Thailand: Land of Smiles

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Thailand Land of Smiles

• Presented by YCEP Group at
• Wat Buddhavas Temple

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Background

• A unified Thai kingdom was established in the
  mid-14th century.
• Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only
  Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
  over by a European power.
• Thailand draws more visitors than any other
  country in southeast Asia with its irresistible
  combination of breathtaking natural beauty,
  inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust
  cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms.
• Often depicted as fun-loving, happy-go-lucky folk
  (which indeed they often are), the Thais are also
  proud and strong, and have struggled for
  centuries to preserve their independence of
  spirit.

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Thai Greetings 101

• Sawasdee Hello!
• Ending in ka for females and krup for males
• The wai is a Thai sign of salutation, done by
  raising both hands, joined palm to palm, lightly
  touching the body somewhere between the face and
  chest, and the head makes a bow

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Basic Facts People Geography

• Population 64,865,523
• Nationality Thai
• Ethnic groups Thai 75, Chinese 14, other 11
• Religions Buddhism 95, Muslim 3.8,
  Christianity 0.5, Hinduism 0.1, other 0.6
  (1991)
• Languages Thai, English
• Location Southeastern Asia, bordering the
  Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast
  of Burma
• Area/Size slightly more than twice the size of
  Wyoming

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Basic Facts Government

• Government type constitutional monarchy
• Capital Bangkok
• National holiday Birthday of King PHUMIPHON, 5
  December (1927)
• Administrative divisions 76 provinces
• Currency Baht

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King Bhumibol Adulyadej
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Early History

• Archaeological discoveries around the northeast
  hamlet of Ban Chiang suggest that the worlds
  oldest Bronze Age civilization was flourishing in
  Thailand some 5,600 years ago.
• Successive waves of immigrants, including Mons,
  Khmers and Thais, gradually entered the land mass
  now known as Thailand, most slowly traveling
  along the fertile river valleys from southern
  China.

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Ban Chiang
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Natural Wonders

• Forested hills of the North
• Fertile plains of the Chao Phraya river basin
• Tropical beaches and islands of the South
• Enormous variety of natural scenery
• Wealth of flora and fauna
• At least 280 mammal species and more than 900
  species of birds

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Two Great Civilizations

• The Past Glories that Defined Modern Thailand

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Sukothai

• Early 1200s
• The first truly independent Thai kingdom
• Literally, Dawn of Happiness
• Established Theravada Buddhism as the paramount
  of Thai religion
• Creation of the Thai alphabet
• First expression of Thai art forms
• Expansion throughout the Chao Phraya River basin

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Ayutthaya

• Founded in 1350, after Sukothais declination
• 417 years as Thai capital, under the rule of 33
  kings
• Brought distinctive culture to full fruition
• Totally rid the land of Khmer presence
• Fostered contact with Arabian, Indian, Chinese,
  Japanese and European powers

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Thai Arts
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Thai Performing Arts Classical Dance

• Thai dancers hold their bodies upright from the
  neck to the hips, moving up and down using only
  their knees, and stretching to the rhythm of the
  music.
• The arms and hands in Thai dancing are held in
  curves at different levels, but do not point like
  ballet.
• The beauty of the dancers depends on how well
  these curves and angles are maintained in
  relation and proportion to the whole body.

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Traditional Architecture

• Swooping multi-tiered rooflines
• Distinctly ornamental decorations
• Stunning interior murals
• Vivid colors
• Lovingly crafted and gold-adorned Buddha images

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Martial Arts Muay Thai

• Muaythai is often referred to as the science of
  eight limbs as it employs not only punching and
  kicking techniques but elbows and knees as well.
• The exact date of the creation of this fighting
  art is not known but it is widely believed to be
  over 2000 years old.
• The Thais are a tribal people and have had to
  defend their country from many invaders
  throughout their history.
• It has been developed year by year passing from
  teacher to student for as long as the Thais can
  remember.

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Culinary Arts Tastes of Thailand

• Contrary to popular myth, all Thai food is not
  fiery hot (although some dishes from the
  northeast and the south are extremely spicy.)
• The beauty of Thai cuisine is in its variety and
  wonderful assortment of flavors rich curries,
  tangy soups, tart salads, stir-fried dishes of
  meats and vegetables and succulent seafood.
• A staple food, Jasmine rice is eaten by most
  Thais daily.

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