Culture of Thailand

Theculture of Thailandis a unique blend of various influences that have evolved over time.Local customs,animist beliefs, Buddhist traditions, and regional ethnic and cultural practices have all played a role in shaping Thai culture.Thainess, which refers to the distinctive qualities that define thenational identityofThailand, is evident in the country's history, customs, and traditions.WhileBuddhismremains the dominant religion in Thailand with more than 40,000 temples,Islam,Christianity, and other faiths are also practiced.
Thailand's historical and cultural heritage has been shaped by interactions with neighboring culturesas well as far-reaching cultures such asIndian,Chinese,Japanese,Khmer,Portuguese, andPersian, with the ancient city ofAyutthayaserving as a global trade center. Early European visitors also recognized Ayutthaya as one of the great powers of Asia, alongsideChinaandIndia, highlighting the city's importance and influence in the region.In modern times, Thailand's cultural landscape has been shaped by the influence ofglobal trends. This includes the adoption of modern educational practices and the promotion ofscienceandtechnology, while also preserving traditional customs and practices.
Thailand's cultural influence extends beyond its borders, shaping neighboring countries' television programming, dance, films, art, fashion, music, and cuisine.The country's 5F cultural policy, which promotes food, films, fashion, fighting, and festivals, is aimed at becoming an important cultural export to drive economic development and generate income for the countries.Thai cuisinehas become an integral part of restaurant menus worldwide,whileMuay Thai, a traditional Thai martial art, has gained global popularity as a combat sport.Traditional festivals such asSongkranandLoy Krathonghave also attracted tourists from around the world.
Ceramicproduction in Thailand has been traced back toprehistorictimes.Ban Chiang archaeological siteinnortheast Thailandis one of the most important prehistoric settlements inSoutheast Asiaand aWorld Heritage Sitesince 1992.The site provides insights into earliestmetallurgicalcivilizations, especially those that usedbronzeandiron, as well as valuable evidence of earlypottery, among which the red-on-buff painted pottery is the most well-known.The site also offers evidence of earlyagriculture, with domesticated rice and elaborate burial offerings.
TheSukhothai Kingdom, which emerged from the mid-1200s, marked another significant period forceramicproduction inThailand. The two major centers for ceramic production wereSi SatchanalaiandSukhothai.Ayutthaya Kingdomrose up as a major trading hub located on a navigable river that became the primary route for shippingSawankhalokand Sukhothai ceramics abroad.Other areas of Thailand, includingSuphanburi,San Kamphaeng,Singburi, andKalong, also produced ceramics, but they were mainly used within their respective regions and not exported to the same extent as Sawankhalok and Sukhothai ceramics. According to archaeological evidence from various sites, Thai ceramics were generally considered the second most popular type of ceramics after Chinese ceramics.
During theAyutthaya periodand beyond, Thai ceramic continued to develop and evolve. One type ofporcelainthat became especially prominent wasBenjarong, originally produced inChinawith Thai-inspired designs. This intricately designed porcelain features five major colors, including black, red, white, yellow, and green. Over time, Thai artisans began producing Benjarong themselves, and it continued to be produced inKrung ThonburiandRattanakosin, with a specific style called Lai nam thong incorporating gold leaf decoration that was mainly used by the aristocracy. Today, Thai ceramics continue to reflect the unique culture and way of life of Thailand, with more than 30 new colors and design styles that are unique to Thai ceramics.
Prehistoric painting can be observed in the form ofcave paintings, a type ofrock artfound incaves. Rock art is categorized into two periods:prehistoricandhistoric. It is often reported that rock art sites date back to around 3,000-5,000 years ago, although many of these sites remain undated. The majority of rock art sites are regarded to be prehistoric, and they can be found throughout the country. Rock art is typically located inrock sheltersand on cliff faces, with only a few instances found indeep caves. Thailand has the highest number of known and documented rock art sites inmainland Southeast Asia, with over 250 sites cataloged.
