Week 9

Communications and language 

              The official national language, spoken by almost 100 per cent of the population is, THAI
              The Thai language is liberally sprinkled with words from Pali and Sanskrit (the classical languages, respectively, of Theravada Buddhism and Indian Hinduism). Written Thai employs an alphabet of 44 consonants and 32 vowels that combine to form syllabic sounds.

Some words in Thai language 

                                                                                          

       Hello = Sa Wan Dee                                                                           Thank you = Coo Cuun                                                                        Sorry = Coo Tou                                                                                 Please = Ga Lu Na                                                                               Good Bye = La Gon

                                                                              

                                                          

                          

Week8

Thailand

CAPITAL

         Bangkok, population 8 million

MAJOR CITIES

         Nonthaburi, population 265,000

         Pak Kret, population 175,000

         Hat Yai, population 158,000

         Chiang Mai, population 146,000

GOVERNMENT

        Thailand is a constitutional monarchy under the beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has reigned since 1946. King Bhumibol is the world's longest-serving head of state. Thailand's current Prime Minister is Yingluck Shinawatra, who assumed office as the first ever female in that role on August 5, 2011.

LANGUAGE

        Thailand's official language is Thai, a tonal language from the Tai-Kadai family of East Asia. Thai has a unique alphabet derived from the Khmer script, which is itself descended from the Brahmic Indian writing system. Written Thai first appeared around 1292 A.D.

Commonly used minority languages in Thailand include Lao, Yawi (Malay), Teochew, Mon, Khmer, Viet, Cham, Hmong, Akhan, and Karen.

POPULATION

       Thailand's estimated population as of 2007 was 63,038,247. The population density is 317 people per square mile.

       The vast majority are ethnic Thais, who make up about 80% of the population. There is also a large ethnic Chinese minority, comprising about 14% of the population. Unlike the Chinese in many neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the Sino-Thai are well-integrated into their communities. Other ethnic minorities include the Malay, Khmer, Mon, and Vietnamese. Northern Thailand also is home to small mountain tribes such as the Hmong, Karen, and Mein, with a total population of less than 800,000.

RELIGION

       Thailand is a deeply spiritual country, with 95% of the population belonging to the Theravada branch of Buddhism. Visitors will see gold-spired Buddhist stupas scattered all across the country.

       Muslims, mostly of Malay origin, make up 4.5% of the population. They are located primarily in the far south of the country, in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Chumphon.

      Thailand also hosts tiny populations of Sikhs, Hindus, Christians (mostly Catholics), and Jews.

Week7

Thai Cultures

           Thailand is located at the meeting point of the two great cultural systems of Asia, Chinese and Indian. In everyday life, Chinese culture has mixed very well with the Thai, whereas in Thai court culture, which has been based mainly on Buddhism and Brahmanism, India has exerted a strong influence. Thai culture can be divided into 3 aspects: linguistic culture, court culture, and traditional culture.

Court Culture 

             Court culture refers to the conception of beauty, perfection and harmony in the fine arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, drama and music. In the old days most of these originated in or received the patronage of the royal court and nobility. Most of the works served the Buddhist religion. Their styles were influenced by the Indians through the Mons and Khmers, and then were blended and developed in unique forms recognized as Thai. 

Court Culture : Painting

              Classical Thai painting is mostly confined to mural paintings inside Buddhist temples and palaces. They are idealistic and the themes frequently depicted are those related to Buddhism, such as the Buddha's life stories, stories of the three worlds (heaven, earth and hell), and also those concerning customs and traditions. The subjects of the paintings reflect different purposes: to beautify and dignify the places of worship, to promote Buddhism, and to educate people through pictures.

http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/thai_cultures/images/painting.JPG

Court Culture : Architecture

              Apart from the royal palace buildings, classical Thai architecture can be found in monastic monuments, pagodas and temples which have been the focal points of Thai community activities for centuries. Admitting Indian, Khmer and other influences such as Chinese and Burmese, Thai architects developed their own distinctive style of sloping multitiered roof-tops and soaring pointed towers, intricately ornamented with carved wood and stucco, gilded lacquer work, mother-of-pearl inlay, Chinese porcelain fragments and colour glass mosaic. Under the tropical sun, these buildings give out an artistic harmony of flamboyance and serenity. 

             Examples of Thai architecture are seen in Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, the Grand Palace, etc. 

http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/thai_cultures/images/wat_phra_kaew.JPG

Week 6

Living in Thailand: How to Fit into a Culture So Different Than Your Own

Leaving home to move to a different country, whether it be for teaching, volunteering, or studying, can be a stressful and sometimes overwhelming endeavor. When the country you're moving to is completely foreign and different than your own, it makes that move even more challenging.

