CultureGrams. Kingdom of Thailand BACKGROUND. World Edition

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1 World Edition Kingdom of 2013 Ayutthaya was overthrown in the mid-1500s by the Burmese. Power transferred back and forth between the Thai and the Burmese until the Burmese reestablished control in the mid-1700s. After a struggle against the Burmese in the 18th century, Rama I founded the Chakri dynasty and established Bangkok as the capital in At that time, the Thai kingdom was known as Siam. The Thai successfully kept European colonialists from their soil by acceding to some colonial demands and by carefully balancing one foreign power against another. The wise rule of King Mongkut and the reforms of Rama V (Chulalongkorn) kept the kingdom independent in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Military leaders forced the government to become a constitutional monarchy in The government changed the nation s name from Siam to in 1939 to promote a stronger sense of Thai identity. Kingdom of During World War II, Japan occupied for a short time, and Thai leaders allied with Japan. After the war, however, allied with the United States and became an important base for U.S. military and intelligence activities in the region during the 1960s and 1970s. Since 1975, has been home to many Indochinese refugees. The present king (Rama IX) has ruled since Although the nation has struggled with several military coups, terrorist violence, drug trafficking, crime, and problems with neighboring nations, s king has always been a revered symbol of national unity and stability. In May 2000, King Rama IX became the nation s longest-living ruler, surpassing Rama I. s military has long been politically active, often BACKGROUND Land and Climate extends down the Malaysian Peninsula, in Southeast Asia. Covering 198,117 square miles (513,120 square kilometers), is about the same size as Spain and larger than the U.S. state of California. Its central region is dominated by fertile agricultural land and the capital city of Bangkok. The northeastern third of the country consists of the Khorat Plateau. Forested mountains and steep, fertile valleys form the northwestern quarter. The warm southern peninsula is comprised of rain forests and rubber and coconut plantations. s climate is mostly tropical. Cooler temperatures prevail in the north between November and February, but the rest of the year is fairly hot. Rains fall mostly from June to October, during which time floods are a major concern. History Kingdom of Siam s early history, some four thousand years ago, is linked with that of southern China. Studies show migration occurred first from to southern China and later from China to. Between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, present-day was part of a vast Khmer empire that covered much of Southeast Asia. Upon overthrowing the Khmer, the Thai established a kingdom at Sukhothai in A Thai ruler, Ramathibodi, introduced Theravada Buddhism to the country in the 14th century. Sukhothai was conquered in 1438 by the kingdom of Ayutthaya. 1

2 overthrowing civilian governments to impose its will. A 1991 coup led to riots, a violent military response, and then royal intervention. Political instability plagued for several years, even after 1996 elections brought General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to office as prime minister. A severe financial crisis and other issues in 1997 forced Chavalit to resign after a new constitution had been approved. Split Society and the Shinawatras Billionaire businessman Thaksin Shinawatra became prime minister when his party, Thai Rak Thai, won parliamentary elections in Thai Rak Thai overwhelmingly won the next elections in 2005, but Thaksin was criticized internationally for his hard-line approach to a Muslim insurgency in the south. In addition, Thaksin s tax-free sale of his family s shares in a Thai telecommunications company sparked mass protests calling for his resignation. Thaksin called a snap election to maintain control in April 2006, but opposition parties boycotted the poll. The military intervened in September 2006, overthrowing Thaksin in a bloodless coup; a civilian government resumed control of the government a year later. In August 2008, thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok to demand the dissolution of the government over charges of corruption. The new prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, was charged with conflict of interest for hosting television cooking shows while in office, and he was dismissed by the Constitutional Court. However, protests continued on and off for almost two years. The most notable conflict occurred between Thaksin s red-shirted supporters and those who are more politically conservative, often dressed in yellow. In 2011, Thaksin s youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was elected as s first female prime minister and the sixth prime minister to serve since Thaksin's removal from office. She faced major challenges only a few months into her tenure, as monsoon rains caused the worst flooding in 50 years for, killing over five hundred people and causing billions of dollars worth of damage throughout. Violent conflicts with Muslim insurgents in the south are also problematic. faces an uncertain future politically, as there will be a succession to the throne soon, and it is unclear whether Thaksin will