Traditional Thai paintings often depict scenes from Buddhist mythology, literature, history, or daily life, blendingrealismandsymbolism. They are mostly found in temples and palaces, where they serve as decorations and illustrations of religious texts.To solve composition problems in empty spaces,Sintaois an important technique used in traditional Thai paintings, which involves dividing the image into sections using secondary elements such as trees, mountains, streams, and rocks, or lines with different patterns.In terms of color, initially, Thai artists used a limited palette of mainlywhite,black, andred, collectively known asAekarong, which were made from natural materials. Later, additional colors became more common, including the five main colors known asBenjarongorKayarong, which includeyellow,indigo,scarlet,white, andblack. This allowed for a wider range of color combinations, leading to the development ofPahurong, which features more diverse colors such as Tangchae green and Lychee red. The early style of Thai painting was flat andtwo-dimensional, with little use of light and shadow. However, with the influence ofWestern art, later artists began to incorporate these elements into their work, resulting in a more naturalistic style.
In the 19th century, Thai artists underKing Rama IVbegan experimenting withmodernismandabstraction.Khrua In Khongintroduced Western techniques such aslinear perspective,shading,light, andshadowinto traditional Thai painting for a more realistic portrayal of space, depth, volume, and form.Hem Vejakornwas another pioneering artist who explored Western techniques in his paintings.Silpa Bhirasri, an Italian-Thai sculptor who is considered the father of modern art in Thailand, foundedSilpakorn UniversityinBangkokin 1943, which became the leading art school in the country.Fua Hariphitak, a student of Bhirasri, was anavant-gardeartist who experimented withImpressionism,Post-Impressionism, andCubism. His artwork featured thick, bold brushstrokes and vivid colors to convey the essence of different locations and moods.Sawad Tantisuk, a notable artist in the modern Thai painting movement, was recognized for his use of bold colors and geometric shapes to create abstract compositions.Chakrabhand Posayakrit is another artist of note, who fuses traditional Thai painting with modern aesthetics in his work.
Contemporary Thai painting builds upon the experimentation and incorporation of Western techniques that began in the 19th century. Today, many Thai painters continue to explore new techniques and styles, resulting in a diverse range of approaches and aesthetics. For example, Navin Rawanchaikul's paintings incorporate pop art influences and bright colors, whileNatee Utarit's surreal and sometimes disturbing images comment on contemporary society. Jirapat Tatsanasomboon draws inspiration from Thai folklore and mythology to create intricate and fantastical works. Meanwhile,Sakarin Krue-On's abstract works explore the relationship between art and nature, and Chatchai Puipia's paintings combine figurative and abstract elements to examine the human condition.
Traditional Thai housesare usually constructed of natural materials such asbambooorwood, and elevated onstiltsto protect against floods and pests. The steeply gabled roofs facilitate efficient rainwater drainage. Designs vary depending on location, climate, and function, while also emphasizing natural materials and airy designs to create environmentally suitable habitats with good ventilation. The houses often feature high roofs and shaded areas like roof terraces and patio planters.
Buddhist temples in Thailandare known aswats, from thePāḷivāṭa, meaning an enclosure. A temple has an enclosing wall that divides it from the secular world. Watarchitecturehas seen many changes in Thailand in the course of history. Although there are many differences in layout and style, they all adhere to the same principles.
In contemporary Thai architecture, there has been a fusion of traditional Thai and modern styles. TheSanctuary of TruthandWat Rong Khunare two popular examples of this fusion. The Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden temple that showcases intricate carvings and sculptures, while Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple designed entirely in white with glass and mirror mosaics.
Thai literaturereflects thehistory,culture,religion, and worldview of theThai people, as well as their interactions with other nations and peoples. One of the earliest forms of Thai literature is the stone inscription, which records historical events, royal decrees, religious teachings, and cultural values. TheRamkhamhaeng inscriptionof 1292, which is considered the first Thai literary work written in theThai script, describes matters of faith, feats of kings, and the way of life of commoners.Another notable work from this period isTraiphummikatha, also known asTrai phum phra ruang. It is a treatise on Buddhist cosmology and traditional worldview and beliefs, and was composed byKing Lithaiin 1345.It is recognized as the first Thai Buddhist literary work and the earliest example of a scholarly thesis in the country.
