By Brenda Looney
Abstract
By Brenda Looney
Abstract
| 1.
Introduction
2. National Standards for Geography 3. Geographical Information 4. Language 5. Customs, Traditions, Taboos |
6.
National
symbols
7. Religion 8. Conclusion 9. Endnotes |
The topic that I will be discussing is Thai culture. In this, it will include areas that influence this culture. First, I will give you the geographical information of the country of Thailand. The second area that I will look at will be language. Language is an extremely important part of culture and some say that one cannot be found without the other. After that I will inform you about customs, traditions and taboos in Thai culture. This is a very important part of culture and is what shows the differences between cultures. Then I briefly tell you about the government and some national symbols, such as the flag, the symbol, colors, anthem, dress, and national day. Next, I will explain about religion in Thailand. In most cultures there is religion, but in Thailand it is interwoven into its whole culture and it is hard to separate the two. One other thing that I will include in this paper is a link to a page with pictures from my trip to Thailand.
I believe that I applied six out of the eighteen National Standards to this paper. The first two standards were under a section called "Seeking the World in Spatial Terms." When you look under this, the first I used was "knows and understands how to use maps, globes and other graphical tools to acquire, process and report information." The second standard was "Uses mental maps to give spatial perspective to the world." Then the second section is called "Places and Region." Under this section it says "Knows and understands the physical and human characteristics of places." The next section is called "physical systems" and I used only one standard in this one. This standard says that one "Knows and understands that physical processes shape patterns on the earth’s surface." The last section that will be mentioned is called "Human Systems." The first one stated says "Knows and understands the characteristics, distribution and migrations of human population." The last one says "Knows and understands the complexity of the earth’s cultural mosaic." These are all of the National Standards that will be used in this paper.
I have seen a faraway land that is lush and beautiful. The grass is so green and there are many coconut trees. This place varies some. In some areas, there are mountains and in others, it is a flatland. It is a land that seems like a paradise. If you are wondering about the name of this enchanting place, it is called Thailand. It has not always been called this. Only since this century has Thailand had this name. Until the 1940s, this country was known as Siam. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation changed the name of the country to "Prathet Thai," or "Thailand" by which it has since been known. The word "Thai" means "free," and therefore, "Thailand" means, "Land of the free."(6) Imagine a country that is as beautiful as I described earlier and the people are free. This is the land of Thailand.
When you think of Thailand, do you know where it is found? Many people have no idea where many countries are, and Thailand is one of those that are talked about very little. If you want to find Thailand, first get a globe or look at a map. Then find the country you are from, and go in the direction of Thailand. If you are from the United States, you would go west across the Pacific past China and Vietnam and then you would see Thailand. "The Kingdom of Thailand, located in Southeast Asia on the Gulf of Thailand and the Adaman Sea, shares boundaries with Myanmar (Burma) on the west and northwest, Laos on the east and northeast, Cambodia (Kampuchea) on the southeast, and Malaysia on the south."(6) One of the things you remember when you think about the Asian countries is that most of them were colonized by Europeans. Great Britain had claimed most of it. Other areas were claimed by the Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spaniards, and much later the U.S. (Philippines). Thailand "was never colonized by Europeans and has existed as a unified monarchy since 1350. The capital, BANGKOK, an attractive blend of western and Thai architecture, was established in 1782."(6) This land stood its ground when all others gave up.
The map of Thailand may not tell you its exact size, but you can see that it is not overly large. Thailand is "slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming."(2) "Thailand covers a land area of 513,115 square kilometers, from north 5º 30" to 21º and from east 97º 30" to 105º 30", and extends about 2,500 kilometers from north to south and 1,250 kilometers from east to west, with a coastline of approximately 1,840 kilometers Gulf of Thailand and 865 kilometers along the Indian Ocean."(6) When you are in one area all your life it can be hard to understand that not ever city, state or country looks like yours does. If you get to travel you will see how one state or country can be different depending upon which area you go to. This is as true with Thailand as with any other place. "Thailand is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the Peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands."(7)
Have you ever traveled to somewhere that is hot and humid most of the year? I have and that country was Thailand. It is a beautiful place, but because of its heat and humidity, most foreigners cannot live there. "Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29º C, ranging in Bangkok from 35º C in April to 17º C in December. There are three seasons: Cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October), through downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours."(7) If it were not for these seasons, Thailand would not be as green and beautiful as it is. It would not have rice patties, sugar cane and coconuts. Thailand is a place that survives and lives on to share its lushness with the rest of the world.
Link
to webpage with pictures from my
trip to Thailand.
