Buddhist monks never come in contact with a woman so this point should be kept in mind that woman should always keep safe distance from Buddhist monks.

Traditional or Folk music in Thailand

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The music in Thailand contemplates the mixture of Indonesia, India, Chaina, Cambodia, etc. Musical instruments in Thailand have great classification and are slightly influenced from abroad. The klong thap and khim has got Persian origin, klong jin has Chinese origin, jakhe has Indian origin while klong kaek has Indonesian origin. The traditional or folk music in Thailand has got tremendous popularity. Some of them are listed below:

Pop and rock: Western jazz, tango, showtunes, classical music, etc. were popular by 1930’s. Many of these start dominiating Thai music a lot. Khru Eua Sunthornsanan set up the first Thai jazz band. Along with another band named Suntharaporn, Khru Eua Sunthornsanan invented a music named pleng Thai sakorn. This music helped incorporating Thai melodies with western classical. King Bhumibol was another finest jazz composer as well as musician.
Luk thung: Luk thung is a Thai country music. This music was developed with a view to reflect day to day trials and visitations of the rural people of Thailand. Many of the stars were from the city of Suphanburi. Pumpuang Duangjan pioneered electronic luk thung which is equally famous among the Thai people.
Kantrum: The people of Isan are actually known as kantrum. It is less famous than mor lam. Khmer who played kantrum live near Cambodia. This is traditional dance music.
Mor lam: North-eastern Isan region of Thailand have folk music named mor lam. The region has lao population in prominence. This also focus in the life of rural people as luk thunk. The lead singer in mor lam is accompanied by khaen. 15 regional variations are there in mor lam.
Indie: Indie is a group of independent artists that produces good music and that too not for commercial purpose.
Phleng pheua chiwit: By 1960’s western rock become famous in Thailand and people start copying Cliff Richard and the shadows. The music was famous as wong shadow and soon it became Thai pop and called as string. Caravan was the earliest phleng pheua chiwit band. By 1990’s phleng pheua chiwit saw its end but Thai music was still rocking.
String: In 90’s string took over listeners in Thailand. Some of the famous rock bands of Thailand in the year 2006 can be named as Big Ass, Clash, Silly Fools, and Bodyslam.

Thai Alangkarn Theatre in Pattaya

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Alangkarn show is situated at the distance of 155 kms on Sukhumvit Road at Jomtien. You will get a cultural rostrum, hexa stage theatre and a restaurant there. Alangkarn always proposes a new concept of demonstrating an innovative culture to Thais. Standard Thai traditional dances can be found anywhere but this Alangkarn show displays some unique style. There is unusual combination of multi dimension techniques. They use surround sound system and laser show that is multi colored. Mr. Supawat Jongsiri who is the director of Performances at Alangkarn provide a team that usually choreograph the professional performances. Thus Alangkarn has become multi dimensional extravaganza show.

Different acts are comprised together to give the actual picture of Alangkarn theatre. These are Elephant Battle, Royal Barge Procession, Thai Buddhist Ceremonies, Naga Stories of Thailand, Sun Moon and Planet, History of Thailand and many more. These acts are sometimes accompanied with old film sequences from Thailand.

In Pattaya, the new Alangkarn complex is opened from evening at 5.30 from night t 11. There is only one performance at 8 pm. Ticket price costs 800 to 1000 baht. You can enjoy the buffet at Alangkarn restaurants that is included within entry fee. The art theatre in Alangkran Theatre can accommodate 2000 seats which are decked up in modern Thai style. There are 70 m lengthy Hexa stage, 50 m water screen, and also two large eleven by fifteen meters screens. All of these are used to present Thai extravaganza show. The combination of multi dimension presentation like surround sound system, pyrotechnics, multi colored laser show, etc. have the the show extremely interesting and eye catching.

Etiquette in Pattaya

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Thai people are really unique for their etiquette. Some of the social and cultural mannerisms make them totally different from the rest of the world. While visiting Pattaya or any other places in Thailand it is better to learn some of the etiquette used there. If any visitor shows that he knows something about Thai culture and etiquette h is most welcomed by the Thai people. Some of the etiquette are listed below.

Always keep smiling face: The Thai people always show happiness n their faces. So while in Pattaya don’t loose your temper and never show anger on your face.

Gestures: Thai people greet others with a polite gesture named ‘wai’. This is Thai gesture where they unite their hands to the chest. By doing this they show extreme respect where folded hands remain beneath the nose. Thai people always make it comfortable for the visitors.