During theAyutthaya period, various literary forms were developed. The earliest known Ayutthaya work was Lilit Ongkan Chaeng Nam.Other notable works from this period includeLilit Yuan Phai,Lilit Phra Lo, Mahachat Kham Luang,Nirat Hariphunchai,Khun Chang Khun Phaen,Sri Thanonchai, The Legend of Phra Malai, andNang Sib Song. The Ayutthaya period ended in 1767, resulting in the loss of literary works. TheThonburi periodwas a transitional period until the establishment of a new capital in 1782, beginning theRattanakosin period. Many classical works, such asRamakienandSang Thong, were revived and adapted during this time, along with improvements in prose composition.King Rama IIwas responsible for repairing and reviving important literary works.Sunthorn Phuwas a prominent poet in this period, best known for his epic poemPhra Aphai Mani.
Thai poetry, includes forms such askhlong, chan,kap,klonand rai, which are based on rhyme, rhythm, tonal patterns, and syllabic structures.  Poetry was used to express various themes such as religion, romance, war, and nature.
Thai classical dance has several main types of dance including Rabam, Ram, Fon/Sueng/Manora,Khon, and Lakhon. Within these categories, there are subtypes. The first detailed European record of Thai classical dances was made during theAyutthaya Kingdom, which described a tradition and style that is still seen today.  During the reign ofKing Narai, Ayutthaya had formal diplomatic relations withLouis XIV, the Sun King of France. In 1687, French diplomatSimon de la Loubèrewas sent to record Ayutthaya Kingdom traditions. In his account, La Loubère described Khon as a figure dance with armed and masked dancers representing combat. He also recorded Lakhon, a three-day epic and dramatic poem sung by several actors, and Rabam, a slow march round dance with contorted body and arm movements. Khon dancers wore gilded paper-bonnets with hanging sides adorned with counterfeit stones and pendants of gilded wood.
Thai classical dance took a profound influence from neighboring countries such asCambodia,Myanmar, andLaos. It is widely regarded as a highly refined and sophisticated art form, with intricate movements, ornate costumes, and complex choreography.
Themusic of Thailandcan be categorized into two main genres: classical and popular. Thai classical music, also known as Phleng Thai-derm, is the most revered form of Thai music and is considered the pinnacle of the country's unique musical heritage, took profound inspiration from the Pin Peat music of ancient Khmer.With a history dating back centuries, classical music in Thailand is known for its intricate melodies and use of traditional instruments such as theranat(xylophone), khong (gong),pi(oboe),saw(fiddle),khim(hammered dulcimer),chakhe(wooden percussion instrument),phin namtao(plucked string instrument),krachappi(percussion instrument),khaen(mouth organ), andkhlui(flute), among others.Its importance to Thai culture is reflected in its use in royal ceremonies, religious rituals, and other formal occasions.In addition to ensemble genres such aspiphat,khruang sai, andmahori,Thai classical music includes a total of 981 categorized classical songs.
Thai popular music, also known asPhleng Thai sakon, on the other hand, can be divided into two categories: traditional country music and modern music. The former includes genres such asluk thung,luk krung, andmor lam, which are associated with country or regional music and are popular domestically. Luk thung, specifically, is a favorite among the majority of Thai citizens throughout the country. The latter category comprises modern music genres that have gained popularity in recent years and are influenced by Western and other Asian music styles, such aspop,rock,hip hop, and rap. These genres often incorporate instruments like the guitar, keyboard, drum, and synthesizer and are frequently sung in standard Thai or English.
Traditional Thai theatre includes various forms such asKhon(masked dance-drama), Nang (which encompasses shadow play, includingNang yaiandNang talung), Lakhon (classical dance-drama),Likay(folk theatre),Manora(classical dance-drama), and Hun (puppetry). Each of these forms has its own unique style, costume, and music.