Link
to a map of Thailand.
When you think of the Thai language, you may wonder what is it that makes it what it is. "Thai belongs to the Tai language family, a subgroup of the Kadai or Kam-Tai family."(4) Some say that the Thai language came from a group called "Proto-Tai," who came from "Northern Vietnam and Southeastern China as the probable place of origin for the Tai languages."(4) At the time of Sukhothai being established, the language only had "three tones on syllables ending in a long vowel, a semi-vowel or a nasal."(4) This continued until a writing system was created. As time went by things began to change again and the capital went from Sukhothai to Ayutthuya. At this time, it is believed that the language changes. It is said that there is a tonal split. This is when there is now five or six tones where there was just three before. Later, during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767) there were many words borrowed from Sanskrit and Pan. Words continue to be exchanged and a stratified society develops. In addition, the Thai language adopts certain Khmer words such as Khun, and their society develops into one of superiors and inferiors. (4) Slowly but surely, Thai has developed into the five tone language it is today.
During the early years, after Thais arrived into Indo-China they were ruled by the Mons. Then in the 10th century AD, the Khmers took over everything from the Mons. (5) King Si Intharathit of Sukhothai freed Thailand from Khmer. (5) The second son of this king was Kim Ramkhamhaeng. "He had a strong national feeling and so wanted to form a new official Thai script. Which he wished to have as something purely Thai, free from Mon and Khmer influence. He therefore invented a Thai script called "The Sukhothai script in 1283 AD"(5) This script did have a source that it came from. Most script cannot just appear and not have some kind of influences from somewhere. "The ultimate source of the Sukhothai script was a form of the ancient Brahmi script of South India called "Grantha." The Grantha form of the Brahmi script is the source of the Khmer script. The Grantha came to be used in Indo-China through the spread of the Buddhist religion not trade contacts."(5) Like most languages, the Thai script would change over time. As people learn to write, they always discover newer and better ways to do something. In English, also there have been changes. Hundreds of years ago, we had what was called Old English, and although the Roman alphabet was still used words were spelled and pronounced differently. "The Sukhothai script of King Ramkhamhaeng was used till 1357. In 1357, in the reign of King Li Thai, the grandson of King Ramkhamhaeng, a new script called "King Li Thai script" came to be used. It is evident that the shapes of the letters in the King Li Thai script are based on the Sukhothai one, although some of them were modified." This was not the last modification to Thai script. As changes take place, such as Ayudhya city becoming the capital of Siam (the name it used at that time) in 1378, (5) there will be differences taking place in the language itself. "During the early periods of the Ayudhya Kingdom, the King Li Thai script had been used, though certain changes had been introduced through the process of time. In 1680, during the reign of King Narai, the script called "King Narai script" was brought into use. The King Narai script has been developed and preserved as our national Thai script up to now."(5) The Thai language has gone through many different changes but it has persevered to become what it is today. It is a beautiful language and quite interesting to listen to. There is no way of knowing if there will be anymore changes to the Thai language, besides slang words. Only time will tell what will happen.
Another interesting thing to know is how culture is found in the language. One of the phrases that I first learned in Thai was "mai-pen-rai," which to me meant, "you’re welcome." However, this is not the exact translation. It really means "It does not really matter" or "It is not a problem." "The expression reflects Thai people’s attitude toward themselves, the people they come into contact with and the world around them. Almost everybody and everything is acceptable to Thais. Objections and conflicts are to be avoided at all cost. Thai people are known for their tolerance and compromising nature."(9) This is something I find very true among Thais, especially considering the tolerance of other religions. One other word that influences Thai culture is "Sanuk." I first read this word in a book, and it said that it meant "to have fun." "The word "Sanuk" means to have a good time, to enjoy oneself and to derive pleasure and joy from something. …It is almost a rule of living for Thai people that whatever they do has to be "Sanuk." The concept of "Sanuk" goes beyond the having of a good laugh or a good time at a dance or a performance. …Examples of "Sanuk" activities: thamngan sanuk = to enjoy one’s work or khui sanuk = to enjoy talking; to be a good speaker."(9) This is a very interesting concept. It actually seems rather nice. Here are a people that do not go around complaining but they strive to find joy in everything. I believe we should all be like that more often.
Link
to pictures from my
trip to Thailand. 
Link
to site with some Thai phrases.
