A Presentation By Emmanuel Reddish Thailand A Presentation By Emmanuel Reddish

Location located in the continent of Asia shares land borders with 4 countries: Burma, Cambodia, Malaysia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic 12 meters above sea level

Area 198, 117 mi²

Population approx. 67, 400, 746 people (based on 2015 data)

Climate controlled by tropical monsoons weather is generally hot and humid across most of the country throughout most of the year 3 distinct seasons: the hot season from March to May, the cool season from November to February, and the rainy season from about June to October

Traditional Clothing for Women Ruean Ton (collarless blouse), Chitlada (daytime ceremonial dress), Amarin (evening attire), Borom Phiman (luxurious formal evening attire), Chakkri (elegant wear), Chakkraphat (conservative attire), and Siwalar (formal evening costume for royal ceremonies)

Traditional Clothing for Men Suea Phraratchathan (royally bestowed shirt)

Religion Buddhism of the Theravada school (nearly 95% of the population) others include Thai Buddhism and Hinduism

Food main food is rice most Thai food is hot and spicy Phat Thai (thin rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu and shrimp) Tom yam (sour Thai soup) Laap (minced meat seasoned with roasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce and fresh herbs)

Holidays / Celebrations Songkran (April): traditional Thai New Year; symbolically wash sins away and bless friends with water; young people have fun with buckets of water and huge water guns getting everyone soaking wet

Holidays / Celebrations Loy Krathong (November): ancient festival to honor and thank the water spirits for all the water provided during the growing season also celebrate Makha Buccha Day

Language primarily Thai (spoken by approx. 80% of the population) also dialects of Lao, Yawi, Chinese, and a few can speak English

Type of Government governed by a Constitutional Monarchy and the official power rests with a Parliamentary system headed by the Prime Minister

Current Heads of State Monarchy: His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (reigned since 1946) Prime Minister: Prayut Chan-o-cha (a retired Royal Thai Army officer)

Capital Bangkok (largest and most populated city in the country)

Literacy Rate 96.7% of the people can read and write

Education Since 2001, Thailand’s educational system has been divided into 3 levels. Level 1: first 3 years of school; KG1 to KG3; 3 to 5 years old

Education Level 2: Primary or elementary school (Pratham); P1 to P6; 6 to 11 years old Level 3: Secondary School (Mattayom); M1 to M6; 12 to 18 years old

Education Level 1 is optional, but all must complete P1 to M6 Students must pass a test to move to the next year.

Family Life most families consist of parents and children, as well as grandparents, aunts, and cousins in the same house common for both parents to work and be responsible for family very rare that mothers remain at home as a homemaker

Family Life fathers tend to make major decisions and mothers are responsible for house chores families make every effort to eat meals together

Social Status believe in Karma social status of people is untouched belief that a person who has a high social position acquired this in previous lives and that this person helps those beneath him / her in return for respect and thankfulness

Customs and Traditions The wai is the traditional form of greeting in general and you wait for your host / hostess to introduce you to other guests. If invited to a home, a gift is not expected, but will be appreciated and should be wrapped attractively because appearance matters. Dress conservatively.

Art numerous religious sculptures beautiful Thailand temples traditional and contemporary art is popular

Literature literature is essential to Thai people especially religious scriptures and stories most prominent literary work is the Ramakien (national epic derived from scripture) famous writers include Pira Sudham, Suntham Phu, and Chit Phumisak

Economic / Financial System Currency: Thai Baht 1 THB equals approx. 28 cents in U.S. money

Music reflects its geographic position typically classical which is synonymous of court ensemble famous singers include Tata Young, Palmy, and Myria Benedetti

Dance classical and folk dance main dramatic art form

Top 10 Reasons to Travel to Thailand Thailand is affordable year round sunshine delicious Thai food some of the best beaches in the world tons of shopping

Top 10 Reasons to Travel to Thailand ease of travel amazing cities the people Thailand’s Buddhist Heritage the nightlife (bars and clubs)