Thailand

Take an adventure holiday in THAILAND with World Expeditions, one of the world’s leading travel companies.

Unlike many of its South-East Asian neighbours, Thailand has never been colonised by another country – a fact that Thai people are particularly proud of. Known as Siam until 1949, Thailand is a country with a rich history, fascinating culture, and great geographical diversity that includes rainforest-clad mountains in the north and beautiful golden beaches in the south.

Thai people are known worldwide for their friendly smiles, natural grace and kindness. The majority of the population follows Theravada Buddhism, the oldest form of Buddhism that was originally developed in India and based on the four noble truths that Lord Buddha had realised in order to become enlightened. Many young Thai men become monks for a period in their lives – usually between school and getting married – and this gives great spiritual prestige to the family concerned. The Thai people are also very patriotic and show great respect and love towards their royal family – most places of business have at least one picture of the Thai king on their wall.

Thais are also very modest and they tend to dress very conservatively. Women particularly should try to cover their shoulders and wear long, loose-fitting clothes (this is often the most comfortable clothing to be wearing in the heat anyway). Nudity, even on the beach, is frowned upon and considered very disrespectful to the local people.

The main language spoken in Thailand is, of course Thai, but there are many different dialects of this, along with the hilltribe languages. It is a good idea to pick up a phrase book and try to learn a few simple phrases, which will be greatly appreciated.

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