One of the most fascinating social customs that is done in Thailand is the Wai. It is an action that is beautiful and graceful. "The Wai is not just a way of saying hello without using words, it is an action of respect."( 3 , p. 13 ) This is very true. When you see someone is older than you then wai because this shows great respect to him or her and they will appreciate it greatly. I got to learn this during last summer’s trip to Asia. When we were in Thailand, we always had to remember to wai. The people appreciated it because it is something they probably don’t see done often among farang (Thai word for foreigners). It shows that that we respect their culture and are willing to learn about them. The wai "is the most significant of the many social actions that reinforce Thai social structure. It does so through public literal demonstration of what we shall call the height rule. This basic rule is simple and clear: In any social encounter, the social inferior takes on a physically inferior position and the social superior assumes a posture of physical superiority. Height is right."( 3, p. 13) Now you are probably wondering how to wai. I am going to tell you how to do this. In order to wai you put the palms of your hands together with tips facing up, like prayer hands if you’ve seen this before. There are different degrees to the wai. First, if you are of equal status to the other person or if they are a stranger of unknown status you should place the wai close to your body with fingertips below the chin but not touching it. Second, if you are a superior returning a wai, you either should place the wai the same as the first wai or a little lower than that and head straight or slightly inclined. Third, an inferior showing respect to the superior must have had lowered so that fingertips reach above the tip of nose. Lastly, for showing extreme respect, the forehead lowered to base of the thumbs and lowering of the body. (3, p.14) This is something that is very important for everyone who will go to Thailand to know about. If you are wondering about whom are your social inferiors, it is anyone who is a servant, street vendor, children, or anyone of obvious lower status than you are. (3, p. 17 ) Another thing to know is that if you receive a high wai then you should give a lower one. People are definitely of higher status are the monks, the king, and older people (except your servants or street vendors). ( 3, p.17 )
The next thing to talk about is the head and feet. "Many other social actions conform to this basic idea that status superiority should be reflected in a physical high-low continuum. …Heads being almost sacred and feet being something a Thai would rather not talk about, you must, of course, take care what you do with your extremities. Just about the worst insult you can pay a Thai is to point at his sacred head with your lowly feet." ( 3, p. 22-23) This is very true. A story I know of is about a missionary in Thailand did something like this. He was sitting up in a tree and a Thai girl was sitting under it. An idea came to him that he would surprise her so he touched her with his foot. This was the worst thing he could have done. The girl was so insulted that to this day she still has not spoken to him. Another you must do is touch someone’s head and this is because the head is considered sacred, as mentioned earlier, and since your hands are below your head and lower they should not touch another person’s head.
I will mention just a few more things about this area. The first is about titles dealing with status. Since this is a society that has superior and inferior there are titles that go with it. "In general, when referring to individuals, the surname is not used. Rather the first name is used, preceded by Khun; sufficient for men or women, married or unmarried." (1) When I was in Thailand and I met my boyfriend’s parents I referred to them as such. It showed them that I respected them and it helps keep any insults out of the relationship. Another thing that is important in Thai, really most of Asian cultures, culture is having self-control. You should never get angry and yell at a Thai that would be very offensive. "Any display of bad temper (for example raising of the voice) is a reflection only of the lack of self control of the perpetrator. Bad temper will not win respect or, often, action." (1) This is very true and can be seen really in any culture. People without self-control can be seen as a big problem and can cause the problems sometimes too. One more thing to mention is about how Thais feel about the monarchy; Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. "Thais also have a deep respect for the monarchy. Negative comments about the King or royal family are unacceptable. At public events, including movie theaters, everyone is expected to stand for the royal anthem."(1)I have never actually been to a movie theater in Thailand or been there when the royal anthem is played, but I have seen evidence of the Thais respect for the King and royal family. When you go to restaurants or sometimes-even homes in Thailand, you will see the picture of the King and his Queen. I have even seen it among Thais in the U.S. There is a Thai restaurant here where I live, and in it on the wall are pictures of the King and Queen. They respect him very highly.
Now I would like to list a few items from the book Culture Shock Thailand. The title of the section is "Do and Taboo." "Affection between the sexes should not be displayed in public. No holding hands or kissing. Avoid things, people and situations you don’t like rather than moan about them or try to change them. Beckon waiters and servants with the hand, palm downwards, fingers straight and waving rapidly. Don’t clap, snap fingers or hiss. Criticism Avoid it; if absolutely unavoidable, balance with praise and be very indirect. Gifts are to be opened in private. Lower the body a little when passing in front of, or between, people. Pass objects with the right hand, touch left hand to right forearm if extra respect is require. Women never pass directly to monks. Pointing with fingers is acceptable for objects and animals but not for people. Rice is the lifeblood of Thailand; don’t throw it away in front of Thais. Sit in the place you are directed to. Superiors in front, inferiors at the back. Speak gently, do not raise the voice. Smile and people will like you. A smile can be used to excuse small inconveniences, to thank for small services and to return the wai of children and servants. Throwing any objects is bad manners. Titles are always used. Walk slightly behind monks and old people."(3, end pg.) I thought these would be some very useful information in helping any one out there who plans to visit or live in Thailand.