return to despite his continuing to influence Thai politics abroad. Lao ancestry. Ethnic Khmer, Vietnamese, and other refugees live mostly in s border regions. About 500,000 mountain people form a number of distinct ethnic groups, or hill tribes. THE PEOPLE General Attitudes means Land of the Free, and Thai are proud of the fact that their country has largely avoided foreign rule throughout its long history. The king and queen are the most respected and honored persons in. For example, rather than lick a postage stamp with the king s picture on it, one wets it with a damp sponge. It is illegal to say or write anything offensive about royalty, and offenders are often given lengthy prison sentences. Thai are proud of their cultural heritage and often are offended by those who see development as a need to Westernize and change people s religious and cultural habits. People living in Bangkok have more easily adopted Western customs, but life in rural regions remains largely unchanged. Language Central Thai is the official language and is used in schools. Other Thai dialects are spoken in various regions. Lao predominates in many northeastern areas, and Khmer is spoken along the Cambodian border. Written Thai is composed of characters, vowels, and tone markers. A change in the tone (inflection) of a syllable can alter the meaning of the word. Central Thai has five tones, which are marked above the characters. Vowels are placed before, above, after, or below the characters. Many people also speak Chinese and Malay. Those with advanced education often speak English. Some minority groups, such as the Mon and Hmong, speak their own languages. Religion guarantees freedom of religion. Though many religions are represented in the country, nearly 95 percent of the population is Buddhist, most of whom follow the Theravada school of Buddhism. Muslims comprise about 5 percent of the population. A small number of Christians also live in. Buddhism deeply affects people s daily lives. Buddhist wats (temples) dominate Thai communities. Traditionally, all young men were expected to become Buddhist monks for at least three months to study Buddhist principles. While the practice is not strictly enforced today, large ordination ceremonies are often held for boys entering their training. Monks are not permitted to own anything, so they receive even their food from villagers who work in the temple kitchen or line up to tak bhat (scoop rice into alms or offering bowls) for the monks. Buddhist worship incorporates ancestor veneration along with honoring Buddha. Special ceremonies and offerings at a temple or in the home serve to remind the living to honor the dead. Buddhism in also incorporates rites and principles from Hinduism and animism, which espouses a reverence for life based on a belief that all living things possess spirits. Buddha s teachings were meant to release people from the misery of life s cycles (birth, life, death, rebirth). Population s population of roughly 67 million is growing by 0.5 percent annually. About one-third of the population lives in urban areas. Bangkok is the largest city, with about seven million residents. Other major cities include Chiang Mai, Nakorn Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, and Udon Thani. About 75 percent of the population is comprised of various Thai ethnic groups. The Chinese form the largest minority (14 percent of the people); they live mostly in Bangkok. However, many generations of intermarriage have made it difficult to distinguish between the Chinese and the Thai. There are also many Thai of Malay, Khmer, Vietnamese, and 2

3 Thai are warm, friendly, and generous. They are extremely loyal to family and show great respect for elders. is often referred to as the Land of Smiles. A sense of humor and a pleasant attitude are highly regarded. The Thai expression Mai Pen Rai (Never mind) characterizes a general feeling that life is to be enjoyed for the moment and that problems and setbacks should not be taken too seriously. A loss of face or public embarrassment is taken seriously, however. Thai are a reserved people and usually consider criticism of others to be in poor taste. Speaking loudly or showing anger in public is offensive and may cause one to lose another s respect. Social status is measured by education, occupation, wealth, and, to some degree, family name. Doctors and engineers, for example, are highly respected. Cleverness is admired, and personal connections are seen as important in achieving success and wealth. Thai refer to each other with familial titles, even if not related. A slightly older or higher-status person is called pee ( older sister or older brother ); younger or lower-status persons are called nong ( younger brother or younger sister ). Pa (aunt), lung (uncle), and other titles are also used. They are used alone with strangers, or they precede a person s first name or nickname. Close friends address one another by nickname and do not use the wai. Gestures The Thai consider a person s head to be sacred, so one should neither touch another s head nor pass an object over it. Parents pat their children s heads, but this is the only exception. People try to keep the level of their head below that of social superiors. The bottoms of the feet are the least sacred part of the body and should never be pointed in the direction of another person. Thai avoid stamping their feet, touching people