View source for Culture of Thailand

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|image1=Naphamethinidon, Naphaphonphumisiri near summit of Doi Inthanon.jpg
|image2=Loy_Krathong_2015_IMG_0252ce2.jpg
|image3=Wat_Chaiwatthanaram_by_drone.jpg
|image4=Ang_Thong_-_Wiset_Chai_Chan_(2024)_Great_Buddha_of_Thailand,_Wat_Muang_-_img_01.jpg
|image5=Wat_Phra_Kaew_by_Ninara_TSP_edit_crop.jpg
|image6=Siamese Boxing in Bangkok (Muay Thai Boran) 1920s.png
|image7=Khon_Thammasat_20090306_01.jpg
|image8=เจดีย์ประธานทรงปรางค์วัดอรุณ2.jpg
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|image10=Silk_Loom_Jim_Thompson_House_photo_D_Ramey_Logan.jpg
|image11=Khao_Mo_at_Wat_Prayurawongsawat_20240922_(II).jpg
|image12=Asian_Elephants,_Elephas_maximus_in_Khao_Yai_national_park_(25421949020).jpg
|image13=Phat_Thai_kung_Chang_Khien_street_stall.jpg
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|caption='''Representative elements of Thai culture'''<br/>
'''From top, left to right:''' [[Doi Inthanon]], [[Loy Krathong]], [[Wat Chaiwatthanaram]], [[Great Buddha of Thailand]], [[Wat Phra Kaew]], [[Muay Thai]], [[Khon]], [[Wat Arun]], [[Ramakien]], [[Traditional Thai clothing]], [[Khao mor]], [[Elephants in Thailand|Elephants]] in [[Khao Yai National Park]], [[Pad Thai]]
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{{Culture of Thailand}}
The '''culture of Thailand''' is a unique blend of various influences that have evolved over time.{{sfn|Mishra|2010|page=10}} Local customs, [[Animism|animist belief]]s, Hindu, Buddhist traditions, and regional ethnic and cultural practices have all played a role in shaping Thai culture.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Klinchan |first=N. |title=Thai Culture That ASIAN Students Should Know |journal=Mahachula Academic Journal |volume=4 |issue=1 |date=August 8, 2018|pages=188–203 |url=https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JMA/article/view/141810}}</ref><ref name=":001">{{cite book |last1=Chan |first1=Anthony B. |last2=Chiang |first2=Hsiang-te |last3=Ma |first3=Josephine T. |title=Handbook of Markets and Economies: East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |year=2005 |isbn=9781315498768|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eyi3DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA612|page=612}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Watarachanakool |first=Pornvipa |title=Science, Technology and the Supernatural in Contemporary Thai Novels |journal=Manusya: Journal of Humanities |volume=9 |issue=1 |year=2006 |pages=38–39|doi=10.1163/26659077-00901004 |s2cid=182250756 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Albritton |first1=Robert B. |last2=Prabudhanitisarn |first2=Sidthinat |title=Culture, region, and Thai political diversity |journal=Asian Studies Review |volume=21 |issue=1 |year=1997 |pages=61–82|doi=10.1080/03147539708713141 }}</ref> [[Thainess]], which refers to the distinctive qualities that define the [[national identity]] of [[Thailand]], is evident in the country's history, customs, and traditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thailandtourismus.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Thainess.pdf |title=Thainess Live & Learn the Thai Way of Life|publisher=Tourism Authority of Thailand |access-date=2023-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.culi.chula.ac.th/research/Document/TCI%20I/2.3.6%20TCI-1%20%E0%B8%AD.%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%88%E0%B9%8C%20%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%202018.pdf|title=Thainess realisation in selected travel websites|author=Woralan Kongpolphrom |date=2018 |journal=Journal of Thai Interdisciplinary Research |volume=13 |issue=4 |pages=63–67 |access-date=2023-04-11}}</ref> While [[Buddhism]] remains the dominant religion in Thailand with more than 40,000 temples,<ref>{{citation|title=สำนักงานพระพุทธศาสนาแห่งชาติ ระบบทะเบียนวัด|publisher=National Office of Buddhism|url=http://binfo.onab.go.th/Temple/Dashboard.aspx|access-date=April 6, 2023}}</ref> [[Islam]], [[Christianity]], and other faiths are also practiced.{{sfn|Mishra|2010|page=11}}

Thailand's historical and cultural heritage has been shaped by interactions with neighboring cultures<ref name=":001"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Culture|url=http://www.tat-la.com/information/culture|website=Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT)|access-date=13 Feb 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213183452/http://www.tat-la.com/information/culture|archive-date=2015-02-13}}</ref> as well as far-reaching cultures such as [[Indians in Thailand|Indian]], [[Thai Chinese|Chinese]], [[Japanese migration to Thailand|Japanese]], [[Khmer culture|Khmer]], [[Portuguese culture|Portuguese]], and [[Iranians in Thailand|Persian]], with the ancient city of [[Ayutthaya Kingdom|Ayutthaya]] serving as a global trade center. Early European visitors also recognized Ayutthaya as one of the great powers of Asia, alongside [[China]] and [[India]], highlighting the city's importance and influence in the region.{{sfn|Baker|Phongpaichit|2017|page=1}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/864570 |title=Seventeenth-Century Foreign Lives of Ayutthaya: Sources of Cross-Cultural Cooperation and Integration in the Asian Trading Entrepôt |last=Chabrowski |first=Igor Iwo |date=September 2022 |journal=Journal of World History |volume=33 |issue=3 |pages=403–428 |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press |doi=10.1353/jwh.2022.0026 |s2cid=252356874 |access-date=6 April 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chularatana |first1=Julispong |date=2017 |title=Indo-Persian Influence on Late Ayutthaya Art, Architecture, and Design |url=https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jss/article/view/100545/79232 |journal=The Journal of the Siam Society |volume=105 |pages=43–72 }}</ref><ref>{{citation|last1=Tan |first1=Heidi |url=https://www.academia.edu/44396408|title=Enlightened Ways: The Many Streams of Buddhist Art in Thailand |publisher=Asian Art Museum of San Francisco |year=2012|pages=13|chapter=The Many Streams of Buddhist Art in Thailand}}</ref> In modern times, Thailand's cultural landscape has been shaped by the influence of [[Globalization|global trend]]s. This includes the adoption of modern educational practices and the promotion of [[science]] and [[technology]], while also preserving traditional customs and practices.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=1349789&fileOId=2435108 |title=How Thai Culture Affects Expatriates' Leadership A Case Study of CBRE, Thailand |last1=Kamgoen |first1=Put |last2=Duangkaew |first2=Ratchadaporn |date=June 2008 |website=Lund University Publications |access-date=April 6, 2023|pages=40–41}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9781137347374_7 |chapter=Cultural and Historical Factors Influencing the Development of Higher Education in Thailand |last1=Bhumiratana |first1=Sakorn |title=The Dynamics of Higher Education Development in East Asia |editor1-last=Neubauer |editor1-first=Deane E. |editor2-last=Shin |editor2-first=Jung Cheol |editor3-last=Hawkins |editor3-first=John N. |date=2013 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-1-137-34736-7 |pages=105–122 |doi=10.1057/9781137347374_7 }}</ref>

