1. Exotic Thailand Angela Wilson 1 Angela Sanders

2. Thailand and it’s People The independent nation of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia bordering Burma and Laos. Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions including mountains, river valleys and coastal regions. The government is a constitutional monarchy with a king who has reigned since 1946. The Largest city in Thailand is Bangkok which is also the country’s center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. Approximately 64 million people make Thailand their home. About 75% are Thai, 14 % are of Chinese origin, and 3% are Malaysian. 2

3. Thai Culture The official language of Thailand is Thai. The country enjoys a high level of literacy although spoken English is not common among the Thai people. Thai culture has been shaped by many influences, including Chinese, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indian. The Thai people take pride in the fact that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia to never be colonized by Europe. Some taboos visitors to Thailand need to be aware of are touching someone’s head or pointing with feet, as the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the feet the dirtiest. 3

4. Business in Thailand Thailand is an emerging economy and is considered a newly industrialized country. Thailand is the largest exporter of rice in the world. Other major exports include textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, jewelry, cars and computers. Thai society has been influenced in recent years by its widely available multi- language press and media. There are some English and numerous Thai and Chinese newspapers in circulation. Many large businesses in Bangkok operate in English as well as other languages. The three largest metropolitan areas in Thailand are:  Bangkok – Capital City and Economic Center of Thailand  Pattay-Chon Buri – Commercial Center of the Eastern Seaboard  Chiang Mai – Cultural Center of Northern Thailand 4

5. Thai Food and Family Thai cuisine blends five tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Common ingredients used in Thai food are garlic, chilies, lime juice, lemon grass and fish sauce. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture with the elderly being held in high regard by Thai society. The traditional Thai greeting, the wai, is generally offered first by the younger of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch their face to the hands, usually coinciding with “Sawasdee khrap” for males, and “Sawasdee ka” for female speakers. 5

6. Thai Religion & Holidays The primary religion of Thailand is Buddhism, which is practiced by 95% of Thai people. The Loy-Kratong is a festival during which small candle-lit lanterns are set afloat on water - mainly rivers, ponds and the sea on the full moon night of the 12 th lunar month. Chiang Mai Water Festival or Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year celebration which takes place each April. This festival is celebrated with the splashing of water onto strangers in the public streets to ceremoniously wash away bad luck. 6

7. Thailand Vacation Destinations Phuket Province is Thailand’s island paradise – spectacular scenery, stunning sunsets, warm blue seas and silky soft beaches make it one of the favorite vacation destinations in Southeast Asia. The city of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand sets a relaxing pace, with its centuries old temples and hospitable people who still hold to traditional ways and values. It is the ideal base for excursions to the nearby mountains as well as an excellent city for vacationing tourists. 7

8. Visit Thailand Thailand is an exotic and culturally exciting destination for business or pleasure trips. Thailand is a warm and welcoming country with many excellent tourist areas. Thailand offers a completely unique visual and educational experience for the visitor. A Thailand vacation is great for couples or the family. 8

9. Resources Chadchaidee, Thanapol. “Sonkran Water Festival.” NorthernThailand.com, 16 December 2008. Web. 4 May 2010. “Thailand.” Executive Planet, 18 October 2007. Web. 4 May 2010. “Free Thailand.” Clipart Guide, 2010. Web. 4 May 2010. “Thailand Paradise.” Thailand Paradise, 2006. Web. 4 May 2010 9