Respect for Royal Family: King Bhumibol i.e. Rama IX and Queen Sirkit are the member of Royal family for Thais. While in Pattaya never show disrespect for the Royal family.

Dressing style: In Thailand you should be careful about your dresses. In public places you cannot wear improper dresses.

Respectful suffixes: In Thai society elders are referred as “pii”. Female elders are addressed as “Kha” while male elders are addressed as “Khrup”.

'Mai Pen Rai': When in Pattaya if you are spending bad times just say this in front of Thais. They would always show positive response towards this gesture.

Touching head: The heads are sanctified part of the body so avoid touching anyone’s head in Thailand.

Social Structure: In Thai society a complex and established social architecture is there. A person in high rank always offered due respect. Generally rank is determined based on post, age and wealth. The persons in high rank always behave in a proper way.

Public display: Thai don’t like showing affection in public. Holding hands is also regarded as improper gesture among the older generations.

Mannerisms: While you are in public places in Thailand you should be very careful about your mannerisms. Always keep a smiling face and gentle approach.

Loi Krathong in Pattaya

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Loy Krathong is a festival that held on full moon of the twelfth month. It is celebrated according to the traditional Thai lunar calendar. The festival falls in the month of November according to the western calendar. ‘Loi’ means ‘to float’ while ‘Krathong’ is a raft. Traditionally this is made out of a banana tree trunk. This is decked up with folded banana leaves, incense sticks, flowers, candles, etc. At the night when full moon is visible many people float a decorated raft like this. Some contests are often organized where the corporations, Governmental offices and also some other organizations build larger rafts. During this festival Thais organized some fireworks and beauty contests. This festival resemble with the Hindu festival Deepavali as here you can see lots of light and fireworks.

In 1863, H.M. King Rama IV has written that in actual the Brahmanical festival was adjusted by Buddhists in Thailand. It can be said that besides the Buddha matter, this floating of the candle raft also symbolizes that one’s anger, grudges and all bad things are going. It indulge the person to start his life afresh with a new vigor. Some people also cut their hair and nails and add it to the raft. By this gesture they try to proof that all bad body parts are going with the raft. It’s a general believe that Krathong will generate some good luck. They do it with full respect and also thank water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.

‘Noppamas Queen Contests’ is the name of the beauty contest. The legend says Noppamas was a associate of Sukothai king Loethai in fourteenth century. She was the first person who floated Krathong. The start of vegetable carving is also related to Loi Krthong festival. This festival was first started in Sukhothai but now it is celebrated throughout Thailand. Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya is very popular. Chiang Mai Loi Kratong alias ‘Yi Peng’ is very famous. Every year millions of people gather to float the Krathong in the water and they do it in extreme happiness.

History of Muay Thai Boxing In Pattaya

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Muay Thai boxing has an old history in Thailand. This is known as the cultural martial art of this region. This art is a form of close fighting where the full body is used as a weapon. The origin dates back to hundreds of years. There are some controversies about the origin of Muay Thai. The history of this Thai boxing is actually lost when Ayudhaya was sacked by Burmese. This was the capital city of Siam in 14th century. Most of the written histories were lost during the period when Burmese literally looted the temples. Some of the documents were saved and these are well preserved in museums as national treasure for Thai heritage.

The preserved documents revealed that in muay thai boxing, the whole body is used as weapons in an war.

Hands are used as dagger or sword, strong forearms are used as armor against blows, legs are used as axe. In muay thai boxing when elbows fell on a opponent like a hammer he sees dark in his eyes. In Pattaya much importance is given to this muay thai boxing. The style of the fighting can be derived from tribal style as many tribes were migrated from china through Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma.

There were constant fights among the tribes. One of the major tribes of that time was Siamese. They fought ferociously with others to established their existence. Muay Thai boxing has taken its present shape after much training, military tactics, loss of life, techniques, hand to hand fighting, etc. The Muay Thai boxing training passes from generation after generations. Various techniques including some special postures and positions are transferred to the next generation in a nice way. In this Muay Thai boxing proper training is very important as one simple mistake can do a lot of harm. This fighting promotes the theory survival of the fittest. Who is fit and strong survives and pass on the art of fighting to someone else.