Thailand has a thrivingfilm industry, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century whenKing Chulalongkornfirst encountered movies and cinema equipment during a visit toSwitzerland.Since then, Thai cinema has produced a wide range of genres and styles, including horror films about ghosts, spirits, and the supernatural, as well as documentaries, dramas, romance, comedies, and action movies. Major cinema chains in Thailand includeMajor Cineplex, the largest with over 828 screens nationwide and overseas,andSF Cinema City, among others.
Some of the most celebrated Thaidirectorsin the industry includeChatrichalerm Yukol,Nonzee Nimibutr,Wisit Sasanatieng,Banjong Pisanthanakun,Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, andApichatpong Weerasethakul, while actors and actresses such asAnanda Everingham,Mookda Narinrak,Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul,Davika Hoorne,Mario Maurer,Phuwin Tangsakyuen,Naravit Lertratkosum,Peechaya Wattanamontree,Nadech Kugimiya,Natapohn Tameeruks,Ranee Campen,Kimberley Anne Woltemas,Patcharapa Chaichua,Araya A. Hargate,Hussawee Pakrapongpisan,Tontawan Tantivejakul,Korapat Kirdpan,Nattawin Wattanagitiphat,James Jirayu,Yaya Urassaya,Vachirawit Chivaaree,Prin Suparat,Yanin Vismitananda, andTony Jaahave gained both domestic and international fame. Major film studios in Thailand includeGDH 559,Sahamongkol Film International, andFive Star Production, with blockbuster films likeThe Legend of Suriyothai(2001),Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior(2003),Shutter(2004),Pee Mak(2013),Bad Genius(2017),Homestay(2018), andLove Destiny: The Movie(2022). TheSuphannahong National Film Awardsare the mainfilm awardsin the Thai film industry. They are presented annually by theNational Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations(MPC), and are named after theSuphannahong, a royal barge whose figurehead is the inspiration for the trophy statuette.
Lakornis a term used in Thailand to refer totelevision dramasorseries. It encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, including romantic dramas, historical dramas, and action series. Lakorn productions often reflect Thai culture through their use of music, dance, and clothing, and explore complex social issues such as family conflicts and star-crossed lovers. Lakorn has become popular not only in Thailand, but also internationally,with shows such asHormones: The Series(2013–2015),Love Destiny(2018),The Gifted(2018), andGirl From Nowhere(2018-2021), gaining a following overseas.
Thailand allows freedom of religion unless it threatens the security of the state. The government recognizesBuddhism,Islam,Hinduism,Sikhism, andChristianity, providing subsidies and tax benefits to these groups.The country is predominantly Buddhist (94.6%), followed by Muslims (4.3%), Christians (1%), and followers of other religions.The majority ofBuddhistsobserve theTheravada, which includes theThai Forest Tradition,Dhammayuttika Nikaya, andSanti Asokesects, and an unknown minority belong to theMahayana.
Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs regarding ancestral and natural spirits, that have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology. Most Thai people install spirit houses (Thai:ศาลพระภูมิ;RTGS:san phra phum), miniature houses outside their dwellings, where they believe household spirits live.They present offerings of food and drink to these spirits to keep them happy. If these spirits aren't happy, it is believed that they will inhabit the household and cause chaos. These spirit houses can be found in public places and on the streets of Thailand, where the public make offerings.
Prior to the rise of Theravada Buddhism, both Indian Brahminical religion and Mahayana Buddhism were present in Thailand. Influences from both these traditions can still be seen in present-dayThai folklore. Brahminical shrines play an important role in Thaifolk religion, and the Mahayana Buddhist influence is reflected in the presence of figures like Lokesvara, a form of thebodhisattvaAvalokitesvarasometimes incorporated into Thailand's iconography.
Thai Buddhist marriage ceremonies are generally divided into two parts: a Buddhist component, which includes the recitation of prayers and the offering of food and other gifts to monks and images of the Buddha, and a non-Buddhist component rooted in folk traditions, which centers on the couple's families.
