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Thailand - The People and the culture.

A basic summary of Thailand's people and culture follows. Further reading of features and articles on the site will show you more in depth and detail.

Thailand is a monarchy and generally they hold their King and Queen and the rest of the royal family in high esteem and do not tolerate criticism of them. The royals are hard working patrons of many public works and enterprises for the public good. The royal birthdays are celebrated nationally with much flag flying and sober revelry.

Thailand has a democratically elected government based on the European and particularly the British style. Political figures are generally seen as pillars and patrons of society. The country is divided into Areas or Regions: Central, North, North East, East and South. The Regions are divided into Provinces with Provincial Capitals where local government is housed.

With the majority of Thai people practicing Buddhists. Their reverence to the Buddhist faith, effigies of the Lord Buddha, Buddhist Demigods, Buddhist monks, novices and is obvious by the number of religious shrines and temples you will see everywhere. Religions festivals are a regular part of the Thai calendar. Other religions are tolerantly accepted nationally. Sacrilegious acts, even minor ones, are treated very seriously - usually punishable by a term of imprisonment!

We have found the people to be generally honest, helpful and friendly. Thais are natural business people always looking for the next opportunity to better their circumstances.

Business culture seems to be hierarchical with University Degrees being the key to high office. A Degree and a good knowledge of foreign languages, particularly English, is a must for those seeking a highly paid position in management.

The Thai people have a national culture and history reaching into the early civilisation of man.