Thailand's cultural influence extends beyond its borders, shaping neighboring countries' television programming, dance, films, art, fashion, music, and cuisine.<ref>{{Citation|title=Post/colonial Discourses on the Cambodian Court Dance|author=SASAGAWA Hideo|journal=Southeast Asian Studies|volume=42|issue=4|date=March 2005|url=https://kyoto-seas.org/pdf/42/4/420403.pdf}}</ref><ref name="noro">{{citation|title=King Norodom's actresses (reign 1860-1904), by Émile Gsell|date=April 24, 2021|url=https://www.soundsofangkor.org/english/dance-theater/king-norodom-actresses/|quote=In the 19th century, after spending 27 years as a captive prince at the Siamese court in Bangkok, King Ang Duong, father of King Norodom, introduced the classical Siamese style of the Rattanakosin period to his court. Royal dancers, under the patronage of the royal court of Siam, are sent to the royal court in Cambodia to teach classical dance to the Khmers. This is why the costumes' style in these photographs is imbued with the Siamese culture. One will also notice the disproportionate length of the dancers' artificial nails. G. Groslier writes: "The Cambodian dancers were so well out of their unfortunate country (after the sack of Angkor) that the last Khmer kings, up to Norodom, had almost entirely Siamese troupes. All the teachers of the five hundred 'lokhon' of Norodom were Siamese. At his death, there were more than three hundred Thai actresses in the palace of Phnom Penh. Even today (under the reign of H. M. Sisowath) all the teachers, minus two, are Siamese! …". (Original in French)}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333108360|author=Phaksuchon, Suradit|author2=Rungrueang, Panya|date=2017|title=Yodaya: Thai Classical Music in Myanmar Culture.|journal=Manusya|volume=20|issue=2 |pages=55–76|doi=10.1163/26659077-02002003 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Kwanjai |first=Mesirin |date=November 2018 |title=Women Watching Television: The Influence of Thai Soap Operas on Lao Women Viewers |url=https://theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/bitstream/10443/4460/1/Kwanjai%20M%202018.pdf |publisher=Newcastle University |degree=Doctor of Philosophy}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=ความนิยมสื่อบันเทิงไทยในอาเซียนยังพุ่ง แม้เคยสร้างความขัดแย้ง กลืนกลายทางวัฒนธรรม|language=th|url=https://www.tcijthai.com/news/2018/10/scoop/8224|author=Skaw Saesui|publisher=TCIJ|date=August 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{citation|language=th|url=https://www.tvdigitalwatch.com/analysis-by-panta-15-11-62/|date=2019|title=ละครไทยสู่ตลาดโลก เริ่มจากไปอาเซียนและจีนแหล่งรายได้ใหม่ ที่ทีวีทุกช่องจับจ้อง}}</ref><ref>{{citation|author=Chuppunnarat, Y.|author2=Sangvanich, K.|author3=Laovanich, V.|author4=Achayutthakan, M.|author5=Saibunmi, S.|author6=Suwanphithak, W.|date=2020|title=The Influence of External Cultures on Art, Music, and Dance Education Students: A Case Study of Thailand and Lao PDR. Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies|journal=Former Name Silpakorn University Journal of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts|volume=Arts and Social Sciences Studies |pages=600–601|doi=10.14456/hasss.2020.22 |url=https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/hasss/article/view/200563}}</ref><ref name=NYPL>{{cite web | url=https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/87ac1510-343a-0131-7bc9-3c075448cc4b | title=(moving image) Interview with HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, (2008)|author=Digital Collections, The New York Public Library |accessdate=March 31, 2023 |publisher=The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations|quote=From the period of Oudong with King Ang Duong to the period of Chatomuk with Kings Norodom and Sisowath, there was a lot of Thai influence because we lacked teachers.}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=https://www.sydney.edu.au/dam/corporate/documents/sydney-southeast-asia-centre/icts-program.pdf|title=Phi and norng: Thai influence on the Lao Popular Music Industry|author=Kotchapakdee, Pat|date=2014|page=204}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Angkor vendors of Khmer costumes must be 'accurate'|date=March 10, 2022|author=Long Kimmarita|url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/angkor-vendors-khmer-costumes-must-be-accurate}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=เพจดังไขปมดราม่า กัมพูชาใส่ชุดไทย ที่โดนเคลมสะกดจิตหมู่ว่าเป็นชุดเขมร|date=March 10, 2022|language=th|url=https://hilight.kapook.com/view/221732}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Asian Dreams Cambodia |date=2016-11-01 |website=Phoenix Voyages |url=http://news.phoenixvoyages.com/newsletter2016/Nov/nl-112016-en-mn.pdf|quote=Cambodian dishes are less spicy than its neighboring Thailand. It is a blend of traditional dishes influenced by the Thai and Lao. |access-date=2023-04-08|page=5}}</ref> The country's 5F cultural policy, which promotes food, films, fashion, fighting, and festivals, is aimed at becoming an important cultural export to drive economic development and generate income for the countries.<ref>{{citation|title=Govt to promote tourism soft power through 5Fs|date=January 23, 2023|publisher=Thaigov|url=https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/64060}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Presenting Thailand's "Soft Power" through Entertainment Media|date=March 23, 2023|publisher=PRD|url=https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/168292}}</ref><ref>{{citation|language=th|url=https://www.thaimediafund.or.th/020366-2/|title=กระทรวงวัฒนธรรม เดินหน้าผลักดัน SOFT POWER ดึง "เบิร์ด-ธงไชย" ถ่ายทอดเสน่ห์วัฒนธรรม ผ่านบทเพลง "ฟ้อนทั้งน้ำตา"|date=March 2, 2023|publisher=Thai Media Fund}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Thailand to use the "5Fs" of soft power to promote tourism this year|date=January 23, 2023|url=https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-to-use-the-5fs-of-soft-power-to-promote-tourism-this-year/|publisher=Thai PBS World}}</ref> [[Thai cuisine]] has become an integral part of restaurant menus worldwide,<ref>{{citation|date=December 30, 2022|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cultural-influence-country-top-25-232536386.html|publisher=Yahoo|title=Cultural Influence by Country: Top 25 with the Most Cultural Influence|author=Habib Ur Rehman}}</ref> while [[Muay Thai]], a traditional Thai martial art, has gained global popularity as a combat sport.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Strotmeyer |first1=S. |last2=Coben |first2=J.H. |last3=Fabio |first3=A. |last4=Songer |first4=T. |date=2016 |title=Epidemiology of Muay Thai fight-related injuries |journal=Injury Epidemiology |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=30 |doi=10.1186/s40621-016-0095-2 |pmid=27917452 |pmc=5149460 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Traditional festivals such as [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran]] and [[Loy Krathong]] have also attracted tourists from around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://amonthai.com/en/songkran-and-loy-krathong-the-most-important-festivals-in-thailand/ |title=Songkran and Loy Krathong: The most important festivals in Thailand |website=Amon Thai |date=March 23, 2023|access-date=2023-04-05}}</ref>

==Visual arts==
{{Main|Thai art}}

===Ceramics===
{{See also|Thai ceramics}}
[[File:B570119-A-0431.JPG|left|thumb|[[Painted]] [[pottery]] [[bowl]]s from the [[Ban Chiang archaeological site]].]]
[[File:Covered Bowl with Floral Scrolls LACMA M.73.119.4a-b.jpg|right|thumb|15th-16th century Sawankhalok stoneware with brown underglaze and pale blue glaze]]
[[File:Glazed_stoneware dish from Thailand, Kalong ware, 15th century, HAA.JPG|right|thumb|15th-century Kalong ware glazed stoneware dish]]
[[Ceramic]] production in Thailand has been traced back to [[prehistoric]] times. [[Ban Chiang archaeological site]] in [[northeast Thailand]] is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in [[Southeast Asia]] and a [[World Heritage Site]] since 1992.<ref>{{citation|last=Wangthongchaicharoen|first=Naruphol|title=Recently discovered infant jar burials from Wat Pho Srinai, Ban Chiang, northeastern Thailand|year=2013|publisher=Amsterdam University Press|location=Amsterdam|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332865802|page=92}}</ref> The site provides insights into earliest [[metallurgical]] civilizations, especially those that used [[bronze]] and [[iron]], as well as valuable evidence of early [[pottery]], among which the red-on-buff painted pottery is the most well-known.<ref name="sync:1">{{cite journal |last1=Tanthanuch |first1=Waraporn |last2=Pattanasiriwisawa |first2=Wanwisa |last3=Somphon |first3=Weenawan |last4=Srilomsak |first4=Sutham |title=Synchrotron Studies of Ban Chiang Ancient Pottery |journal=Suranaree Journal of Science and Technology |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=15–28 |year=2011 |url=http://sutir.sut.ac.th:8080/sutir/bitstream/123456789/3808/1/v18n1p15.pdf |access-date=2023-04-08}}</ref> The site also offers evidence of early [[agriculture]], with domesticated rice and elaborate burial offerings.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pietrusewsky |first1=Michael |last2=Douglas |first2=Michele Toomay |title=Intensification of Agriculture at Ban Chiang: Is There Evidence from the Skeletons? |journal=Asian Perspectives |volume=40 |issue=2 |pages=157–178 |year=2002 |doi=10.1353/asi.2001.0023 |s2cid=56137504 |url=https://evols.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/6fc59e50-266c-4696-915a-51929cecef24/content |access-date=2023-04-08|hdl=10125/17151 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

The [[Sukhothai Kingdom]], which emerged from the mid-1200s, marked another significant period for [[ceramic]] production in [[Thailand]]. The two major centers for ceramic production were [[Si Satchanalai district|Si Satchanalai]] and [[Mueang Sukhothai district|Sukhothai]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Soodsang|first=Nirat|title=Effects of Community Based Learning in Ceramic, Sakraloke's Sukhothai|journal=Asian Social Science|volume=13|issue=2|year=2017|pages=41–48|doi=10.5539/ass.v13n2p41 |s2cid=54546440 |doi-access=free}}</ref> [[Ayutthaya Kingdom]] rose up as a major trading hub located on a navigable river that became the primary route for shipping [[Sangkhalok ceramic ware|Sawankhalok]] and Sukhothai ceramics abroad.{{sfn|Pongsripian|1983|p=130}} Other areas of Thailand, including [[Mueang Suphanburi district|Suphanburi]], [[San Kamphaeng district|San Kamphaeng]], [[Sing Buri|Singburi]], and [[Wiang Kalong|Kalong]], also produced ceramics, but they were mainly used within their respective regions and not exported to the same extent as Sawankhalok and Sukhothai ceramics. According to archaeological evidence from various sites, Thai ceramics were generally considered the second most popular type of ceramics after Chinese ceramics.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Witkowski |first=Terrence H. |date=2013-09-01 |title=Early History and Distribution of Trade Ceramics in Southeast Asia |journal=PCHARM Proceedings |volume=16 |pages=281|url=https://ojs.library.carleton.ca/index.php/pcharm/article/view/1412 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://about.asianart.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/SEA10_Placard-sm.pdf |title=Thailand: Ceramics for Export |last=Asian Art Museum of San Francisco |date=2020-06-01 |website=Asian Art Museum |publisher=Asian Art Museum of San Francisco |access-date=2022-04-08 }}</ref>[[File:Benjarong Thai 19th cent Ayuthaya porcelain Jim Thompson Museum IMG 7100.jpg|thumb|left|17th-19th century Benjarong style ceramics from Ayutthaya.]]
During the [[Ayutthaya Kingdom|Ayutthaya period]] and beyond, Thai ceramic continued to develop and evolve. One type of [[porcelain]] that became especially prominent was [[Benjarong]], originally produced in [[China]] with Thai-inspired designs. This intricately designed porcelain features five major colors, including black, red, white, yellow, and green. Over time, Thai artisans began producing Benjarong themselves, and it continued to be produced in [[Thonburi Kingdom|Krung Thonburi]] and [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Rattanakosin]], with a specific style called Lai nam thong incorporating gold leaf decoration that was mainly used by the aristocracy. Today, Thai ceramics continue to reflect the unique culture and way of life of Thailand, with more than 30 new colors and design styles that are unique to Thai ceramics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thai Benjarong Porcelain With ASEAN Life |date=2015-02-28 |website=SACICT |url=https://www.sacit.or.th/uploads/items/attachments/0c215f194276000be6a6df6528067151/_a4aca4b1b0886153fa00bdae984b6448.pdf |access-date=2023-04-08|page=7}}</ref>

