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.