‘Wat’ in Pattaya

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In Pattaya there are thousands of temples present in the city. They are called ‘wat’. The temples sometimes vary in structure and style but as a whole according to Buddhist principle and culture all the wat should have a bot ora ubosot, a wihan, a sala kanparie, a mondop, chedi, a ho rakang or belfry, and kuti. Sometimes the wat have a library, a school and a library. Bot is used for religious ceremonies e.g. ordinations. Wihan is the house of several Buddha images and also laypersons. Sala kanparien is a large meeting hall used for religious services and also as a civic and social center. Mondop is used for storing the Buddhist scriptures. Then comes the chedi, it is used for housing sacred relics or images. A ho rakang or belfry is used to sound the time for ceremonies and prayers, etc. Last but not the least kuti is the place where the monks live.

In most of the cases it has been seen that ‘Wat’ is not a single but a collection of buildings. Shrines and monuments are there within a boundary of the wall. In the bot, new monks take vows. A bot is characterized as having six boundary stones and this defines the limit of the sanctuary. Only monks are allowed to enter in the bot. the building usually faces the east direction. There is horn shaped finial present in the roof ridge, this is called chofa. This represents the head of the garuda. Chofahs are decorated like birds. These are present on the end temple roofs. Little bells are there which tinkle in the wind. Chedi is tall domed edifice. Under this structure relics of Buddha or religious teachers are buried. A mondop or mandapa is a structure which has been erected with the Buddhist scripts.

The name of the library is ‘Ho Trai’. This is a small and decorated building where the holy scripts and sacred manuscripts are kept inside. The sermon hall is known as ‘Viharn’. This place in a wat is open to all and that is why the busiest building. The visitors should behave properly while visiting the place. In Viharn also you can see lots of Buddha images. Sala is a open sided pavilion in which style Viharn are made of. As a whole it can be said that wat is a beautiful structure and you cannot stop praising it wholeheartedly.

Attractive shows in Pattaya

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Pattaya is a small package for the tourists. Before going to the city if you don’t have enough information you are definitely going to loose something. Pattaya has plenty of activities that attract the tourists from all over the world. The city has some extra ordinary shows for which it bagged worldly fame. Tourists are sometimes bound to repeat their visit just because of Pattaya’s diversified culture. The city has extremely popular nightlife, delicious cuisine, sports activities, elegant cabaret dances, luxurious hotels and accommodation and gorgeous beaches. Pattaya looks stunning with all these actions. Also there are some surplus attractions such as some special shows. Tourists always look forward to be present in such interesting shows.

One of the famous shows can be mentioned as the elephant show. There is a very old park present in the city. Its age can be more than million years. In this park the local people organize the elephant show almost everyday. The crocodile show is also organized by the crocodile farm. Both the places are not far away from the city so if you are around the city, try to visit the shows. It can be one of your lifetime experiences. One of the museums of the city arranges sound and light show. This show is enough interesting the hold the tourists for a long time. The museum is located at Royal Garden Plaza. The colorful Thai dances are another attraction in Pattaya you can also enjoy Muay Thai at Noong Noonc Tropical garden. This garden also shows a wide variety of Thai culture. There are some cultural centers present in the city that exhibit some shows on Thai culture and they do it on daily basis.

In Sriracha tiger zoo which is very famous in Pattaya, elephant and tiger show is done on regular basis. Elephants play basketball while you can also see women wrestling with crocodiles.

So it can easily be summarized that Pattaya is not just a sandy beach resort. You can see some really interesting shows out here. People of different age group cal enjoy these shows and have enough fun. You just need to have proper knowledge and for that you can take the help of a travel guide.

Songkran Festival in Pattaya

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Festivals in Pattaya are very colorful. If you have a plan to visit the place try to visit at the time of any festival. The city is always lively but it becomes more cheerful at the time of any of the festivals. Thai people have many festivals to celebrate throughout the year. But among them one of the important is Sonkgran festival. This is actually Thai New Year festival. Thai people celebrated it in a unique way. They throw water among each and everything that moves. If you don’t like to get wet lock yourself in the hotel room.

Pattaya celebrate Songkran with its full vigor in the month of April. The date lies on 18th and 19th. At such festival time it is very difficult to get a hotel room in Pattaya. So if you have a plan to visit the place during any festival time book your room in advance. Especially at Songkran festival people from parts of world come to celebrate the festival.

The festival is celebrated throughout Pattaya but as a special mention Soi 7 and Soi 8 becomes fully soaked at such time. It is advisable to leave jewelleries and electronic equipments at home during the festival. The festival is celebrated the day and night but water throwing stopped after night. This is a fun filled festival where you can enjoy the fullest. No one is spare don road. People throw water on every moving object irrespective of cast and creed. So be ready to get soaked at Songkran Festival in Pattaya.