===Painting===
[[File:016 The Marraige of King Suddhodana and Queen Maya (34443939153).jpg|right|thumb|[[Mural painting]] at Phra Thi Nang Phutthaisawan dates back to the early [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Rattanakosin period]].]]
Prehistoric painting can be observed in the form of [[cave painting]]s, a type of [[rock art]] found in [[cave]]s. Rock art is categorized into two periods: [[prehistoric]] and [[historic]]. It is often reported that rock art sites date back to around 3,000-5,000 years ago, although many of these sites remain undated. The majority of rock art sites are regarded to be prehistoric, and they can be found throughout the country. Rock art is typically located in [[rock shelter]]s and on cliff faces, with only a few instances found in [[deep cave]]s. Thailand has the highest number of known and documented rock art sites in [[mainland Southeast Asia]], with over 250 sites cataloged.<ref>{{cite book |last=Tan |first=Noel Hidalgo |title=Rock Art in Mainland Southeast Asia |editor-last1=Clottes |editor-first1=Jean |editor-last2=Smith |editor-first2=Benjamin |date=2019 |publisher=ICOMOS |isbn=978-2-918086-27-7 |pages=126–147 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333651518}}</ref><ref>{{citation|last=Srisuchat |first=Amara |title=Rock Art in Thailand: A Legacy of the Past |year=2013 |url=http://www.jmm.gov.my/files/ROCK%20ART%20IN%20THAILAND%20A%20LEGACY%20OF%20THE%20PAST.pdf |access-date=April 7, 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram (2022-06) - img 08.jpg|left|thumb|[[Mural painting]] in Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram showing the royal cremation ceremony]]
[[File:075 Ramakien Murals (9148549111).jpg|left|thumb|[[Mural painting]] of the epic [[Ramakien]] depicts the [[Hanuman]] enlarging his body to rescue [[Phra Ram]].]]
Traditional Thai paintings often depict scenes from Buddhist mythology, literature, history, or daily life, blending [[realism (arts)|realism]] and [[symbolism (arts)|symbolism]]. They are mostly found in temples and palaces, where they serve as decorations and illustrations of religious texts.<ref name=":el1">{{cite web |title=Lecture Note Unit 7-8-9 English for Thai History and Thai Arts 1 2018 |date=2018-11-01 |website=ELIC SSRU|url=http://www.elic.ssru.ac.th/siripen_yi/pluginfile.php/71/mod_page/content/96/Lecture-Note-Unit-7-8-9-English-for-Thai-History-and-Thai-Arts-1-2018.pdf |access-date=2023-04-08}}</ref> To solve composition problems in empty spaces, ''Sintao'' is an important technique used in traditional Thai paintings, which involves dividing the image into sections using secondary elements such as trees, mountains, streams, and rocks, or lines with different patterns.<ref name=":p1"/>{{rp|91}} In terms of color, initially, Thai artists used a limited palette of mainly [[white]], [[black]], and [[red]], collectively known as ''Aekarong'', which were made from natural materials. Later, additional colors became more common, including the five main colors known as ''Benjarong'' or ''Kayarong'', which include [[yellow]], [[indigo]], [[scarlet (color)|scarlet]], [[white]], and [[black]]. This allowed for a wider range of color combinations, leading to the development of ''Pahurong'', which features more diverse colors such as Tangchae green and Lychee red. The early style of Thai painting was flat and [[two-dimensional]], with little use of light and shadow. However, with the influence of [[Western art]], later artists began to incorporate these elements into their work, resulting in a more naturalistic style.<ref name=":p1">{{Cite web |url=http://art.tsu.ac.th/UserFiles/1571640612_%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%93%E0%B8%B5.pdf |title=Traditional Thai Painting Textbook |author=Promin, Yodchai |date=2019 |publisher=Faculty of Fine Arts, Thaksin University |language=th |access-date=2023-04-09}}</ref>{{rp|174}}
[[File:Khrua_09.jpg|right|thumb|[[Mural painting]] in [[Wat Borom Niwat]] by [[Khrua In Khong]].]]
In the 19th century, Thai artists under [[King Rama IV]] began experimenting with [[modernism]] and [[abstraction]]. [[Khrua In Khong]] introduced Western techniques such as [[linear perspective]], [[shading]], [[light]], and [[shadow]] into traditional Thai painting for a more realistic portrayal of space, depth, volume, and form.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JIABU/article/view/146043 |title=Preserving Cultural Identity in an Interconnected World: The Case of Thailand |author=Sirikanchana, Pataraporn |date=2018 |journal=The Journal of International Association of Buddhist Universities  |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=483 |language=en |access-date=2023-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/pub_jss/article/view/260283|last=McBain |first=Paul |title=The Murals of Khrua In Khong: Enlightenment is Happening Everywhere |journal=Journal of the Siam Society |volume=110 |issue=2 |year=2022 |pages=1–15}}</ref><ref name="silpa">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thaiscience.info/Journals/Article/SUIJ/10499156.pdf |title=Silpa Bhirasri The Father of Contemporary Art in Thailand |author=Jamuni, Pairoj |date=1992 |website=thaiscience.info |language=en |access-date=2023-04-09}}</ref> [[Hem Vejakorn]] was another pioneering artist who explored Western techniques in his paintings. [[Silpa Bhirasri]], an Italian-Thai sculptor who is considered the father of modern art in Thailand, founded [[Silpakorn University]] in [[Bangkok]] in 1943, which became the leading art school in the country.<ref name="silpa"/>{{rp|4–5}} [[Fua Hariphitak]], a student of Bhirasri, was an [[avant-garde]] artist who experimented with [[Impressionism]], [[Post-Impressionism]], and [[Cubism]]. His artwork featured thick, bold brushstrokes and vivid colors to convey the essence of different locations and moods.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Singhalampong |first=Eksuda |title=Fua Haripitak (1910–1993) |journal=The Routledge Encyclopedia of Modernism |year=2016 |doi=10.4324/9781135000356-REM827-1 |isbn=9781135000356 |url=https://www.rem.routledge.com/articles/fua-haripitak-1910-1993 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Sawad Tantisuk, a notable artist in the modern Thai painting movement, was recognized for his use of bold colors and geometric shapes to create abstract compositions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://anowl.co/anowlrod/%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%9B/long_roob28/|title=สวัสดิ์ ตันติสุข ความสุขที่คุณดูได้|access-date=April 10, 2023|website=anowl.co|language=th}}</ref> Chakrabhand Posayakrit is another artist of note, who fuses traditional Thai painting with modern aesthetics in his work.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Chakrabhand Posayakrit Exhibition |date=2019-11-01 |website=Time Out Bangkok |url=https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/things-to-do/the-chakrabhand-posayakrit-exhibition |access-date=2023-04-08}}</ref>

Contemporary Thai painting builds upon the experimentation and incorporation of Western techniques that began in the 19th century. Today, many Thai painters continue to explore new techniques and styles, resulting in a diverse range of approaches and aesthetics. For example, Navin Rawanchaikul's paintings incorporate pop art influences and bright colors, while [[Natee Utarit]]'s surreal and sometimes disturbing images comment on contemporary society. Jirapat Tatsanasomboon draws inspiration from Thai folklore and mythology to create intricate and fantastical works. Meanwhile, [[Sakarin Krue-On]]'s abstract works explore the relationship between art and nature, and Chatchai Puipia's paintings combine figurative and abstract elements to examine the human condition.
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===Mother-of-pearl=== 
[[File:136 Cabinet, Mother of Pearl Door, Rattanakosin (34408626784).jpg|right|thumb|Crafted cabinet with a Mother-of-Pearl inlay door, made during the Rattanakosin period.]]
===Lacquer===
[[File:Bangkok wat suthat 016.JPG|left|thumb|Traditional Thai painting at [[Wat Suthat]] features [[Lai rot nam]], a traditional Thai lacquer art technique adorned with decorative gold leaf.]]
Historical accounts of Ayutthaya indicate that [[lacquer]] was a widely-used art form to create intricate designs and patterns on various objects. Footed octagonal containers with mother-of-pearl inlay, footed trays with lacquer paintings, and gold-gilded Buddha statues were among the decorative items popular in homes, temples, and palaces. These objects were often adorned with motifs, such as floral patterns, animals, and mythical creatures.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/th/culture_heritage/thai-lacqueware-in-brief/ |title=Thai Lacqueware in Brief |author=Thailand Foundation |date=2019 |publisher=Thailand Foundation |language=en |access-date=2023-04-09}}</ref> 
-->
===Architecture===
[[File:วัด_พระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม.jpg|thumb|left|[[Wat Phra Kaew]], an example of early [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Rattanakosin period]] architecture located in [[Bangkok]]'s historic [[Rattanakosin Island]].]]
<!--[[File:AMH-5626-NA_Bird%27s_eye_view_of_the_city_of_Judja.jpg|thumb|left|[[Johannes Vingboons]]' map of ancient [[Ayutthaya Kingdom|Ayutthaya]], depicting the urban planning and architecture of the time.]]-->
[[File:Amphawa Rama II park houses 1.jpg|thumb|right|A group of traditional Thai houses at [[King Rama II Memorial Park]] in [[Amphawa district|Amphawa]], [[Samut Songkhram]].]]
[[File:001 Triple Building (9211792183).jpg|thumb|right|A group of [[Kalae house]]s, traditional northern Thai house located at [[Thawan Duchanee's house]] in [[Chiang Rai]].]]
{{Main|Architecture of Thailand|Thai temple art and architecture|Traditional Thai house}}
[[Traditional Thai house]]s are usually constructed of natural materials such as [[bamboo]] or [[wood]], and elevated on [[Stilt house|stilt]]s to protect against floods and pests. The steeply gabled roofs facilitate efficient rainwater drainage. Designs vary depending on location, climate, and function, while also emphasizing natural materials and airy designs to create environmentally suitable habitats with good ventilation. The houses often feature high roofs and shaded areas like roof terraces and patio planters.<ref name="trhe">{{Cite web|url=https://repository.museumsiam.org/items/f53439d3-b8b7-4dc0-a3d8-1c1c29603742|title=Traditional house: a local wisdom in Thai architecture|author=Yuwaporn Thanyawiwatkul|date=2013|publisher=National Museum of Learning|access-date=12 April 2023}}</ref>

[[Buddhist temples in Thailand]] are known as ''[[wat]]s'', from the [[Pali|Pāḷi]] ''vāṭa'', meaning an enclosure. A temple has an enclosing wall that divides it from the secular world. Wat [[architecture]] has seen many changes in Thailand in the course of history. Although there are many differences in layout and style, they all adhere to the same principles.

