Thailand Travels

Thailand is a Southeast Asian Country where majority of citizen practices Buddhism. In point of fact, the national religion of Thailand is Theravada Buddhism and almost 95 percent of the people dwelling in here follow this religion. Apart from this, Islam and Christianity are also practiced. Culture of Thailand is mainly influenced by India and China, as numerous immigrants from China and India got settled in Thailand in the early periods.

Theravada Buddhism

The main religion, that is, Theravada Buddhism is also supported by the Thai government. Culture of Thailand strongly believes in sprits and ancestral powers according to which Thai people follow a custom where they offer food and drink to their ancestors. Thai people do their best to keep the spirits happy, as they believe that making ancestors happy can really bring in prosperity and success in their lives. Several wooden houses have been created in the public areas which are actually considered to as spiritual houses. People visit these houses regularly, offer prayers and honor the spirits by bowing their head.

Before the raise of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, many other religions were originating like Indian Brahmanic and Mahayana Buddhism to name a few. These religions were quite dominating in the previous days, but gradually Theravada Buddhism evolved and people started practicing this religion. However, some influence of Indian Brahmanic and Mahayana Buddhism can be seen till date and felt in the culture of Thailand.

Thai and Indian Culture

There are several similarities between Indian and Thai culture like when a Thai person meets someone, he greets by saying ‘Wai’, which is quite similar to ‘Namaste’ in India. Monks, who follow Buddhism, are not allowed to have a woman contact in their life and as per culture of Thailand, wearing foot wear inside temple and house is forbidden. These customs are also quite similar to those of Indian culture. Thai government supports the religion of Theravada Buddhism and a monk who follows this religion is given the privilege of using free public transport and other government provided facilities.

The art of Thai has a strong influence on Buddhism and most of Thai arts still use traditional elements along with some modern techniques. Indian culture has made a strong influence on Thai land literature, as well, but there are no notable dramas in Thai Literature.

Culture of Thailand cannot be just related to Theravada Buddhism, but there are many other small communities like Islam and Christianity which play a vital role. Marriages in Thailand usually start with offering prayers in temples followed with food and drinks. Non-Buddhist citizens also include folk dance on such occasions and make the event merrier. As per culture of Thailand, two days have a lot of importance in the life of people, one is New Year celebrated from 13^th – 15^th of April and the other is Loy Krathong which is celebrated on 12^th full moon as per Thai Lunar calendar. Whatever the way may be, but every religion and all the cultures believe in bowing their head to All Mighty.