In former times, it was unknown forBuddhist monksto be present at any stage of the marriage ceremony itself. As monks were invited to attend to the dead during funerals, their presence at a marriage (which was associated with fertility, and intended to produce children) was considered a bad omen. A couple would seek a blessing from their local temple before or after being married, and might consult some monks forastrologicaladvice in setting an auspicious date for the wedding. The non-Buddhist portions of the wedding would take place away from the temple, and would often take place on a separate day.
In modern times, these prohibitions have been significantly relaxed. It is not uncommon for a visit to a temple to be made on the same day as the non-Buddhist portions of a wedding, or even for the wedding to take place within the temple. While a division is still commonly observed between the "religious" and "secular" portions of a wedding service, it may be as simple as the monks present for the Buddhist ceremony departing to take lunch once their role is complete.
The Thaibride pricesystem is known as thesin sot(Thai:สินสอด;RTGS:sin sot). It roughly translates to "bride price".The groom will be expected to pay a sum of money to the family, to compensate them for the loss of a daughter and to demonstrate that the groom is financially capable of taking care of their daughter. Bride prices of 50,000 to 300,000 baht have been documented, but bride prices can sometimes run into the tens of millions ofbaht.In many cases, the bride price is purely symbolic and will be returned to the bride and groom after the wedding has taken place. Whether the practice of sin sot is a tradition or a scam has been debated by critics. One observed, "All that talk of face and argument for cherished tradition? It's a thinly veiled con. Behind that gobbledygook, it's the same old forces of the material world and about the parents getting enough cash to buy a new pickup, pay outstanding debts or acquire something to elevate their status."Actually, in the Thai culture the sin sot is an essential part of the marriage and no man would refuse it to the bride's family.
Traditionally,Thai funeralslast for at least one week and are focused on making merit for the deceased. Activities include distributing Buddhist scriptures, giving gifts to temples, and inviting monks to chant prayers for the deceased's protection.  The corpse is cremated, and the urn is kept in a chedi in the local temple.Thai ChineseandThai Muslimhave their own funeral rituals. Pet funerals are also common in Bangkok, with one company cremating up to 400 animals per month.
Thai etiquettewas described byPhya Anuman Rajadhonin the 20th century, during a time when modernity changed Thailand and many traditions disappeared. Refinement and avoiding coarseness are highly valued in Thai culture.Thewaiis a prayer-like gesture used in greetings, leave-taking, acknowledgements, or apologies, varying depending on the relative status.Thais tend to use the ubiquitous phrasemai pen rai(meaningit doesn't matter) to minimize disagreements, mistakes, or misfortunes and avoid conflict. Asmileandmai pen raiindicate that the incident is unimportant, and no conflict or shame is involved. The pleasant attitude conveyed through the wai has earned Thailand the nicknameland of smiles.
A notablesocial normholds that the head is the highest and most respected part of the body, while the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest. As a result, touching someone's head or pointing/touching something with the feet is rude. Placing one's feet above someone else's head is impolite, especially towards the royal family.When sitting on the ground, Thais point their feet away from others or tuck them to the side/behind them.Public displays of affectionare not common in traditional Thai society, especially among lovers,but are becoming more accepted among younger generations.
Thai culture values serenity and avoids conflict and sudden displays of anger. Visitors should take care not to create conflict and handle disagreements with a smile, without assigning blame. The concept ofsanukemphasizes that life should be fun, and Thais often display positive emotions in social interactions. Respect forhierarchyis essential, and the custom ofbun khunhighlights indebtedness to parents, guardians, teachers, and caretakers. It involves slow-acting accounting of an exchange based on locally interpreted scales and measures.Thebidet showeris common in Thai toilets,as evidenced by an uproar by parliamentarians when it was disclosed that the new parliament building was not equipped withbum guns.