In contemporary Thai architecture, there has been a fusion of traditional Thai and modern styles. The [[Sanctuary of Truth]] and [[Wat Rong Khun]] are two popular examples of this fusion. The Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden temple that showcases intricate carvings and sculptures, while Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple designed entirely in white with glass and mirror mosaics.

<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align: center;" caption="Architectures of Thailand" heights="130px" per="" row="3">
BOB 3205-3.jpg|[[Wat Pho]], [[Bangkok]].
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai (II).jpg|[[Wat Phra That Hariphunchai]], [[Lamphun]].
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan.jpg|Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan, [[Surat Thani]].
Chiang-Mai Thailand Wat-Phra-Sing-01.jpg|[[Wat Phra Sing]], [[Chiang Mai]]
Sinrinthorn temple.jpg|Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao, [[Ubon Ratchathani]]
The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.jpg|[[Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall]], [[Bangkok]].
The Grand Palace of Thailand 2.jpg|Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, [[Bangkok]].
Sanctuary of Truth 2016-02-19-01.jpg|[[Sanctuary of Truth]], [[Pattaya]]
Wat Arun Temple 7.jpg|[[Wat Arun]], [[Bangkok]]
Prathatphanom 03.jpg|[[Wat Phra That Phanom]], [[Nakhon Phanom]]
</gallery>

==Literature==
{{Main|Literature in Thailand}}
[[Thai literature]] reflects the [[history]], [[culture]], [[religion]], and worldview of the [[Thai people]], as well as their interactions with other nations and peoples. One of the earliest forms of Thai literature is the stone inscription, which records historical events, royal decrees, religious teachings, and cultural values. The [[Ramkhamhaeng inscription]] of 1292, which is considered the first Thai literary work written in the [[Thai script]], describes matters of faith, feats of kings, and the way of life of commoners.<ref name="tlit">{{Cite web|url=https://pdfcoffee.com/thai-litpdf-pdf-free.html|title=Thailand: Traits and Treasures|website=pdfcoffee|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref>{{rp|64}} Another notable work from this period is ''Traiphummikatha'', also known as ''Trai phum phra ruang''. It is a treatise on Buddhist cosmology and traditional worldview and beliefs, and was composed by [[Maha Thammaracha I|King Lithai]] in 1345.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kuanpoonpol|first=Priyawat|title=The Abhiseka Rite of the Thai Coronation Ritual: A reconsideration in the Buddhist context|journal=SPAFA Journal |series=Old Series|volume=4|issue=3|year=1994|pages=12}}</ref> It is recognized as the first Thai Buddhist literary work and the earliest example of a scholarly thesis in the country.<ref>{{Cite thesis|last=Padamalangula|first=Namphueng|title=The play of undecidability: A deconstructive analysis of "Traiphum Phra Ruang"("Three Worlds According to King Ruang"|year=2003|publisher=Washington University in St. Louis}}</ref><ref name="tlit"/>{{rp|65}}

During the [[Ayutthaya Kingdom|Ayutthaya period]], various literary forms were developed. The earliest known Ayutthaya work was Lilit Ongkan Chaeng Nam.{{sfn|Intaraporn|2006|page=73}} Other notable works from this period include [[Lilit Yuan Phai]], [[Lilit Phra Lo]], Mahachat Kham Luang, [[Nirat Hariphunchai]], [[Khun Chang Khun Phaen]], [[Sri Thanonchai]], The Legend of Phra Malai, and [[Nang Sib Song]]. The Ayutthaya period ended in 1767, resulting in the loss of literary works. The [[Thonburi Kingdom|Thonburi period]] was a transitional period until the establishment of a new capital in 1782, beginning the [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Rattanakosin period]]. Many classical works, such as [[Ramakien]] and [[Sang Thong]], were revived and adapted during this time, along with improvements in prose composition. [[King Rama II]] was responsible for repairing and reviving important literary works. [[Sunthorn Phu]] was a prominent poet in this period, best known for his epic poem [[Phra Aphai Mani]].

===Poetry===
{{Main|Thai poetry}}
Thai poetry, includes forms such as [[khlong]], chan, [[Kap (poetry)|kap]], [[Klon (poetry)|klon]] and rai, which are based on rhyme, rhythm, tonal patterns, and syllabic structures.  Poetry was used to express various themes such as religion, romance, war, and nature.

===Folklore===
{{Main|Thai folklore}}

==Performing arts==
===Dance===
{{Main|Dance in Thailand}}
[[File:Khon in Winter Festival Photographed by Trisorn Triboon (47).jpg|thumb|right|The image depicts [[Khon]], a traditional dance drama that has been recognized as a [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage]] since 2018.]]
Thai classical dance has several main types of dance including Rabam, Ram, Fon/Sueng/[[Menora (dance)|Manora]], [[Khon]], and Lakhon. Within these categories, there are subtypes. The first detailed European record of Thai classical dances was made during the [[Ayutthaya Kingdom]], which described a tradition and style that is still seen today.  During the reign of [[King Narai]], Ayutthaya had formal diplomatic relations with [[Louis XIV]], the Sun King of France. In 1687, French diplomat [[Simon de la Loubère]] was sent to record Ayutthaya Kingdom traditions. In his account, La Loubère described Khon as a figure dance with armed and masked dancers representing combat. He also recorded Lakhon, a three-day epic and dramatic poem sung by several actors, and Rabam, a slow march round dance with contorted body and arm movements. Khon dancers wore gilded paper-bonnets with hanging sides adorned with counterfeit stones and pendants of gilded wood.<ref name=Loubère>Simon de la Loubère, ''The Kingdom of Siam'' (1693), Oxford University Press, 1986</ref>{{RP|49}}

Thai classical dance took a profound influence from neighboring countries such as [[Cambodia]], [[Myanmar]], and [[Laos]]. It is widely regarded as a highly refined and sophisticated art form, with intricate movements, ornate costumes, and complex choreography.<ref name="noro"/><ref>{{cite journal |last=Smyth |first=David |title=James Low on Siamese Literature: A Review Article |journal=Journal of the Siam Society |volume=95 |year=2007 |pages=177 |url=https://thesiamsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/JSS_095_0i_Smyth_JamesLowOnSiameseLiterature.pdf |access-date=April 16, 2023|quote=The Siamese have achieved a noteworthy level of excellence in theatrical performances, and as a result, they are admired by neighboring countries such as the Barmans, Laos, and Cambodians, who employ Siamese actors whenever they are available.}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Thailand|Traditional Thai musical instruments}}
[[File:Temple_girls.jpg|thumb|left|Schoolgirls and boys playing ''[[khrueang sai]]'' in front of a temple]]
The [[music of Thailand]] can be categorized into two main genres: classical and popular. Thai classical music, also known as Phleng Thai-derm, is the most revered form of Thai music and is considered the pinnacle of the country's unique musical heritage, took profound inspiration from the Pin Peat music of ancient Khmer.{{sfn|Maryprasith|1999|page=44}} With a history dating back centuries, classical music in Thailand is known for its intricate melodies and use of traditional instruments such as the [[ranat]] (xylophone), khong (gong), [[pi]] (oboe), [[saw]] (fiddle), [[khim]] (hammered dulcimer), [[chakhe]] (wooden percussion instrument), [[phin namtao]] (plucked string instrument), [[krachappi]] (percussion instrument), [[khaen]] (mouth organ), and [[khlui]] (flute), among others.<ref name="tcm">{{Cite journal|last=มานพ|first=วิสุทธิแพทย์|date=2002|title=ดนตรีไทยเดิม|url=https://ejournals.swu.ac.th/index.php/ENEDU/article/view/5953/5588|journal=สารานุกรมศึกษาศาสตร์ คณะศึกษาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยศรีนครินทรวิโรฒ|volume=25|access-date=April 17, 2023}}</ref> Its importance to Thai culture is reflected in its use in royal ceremonies, religious rituals, and other formal occasions.<ref name="tcm"/> In addition to ensemble genres such as [[piphat]], [[khruang sai]], and [[mahori]],<ref name="tcm"/> Thai classical music includes a total of 981 categorized classical songs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Prueksa |first1=Rachan |last2=Sangkhaman |first2=Umaporn |title=A Study of Naming in Thai Classical Songs |journal=Wachana Journal |volume=2 |issue=2 |year=2014 |pages=1–17 |url=http://rs.mfu.ac.th/ojs/index.php/vacana/article/view/147}}</ref>