with them, or using them to move or point at objects. Feet must never point at a Buddha statue or monk. One does not stand directly in front of a Buddha or a monk. Women must never touch Buddhist monks or images of Buddha. Body posture and physical gestures are extremely important in polite company and speak volumes about one s character and regard for others. It is offensive to cross an ankle over a knee while sitting in a chair (which exposes the bottom of the foot, a vulgar gesture), especially in the presence of an older person. Placing one s arm over the back of the chair in which another person is sitting is offensive. Men and women generally do not touch or show affection in public. However, good friends of the same sex sometimes hold hands. Among urban youth, it is becoming more common for members of the opposite sex to hold hands. Personal Appearance Western-style clothing is very common in Bangkok and other cities, but villagers often wear traditional clothing. Farmers frequently wear straw hats because of the heat and strong sun. Women take care to keep their clothes neat and clean. They often go to have their hair braided at salons in the early morning hours before going about their days. Women wear a simple blouse, a wraparound skirt known as a sarong or pa thung, and flip-flops. Men might wear pants and a shirt in public but change into a pa kao ma (similar to a sarong) at home. Men and women of Chinese descent wear loose jackets and calf-length pants. Intricate headdresses may accompany the traditional clothing of the mountain people. Sandals are popular, but shoes are worn in formal situations. Rural people may wear rubber flip-flops or go barefoot. Students wear uniforms (white shirts, blue or black skirts for girls, and shorts or pants for boys) to school. Visiting Thai are very hospitable hosts, but most visiting is by invitation or arrangement. It is popular to socialize in restaurants or other public settings; home visits are less common. In any setting, how one sits, walks, or otherwise interacts with others depends on the status of each person present. It is customary to remove one s shoes when entering a Buddhist temple or private home. Because Thai tradition says a soul resides in the doorsill of a wat, visitors avoid stepping on the doorsill. It is not necessary for guests to take gifts when visiting. In the home, people commonly sit on the floor. Women generally tuck their legs to the side and behind them, and men sit cross-legged. Men might also sit with their legs tucked to the side to show special respect to the hosts. Guests offer compliments on the home or children, but they avoid excessively admiring any specific object because this may embarrass the hosts or cause them to offer it to the guest as a gift. CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES Greetings Thai greet with a wai: one places the palms of the hands together at chest level with fingers extended upward and bows slightly; women curtsy. A younger person greets first, and the more senior person responds with the hands forming a wai in a lower position. More pronounced bows and curtsies, as well as higher hand placement, show greater respect. Fingertips only go above the eyebrows to reverence Buddha or to greet royalty. For other honored persons, the fingertips may reach to between the eyebrows, with the thumb tip touching the nose. It is an insult to not return a wai, unless there is great social or age distance between the two people. For example, an adult does not return the wai of a small child. Buddhist monks never return a wai. In performing the wai, men greet with Sawasdee kraab ( Hello or Good-bye ); women say Sawasdee ka. A wai can also express thanks or an apology. Thai respectfully address one another by first name, preceded by Khun (for example, Khun Sariya). Surnames are reserved for very formal occasions. In English settings, Mr., Mrs., or Miss precedes a first or last name. Less formally, Eating Dinner is the main meal and is eaten as a family. Breakfast and lunch might be eaten separately due to different schedules. Thai hold a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left, pushing food onto the spoon with the fork. Knives 3

4 usually are not necessary because food is served in bite-size pieces. Rural Thai families may eat around a straw mat on the floor. In northern areas, people eat steamed sticky (glutinous) rice with their fingers. Chopsticks are used with noodle dishes and in Chinese homes. Guests usually receive a second helping of food and are encouraged to eat as much as they can. Diners choose small portions from various dishes at the center of the table to eat with rice. When finished, Thai place the utensils together on the plate. Urban residents, especially in Bangkok, eat out often. Markets, roadside stands, and restaurants offer a wide variety of foods. of one large room without partitions. Bedding is stacked on one side of the room during the day and brought out at night. A small shrine often consists of a Buddha statue and sticks of incense. Walls may be decorated with photos of s king and queen. The room is usually unfurnished people sit on the floor though many families have a television and stereo. Today, some concrete houses are built on the ground, but their layouts and furnishings are the same as in stilt houses. Most urban families live in apartments, where living arrangements can be cramped. A family