Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ethnic Makeup
Some 75% of the citizens of Thailand are ethnic Thais, providing a superficial appearance
of sameness, but subtle regional differences do exist. In the central plains (Chao Phraya
delta), Siamese Thais united the country through historic kingdoms and promulgated its
culture and language. Today the central Thai dialect is the national standard and the capit-
al, Bangkok, exports unified culture through media and standardised education.
Southern Thais (Ъàk đâi) define the characteristics of the south. The dialect is a little
faster than standard Thai, the curries are a lot spicier, and there is more mixing of Muslim
folk beliefs into the regional culture thanks to the geographic proximity to Malaysia and
the historic Muslim population.
People of Chinese ancestry - second- or third-generation Hakka, Teochew, Hainanese or
Cantonese - make up 14% of the population. Bangkok and the nearby coastal areas have a
large population of immigrants from China who came for economic opportunities in the
early to mid-20th century. The mercantile centres of most Thai towns are run by Thai-
Chinese families and many places in the country celebrate Chinese festivals such as the
annual Vegetarian Festival.
The second-largest ethnic minority are the Malays (4.6%), most of whom reside in the
provinces of the Deep South. The remaining minority groups in the south include a smal-
ler percentage of non-Thai-speaking Moken (
chow lair,
also spelt
chao leh;
people of the
sea, or 'sea gypsies'). A small number of Europeans and other non-Asians reside in
Bangkok and the provinces.
THE NICKNAME GAME
At birth Thai babies are given auspicious first names, often bestowed by the family patriarch or matriarch. These
poetic names are then relegated to bureaucratic forms and name cards, while the child is introduced to everyone
else by a one-syllable nickname. Thai nicknames are usually playful and can be inspired by the child's appearance
(Moo, meaning 'pig', if he/she is chubby) or a favourite pastime (Toon, short for 'cartoon' for avid TV-watchers).
Girls will typically be named Lek or Noi (both of which mean 'small').
Regional Identity
Religion, royalty and tradition are the defining characteristics of Thai society. That Thail-
and is the only country in Southeast Asia never colonised by a foreign power has led to a
profound sense of pride in these elements. However, the country is not homogenous, and