Thai popular music, also known as [[phleng Thai sakon]], on the other hand, can be divided into two categories: traditional country music and modern music. The former includes genres such as [[luk thung]], [[luk krung]], and [[mor lam]], which are associated with country or regional music and are popular domestically. Luk thung, specifically, is a favorite among the majority of Thai citizens throughout the country. The latter category comprises modern music genres that have gained popularity in recent years and are influenced by Western and other Asian music styles, such as [[Thai pop|pop]], [[Thai rock|rock]], and [[Thai hip-hop|hip-hop]]. These genres often incorporate instruments like the guitar, keyboard, drum, and synthesizer and are frequently sung in standard Thai or English.
<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align: center;" caption="Traditional musical instruments of Thailand" heights="130px" per="" row="3">
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 32).jpg|From upper left to lower right: ranat ek, ranat thum, ranat thong, and ranat lek.
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 35).jpg|From top to bottom: chongnong, no, khaen, pi so, teng, and rerai.
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 30).jpg|From upper left to lower right: bando, krap phuang, khong mong, ching, chap, and krap sepha (two instruments shown).
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 34).jpg|From left to right: pi chawa, pi chanai, khlui, pi o, pi nai, pi nok.
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 31).jpg|From left to right: khong mong (on stand); and adaptations of khong mong: khong khu (on floor), khong rabeng, and khong wong.
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 33).jpg|From left to right: taphon, klong khaek, klong malayu, poengmang, thon, klong that, rammana, klong chatri.
Khrueang Mahori Piphat (1930, p. 28).jpg|From left to right: phin namtao, krachappi, and chakhe.
Kim Thai Instrument.jpg|[[Khim]]
</gallery>

===Theatre===
Traditional Thai theatre includes various forms such as [[Khon]] (masked dance-drama), Nang (which encompasses shadow play, including [[Nang yai]] and [[Nang talung]]), Lakhon (classical dance-drama), [[Likay]] (folk theatre), [[Menora (dance)|Manora]] (classical dance-drama), and Hun (puppetry). Each of these forms has its own unique style, costume, and music.

==Entertainment==
===Cinema===
{{main|Cinema of Thailand}}
Thailand has a thriving film industry, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when [[King Chulalongkorn]] first encountered movies and cinema equipment during a visit to [[Switzerland]].<ref name="film1">{{Citation | last = Li | first = Zheyu | title = The key elements of horror films: Comparative study between Thailand and China | url = http://dspace.bu.ac.th/bitstream/123456789/3164/1/Li%20Zheyu.pdf | publisher = Graduate School of Bangkok University | year = 2018 | access-date = 2023-04-18}}</ref>{{rp|11}} Since then, Thai cinema has produced a wide range of genres and styles, including horror films about ghosts, spirits, and the supernatural, as well as documentaries, dramas, romance, comedies, and action movies. Major cinema chains in Thailand include [[Major Cineplex]], the largest with over 828 screens nationwide and overseas,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://investor.majorcineplex.com/en/business-characteristics/cinema-business |title=Cinema Business |publisher=Major Cineplex Group Public Company Limited |access-date=2023-04-18}}</ref> and [[SF Cinema City]], among others.

Some of the most celebrated Thai film directors in the industry include [[Chatrichalerm Yukol]], [[Nonzee Nimibutr]], [[Wisit Sasanatieng]], [[Banjong Pisanthanakun]], [[Pen-Ek Ratanaruang]], and [[Apichatpong Weerasethakul]], while actors and actresses such as [[Ananda Everingham]], [[Mookda Narinrak]], [[Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul]], [[Davika Hoorne]], [[Mario Maurer]], [[Phuwin Tangsakyuen]], [[Naravit Lertratkosum]], [[Nadech Kugimiya]], [[Natapohn Tameeruks]], [[Ranee Campen]], [[Kimberley Anne Woltemas]], [[Patcharapa Chaichua]], [[Araya A. Hargate]], [[Hussawee Pakrapongpisan]], [[Tontawan Tantivejakul]], [[Korapat Kirdpan]], [[Nattawin Wattanagitiphat]], [[James Jirayu]], [[Yaya Urassaya]], [[Vachirawit Chivaaree]], [[Prin Suparat]], [[Yanin Vismitananda]], and [[Tony Jaa]] have gained both domestic and international fame. Major film studios in Thailand include [[GDH 559]], [[Sahamongkol Film International]], and [[Five Star Production]], with blockbuster films like [[The Legend of Suriyothai]] (2001), [[Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior]] (2003), [[Shutter (2004 film)|Shutter]] (2004), [[Pee Mak]] (2013), [[Bad Genius (2017 film)|Bad Genius]] (2017), [[Homestay (film)|Homestay]] (2018), and [[Love Destiny: The Movie]] (2022). The [[Suphannahong National Film Awards]] are the main [[film award]]s in the Thai film industry. They are presented annually by the [[National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations]] (MPC), and are named after the [[Royal Barge Suphannahong|''Suphannahong'']], a royal barge whose figurehead is the inspiration for the trophy statuette.

===Television series===
{{main|Thai television soap opera}}
''Lakorn'' is a term used in Thailand to refer to [[television dramas]] or [[television series|series]]. It encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, including romantic dramas, historical dramas, and action series. Lakorn productions often reflect Thai culture through their use of music, dance, and clothing, and explore complex social issues such as family conflicts and star-crossed lovers. Lakorn has become popular not only in Thailand, but also internationally,<ref>{{cite journal |last=Jirattikorn |first=Amporn |title=Thai popular culture: A new player in Asia media circulation and Chinese censorship |journal=Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University Newsletter |volume=76 |pages=7–9 |year=2018 |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/160644936.pdf#page=8}}</ref> with shows such as [[Hormones: The Series]] (2013–2015), [[Love Destiny (TV series)|Love Destiny]] (2018), [[The Gifted (Thai TV series)|The Gifted]] (2018), and [[Girl From Nowhere]] (2018-2021), gaining a following overseas.

===Animation===
{{main|Thai animation}}

===Comics===
{{main|Thai comics}}

===Video games===
{{main|Video games in Thailand}}

==Religion==
{{Main|Religion in Thailand}}
[[File:Buddhist worship.jpg|thumb|[[Śrāmaṇera|Buddhist novices]] receiving [[joss sticks]].]]
Thailand allows freedom of religion unless it threatens the security of the state. The government recognizes [[Buddhism]], [[Islam]], [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], and [[Christianity]], providing subsidies and tax benefits to these groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thailand.go.th/page/religion|title=Religions in Thailand|access-date=April 17, 2023|website=thailand.go.th}}</ref> The country is predominantly Buddhist (94.6%), followed by Muslims (4.3%), Christians (1%), and followers of other religions.<ref>{{cite web| title =CIA World Factbook: Thailand| publisher =US Central Intelligence Agency| date =2007-02-08| url =https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/thailand/
| access-date =2007-03-07 }}</ref> The majority of [[Buddhist]]s observe the [[Theravada]], which includes the [[Thai Forest Tradition]], [[Dhammayuttika Nikaya]], and [[Santi Asoke]] sects, and an unknown minority belong to the [[Mahayana]].{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs regarding ancestral and natural spirits, that have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology. Most Thai people install spirit houses ({{langx|th|ศาลพระภูมิ}}; {{rtgs|''san phra phum''}}), miniature houses outside their dwellings, where they believe household spirits live.<ref name="LAT-20190408">{{cite news |last1=Bengali |first1=Shashank |title=The spirit houses of Bangkok keep watch over a frenetic modern Thai city |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-thailand-bangkok-spirit-houses-20190418-story.html |access-date=2019-04-20 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2019-04-18}}</ref> They present offerings of food and drink to these spirits to keep them happy. If these spirits aren't happy, it is believed that they will inhabit the household and cause chaos. These spirit houses can be found in public places and on the streets of Thailand, where the public make offerings.<ref name=Cornwell>{{cite book|last1=Cornwell-Smith| first1=Philip|title=Very Thai|date=2005|publisher=River Books|pages=182–184}}</ref>

Prior to the rise of Theravada Buddhism, both Indian Brahminical religion and Mahayana Buddhism were present in Thailand. Influences from both these traditions can still be seen in present-day [[Thai folklore]]. Brahminical shrines play an important role in Thai [[folk religion]], and the Mahayana Buddhist influence is reflected in the presence of figures like Lokesvara, a form of the [[bodhisattva]] [[Avalokitesvara]] sometimes incorporated into Thailand's iconography.<ref name=Cornwell /><ref name=Chareonla>{{cite book|last1=Chareonla|first1=Charuwan|title=Buddhist Arts in Thailand|date=1981|publisher=Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc.|location=Magadh University, Bihar, India|url=http://www.buddhist-elibrary.org/library/view.php?adpath=164|access-date=13 Feb 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605082805/http://www.buddhist-elibrary.org/library/view.php?adpath=164|archive-date=5 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Marriage===
[[File:Thai wedding - conch water.jpg|thumb|A traditional [[wedding]] in Thailand.]]
[[File:Couple at a pre-wedding ceremony in Thailand.jpg|thumb|A wedding ceremony in Thailand.]]
Thai Buddhist marriage ceremonies are generally divided into two parts: a Buddhist component, which includes the recitation of prayers and the offering of food and other gifts to monks and images of the Buddha, and a non-Buddhist component rooted in folk traditions, which centers on the couple's families.

In former times, it was unknown for [[Buddhist monks]] to be present at any stage of the marriage ceremony itself. As monks were invited to attend to the dead during funerals, their presence at a marriage (which was associated with fertility, and intended to produce children) was considered a bad omen. A couple would seek a blessing from their local temple before or after being married, and might consult some monks for [[Astrology|astrological]] advice in setting an auspicious date for the wedding. The non-Buddhist portions of the wedding would take place away from the temple, and would often take place on a separate day.

