Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It is easy to love Thailand: the pace of life is unhurried and the people
are friendly and kind-hearted. A smile is a universal key in most social
situations, a cheerful disposition will be met in kind, and friendships are
spontaneous creations requiring little more than curiosity and humour.
Though Thais don't expect foreigners to know much about their country,
they are delighted and grateful if they do.
The Monarchy
Thailand's most striking cultural quirk is the deep reverence for the reigning mon-
arch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (boomee-pone a-dun-ya-det). Pictures of the king
are enshrined in nearly every household and business. Life-size billboards of the
monarchy line Th Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok's royal avenue. His image,
which is printed on money and stamps, is regarded as sacred, and criticising the
king or the monarchy is a prosecutable offence.
The monarch's relationship to the people is intertwined with the religion; it is
deeply spiritual and personal. Though not a universal belief, many view the king as
a god, or at least as a father figure (his birthday is recognised as national Father's
Day) and as a protector of the good of the country. In times of political crisis, Thais
have often looked to this figurehead for guidance. However, the most recent politic-
al upheaval (starting with the 2006 coup) indicates a general unease regarding the
ailing monarch and the succession of Crown Prince Vachiralongkorn.
The National Psyche
In most social situations, establishing harmony is often a priority and Thais take
personal pride in making others feel at ease.
Sà·nùk
Thais place a high value on having
sà·nùk
(fun). It is the underlying measure of a
worthwhile activity and the reason why the country ranks so highly as a tourist des-
tination. Thais are always up for a party, be it of their own invention or an import.
Case in point: Thais celebrate three new years - the eve of the resetting of the in-
ternational calendar, the Chinese lunar New Year and Songkran (the southeast Asi-
an Buddhist new year).