The challenges of becoming an expat are also part of the fun, but it pays to do your research beforehand and learn as much as possible about the culture of the country you're moving to. Thailand, while very much on the tourist trail and with plenty of western amenities and cultural influence, is still much different than what we're used to at home. Simple acts and movements that seem normal to us can be offensive to the Thai people, so it's important to read up and educate yourself on the nuances of this completely different culture.

Learning the Language

Exercising a bit of common sense is the first step to fitting in while moving to a place like Thailand. A smile and friendly demeanor can go a long way, and while the language is completely different, it is still important to try to at least learn the basics. Taking a language class or two will get you even further and will enable you to immerse yourself more fully into their culture. You'll be amazed at the impact trying to speak the language has on the local people. The Thais are extremely friendly and are used to westerners visiting and living in their country, so many can speak and understand English. But entering a restaurant or shop and trying to speak Thai will be met with smiles and enthusiasm. They love to hear a foreigner give it a shot, and most will try their hardest to help you out, making the effort well worth the anxiety.

Society and Culture in Thailand

Religion and family are at the forefront of Thai culture, and both impact how you should act. Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand, and the country is littered with beautiful, ornate temples that you are sure to visit during your time there. Dressing appropriately when visiting a temple in Thailand is of the utmost importance. Shoes must be taken off before entering, and you should show as little skin as possible.

Week5

Languages in Thailand

        The Thai language is comprised of 44 consonants, 32 vowels and five tones in Thai pronunciation, along with a script that has Indian origins. The Thai language, belonging to the Tai family, is the main language in Thailand although there are several regional dialects as well. Other languages spoken in Thailand are Chinese, Lao, Malay and Mon-Khmer, while English use is becoming more prevalent in government and commerce. English is also being taught as a second language in secondary school and universities, which enables the English speaking visitor in Thailand to have little trouble conversing.
                        Thai is the language spoken most often in Thailand; however, you will see English in most businesses and volunteer organizations as well. Numerous apps, phrasebooks, and downloads are available to help even the most inexperienced volunteer learn some basic Thai phrases. Thai people are accustomed to tourists, so do not be afraid to try and speak the language; more often than not they will know what you are trying to say, and will appreciate your effort.

Week4

Climate

                Thailand is almost always humid and hot, though the country does have three seasons. Summer in Thailand runs from March through June, and temperatures can soar into the 100s. Rainy season runs from July to October and brings intense downpours. The cool season runs from November through February and is the most favorable. Many people drink hot tea and coffee to cool down — it sounds odd, but it works.

Thailand Weather & Climate

                Thailand's tropical climate is characterised by high temperatures and humidity throughout
the year. April and May feature the hottest temperatures while the weather in June sees the monsoon pattern bringing heavy rain through to October.

              November to February is the best time to visit Thailand as the weather is relatively mild and sunny with humidity levels dropping and temperatures cooling from the North East breeze. Thailand's average climate ranges from 30°C at its lowest in December and up to 36°C from January to April. Rainfall generally averages from 5mm in December to 300mm in September in central parts of Thailand.

                 Light cotton clothing that is not too revealing is recommended year round when visiting
Thailand. There are also plenty of retailers who can recommend and provide suitable clothing at an affordable price.

Thailand Annual Average Climate

Averages	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rainfall (mm)	28.3	23.1	40.7	85.3	183.9	177.2	196.4	219	252.7	190.9	125.1	57.8
Temp (°C)	24.1	25.8	27.7	29.2	28.7	28.1	27.6	27.4	27.2	26.7	25.5	24.1
Min Temp (°C)	18	19.8	21.9	23.8	24.3	24.2	23.8	23.8	23.4	22.6	20.8	18.6
Max Temp (°C)	30.4	32.1	33.8	34.7	33.4	31.4	31.6	31.2	31	30.9	30.2	29.7

Week 3

Holidays

Main article: Public holidays in Thailand

               Important holidays in Thai cultureinclude Thai New Year, or Songkran which is officially observed from 13–15 April each year. Falling at the end of the dry season and during the hot season
in Thailand, the celebrations notoriously feature boisterous water throwing. The water throwing stemmed from 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 cleansing rite. In recent decades, water fights have been increasingly industrialised with use of hoses, barrels, squirt guns, water-filled surgical tubing, and copious amounts of powder.

Loi Krathong is held on the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar, usually early-November. While not a government-observed holiday, it is nonetheless an auspicious day in Thai culture, in which Thai people "loi", meaning "to float" a "krathong", a small raft traditionally made from elaborately folded banana leaves and including flowers, candles, incense sticks, and small offerings. The act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger, and defilements so that one can start life afresh on a better footing.

National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day is a holiday in Thailand, held on March 13, which celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the elephant in Thailand.

                       

                  The Songkran festival                                                             Loi Krathong