In modern times, these prohibitions have been significantly relaxed. It is not uncommon for a visit to a temple to be made on the same day as the non-Buddhist portions of a wedding, or even for the wedding to take place within the temple. While a division is still commonly observed between the "religious" and "secular" portions of a wedding service, it may be as simple as the monks present for the Buddhist ceremony departing to take lunch once their role is complete.

The Thai [[bride price]] system is known as the ''sin sot'' ({{langx|th|สินสอด}}; {{rtgs|''sin sot''}}). It roughly translates to "bride price".<ref name="BP-20180729">{{cite news |last1=Biggs |first1=Andrew |title=Marriage at any price |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/social-and-lifestyle/1511998/marriage-at-any-price |access-date=29 July 2018 |work=Bangkok Post |date=29 July 2018}}</ref> The groom will be expected to pay a sum of money to the family, to compensate them for the loss of a daughter and to demonstrate that the groom is financially capable of taking care of their daughter. Bride prices of 50,000 to 300,000 baht have been documented, but bride prices can sometimes run into the tens of millions of [[Thai baht|baht]].<ref name="BP-20180729"/> In many cases, the bride price is purely symbolic and will be returned to the bride and groom after the wedding has taken place. Whether the practice of sin sot is a tradition or a scam has been debated by critics. One observed, "All that talk of face and argument for cherished tradition? It's a thinly veiled con. Behind that gobbledygook, it's the same old forces of the material world and about the parents getting enough cash to buy a new pickup, pay outstanding debts or acquire something to elevate their status."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Malakul Lane Na Ayutthaya|first1=Tuptim|title=The Price of a Woman, Thailand Edition| url=http://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2018/01/05/price-woman-thailand-edition/|access-date=6 January 2018|work=Khaosod English|date=5 January 2018}}</ref> Actually, in the Thai culture the sin sot is an essential part of the marriage and no man would refuse it to the bride's family.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Thanapol |first1=Chadchaidee |title=Essays on Thailand |date=1994 |publisher=D. K. Today |location=Bangkok |isbn=9748348164 |page=108}}</ref>

===Funerals===
{{main|Thai funeral}}
[[File:Chan Kusalo cremation 04.jpg|thumb|Funeral pyre of Chan Kusalo, the patriarch-abbot of northern Thailand.]]
Traditionally, [[Thai funeral]]s last for at least one week and are focused on making merit for the deceased. Activities include distributing Buddhist scriptures, giving gifts to temples, and inviting monks to chant prayers for the deceased's protection.  The corpse is cremated, and the urn is kept in a chedi in the local temple. [[Thai Chinese]] and [[Thai Muslim]] have their own funeral rituals. Pet funerals are also common in Bangkok, with one company cremating up to 400 animals per month.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yeung |first1=Peter |title=Why People are Spending $10,000 on Pet Funerals in Bangkok |url=https://www.vice.com/en_asia/article/8xyae5/expensive-pet-funerals-bangkok-thailand |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129230356/https://www.vice.com/en_asia/article/8xyae5/expensive-pet-funerals-bangkok-thailand |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 29, 2019 |access-date=2019-01-29 |work=Vice |date=2019-01-29}}</ref>

==Etiquette==
{{see also|Etiquette in Thailand}}
[[File:นายกรัฐมนตรี มอบบ้านตามโครงการแก้ไขปัญหาความเดือดร้อนท - Flickr - Abhisit Vejjajiva (1).jpg|left|thumb|[[Thai greeting]], the smile is an important symbol of refinement in Thai culture.]]

[[Etiquette in Thailand|Thai etiquette]] was described by [[Phya Anuman Rajadhon]] in the 20th century, during a time when modernity changed Thailand and many traditions disappeared. Refinement and avoiding coarseness are highly valued in Thai culture.<ref>Phya Anuman Rajadhon, ''Life and Ritual in Old Siam: Three Studies of Thai Life and Customs'', New Haven, HRAF Press, 1961</ref> The ''[[Thai greeting|wai]]'' is a prayer-like gesture used in greetings, leave-taking, acknowledgements, or apologies, varying depending on the relative status.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wattanasukchai |first1=Sirinya |title=Simply saying 'sorry' for crimes is not enough |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1690816/simply-saying-sorry-for-crimes-is-not-enough |access-date=7 June 2019 |work=Bangkok Post |date=7 June 2019 |department=Opinion}}</ref> Thais tend to use the ubiquitous phrase ''[[wikt:ไม่เป็นไร|mai pen rai]]''<ref>{{YouTube|id=PvUIlcaK4kY|title=mai-pen-Rai}}</ref> (meaning ''it doesn't matter'') to minimize disagreements, mistakes, or misfortunes and avoid conflict. A [[smile]] and ''mai pen rai'' indicate that the incident is unimportant, and no conflict or shame is involved. The pleasant attitude conveyed through the wai has earned Thailand the nickname ''land of smiles''.

A notable [[Norm (sociology)|social norm]] holds that the head is the highest and most respected part of the body, while the feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest. As a result, touching someone's head or pointing/touching something with the feet is rude. Placing one's feet above someone else's head is impolite, especially towards the royal family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Twitter users face threat over comment on royal motorcade |url=https://prachatai.com/english/node/8237 |access-date=8 October 2019 |work=Pratchatai English |date=5 October 2019}}</ref> When sitting on the ground, Thais point their feet away from others or tuck them to the side/behind them. [[Public displays of affection]] are not common in traditional Thai society, especially among lovers,<ref>{{cite web|title=Physical Contact and Personal Space in Thailand|url=http://www.thailand-family-law-center.com/physical-contact-and-personal-space-in-thailand/|website=Thailand Family Law Center|access-date=2014-10-31}}</ref> but are becoming more accepted among younger generations. 
[[File:Candidate for the Buddhist novice in the Buddhist religion priesthood 05.jpg|thumb|right|Display of respect of the younger towards the elder is a cornerstone value in Thailand. A family during the [[Buddhist]] ceremony for young men who are to be [[Pabbajja|ordained]] as [[Bhikkhu|monks]].]]
Thai culture values serenity and avoids conflict and sudden displays of anger. Visitors should take care not to create conflict and handle disagreements with a smile, without assigning blame. The concept of ''[[sanuk (Thai culture)|sanuk]]'' emphasizes that life should be fun, and Thais often display positive emotions in social interactions. Respect for [[hierarchy]] is essential, and the custom of ''bun khun'' highlights indebtedness to parents, guardians, teachers, and caretakers. It involves slow-acting accounting of an exchange based on locally interpreted scales and measures.<ref>{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=Ara|author-link=Ara Wilson|title=Intimate Economies of Bangkok: Tomboys, Tycoons, and Avon Ladies in the Global City|year=2004|publisher=University of California|location=Berkeley and Los Angeles|isbn=978-0-520-23968-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/intimateeconomie00wils}}</ref> The ''[[bidet shower]]'' is common in Thai toilets,<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Use the Bum-Gun (Toilet Hose) in Thailand: Keep Yourself Clean With a Squirt of Water |url=https://tastythailand.com/how-to-use-the-bum-gun-toilet-hose-in-thailand-keep-yourself-clean-with-a-squirt-of-water/ |website=Tasty Thailand |date=20 June 2011 |access-date=24 September 2019}}</ref> as evidenced by an uproar by parliamentarians when it was disclosed that the new parliament building was not equipped with ''bum guns''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boonbandit |first1=Tappanai |title=MPs dump on parliament's lack of ass-blasters in toilets|url=http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2019/08/15/mps-dump-on-parliaments-lack-of-ass-blasters-in-toilets/ |access-date=17 August 2019 |work=Khaosod English |date=15 August 2019}}</ref>

Thai customs regarding [[Bhikkhu|monks]] prohibit physical contact between them and women, leading to various methods being employed to avoid accidental contact. Women make offerings by placing them at the feet of the monk, on a cloth or table, and blessings are applied using the end of a candle or stick. Laypersons are expected to sit or stand with their heads lower than the monk's. Feet should be pointed away from Buddha images in [[Wat|temple]]s, and footwear should be removed before entering homes or sacred areas.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

Thai dining etiquette has also been influenced by the introduction of the [[fork]] and [[spoon]] during the reign of [[King Rama IV]] and [[King Rama V]]. These utensils have become the norm for dining in Thailand, as they are better suited for eating Thai food than the traditional fork and [[knife]]. In addition to using spoons and forks, Thai people also commonly use [[chopstick]]s, knives, and their hands to eat, depending on the type of food and the occasion.<ref name="Sap's-Etiquette">{{cite web |last1=Vann |first1=Mick |title=Dining Thai - Style at Sap's Fine Thai Cuisine |url=http://www.sapsthai.com/golf/emailer2020/img/sapsthai/03_etiquette.pdf |website=Sap's Fine Thai Cuisine |access-date=1 June 2018 |location=Austin TX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313190715/http://sapsthai.com/golf/emailer2020/img/sapsthai/03_etiquette.pdf |archive-date=13 March 2017 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

===National anthem and respect for the flag and king===
{{Main|Thai National Anthem|Sansoen Phra Barami}}
[[File:Standing for Thai Royal Anthem, Red Cross Fair 2009, Bangkok, Thailand.ogv|thumb|left|Thai people stand for the [[royal anthem of Thailand]] at the 2009 Red Cross Fair, [[Royal Plaza (Bangkok)]].]]
Thailand has a daily [[national anthem of Thailand|national anthem]] played by all media outlets at 08:00 and 18:00, during which Thais pay homage to the flag by standing at attention. Students sing the anthem in front of the flag every school day. The practice originated in 1935 and is now mandated by the Flag Act of 1979, which imposes a fine of up to 2,000 baht and one year imprisonment for not observing the custom.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Svasti|first1=Pichaya|title=Flagging up respect for the nation|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/864200/flagging-up-respect-for-the-nation|access-date=21 February 2016|work=Bangkok Post|date=2016-02-15}}</ref> The [[Sansoen Phra Barami|royal anthem of the King of Thailand]] is also played before movies, concerts, and sporting events, and everyone is expected to stand.<ref>{{cite web |title=How To Behave When Thailand's National Anthem Is Played |url=https://tastythailand.com/how-to-behave-when-thailands-national-anthem-is-played/ |website=Tasty Thailand |date=5 April 2011 |access-date=24 September 2019}}</ref>