of five may share a one-room apartment; cooking is done on the balcony, and a bathroom is shared with other families. A family may also occupy a shop house, in which the ground floor is used for a business or restaurant and the family lives on the upper floors. LIFESTYLE Family Structure Thai families are close, and several generations may live in the same household. The oldest male is customarily the patriarch of the family. Parents usually have two or three children. Children are to obey their parents and respect their wishes, even as adults. Respect for elders is very important, even between siblings. Urban young adults remain at home until they marry, when they may rent a small apartment. Rural newlyweds often live with the bride s parents until they have a child. Generally, married children living on their own frequently associate with their families. In poorer rural areas, single-mother families are common. Teenage pregnancy is common, and young mothers often quit school and start working to provide for the child. If the father fails to pay child support, extended families often step in to help raise the children. Parents and Children Parents provide completely for their children through college, even paying for their education. After grown children find employment, they are expected to support themselves financially. Adult children must help support elderly parents. It is common for children, especially eldest sons, to give part of their paychecks to their parents. Traditionally, a family s youngest daughter would inherit the parents home; in return, she and her husband would care for her parents in their old age. However, today the eldest son more commonly inherits the family house, and care of elderly parents falls to whomever already lives with or near them. Gender Roles Women s status in society has improved in recent years, as has the number of women employed outside the home. Today, women are employed in industries such as construction in addition to holding traditionally female jobs at noodle shops and food markets. Working women retain the traditional duties of raising children and maintaining the house in addition to their full-time employment. Dating and Marriage Dating and Engagement Although Western-style dating is popular in Bangkok, it is not common in other areas of. Young people have little contact with members of the opposite sex until they are adults. Even then, they socialize in groups. Public displays of affection are generally frowned on. Relationships are formed at school, summer camps, school clubs, or work. College-bound young adults are encouraged to complete university studies and enter a stable career before marrying. When a young man wishes to marry a woman, he must first become well acquainted with and earn the approval of her entire family. He then sends his parents to the young woman s family to make his wishes known. If both families agree on the marriage, a wedding date is set, generally after consultation with a Buddhist monk to determine the most auspicious day according to the lunar calendar. Doing so is traditionally believed to ensure a prosperous and happy union. The groom commonly pays a bride-price to the bride s parents as compensation for raising her. The parents of the bride stipulate what the bride-price will include, but cash, gold, and a diamond ring are standard. Parents usually return the bride-price to the couple as a wedding gift or use it to pay for the reception. Marriage The marriage ceremony itself simply involves recording a legal contract at a local municipal office, which may be done the day of or in the days preceding the celebrations. On the morning of the wedding, monks come to the bride s house to bless her. The groom then arrives, and family and close friends pour water over the couple 6s hands, wishing them a happy and successful marriage. The groom returns later with his parents, who present the bride-price to the young woman s parents. The celebrations that evening can be elaborate affairs, with customs varying with budget, location, and family background. Receptions can be held at a home (either the newlyweds or a parent s) or in a reception hall in a hotel. In rural areas, the reception may take place on a stage and in a pavilion built for the occasion. Entertainment at the reception is generally a live band, a disc jockey, or sometimes both. Reception invitations include an envelope that guests may use to donate money toward food, drink, and reception hall rental. Guests may choose to bring a gift instead. Reception food Housing Traditional rural homes are wooden and built on stilts so that cool air (in the hot season) and any flood waters (in the rainy season) can pass underneath. Livestock, such as buffalo, are kept under the house. One enters the house by ladder, though many homes now have stairways. The house usually consists 4

