Monarchy and religion
are the two sacred cows in Thailand. Thais are tolerant of
most behavior, as long as it doesn't insult one of these.
Buddhism is the dominant religion, and orange-robed monks
and gold, marble and stone Buddha’s are common sights.
The prevalent form of Buddhism practiced is the Theravada
school, which emphasis’s the potential of the individual
to attain nirvana without the aid of saints or gurus. Make
sure you are suitably dressed when visiting a temple - no
shorts or singlets.
Thai is a complicated language with
its own unique alphabet, but it's fun to try at least
a few words. The main complication with Thai is that
it is tonal: the same word could be pronounced with
a rising, falling, high, low or level tone and could
theoretically have five meanings!
Thai art,
principally sculpture and architecture, is divided
into a number of historical styles beginning with
Mon (6th-13thC), Khmer (7th-13th C), Peninsular (until
14th C), Lan Na (13th-14th C), Sukhothai (13th-15th
C), Lopburi (10th-13th C), Suphanburi-Sangkhlaburi
(13th-15th C), Ayuthaya A (1350-1488), Ayuthaya B
(1488-1630), Ayuthaya C (1630-1767) and Ratanakosin
(19th C to present). Classical Thai music and theatrical
dance are also popular artistic forms.
Thai
cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with
heaps of garlic and chilies and a characteristic mix
of limejuice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Galanga
root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger
and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce
or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of
course rice is eaten with most meals.
Main
dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and
red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai
food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping
sauces. Snacks and appetizers include fried peanuts,
chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime.
There
is an incredible variety of fruit available, either
fresh or juiced. Sugar-cane juice and, for something
stronger, rice whisky are favorite local tipples.
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