==Clothing==
===Traditional===
{{Main|Chut thai}}

[[File:Isan modifie dressing.JPG|thumbnail|160px|left|Thai women wearing Isan modified [[sinh (clothing)|sinh]] dress for [[Rocket Festival|Boon Bang Fai]] festival in [[Roi Et]]]]
[[File:Silk Loom Jim Thompson House photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|140px|thumb|Thai women wearing [[sabai]], [[Jim Thompson House]]]]

Traditional Thai clothing is called ''chut thai'' ({{Langx|th|ชุดไทย}} {{IPA|th|tɕʰút.tʰai}}) which literally means "Thai outfit". It can be worn by men, women, and children. Chut thai for women usually consists of a [[pha nung]] or a [[chong kraben]], a blouse, and a [[sabai]]. Northern and northeastern women may wear a [[sinh (clothing)|sinh]] instead of a [[pha nung]] and an ancient Khmer [[chong kraben]] pant-like with either a blouse or a [[suea pat]]. Chut thai for men includes a [[chong kraben]] or pants, a [[Raj pattern]] shirt, with optional knee-length white socks, and a [[sabai]]. Chut thai for northern Thai men is composed of a [[Thai fisherman pants|sado]], a white Manchu styled jacket, and sometimes a [[khian hua]]. In formal occasions, people may choose to wear a so-called [[formal Thai national costume]].

===Uniforms===
Thailand is a uniform-wearing society.<ref name="BP-20200208">{{cite news |last1=Techawongtham |first1=Wasant |title=A land being strangled by uniformity |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1852924/a-land-being-strangled-by-uniformity |access-date=8 February 2020 |work=Bangkok Post |date=8 February 2020 |department=Opinion}}</ref> From elementary school to university, [[school uniforms in Thailand]] are the norm, with few exceptions.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bunyawanic |first1=Sasanun |last2=Järvelä |first2=Maria-Liisa |last3=Ghaffar |first3=Abdul |title=The Influence of Uniform in Establishing Unity, Hierarchy, and Conformity at Thai Universities |journal=Journal of Education and Training Studies |date=July 2018 |volume=6 |issue=7 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325002040 |access-date=8 February 2020}}</ref> Teachers at elementary and secondary levels wear uniforms, usually once a week. All civil servants up to ministerial level have uniforms appropriate to their organization and rank and wear them regularly.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executives |url=https://www.moac.go.th/moaceng-executives |website=Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives |access-date=8 February 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729024820/https://www.moac.go.th/moaceng-executives |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Cuisine==
{{Main|Thai Cuisine|List of Thai dishes}}
{{multiple image
| align =right
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 250
| image1 = Pad Thai (2433385864).jpg
| image2 = Tom yam kung maenam.jpg
| image3 = ตำไทยไข่เค็ม ส้มตำ ตำถาด Tumtaad กระบี่ 01.jpg
| image4 = Phanaeng_kai.jpg
| footer = Clockwise from top left: [[Pad Thai]], [[Tom yam]], [[Som tam]] and [[Phanaeng|Kaeng phanaeng]].
}}
[[Thai cuisine]] is known for its diverse range of dishes, which include spicy salads, soups, curries, stir-fries, and desserts. The flavors in Thai cuisine are balanced and often incorporate [[sweet]], [[sour]], [[Saltiness|salty]], [[Bitter (taste)|bitter]], and [[spicy]] elements.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Van Esterik |first=Penny |title=From Marco Polo to McDonald's: Thai cuisine in transition |journal=Food and Foodways |volume=5 |issue=2 |pages=177–193 |year=1992 |doi=10.1080/07409710.1992.9961999 }}</ref> The most common ingredients used in Thai cooking are fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, as well as fish sauce, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Thai cuisine varies across regions, with dishes influenced by local traditions and ingredient availability. In central Thailand, [[sticky rice]] is not commonly used as a staple food but is instead used in desserts,<ref>{{cite journal |last=Watanasin |first=Ratiwan |date=2020-08-05 |title=Central Thai Food Culture and Acculturation During World War ii and the Vietnam War |journal=Manusya: Journal of Humanities |volume=23 |issue=2 |pages=205–228 |doi=10.1163/26659077-02302004 |s2cid=225421814 |doi-access=free }}</ref> such as mango sticky rice, custard sticky rice, durian sticky rice, etc., which are often made with [[coconut milk]]/cream. However, it is still commonly served as a side dish with savory dishes like Gai yang (grilled chicken). The combination of Gai yang and sticky rice is a popular in Thailand, often served with a spicy dipping sauce and a side salad. Therefore, sticky rice is not exclusively a dessert but can also be served as a side dish.

Thai cuisine has evolved over time due to influences from various cultures. [[Iranians in Thailand|Persian]] traders introduced curry dishes and Muslim cooking styles,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sinsawasdi |first1=Valeeratana K. |last2=Sinsawasdi |first2=Narong |title=Historical Perspective of Thai Cuisine |date=2022 |publisher=CRC Press |editor-last=Chompreeda |editor-first=Pimjai |editor2-last=Prachyabrued |editor2-first=Worapong |editor3-last=Sinsawasdi |editor3-first=Narong}}</ref> while [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] missionaries introduced chilies and other New World crops.{{sfn|Kaewsangcham|2015|page=5}} [[Thai chinese|Chinese immigrants]] brought stir-frying techniques and noodles.{{sfn |Kanchanakunjara |Chantachon |Koseyayothin |Kuljanabhagavad |2015}} Over the past decade, Thai cuisine has gained global recognition, with over 11,800 Thai restaurants reported overseas in 2007. The Thai government's ''Kitchen of the World'' campaign has further boosted the growing Thai food business.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Yambunjong |first1=Premruetai |last2=Premruetai |first2=Renumas |title=Images of Thai cuisine and Thai restaurant among tourists in the Asian market: a case study of Laos and Cambodia |journal=Proceedings FromICCTL 13 |year=2013 |url=http://www.ijbts-journal.com/images/main_1366796758/0060-Premruetai.pdf |access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>

Thai cuisine can be broadly categorized into four types of dishes: Tom (boiled dishes), Yam (spicy salads), Tam (pounded foods), and Kaeng (curries).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.anantara.com/uploads/minor/anantara/documents/anantara-mai-khao-phuket-villas/dining/la-sala/2022/la_sala_menu_updated_july_2022.pdf |title=La Sala Menu |date=July 2022 |website=Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas |publisher=Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas |access-date=January 18, 2023 }}</ref> Some cooking techniques, such as deep-frying, stir-frying, and steaming, are influenced by Chinese cuisine. Popular Thai dishes include [[Tom yum]] (spicy soup), [[Pad thai]] (stir-fried noodles), [[Som tam]] (green papaya salad), Kaeng keow wan gai (green curry chicken), [[Massaman curry]] (beef curry), and Pad see ew (stir-fried noodles), [[Phanaeng|Kaeng phanaeng]] (Panang curry), [[Tom kha]] (coconut soup), [[Phat kaphrao|Pad kaphrao]] (stir-fried Thai basil chicken), [[Rat na|Rad na]] (stir-fried noodles in gravy), Kuai tiao (noodle soup), and [[Mu kratha]] (Thai hotpot).
[[File:Culture and Felief of Thai desserts. 04.jpg|left|thumb|Traditional Thai desserts]]
Thai desserts are also popular and feature a variety of sweet treats, such as [[Khanom chan]] (layered pudding), Khanom mo kaeng (mung bean cake), Sangkhaya fak thong (pumpkin custard), Khanom thuai (coconut cream jelly), Khanom krok (coconut-rice pancakes), Khanom bueang (crispy pancakes), Khanom tan (palm cake), [[Khanom farang kudi chin]] (Portuguese influenced cake), [[Thong yip]] (pinched gold egg yolks), [[Thong yod]] (drop of gold egg yolks), [[Foi thong]] (golden threads egg yolks), Lod chong (pandan noodles in coconut milk), Ruam mit (mixed ingredients in coconut milk), Tako (coconut pudding with jasmine scent), Wun (agar jelly), Tub tim krob (water chestnuts in coconut milk), Chaokuai (Grass jelly), [[Namkhaeng sai]] (shaved ice dessert with syrup), [[Khao niao mamuang]] (sticky rice with mango), [[Khao niao sangkhaya]] (sticky rice with custard), Khao niao nakrachik (sticky rice with caramlized) and Khao niao durian (sticky rice with durian).