Thai customs regardingmonksprohibit physical contact between them and women, leading to various methods being employed to avoid accidental contact. Women make offerings by placing them at the feet of the monk, on a cloth or table, and blessings are applied using the end of a candle or stick. Laypersons are expected to sit or stand with their heads lower than the monk's. Feet should be pointed away from Buddha images intemples, and footwear should be removed before entering homes or sacred areas.
Thai dining etiquette has also been influenced by the introduction of theforkandspoonduring the reign ofKing Rama IVandKing Rama V. These utensils have become the norm for dining in Thailand, as they are better suited for eating Thai food than the traditional fork andknife. In addition to using spoons and forks, Thai people also commonly usechopsticks, knives, and their hands to eat, depending on the type of food and the occasion.
Thailand has a dailynational anthemplayed by all media outlets at 08:00 and 18:00, during which Thais pay homage to the flag by standing at attention. Students sing the anthem in front of the flag every school day. The practice originated in 1935 and is now mandated by the Flag Act of 1979, which imposes a fine of up to 2,000 baht and one year imprisonment for not observing the custom.Theroyal anthem of the King of Thailandis also played before movies, concerts, and sporting events, and everyone is expected to stand.
Traditional Thai clothing is calledchut thai(Thai:ชุดไทยThai pronunciation:[tɕʰút.tʰai]) which literally means "Thai outfit". It can be worn by men, women, and children. Chut thai for women usually consists of apha nungor achong kraben, a blouse, and asabai. Northern and northeastern women may wear asinhinstead of apha nungand an ancient Khmerchong krabenpant-like with either a blouse or asuea pat. Chut thai for men includes achong krabenor pants, aRaj patternshirt, with optional knee-length white socks, and asabai. Chut thai for northern Thai men is composed of asado, a white Manchu styled jacket, and sometimes akhian hua. In formal occasions, people may choose to wear a so-calledformal Thai national costume.
Thailand is a uniform-wearing society.From elementary school to university,school uniforms in Thailandare the norm, with few exceptions.Teachers at elementary and secondary levels wear uniforms, usually once a week. All civil servants up to ministerial level have uniforms appropriate to their organization and rank and wear them regularly.
Thai cuisineis known for its diverse range of dishes, which include spicy salads, soups, curries, stir-fries, and desserts. The flavors in Thai cuisine are balanced and often incorporatesweet,sour,salty,bitter, andspicyelements.The most common ingredients used in Thai cooking are fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, as well as fish sauce, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Thai cuisine varies across regions, with dishes influenced by local traditions and ingredient availability. In central Thailand,sticky riceis not commonly used as a staple food but is instead used in desserts,such as mango sticky rice, custard sticky rice, durian sticky rice, etc., which are often made withcoconut milk/cream. However, it is still commonly served as a side dish with savory dishes like Gai yang (grilled chicken). The combination of Gai yang and sticky rice is a popular in Thailand, often served with a spicy dipping sauce and a side salad. Therefore, sticky rice is not exclusively a dessert but can also be served as a side dish.
Thai cuisine has evolved over time due to influences from various cultures.Persiantraders introduced curry dishes and Muslim cooking styles,whilePortuguesemissionaries introduced chilies and other New World crops.Chinese immigrantsbrought stir-frying techniques and noodles.Over the past decade, Thai cuisine has gained global recognition, with over 11,800 Thai restaurants reported overseas in 2007. The Thai government'sKitchen of the Worldcampaign has further boosted the growing Thai food business.
Thai cuisine can be broadly categorized into four types of dishes: Tom (boiled dishes), Yam (spicy salads), Tam (pounded foods), and Kaeng (curries).Some cooking techniques, such as deep-frying, stir-frying, and steaming, are influenced by Chinese cuisine. Popular Thai dishes includeTom yum(spicy soup),Pad thai(stir-fried noodles),Som tam(green papaya salad), Kaeng keow wan gai (green curry chicken),Massaman curry(beef curry), and Pad see ew (stir-fried noodles),Kaeng phanaeng(Panang curry),Tom kha(coconut soup),Pad kaphrao(stir-fried Thai basil chicken),Rad na(stir-fried noodles in gravy), Kuai tiao (noodle soup), andMu kratha(Thai hotpot).