Buddhism in Pattaya

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Most of the Thai people follow Buddhism in Pattaya and that is why Buddhism is widely practiced there. Many Buddhist festivals are celebrated all over Thailand. Pattaya is no exception. In Thailand you will get enough Chinese population and that is the reason Buddhism is enlaced with some other beliefs. There is a huge Thai-Chinese population in Pattaya. They mingle in a nice way and try to follow the same religion. Some Buddhist pilgrimages centers are there that are visited by both locals and tourists. Tourists should dress properly when visiting a pilgrimage center. He should not touch a monk and should always be respectful.

Some traditions and ceremonies are there. But these not always maintained. Some Thai Buddhists try to observe the ceremonial occasions and customs of the religion. Sometimes some visitors are fortunate enough to experience such ceremonies. These are usually very colourful and you will feel proud to be part of it.

Most of the time, the visitors are seen to visit these Buddhist temples. They also try to learn the local culture and the intricacies of religion as well. Sometimes it is hard to believe that such deep seeded beliefs are moving side by side with such salacious interests of Pattaya. The Buddhists are so consenting that gays’ and lesbians have also taken their place in Pattaya. This accepting nature of the Buddhists and Thai population make the city of Pattaya so special and unique.

While visiting Pattaya you will have a unique experience as there you will see go-go bars, gay bars, beer bars and Buddhist temples also adjacent to one another.

In Buddhism there are celebration involving every occasion including marriages, house worming, funerals, birthdays, buying new vehicles, etc. You can enjoy at any one of them if present at that time.

The sanctuary of truth in Pattaya

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The Sanctuary of truth is situated in northern Pattaya at Soi Nakula 12. Tourists often visit the place with enthusiasm. This sanctuary of truth is located at 150 meters height in to the sky. This is entirely carved on teak wood. This gigantic structure is world famous and attracts a lot of visitors. This structure is actually a fusion of art, philosophy, religion, and art. It is neither a temple nor a palace but you can say that this structure s a hybrid of both. This can be described as a memorial to Thai craftsmanship. This structure is a reflection of ancient vision of earth and also eastern philosophy. This is the place where one can get attached with two good-natured dolphins. Sometimes the dolphins perform a show for the tourists and that way give value or money to the tourists. The Sanctuary of Truth is an extra-ordinary place where one gets calm while appreciating the exquisite beauty.

This huge structure was prepared by late Khun Lek. The entry fee is 500 baht. There is a horse and buggy ride that take the visitors to the top of the mount. This structure can be the biggest in the world. This structure is 100 m long and 105 m high. You can say that this is equivalent to twenty floor building. Several eastern cultures and religions are depicted well in the structure.

You can get some exclusive pictures while enter in the complex. There is an aquarium situated at the Sanctuary of Truth. Great view of sea and countryside are available from some of the hills. The aquarium is worth viewing. But beware of a troupe of monkeys. They will snatch any food at your hand. You can buy some fruit and feed if you really wish to do so.

Cultural vibrancy in Pattaya

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Apart from beaches, bars and girls the city of Pattaya also have art and cultural value. Pattaya has excellence for performing arts that your family will enjoy a lot. In the month of April you can enjoy the festival at Pattaya Pier. There are some effervescent cultural shows where music performances and beauty pageants can be seen. The art galleries offer some exquisite arts from local artists. It is better to have some prior information about the history of the place before you reach there. It will enable you to feel at home and enjoy in a better way.

Though jazzy bars, noisy music, skimpy clothed girls, and mouthwatering food are common features of Pattaya, still you can find some temples, traditional shops, lanes full of ever smiling Thai people, etc. Some of the temples are so fascinating that often religious foreigners feel attracted to live at the place for a longer time. From ancient times people from different cultures have come to Pattaya and lived here. Thus the culture of this place has enriched a lot. Mural art is very famous at this place. Thai culture gives a colorful vibe because of its costumes, traditional music and elegant dance. Some of the restaurants owners dress their employees in colourful way just to give a traditional touch to the whole thing.

Thai people in Pattaya always maintain their etiquette. The way to show respect in their way is ‘wai’ where the person brings both hands to his or her chest. Then he bends his head to the tips of fingers. Thai people usually do this to show respect to the elders. Thai children are taught all these manners from childhood and tourists are expected to learn the important ones in order to feel comfortable.

Many festivals are celebrated in Pattaya throughout the year. The city cheers up at the time of such joyous celebrations. In April one can enjoy the water festival while in the month of November one will take the pleasure of light festival.

No one can forget the ladyboy cabarets if ever enjoyed in a lifetime. This is a contemporary dance of Thai people that they perform with beauty and elegance.