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Thai4u-Thailand
Warm Welcome
This Page Present truly Thai.
We Hope You will find this information useful.
The Monarchy
Thailand
Thai people have a deep and abiding reverence for their Royal family. The current monarch, the much – beloved King Bhumibol Adulayadej ( King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty ), has reigned for over 50 years, the longest of any Thai ruler.
His majesty was born in 1927 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla, studied medicine at Harvard University .
As a constitutional monarch, the king hold powders very similar to those of Queen of Thailand. Though His Majesty maintains neutrality in times of crisis, he has proved to be a tremendously powerful stabilizing force for the Thai people. The King’s immense popularity reflects his keen interest in his people’s welfare. His majesty and the Queen, Queen Sirikit, have devoted a great deal of time and effort to implementing public work project, with special focus on the less privileged.
The territory
The kingdom of Thailand is located in South – east Asia on the gulf of Thailand and the Andaman sea. It shares boundaries with Myanmar on the west and northwest, Laos on the east and north – east, Cambodia on the south – east and Malaysia on the south.
Thailand has existed as Monarchy since 1350. The capital, Bangkok, an attractive blend of western Thai architecture, was established in 1782. Thailand’s territory today covers 513,155
sq. KMS. Divided into 76 Provinces, the country stretches extends 2,500 KMS
form north to south, and 1,250 KMS from east to west. It coastline is about 1,840
KMS on the gulf of Thailand and 865 KMS along the Indian Ocean.
Climate
Wholly within the tropics, it enjoys a cool season from October to February, a hot season from March to May and a rainy season that can very in length and intensity from June to September. The average annual temperature is 28
'C.
National flag
The flag of the Kingdom of Siam was created during the region of King Rama II and flies on all Siamese Sea – going vessels. The symbol of a white elephant on a red black ground was chosen because Thai people regard white elephant as an auspicious symbol.
The five horizontal stripes of three colors – red , white and blue – have significant meaning. Red is the color of blood so it signifies life to Thai peoples, white symbolists the purity of religions, Blue represents the monarchy .
Nation dress
Although there are no official national dress, the traditional dress has been adopted as the unofficial national costume.
For women, it is a full length "PAR SIN", a rectangular piece of cloth worn like a skirt or sarong that usually made of Thai Silk. On formal occasions, a sash may worn across the chest from the left shoulder to the right side of the waist.
For Men, it is the " SEUR PHRA RATCHATHAN ", a short – sleeved shirt with a high collar. On formal occasions, it is long sleeves with a cummerbund.
National Day
This falls on December 5, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulayadej.
Public Holiday
Aside from National day, and New Year’s Day
( January 1,) day of festival of a religious nature are celebrated. The date vary according to the calendar on which the festival is based.
Population
The population of about 62 million is mostly make up of ethnic Thais
< 75 % > and Chinese < 14 % >. Other minority groups include Malays, Cambodians, Indians, non – Thai hill tribes and some Vietnamese. Some tenth million people reside In Bangkok.
Language
Thai is the official language but many inhabitants of the main cities speaking English, especially those who are in professionals that bring them into frequent contact with Westerners.
Religion
Buddhism is the national religion with 95 Per cent followers. Islam is the Largest of the minority religions at 3.8 per cent.
Truly Thai
Thailand is a country like no other, where the traditions of an age – old culture go hand in hand with the most colorful and modern way of life. They blend and complement each other to give a unique flavor to the Land of smiles. The elements marking up the rich and vivid tapestry of the Thai nation are almost endless. But they all have something to do with unassuming inclination to enjoy life in its immediacy. By the way of an introduction to the most exotic Kingdom earth, are some of the elements that are quintessentially Thai.
SAWATDEE
This is likely to be the first word that your are pick up. Essentially, it is a greeting welcoming you to Thailand. Were you are lady trying to use the word, you would add a " ka " to greeting - " sawatdee ka " – pronouncing the " ka " with a soft and lingering high tone, to express your femininity. Were you are a man, you would reply " Sawatdee kup " , giving to the " kup " a deep and resounding tone to emphasize your manhood.
Loy Krathong festival.
When it is full moon in November, one of Thailand’ s most beautiful festivals is celebrated nation - wide. Krathong is basically a container – often a basket - with flowers, decorations and a lighted candle in it. Thousands of these Krathong are sent to float on any available stretch of water, in
honor of water spirits. The festive air is enhanced by beauty pageants, Handicraft exhibitions and other fun activities.
Stupa
An essential element of Buddhist architecture, the golden pointed silhouettes of stupas or Chedi dot the landscape of the country and give it its spiritual dimension. Originally meant to contain the Buddha’ s holy relics, stupas have very long history going back to the earliest days of the religion.
Khon, traditional theatre
The stylized marks and elaborate costumes worn by the highly trained classical dancers performing Khon are the most
mesmerizing souvenirs a visitor could take home. Based on the classical tale the Ramayana, this comprehensive art from best express the country, s deep sense of style and sophistication.
Muay Thai, Kick Boxing
As popular as soccer or baseball in the west, here is a form of sport with a strong spirit and ritualistic dimension that fully illustrates to many aspects of Thai culture. A thrilling experience where the show is as much in the audience as it is in the ring.
Thai Massage
The original Thai massage, or ‘ ancient ‘ massage , is an integral part of the knowledge by Buddhist approach to medicine and body consciousness. It is best experienced in one of the temples where it is often taught as well.
Thai fruits
Colorful, fragrant and always amazingly sweet, here is one of the most mysterious things about Thailand
Thai Silk
The secrets behind the shimmering beauty of Thai Silk were on the verge of being forgotten until an American architect, by the name of Jim Thomson, came to Thailand in the 1940’s and fell in love with the gorgeous fabric. The Thai Silk Company was founded in 1948 and the rest is history.
AXE Cushion
The triangular – shaped on the cushion, upon which one would rest while seating on the ground around a low table, is a distinctive feature of the Thai life style. A more sophisticated version includes a thin folding mattress attached to the cushion. They are generally made of thick cotton and tined with indigo.
Tuk Tuk, Thai Scooter
The improbable result of a cross between a scooter and beetle, the three wheeled TUK TUK is the ubiquitous Thai means of transportation that always seems to pup up whenever you need it. Buzzing around the city on their noisy two – stroke engines, they are an exhilarating way to get around ……. As long as you are not fussy about exhaust fumes !
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