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Country Overview The official language is Thai. The majority of the people are Thai, with sizable Chinese and Malay communities as well. The rest of the population is comprised of Mon, Khmer, Phuan and Karen minorities. The chief unit of currency is the Baht. Thailand is a democratic constitutional monarchy led by a prime minister; the head of state is King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). The king has little direct political power, but is a symbol of pride and unity. The universal voting age is 18. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the dynastic country of Siam into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand. The years between WWII and 1979 were fraught with sporadic attempts at democracy, interrupted by more than twenty coups and countercoups. Since democratic elections in 1979, the leadership has shifted from the military to the business elite. The shift has been dogged by accusations of corruption and vote buying, with re-votes demanded in 62 districts in the 2000 election. Parliamentary elections in 2001 saw the rise of the Thai Rak Thai party, who successfully campaigned on a platform of election reform. Despite its rocky transition into democracy, Thailand is home to a friendly and strong-willed people who are proud to preserve their spirit of independence. They have a close political relationship with the US. The country boasts a rich culture of renowned cuisine and a legacy of sculpture and architecture dating from the 6th century. Thailand is famous for its beaches, ancient cities, and the bustling urban activity of Bangkok. In almost any town one can find outdoor markets and glorious temples that are hundreds of years old. Traditional Thai dance is sinuously graceful; the dancers dress in elaborate brightly colored costumes and gold headpieces. The language is tonal, with one sound possibly having five meanings, depending on the way it is pronounced. The language has its own alphabet. Rice is a main staple in Thailand, and generally accompanied by fish, chicken and vegetables. The rice is sometimes called 'sticky rice', and is meant to stick together in order to enable the diner to pick up the food from the plate with it, much as one might use a slice of bread to scoop up spaghetti sauce. (However, in some areas of Thailand it is rude to eat without cutlery). Rice prepared to a perfect consistency is a source of pride for the cook. Accepting food in Thailand is a way of honoring the person offering it. It is rude to refuse. The seasoning is zesty and aromatic, heavy on the garlic and chilies, often with accents of lime and coconut juice. Fish sauce, made of anchovies, serves to salt many dishes in the cooking process. Dipping sauces and condiments are common. A wide variety of fresh fruits grow in this humid region, and make refreshing desserts. School Literacy rates are higher than in the US, with 96% of men and 92% of women literate. Education accounts for 25% of total government expenditures. 82% of the population is rural and attends small schools. Thai is the primary language taught in schools and used in government, although English is the second language of the elite. The first university in Thailand was established in 1917. There are presently 42 universities and 36 teacher colleges in Thailand. Following a current trend to extend education to the rural provinces, many new universities have been established in the provinces that are situated farthest from Bangkok. These universities offer a wide variety of courses at the Bachelor's Degree level. Teenagers Teens also enjoy camping, going to the beach, movies, parties, picnics and shopping. Indoor activities include listening to music, reading, cooking, and watching TV. Thai students watch less TV than American teens as there are fewer stations and televisions are not as common. Dress is the same as here in the US, with shirts and jeans worn when not in school uniform. Thai teens usually start dating at the age of 15. Most parents encourage studying in preference to dating, and having a steady boyfriend or girlfriend is discouraged. Most teens have curfews. Sexually transmitted diseases are not openly discussed, but there are some ads on TV addressing the topic of AIDS. The legal drinking age is 18, and teens caught drinking before 18 are fined. The legal driving age is 18. Most teens get their driver's license although only 15% have their own car. Community Thailand's population is relatively homogeneous. More than 85% speak a dialect of Thai and share a common culture. This core population includes the central Thai (36% of the population), Thai-Lao (32%), northern Thai (8%), and southern Thai (8%). There are 6 television stations in Thailand. Most people in urban areas get cable TV, but no television is broadcast between the hours of 2 am and 5 am. Typical business hours are from 9-5 Monday through Friday. However, many stores are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most cars are registered in Bangkok, and many people rely upon public transportation, bicycles, scooters, or walking as a mode of transportation. While urban Thai lifestyles resemble many around the world, life in the villages is unique. The homes are wooden, and usually built on stilts to discourage intrusions by animals and provide air circulation, as well as refuge from floods in the monsoon season. Running water, indoor plumbing and electricity are readily available in urban areas, and televisions are common. Many villages collect water from springs or wells. Most villages now have electricity, but televisions are not common. Buddhism is a central part of Thai life, and each village contains a monastery, called a wat. The wat is the social and religious center for the village, and a gathering place for events such as festivals or council meetings. The Family Both parents work in most families. The divorce rate is 15%. Popular pets are dogs, fish and birds. Respect for elders is central to the Thai family. The family hierarchy even extends to siblings of different ages. Small children are treated permissively and slowly given more responsibilities as they age. By age eight, girls are assigned chores in the house, and boys given work outside or in the field. It is not unusual for many generations to live in the same home or compound. Grandparents take an active role in the rearing of children. In turn, children are expected to care for their parents in old age. This is considered an honor rather than a duty. The elderly family members are sources of wisdom and pass on traditional values to the small children. Young people choose their own marriage partners, but the wedding is a family affair. In many parts of the country it is the custom for the groom to move in with the bride's family. Village weddings are communal affairs. The couple gives a gift to the monks, who in turn bless their home. This is in accordance with the Thai belief in reciprocity. The ceremony is accompanied by dancing and feasting. The village marriage ceremony bestows no official validity on their union but is merely a public proclamation that the two people will live together as man and wife. Daily tasks are generally divided equally between husband and wife. Women normally do the household chores, but they work in the fields during planting and harvesting. Men perform heavy tasks and fieldwork, fetch water. Thai village men sometimes help prepare the food for festivals. There is a growing wave of young couples moving to urban areas. In these instances, cohabiting with extended family is uncommon. Women in urban areas are moving into the workforce rapidly. Ten years ago, most young women were employed as domestics. Now many work in light industry or textile plants. This has led to the popularity of household labor saving devices such as washing machines and microwaves. Western influence has sparked a new taste for fast foods like hamburgers and pizzas, as well as an interest in Western movies, music, sports and architecture. Customs The head is a very sacred part of the body for Thai people, and it is very inappropriate to touch a Thai on the head. Thai's remove their shoes in the home, and it is considered rude to point one's feet in the direction of another. Personal reserve is encouraged. Outward expressions of anger are seen as harmful, and people generally try to avoid personal conflict. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Thailand is 95% Buddhist. The monarchy and Buddhism are unifying, and sacred elements of Thai life. Any image of Buddha, ruined or not, is sacred. It is common to pray to Buddha every morning and evening. Most national holidays are religious in nature. They follow the lunar calendar and the dates vary from year to year. The King's birthday is also a holiday and cause for celebration. Understanding |
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