Link
to the page with my pictures from my
trip to Thailand.
When you think of National
symbols, what do you think of? What I mean by this is the national symbols
like the flag, national symbol (an emblem of some kind or animal), colors,
dress, anthem, or day. The first one we will look at is the national (or
royal) flag. There have been two flags that we know of in history. The
first one was called "the flag of the Kingdom of Siam" and "was created
during the reign of King Rama II and flew on all Siamese sea-going vessels."(6)
"The symbol of a white elephant on a red background was chosen because
white elephants are considered very auspicious by Thais. King Rama II was
known as the ‘White Elephant King’ as he had three of these noble animals
in his possession during his reign."(6)
The second flag is still used today and has been since September 28, 1917
by King Rama VI. "The five horizontal stripes of three colors-red, white,
and blue-have very significant meanings. Red signifies the life-blood of
Thai people; the white stripe symbolizes the purity of Buddhism, the national
religion; and the dominant blue stripe, the monarchy and the important
part it plays in the daily life of the Thai people."(6)
This is all something very important that show more about the people and
helps us know even better how to interact with them. All I will say about
the National (and royal) symbol is that "The Thai national and royal symbol
is the Garuda, a mythical half-bird half-human figure [steed of the Hindu
god Vishnu] that adorns King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s scepter and royal standard."
This is something that shows how much Buddhism is intertwined into their
culture. The last thing I will mention is about the National day, which
is on December 5 and is the birthday of "His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej."(6)
If you want to know any more about any of these national symbols, you can
go to the webpage that will be shown in my endnotes.
Link
to my page that has the pictures from my
trip to Thailand.
Now for the last and one of
the most influential areas in Thai culture is its religion. "Thailand is
one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national
religion is Theravada Buddhism (which is a branch of Hinayana Buddhism),
practiced by more than 90% of all Thais. The remainder of the population
adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths – all of which are
allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast a strong
influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns
and villages the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life."(8)
Religion is something that has great significance in a persons life. When
I was in Thailand I saw temples everywhere. It is something that the people
there seem to believe in. Below this section, I will have not only a link
to my page with the pictures of my trip to Thailand, but also a page with
some pictures at one of the temples in Thailand (in Chiang Mai).
Link
to my page with the pictures from my
trip to Thailand.
Link
to my page of pictures at two of the temples
in Thailand (in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai)
Now, when you hear the name of Thailand can you say that you know where it is and a little bit about it? I would say that you could. When I was young or rather even in high school, I did not know anything about Thailand. Actually, I knew it as Siam because of a movie I had seen. Since I have come to college and met Thais and am now dating one, I have learned a great deal about a very beautiful country. The people there are very hospitable and it is fun to be around them. I hope that one day I will get to go back to Thailand. Actually, I hope to go there this summer, but I do not know yet if I will. Thailand is a place that you will never forget and that you will always want to go back to there. I hope you will get to visit there someday.
2. CIA. "1997 CIA World Factbook
Report on Thailand." Bankok.com 1997
http://www.bangkok.com/misc/factbook.shtml ( 9Apr 1999)
3. Cooper, Robert and Nanthapa. Culture Shock! Thailand Singapore: Times Books International, 1982.
4. Hudak, Thomas J. "Some Historical
Background of Thai Language." About Thai Language.
11/11/998 http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/thai.html
(9 Apr 1999)
5. Ronnakiat, Nantana. "The Thai
Writing System." Apr 5, 1997 http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thaiwrt.html
(9 Apr 1999)
6. National Identity Office Under
the Prime Minister, Royal Thai Government. "Thailand at a Glance."
28 February 1997 http://www.mahidol.ac.th/thailand/glance-thai/thailand.html
(11 Apr 1999)
7. Tourism Authority of Thailand.
"Environment" Welcome to the Land of Smiles. 1997.
http://www.tat.or.th/about/index.html
(9 Apr 1999)
8. Tourism Authority of Thailand.
"Religion." Welcome to the Land of Smiles. 1997.
http://www.tat.or.th/about/religion.html
(9 Apr 1999)
9. Vongvipanond, Peansiri. "Linguistic
Perspectives of Thai Culture." Thai Culture in Language.
11/11/98 http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/peasiri.thml
(9 Apr 1999)
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