A Unique and Friendly Culture

Throughout more than 700 years of independence, Thailand has displayed an amazing continuity, preserving its heritage to the extent that enduring traditions exemplify a quintessential "Thainess" which indelibly colors the Kingdom. Fundamental to that quality of "Thainess" is an adherence to Theravada Buddhism, which promotes peaceful and harmonious living, and a devotion to the constitutional monarchy, which strengthens traditions and time-honored values, not least being a belief in personal freedoms and a pronounced sense of hospitality. This, coupled with a democratic government and political stability, make Thailand not only a hospitable environment, but also a safe one where you can readily feel secure and at east.

Such blessed attributes ensure a social and cultural environment in which quality of life is high, while another endearing Thai trait, that of "sanuk", promises a happy approach to life. Translating as "fun" or "having a good time", "sanuk" is ingrained in the culture and most obviously manifest in the joyous celebration of festivals, although it also pervades daily life in which a pleasant, easy-going attitude prevails.

Moreover, it is the enduring quality of national characteristics that allow Thai; the ability to embrace today' world, with all its modern comforts, while at the same time, preserving their culture heritage. This allows for a rare appreciation of history.

As a sovereign state, the country has a glorious and eventful past stretching back over more than seven hundred years. Before that, the Khmer, the Mons and other early kingdoms, as well as prehistoric civilizations, all helped shaped the land what was to become Thailand and set patterns to which the Thais became the cultural heirs Evidence of this intriguing past is really apparent, not simply in museums, although these are excellent, but in numerous well-preserved historical sites.

Just a short distance west of Bangkok, for example, stands Phra Pathom Chedi, the world's tallest Buddhist monument built on the site of an ancient Mon capital that was one of the earliest centers of Buddhist learning in the region.

By contrast, Northeast Thailand offers a glimpse of the Khmer civilization which, from its base at Angkor in Cambodia, held away over the area from around the 10th to the 13th century. Vivid examples, of this major cultural influence are found in several magnificent temple ruins, such as Phimai and Phanom Rung, which show the architectural genius of the Khmer.

Also in the Northeast are the prehistoric remains of Ban Chiang, a Bronze Age cultural that dates back to 3600BC.

Moving into the realm of recorded history, the achievements of the Thais can be send in the remain of numerous ancient cities now preserved as historical parks. Supreme among these are Sukhothai, the Kingdom's first capital founded in the 13the century, and Ayuttaya which was the nation's glorious power center for more than four years until its eclipse in 1767. Fittingly both these cities are now designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.