THAILAND- A COUNTRY PROFILE

INTRODUCTION

THAILAND, country located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia. Located wholly within the tropics, Thailand encompasses diverse ecosystems, including the hilly forested areas of the northern frontier, the fertile rice fields of the central plains, the broad plateau of the northeast, and the rugged coasts along the narrow southern peninsula.

Until the second half of the 20th century, Thailand was primarily an agricultural country, but since the 1960s increasing numbers of people have moved to Bangkok, the capital, and to other cities.

CLIMATE

The major influences on Thailand's climate are its location in the tropical monsoon zone of mainland Southeast Asia and certain topographic features that affect the distribution of precipitation. Beginning in May, the warm, humid air masses of the southwest monsoon flow northeastward over the region from the Indian Ocean, depositing great quantities of precipitation, rainfall reaches maximum in September. Between November and February the winds reverse direction, and the northeast monsoon brings cool, relatively dry air in a southwesterly flow to create cooler temperatures for much of the country.

EDUCATION

Compulsory education was instituted in the 1920s for the purpose of ensuring that all citizens- female as well as male would share the national language and identify with the national heritage. Prior to that time, education had consisted primarily of males being taught by monks at Buddhist temples. By late 1930s almost all children of school age in the country attended schools established by the government, although few went beyond the four years of basic primary education. Those who did attend secular secondary and tertiary institutions, monastic schools, or military and police academics typically entered government service after completing their schooling.

CULTURAL LIFE

CUISINE

There is a popular saying that the Thai live by their stomachs. There have long been small vendors of Thai food on the streets of urban Thailand, but until late in the 20th century the best Thai food was usually produced in private homes.

A good Thai meal typically includes a blend of spice, mild, sweet, and sour dishes. Among the most popular Thai dishes are curries made with coconut milk, shrimp paste, garlic, chili peppers, and seasonings such as coriander, lemongrass, galangal, and Kaffir lime leaves. The Thai use fish sauce- today a commercially prepared extract- as a basic ingredient for many dishes in the same way that the Chinese use soy sauce. Although rice is a fundamental to Thai cuisine, the Thai have adopted many foods, such as noodles, that form a basic element of Chinese and Sino-Chinese cuisine.

LITERATURE

Traditional Thai literature was deeply connected to the literature of both Buddhist and Hindu India. The best-known story of the premodern period- as recounted in sermons by monks and depicted in temple paintings- was that of Prince Wetsandorn. This story is the last and most important of the Jakata tales[ i.e, stories about people or animals who were the Buddha in a previous life].

Alongside the literature derived from Buddhism and India, indigenous literary traditions have always existed in Thailand. Kings were patrons of royal poets, villages had rich traditions of folklore and legends recited by troubadour-like performers or enacted by local opera tropes. One story with both royal and popular versions is that of Khun Chang and Khun Phaen, two men in competition for the affections of the same woman.

Modern Thai poetry has its origins in the work of Sunthon Phu[1787-1855], whose 30,000- line epic, Phra Aphaimani, named for the central figure, is the country's best-known work of literature.

DRAMA AND FILM

Dramatic performance has deep roots in Thailand, with traditional genres continuing to be performed even as more cosmopolitan forms have entered the scene. Khon classical masked dance-drama, known as Lakhon, also uses the Ramakian, as well as Buddhist Jataka tales, the Inao epic, the other Thai stories, as a source material.

The themes of Thai movies and television soap operas deal with love triangles or ghosts, or they are action films derived from Western models.

Since the turn of 21st century, Thai films have received increasingly critical and popular attention in the international arena.

MUSIC AND DANCE

Thai classical music[dontri Thai doem] was originally played at court and was based on Khmer models. There are three types of orchestral groups for Thai classical music. Thai classical music and dance are highly valued symbols of national heritage. Thai music became a field of study at the university level and several specialized high school. The music is distinguished by the use of a Khaen, a traditional wood-and-bamboo mouth organ that has become a symbol of northeastern Thai[and Lao] culture.

The Lamwong[circle dance] is the most popular form of dance at rural temple festivals and other celebrations. It is typically performed to mawlam or luk thung music.

VISUAL ARTS

Buddhism has had a major influence on Thai art, architecture, sculpture, and painting. Some of the most beuatiful older wat structures are to be found in Ayutthaya, the capital from the 14th to the 18th century, and in Chiang Mai.

Traditional Thai painting is probably derived from Indian and Srilankan models and is mostly religious. The paintings, executed by anonymous monks or dedicated laypeople, are usually drawn on temple walls. Many wat contain mural paintings depicting the life of the Buddha or other Buddhist stories.

Contemporary Thai art has been strongly shaped not only by traditional Buddhist art but also by Western genres. The most respected of Thai modern art and architecture reflects a creative synthesis between Western styles and traditional Thai designs.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

The traditional martial art and Thai boxing[ muay Thai] is Thailand's national sport. It is a spectacular form of unarmed combat that is accompanied by a traditional music ensemble- as well as frenzied ringside betting.

The traditional game of takraw, in which participants attempt to keep a woven rattan ball from touching the ground without using their hands, is a very popular among young men, it is an internationally competitive sport within the Southeast Asian region. In 20th century, many modern sports like football, which is highly popular, swimming, badminton are pursued throughout the country.

CRAFTS

Thai craft traditions are flourishing not only because of royal patronage and an increasing interest among the expanding middle class but also because of a growing market created by tourism. Thailand is renowned worldwide for its silk, and its range of colours and designs, including those employing tie-dye techniques, are highly prized both within and outside of the country. Handwoven cotton and embroidered textiles, many of which are produced by upland minorities, have also proved to be commercially viable.

PLACES TO VISIT IN THAILAND

Produced by: JASNAM KAUR

College: Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce

Roll no: 231149

Course: B.com[hons]

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