Thai desserts are also popular and feature a variety of sweet treats, such asKhanom chan(layered pudding), Khanom mo kaeng (mung bean cake), Sangkhaya fak thong (pumpkin custard), Khanom thuai (coconut cream jelly), Khanom krok (coconut-rice pancakes), Khanom bueang (crispy pancakes), Khanom tan (palm cake),Khanom farang kudi chin(Portuguese influenced cake),Thong yip(pinched gold egg yolks),Thong yod(drop of gold egg yolks),Foi thong(golden threads egg yolks), Lod chong (pandan noodles in coconut milk), Ruam mit (mixed ingredients in coconut milk), Tako (coconut pudding with jasmine scent), Wun (agar jelly), Tub tim krob (water chestnuts in coconut milk), Chaokuai (Grass jelly),Namkhaeng sai(shaved ice dessert with syrup),Khao niao mamuang(sticky rice with mango),Khao niao sangkhaya(sticky rice with custard), Khao niao nakrachik (sticky rice with caramlized) and Khao niao durian (sticky rice with durian).
Thai cuisine also features a range of sauces and condiments, such asNam chim(dipping sauce),Nam phrik(chilli sauce),Nam pla(fish sauce), andPla ra(fermented fish). These sauces are used to enhance the flavors of various dishes, such as fried rice, noodles, soups, salads, and grilled meats.
Thai iced tea,Oliang, andNom yenare popular drinks in Thailand, often sweetened with condensed milk and flavored with cardamom or syrup.Krating Daeng(Red Bull),M-150, andCarabao Daengare popular energy drinks.There is a wide variety of alcoholic drinks in Thailand, includingMekhong whisky,SangSom,Lao khao, andSato, etc.SinghaandChangare popularThai beers, with Singha being the most popular.
Thai people typically have one or occasionally more shortnicknames(Thai:ชื่อเล่นplaying name) that they use with friends and family. These nicknames are overwhelmingly one syllable and were traditionally based on animals, fruits, colors, and nature. Nowadays, Thai nicknames tend to be more complex, with an increase in syllables and the addition of foreign influences.
Association footballandFutsalare the most popular sports in Thailand for both spectators and players.Muay Thai, a combat sport, is recognized as anational sportand is gaining popularity worldwide.It incorporates kicks, punches, knees, and elbow strikes in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing, and this has led to Thailand gaining medals at the Olympic Games inboxing.Takraw, one of the two national sports, officially known as Sepak takraw, is a sport similar to volleyball but played with the legs.Other popular sports includebadminton,volleyball,motorsports,athletics,cycling,swimming,golf, andbasketball. Traditional sports such as long-tail boat racing, long boat racing,makruk,krabi krabong, and dab Thai are still preserved. Thailand has been the most successfulSoutheast Asiancountry in theSEA Games,Asian Games, andOlympics, demonstrating the country's strong sports culture.
Importantholidaysin Thai culture includeSongkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival, which is celebrated annually from April 13th to 15th. The festival falls at the end of the dry season and during the hot season in Thailand, and in some parts of Thailand, it can last up to a week. The festival's water throwing tradition stemmed from the cleansing rite of washing Buddha images and lightly sprinkling scented water on the hands of elderly people. Small amounts of scented talcum powder were also used in the annual rite. In recent decades, water fights have become increasingly industrialized with the use of hoses, barrels, squirt guns, water-filled surgical tubing, and copious amounts of powder. The festival also includes various activities such as offering merit to relics, pouring water on elders, building sand pagodas, and participating in contests and parades, including the Nang Songkran or Miss Songkran contest.
