Thailand | History and Culture

History of Thailand

Thailand’s social history can be traced back to the Neolithic period and has witnessed the rise and fall of a myriad of empires and dynasties. Thailand, as we know it now, came into effect with the establishment of an alliance between three kingdoms: Lan Na, Sukhothai, and Phayao in the 13th century. The 14th and 15th centuries witnessed the establishment of the kingdom of Ayutthaya, which continued until it fell to the Burmese, initially in 1569, then again in 1760 before finally falling again in 1767.

Thailand’s current Chakri Dynasty began in 1782 when Phraya Chakri ascended the throne as King Ramathibodi, Rama I. The new dynasty moved the country’s capital city to Bangkok where it remains to this day. Current king Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, is the world’s longest serving current head of state and Thailand’s longest reigning monarch, having ascended to the throne in 1946.

King Mongkut, Rama IV, instigated trade and diplomatic relations with European countries in the mid-19th century. He also instituted educational reforms, developing a school system along European lines. His son, King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, led Thailand into the 20th century, establishing an effective civil service, formalising global relations and introducing industrialisation. He united the royal line under the title Rama and assigned the title Rama I to the dynasty’s first king.

During the reign of King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy following a successful coup d’état in 1932. The country’s name was officially changed from Siam to Prathet Thai, or Thailand, meaning “land of the free” in 1939. The Thai use the phrase “land of the free” to express pride in the fact that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to be colonised by a European state.

The Thai military government sided with the Japanese forces in WW2 and were involved in the construction of the infamous Burma-Siam railway, made legend by the fictional British film Bridge Over The River Kwai. The government also allowed US forces to use Thai territory during the Vietnam War.

Democracy has developed slowly in Thailand with corruption allegations, demonstrations and military coups derailing the process on several occasions. After a quarter of a century of military rule, civilian government was restored to Thailand in 1973 following student riots in Bangkok, but this was to last only three years before the military again took control. The country continues to move between civilian and military governments.

On December 26 2004, an earthquake in Southeast Asia triggered a tsunami that impacted considerably upon Thailand’s touristic infrastructure. The west coast was the worst hit area, including outlying areas and tourist resorts near Phuket. Many hotels were ruined; thousands were killed. Thailand has however made a strong recovery from this terrible catastrophe and continues to be one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s first female Prime Minister assumed office on August 5th 2011 following the 2011 general election. Leader of the populist Pheu Thai Party, which replaced the controversial People’s Power Party in 2008, her party won a majority with 265 of the 480 seats. She is the country’s ninth leader in just over five years.

Thailand Culture

Religion:
The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities.

Social conventions:
Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head – the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way.

The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of ‘face’. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one’s feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone’s home or a temple.

Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.

Language in Thailand

Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.