5 generally consists of several courses and is followed by toasts to the new couple. During the meal, the bride and groom circulate among the guests for photos. Pink is the traditional color for bridal gowns, although some brides wear Western-style white dresses; grooms wear either a Western-style suit, or pants with a traditional high-necked jacket (sua phrara-chathan). Marriage in Society Only marriages registered with the government are officially recognized; there are no common-law marriages. Without registering the marriage, even marriages performed in a Buddhist ceremony are not legally binding. Separation and divorce are common in and do not carry social stigma. Polygamy was legal until 1935, and having many wives was a sign of wealth. Today, the tradition of one man being with multiple women lives on, with many older married men openly keeping mistresses. However, Thai women are becoming less accepting of the practice, and younger men are more willing to commit to one woman. and washed. They then put on saffron robes and reside in the temple for a period ranging from 10 days to several weeks. During their stay at the temple, young men pray frequently and read the teachings of the Buddha. At 21, a man can become a pra (full monk) during an elaborate ceremony. Family members, friends, and members of the community attend the proceedings, during which the man s hair and eyebrows are shaved and his head is washed. Monks chant prayers, and accompanied by drums, cymbals, and dancing, a procession makes its way through the town streets. The procession is followed by food and celebration. Young men generally enter the monastery in July on the Buddhist holiday Asarnha Bucha, but a man can join a monastery any time throughout the year. The length of a man s service as a monk varies according to the amount of time available to him, with some men taking as much as several weeks off to learn Buddhist teachings in depth at a monastery. Death A funeral lasts up to five days. Never left alone, the deceased s body is laid in a white coffin in a Buddhist temple s funeral building. Floral wreaths and portraits of the deceased surround the coffin. Monks chant prayers each night while mourners sit in silence, burn incense, and give money to the family to cover funeral expenses. Each night, a different group connected with the person (such as work colleagues, members of a sports club, or school friends) provides mourners with a meal. At the end of the mourning period, the body is cremated, and the ashes are placed in a temple vault. It is common to grieve for one hundred days at the death of a spouse. Typical grieving traditions include wearing a black armband and dark- or muted-colored clothing. Life Cycle Birth Pregnant women, especially in rural areas, commonly use sa-moon pai (traditional medicines) made from leaves and herbs to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Women are encouraged to exercise frequently, and rural women who work on farms continue to work in their fields until very late in the pregnancy. An elder or monk ties a mongkon (white thread of spun cotton) around the expectant mother s wrist while praying for good fortune, health, and strength of body and mind for the mother and child. The pregnant woman wears the mongkohn until it falls off. Babies are generally born in hospitals. In rural areas, the mother and newborn child return home and spend three or four days near a fire. Doing so keeps them warm and also symbolically purifies them, body and soul. After delivery, the mother eats a diet of bland foods such as rice and vegetables, and she drinks warm salt water or ginger juice. A child s name is determined after birth and is based on the day, month, and year of the child s birth, which correspond to a letter on an astrological chart. The baby is taken to a wat, where a monk consults the astrological chart and gives the child a name starting with the appropriate letter. Parents who prefer a specific name can ask the monk if their chosen name would be suitable for their child according to the charts. Nicknames often based on a physical characteristic are commonly used. For example, a first-born child may be referred to as Nuang (first) or a plump child may be called Moo (pig). Three months after the birth, the family takes the baby to the local temple, where monks cut a lock of hair from the baby s head. Senior members of the extended family then each cut a lock, and the baby s head is shaved. This cleansing ritual is considered the true beginning of the baby s life. Milestones Young boys are encouraged to become a naen (novice monk) when they are between 8 and 10 years old. During school break in the summer, the young boys have their heads shaved Diet A common breakfast is khao tom (boiled rice with minced pork or chicken, fish sauce, and dried chili). Kao (rice) is eaten with nearly every meal. It is plain in southern and central regions and glutinous (sometimes called "sticky rice") in the north. Kao is usually served with spicy dishes that consist of meat, vegetables, fish, eggs, or fruits. The meat or seafood portion of many Thai dishes is interchangeable. For example, gai (chicken), moo (pork), goong (shrimp), or pla (fish) are often mixed with a sauce (for example, tom yum) to make dishes like tom yum gai or tom yum goong. Popular dishes include pad Thai (pan-fried noodles), satay (barbecued pork or chicken on a stick with peanut sauce), yam (spiced salad), gaeng (any kind of curry), and tom yum goong (lemon-flavored soup with shrimp). Southern provinces like Nakorn Sri Thamarat, Songkla, and Pretlaung are known for very spicy dishes such as gaeng som, a curry with vegetables. Typical condiments include nam pla (fish sauce), hot chili seeds (dry or mixed in oil), sugar, and vinegar with chopped chili. Kanom (snacks) are enjoyed throughout the day. Gelatin balls in sweet coconut milk are a popular dessert. Street food and snacks are plentiful, as are a wide variety of tropical fruits. During holidays, a family may enjoy a more expensive meal of shellfish and larger portions of vegetables, noodles, and curries. 5