Loy Krathongis another important festival celebrated on the full moon of the 12thlunar month, which usually falls in November.Loymeans to float and aKrathongis a handmade small bowl traditionally made from banana leaves and a section of banana tree trunk. The bowl is decorated with folded (origami) banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. During the Loy Krathong night, the moon shines brightly, and the river looks calm. It is a scenic beauty with Krathongs floating on the river. Fireworks are lit as a part of celebration and the act of worship.Yipeng, also known as the Lantern Festival, is another festival celebrated in Northern Thailand around the same time as Loy Krathong. During Yipeng, people release floating lanterns into the sky and make wishes as the lanterns rise into the night. Both Loy Krathong and Yipeng are celebrations of light and symbolize letting go of negative emotions and starting anew.
National Elephant Dayor Chang Thai Day is a holiday in Thailand, held on March 13, which celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the elephant in Thailand.
Thenational symbols of Thailandplay an important role in representing the country's culture and heritage, and are widely recognized and revered by theThai people. The official symbols of Thailand include theThai flag, thenational emblemfeaturingKrut, theThai National Anthem, and three symbols declared in 2001, theRatchaphruekor golden shower tree as thenational flower, theThai elephantas thenational animal, andSala Thai, national architecture.Three works of literature have been declared as national literature: Triphumikatha in 2010,Ramakienin 2015, and Mahachat Kham Luang in 2022.
Other national symbols of Thailand include theSiamese fireback, declared as thenational birdin 1985;theSiamese fighting fish, declared as thenational aquatic animalin 2019;and thePhaya Nak, declared as the national mythological creature on November 1, 2022.
Unofficial symbols of Thailand include theSiamese cat, known for its distinctive appearance and personality,and traditional sports such asMuay ThaiandTakraw, widely recognized and celebrated as national sports.
Thailand has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including theHistoric City of Ayutthayaand theHistoric Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, both recognized in 1991.Ban Chiang Archaeological Sitewas also recognized in 1992.In terms of natural heritage,Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuarieswere recognized in 1991,followed byDong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complexin 2005,andKaeng Krachan Forest Complexin 2021.
Thailand also has several sites on the Tentative List for UNESCO recognition, includingPhuphrabat Historical Parklisted in 2004,Wat Phra Mahathat WoramahawihaninNakhon Si Thammaratlisted in 2012,andthe Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lannalisted in 2015.Phra That Phanom, its related historic buildings, and associated landscapewere listed in 2017,followed byEnsemble of Phanom Rung, Muang Tam, and Plai Bat Sanctuariesin 2019,andThe Ancient Town of Si Thepin the same year.Lastly, in terms of natural heritage, the Andaman Sea Nature Reserves of Thailand were added to the Tentative List in 2021.
Thailand has submitted several elements of itsintangible cultural heritageto UNESCO for recognition, such asNora, a dance drama in southern Thailand recognized in 2021,Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage recognized in 2019,andKhon, a masked dance drama in Thailand recognized in 2018.In 2023, theSongkran festivalhas been submitted for UNESCO's consideration as part of Thailand's intangible cultural heritage.
Eighty-eight percent of Thai people read books and spend an average of 28 minutes per day doing so, according to a pollconducted by the Thai Publishers and Booksellers Association (PUBAT) andChulalongkorn University's Faculty of Economics and Research Centre for Social and Business Development.
A total of 3,432 Thais aged 15–69 in 12 provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thamarat, Nakhon Ratchsima, and Khon Kaen, were interviewed from December 2014 to January 2015. While 88% of Thai respondents said they read books, 12% said they did not. They cited as reasons lack of time, bad eyesight, and dislike of reading.
Averaged over the entire population, Thais spend 28 minutes a day reading books. The reading sub-set of the population averages 46 minutes a day. Of this group, those aged under 20 spend the most time reading books, 56 minutes a day. That figure shrinks as people age until they reach 61, when people tend to get back into reading.
By comparison, 71% of Thais use the Internet almost every day for an average of 92 minutes. Those who spend most time on the Internet are people under 20, on average 224 minutes a day, while those over 61 spend ten minutes a day on-line.
In 2013 the Thai National Statistical Office conducted a reading surveythat found that Thais aged over six spent an average of 37 minutes a day reading. The survey was not focused specifically on reading books, but also reading journals, the Internet, tablet computers, and smart phones.