6 celebrated holiday. Previously celebrated according to a lunar calendar, the date is now fixed, and celebrations take place in mid-april, at the hottest time of the year. In tourist areas, like Pattya, the holiday celebrations can last for two weeks. During Songkran, people equipped with buckets and squirt guns full of water ride around in the back of pickup trucks, dousing people they pass. People also throw aromatic flour on each other s faces. Both the water and the flour are considered refreshing and are thought to bring good luck. People may also have their hands washed by respected elders, who bless them with health and happiness in the new year. Chinese New Year, which falls on the second new moon after winter solstice, is not a national holiday but is widely celebrated, especially among people with Chinese ancestry. In preparation for this holiday, people clean their houses and put up ornate decorations. To celebrate, they attend street parades and gather with family and friends. They also pay homage to their ancestors and offer prayers for health, wealth, and happiness. The first of January is celebrated across the country, and some families may exchange gifts. Royal Holidays Several holidays celebrate the monarchy of. Celebrations include a national holiday for the birthday of the King s mother; her birthday is referred to as Mother s Day, since the queen is revered as the mother of all Thai people. On Mother s Day, people decorate their homes with flags, lights, and portraits of the queen. White jasmine flowers are common decorations as a symbol of maternal love. The commemoration of King Bhumibol Adulyeadej s birthday is also a national celebration. Chulalongkorn Day celebrates King Chulalongkorn (also known as Rama V), who is revered for introducing the railroad, abolishing slavery, and modernizing. Loy Kratong Although not a national holiday, Loy Kratong is widely celebrated and honors the water goddess for providing water throughout the year. During Loy Kratong, people build small boats (kratong) out of banana leaves in which they place incense sticks, a coin, and a lit candle. The kratong is set on the water of an outgoing tide, a practice that is believed to wash away previous sins and acknowledges the sustenance water brings. Loy Kratong is celebrated at the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Recreation Sports The most popular sports in are soccer, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, and basketball. Playing sepak takraw (a traditional sport in which players try to keep a rattan ball in the air without using hands) and flying kites are favorite activities. Bicycling and jogging are common, and designated trails are built in both rural areas and cities. Tai Chi and aerobics are practiced in groups ranging from a few to over one hundred in parks or open spaces at dusk and dawn. Youth practice various martial arts. Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) is a popular sport that is aired weekly on Sundays. Golf and track-and-field are encouraged at school. Leisure Youth enjoy dancing, and American-style break dancing is gaining popularity. People also play games on mobile electronics and on computers. Internet cafés with many computers wired together for communal gaming are popular destinations. People also frequent internet cafés to check , do research, watch news or television shows online, or even find dates. Family and friends enjoy spending time together over a meal, whether it is one they have prepared together or one served at a restaurant. Shopping at night and weekend markets is a common outing. Movies and television provide leisure entertainment. Music is enjoyed throughout the country. Concerts and karaoke clubs are frequented by many people. Makruk (a game similar to chess but played under unique rules) is a popular urban pastime that can draw large crowds. Urban families might take short vacations to the beach or elsewhere in ; rural people rarely travel. The Arts Religion plays an important role in Thai art. Buddhist temples feature ornate decorations such as mosaics, tiled roofs, and carvings of mythic creatures. Mural paintings of nature are common decorations. Literature is mainly based on traditional stories. Especially important is the Ramakian, based on the Ramayana, an Indian epic that tells stories of the Hindu god Rama. Masked plays (khon) feature ornate masks and costumes. Thai dance is heavily influenced by India and to a lesser extent, Cambodia and Laos. Thai artisans are adept at making silk, glazed ceramics, weavings, wood carvings, mother-of-pearl inlay, and metalwork. SOCIETY Holidays Public holidays include New Year s Day (1 Jan.); Chakri Day (6 Apr.); Labor Day (1 May); Coronation Day (5 May); the Queen s Birthday (also called Mother s Day, 12 August); Chulalongkorn Day (23 Oct.), honoring King Chulalongkorn ( ), the beloved monarch ; the King s Birthday (5 Dec.); Constitution Day (10 Dec.); New Year s Eve (31 Dec.); and the Buddhist holidays (set by the lunar calendar) of Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asarnha Bucha, and Khao Phansa. New Years Three different New Years are celebrated in. The lunar New Year, called Songkran, is the most widely Government s King Bhumibol Adulyadej is head of state but has few executive responsibilities. The prime minister (currently Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra) is head of government. The National Assembly has two houses: a 150-seat Senate and a 500-seat House of Representatives. The prime minister leads the majority party or coalition in the House of Representatives. In villages, local chiefs are elected. The voting age is 18. is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Economy 6

7 Agriculture employs roughly 41 percent of the labor force, but the percentage is declining as more Thai seek jobs in the industry and service sectors. Industry employs 13 percent and provides the bulk of s export earnings. Tin, textiles, fish products, rice, tapioca, and jewelry are among the most important exports. is one of the world s largest producers of tin and tungsten. The country manufactures electrical appliances, furniture, integrated circuits, car parts, and plastics. The service sector employs 46 percent of the labor force. Tourism is an important revenue source for local economies. Asia s financial crisis ( ), which resulted in the closing of half the nation s banks and soaring unemployment, prompted significant fiscal reforms. A decade later, the 2008 global economic crisis led to a sharp decline in demand for s exports and a severe slowdown in tourism. The economy has rebounded in, despite severe flooding in 2011, and recent activity shows growth in investments and exports. The currency is the baht (THB). difficult. School Life Teaching styles are often lecture based, relying heavily on memorization. Teachers are highly respected; Buddhist teachings stress respect for teachers and other authority figures. On Wai Kru Day (Praise Teachers Day), students approach their teachers on their knees and offer a wai (bow with the palms pressed together in front of the chest) and flowers or other gifts. School curriculum pays particular attention to science and math. English instruction is standard, but students have few opportunities to practice English, especially in rural areas, so competency rates are low. Higher Education Entrance to universities is determined by examination; there is stiff competition for limited places. Most college students study in Bangkok. Health Health services have expanded greatly in the last decade, but they are still limited in remote rural areas. Tropical diseases are common outside the cities. HIV/AIDS is one of the country s most serious problems, with infection and death rates among the highest in the world. Buddhist and Christian leaders work to revive traditional values, teach preventive measures, and care for those affected by AIDS. A government-sponsored education campaign has helped lower the HIV infection rate among some segments of the population. Transportation and Communications Most large cities are connected by rail, highways, and air service. Local transportation is by bus, taxi, samlor (three-wheeled motorized taxi), and silor (mini-cab). In rural areas, pedicabs are most common. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Canals (klongs) are often used for transportation in rural and some urban areas. The Chao Phraya River carries merchant and commuter traffic in Bangkok. Urban residents usually have telephones, televisions, radios, and access to other forms of communication. Rural people continue to rely on radio and word of mouth, though each village has a few homes with televisions. Just over one-quarter of the population has access to the internet. AT A GLANCE Contact Information Embassy of the Kingdom of, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007; phone (202) ; web site Tourism Authority of, phone (323) ; web site Education Structure Education is free until grade 12, and nine years of education are compulsory. Most children between ages three and five attend anubon (preschool and kindergarten instruction), which teaches the basics of manners and respect. After anubon, students enter prathom (elementary school), which is divided into two levels: grades 1 3 (ages 6 8) and grades 4 6 (ages 9 11). Nearly all primary-age children attend school. Matthayom (secondary school) is also divided into two levels: grades 1 3 (ages 12 14) and grades 4 6 (ages 15 17). In secondary school, students may choose to start vocational training, in which they are placed in private-sector work sites to learn a trade on the job. Currently, nearly half of students in upper secondary school are enrolled in such programs. Graduates of secondary school may also enroll in higher levels of vocational training. Access offers both public and private schools, though only the wealthy can afford tuition at private institutions. Public schools are often understaffed, as many teachers seek employment at private schools, where the pay is better. Uniforms are worn at every level of school and must be paid for by parents. Class sizes are generally large (between 20 and 40 students), making one-on-one teacher interaction POPULATION & AREA Population Area, sq. mi. Area, sq. km. DEVELOPMENT DATA Human Dev. Index* rank Gender inequality rank Adult literacy rate Life expectancy 67,091,089 (rank=20) 198,117 (rank=52) 513, of 187 countries 69 of 146 countries 95% (male); 91% (female) 71 (male); 77 (female) *UN Development Programme, Human Development Report 2012 (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012). 7

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