Thai cuisine also features a range of sauces and condiments, such as [[Nam chim]] (dipping sauce), [[Nam phrik]] (chilli sauce), [[Nam pla]] (fish sauce), and [[Pla ra]] (fermented fish). These sauces are used to enhance the flavors of various dishes, such as fried rice, noodles, soups, salads, and grilled meats.<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align: center;" caption="Cuisines of Thailand" heights="130px" per="" row="3">
Khanom tokyo - Hua Hin - 2017-04-15 (004).jpg|[[Khanom tokyo]]
CM khanom wun.jpg|Khanom wun
Mango sticy rice (3859549574).jpg|[[Mango sticky rice|Khao niao mamuang]]
Khao niao sangkhaya.JPG|[[Khao niao sangkhaya]]
Ka-phrao mu (basil fried pork) with rice & egg, Bangkok, 2019-03-31 (2).jpg|[[Phat kaphrao|Pad kaphrao]]
Flickr preppybyday 4711943668--Tom kha gai.jpg|[[Tom kha kai|Tom kha]]
Khanom Chin - Thai rice noodles.JPG|[[Khanom chin]]
Kuai tiao nuea 3.jpg|Kuai tiao nuea
Grass_jelly_-_Bangkok_-_2017-07-20.jpg|Chaokuai
Thad khai.jpg|Thad khai
</gallery>

===Drinks===
[[file:Cha yen.JPG|thumb|right|Cha yen, a Thai iced tea]]
[[Thai iced tea]], [[Oliang]], and [[Nom yen]] are popular drinks in Thailand, often sweetened with condensed milk and flavored with cardamom or syrup. [[Krating Daeng]] ([[Red Bull]]), [[M-150 (energy drink)|M-150]], and [[Carabao Daeng]] are popular energy drinks.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Khanthong |first1=Jiraporn |last2=Akepichaiolan |first2=Sarinya |last3=Kesara |first3=Bussarin |title=Key Success Factors of Energy Drinks Business in Bangkok Thailand |journal=President Pathumthani University |pages=129 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339711467 }}</ref> There is a wide variety of alcoholic drinks in Thailand, including [[Mekhong (spirit)|Mekhong whisky]], [[SangSom]], [[Lao khao]], and [[Sato]], etc. [[Singha]] and [[Chang (Thai beer)|Chang]] are popular [[Thai beer]]s, with Singha being the most popular.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Sankrusme |first=Sinee |title=Marketing Strategy Competition among Beer Companies before Liquor Liberalization |journal=Journal of Marketing Development and Competitiveness |volume=5 |issue=6 |year=2011 |pages=65–82 |url=http://www.na-businesspress.com/JMDC/SankrusmeWeb5-6.pdf }}</ref>

==Language==
{{Main|Thai language}}

===Names===
{{Main|Thai names}}
Thai people typically have one or occasionally more short [[nickname]]s ({{langx|th|ชื่อเล่น}} ''playing name'') that they use with friends and family. These nicknames are overwhelmingly one syllable and were traditionally based on animals, fruits, colors, and nature. Nowadays, Thai nicknames tend to be more complex, with an increase in syllables and the addition of foreign influences.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Wongsantativanich |first=Mingkwan |date=2013 |title=What's in a Name?: An Analysis of English Nicknames of Thai People |url=https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/abc/article/view/53592 |journal=Humanities Journal |volume=20  |pages=133–166 }}</ref>

==Sports==
{{Main|Sport in Thailand}}
[[File:Muay Thai Fight Us Vs Burma (80668065).jpeg|right|thumb|Muay Thai match in Bangkok, Thailand]]
[[File:Teerawat Yioyim and Buakaw Banchamek.jpg|left|180px|thumb|[[Buakaw Banchamek]], a famous Muay Thai fighter]]
[[Association football]] and [[Futsal]] are the most popular sports in Thailand for both spectators and players.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Untarabutr |first1=Nutnatee |last2=Jarernsiripornkul |first2=Sakchai |title=FACTORS INFLUENCING SPONSORSHIP MANAGEMENT IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUES OF THAILAND |journal=KKU Research Journal (Graduate Studies) Humanities and Social Sciences |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=180–193 |year=2022 |url=https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/gskkuhs/article/download/253256/175114}}</ref> [[Muay Thai]], a combat sport, is recognized as a [[national sport]] and is gaining popularity worldwide.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bayer |first1=Ramazan |last2=Eken |first2=Özgür |title=The acute effect of different massage durations on squat jump, countermovement jump and flexibility performance in muay thai athletes |journal=Physical Education of Students |volume=25 |issue=6 |pages=353–358 |year=2021 |doi=10.15561/20755279.2021.0603 |s2cid=245561857 |url=https://www.sportedu.org.ua/index.php/PES/article/download/1549/601|doi-access=free }}</ref> It incorporates kicks, punches, knees, and elbow strikes in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing, and this has led to Thailand gaining medals at the Olympic Games in [[boxing]]. [[Takraw]], one of the two national sports, officially known as Sepak takraw, is a sport similar to volleyball but played with the legs.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Adam |first=Nor Mariah |title=Experimental analysis of mechanical properties of selected takraw balls in Malaysia |journal=Malaysian Journal of Movement, Health & Exercise |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=57 |year=2014 |doi=10.4103/2600-9404.323237 |doi-access=free |url=https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=ca6afbcf4a39ced83a06f035e5b6d15c00483856}}</ref> Other popular sports include [[badminton]], [[volleyball]], [[motorsports]], [[Sport of athletics|athletics]], [[cycling]], [[swimming]], [[golf]], and [[basketball]]. Traditional sports such as long-tail boat racing, long boat racing, [[makruk]], [[krabi krabong]], and dab Thai are still preserved. Thailand has been the most successful [[Southeast Asian]] country in the [[SEA Games]], [[Asian Games]], and [[Olympics]], demonstrating the country's strong sports culture.

==Holidays==
[[File:Songkran 012.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The roads along the old moat of [[Chiang Mai]] are full of vehicles during the [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran]] water splashing festival.]]
{{Main|Public holidays in Thailand}}
Important [[holiday]]s in Thai culture include [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran]], the traditional Thai New Year festival, which is celebrated annually from April 13 to 15. The festival falls at the end of the dry season and during the hot season in Thailand, and in some parts of Thailand, it can last up to a week. The festival's water throwing tradition stemmed from the cleansing rite of washing Buddha images and lightly sprinkling scented water on the hands of elderly people. Small amounts of scented talcum powder were also used in the annual rite. In recent decades, water fights have become increasingly industrialized with the use of hoses, barrels, squirt guns, water-filled surgical tubing, and copious amounts of powder. The festival also includes various activities such as offering merit to relics, pouring water on elders, building sand pagodas, and participating in contests and parades, including the Nang Songkran or Miss Songkran contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://qrcode.culture.go.th/pdfbook/songkran.pdf |title=แนวทางและมาตรการรณรงค์เพื่อสืบสานคุณค่าทางวัฒนธรรมเนื่องในประเพณีสงกรานต์ พุทธศักราช ๒๕๖๕ "สงกรานต์วิถีใหม่ สืบสานวัฒนธรรมไทย" |language=th |publisher=กระทรวงวัฒนธรรม |date=2021 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://book.culture.go.th/newbook/day/Songkran/files/assets/common/downloads/Songkran.pdf |title=Songkran |language=th |publisher=กรมศิลปากร |date=2018 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref>

[[File:Loi_Krathong_2010_John_Shedrick.jpg|thumb|left|200px|People floating krathong rafts during the Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand]]
[[File:Fue un momento inolvidable, de una felicidad desbordada por el asombro, la belleza de la sincronía, la emoción de los anhelos transformados en luz, totalidad contenida en un instante. (17405204532).jpg|thumb|200px|right|Yi Peng, floating lantern festival in Northern Thailand, observed around the same time as Loy Krathong.]]
[[Loy Krathong]] is another important festival celebrated on the full moon of the 12th [[Thai lunar calendar|lunar month]], which usually falls in November. ''Loy'' means to float and a ''Krathong'' is a handmade small bowl traditionally made from banana leaves and a section of banana tree trunk. The bowl is decorated with folded (origami) banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. During the Loy Krathong night, the moon shines brightly, and the river looks calm. It is a scenic beauty with Krathongs floating on the river. Fireworks are lit as a part of celebration and the act of worship.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Thadaniti |first1=Suwattana |date=2014 |title=Learning the Greatness of Mother Nature Festival Tourism: A Case of Loy Krathong Water Festival in Thailand |url=https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2014/09/shsconf_4ictr2014_01050.pdf |journal=SHS Web of Conferences |volume=12 |issue=1050 |page=01050 |doi=10.1051/shsconf/20141201050 |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> ''Yipeng'', also known as the Lantern Festival, is another festival celebrated in Northern Thailand around the same time as Loy Krathong. During Yipeng, people release floating lanterns into the sky and make wishes as the lanterns rise into the night. Both Loy Krathong and Yipeng are celebrations of light and symbolize letting go of negative emotions and starting anew.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tansuchat |first1=Roengchai |last2=Panmanee |first2=Chanita |date=September 2012 |title=Tourist Motivation, Characteristic, and Satisfaction in Night Festival: Loykrathong Festival 2010 |url=http://www.tourism.mju.ac.th/download/Journal/AT&T/3.Vol_3_2012/2.V3_N2_Sep_2012.pdf#page=32 |journal=International Journal of Agricultural Travel and Tourism |volume=3 |issue=2 |pages=130–144 |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref>

[[National Elephant Day (Thailand)|National Elephant Day]] or Chang Thai Day is a holiday in Thailand, held on March 13, which celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the elephant in Thailand.

==National symbols==
{{main|National symbols of Thailand}}

The [[national symbols of Thailand]] play an important role in representing the country's culture and heritage, and are widely recognized and revered by the [[Thai people]]. The official symbols of Thailand include the [[Thai flag]], the [[national emblem]] featuring [[Garuda|Krut]], the [[Thai National Anthem]], and three symbols declared in 2001, the [[Cassia fistula|Ratchaphruek]] or golden shower tree as the [[national flower]], the [[Asian elephant|Thai elephant]] as the [[national animal]], and [[Sala Thai]], national architecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ryt9.com/s/cabt/263169 |title=การกำหนดสัญลักษณ์ประจำชาติไทย |trans-title=The determination of national symbols of Thailand |language=th |website=RYT9|date=October 2, 2001|access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> Three works of literature have been declared as national literature: Triphumikatha in 2010, [[Ramakien]] in 2015, and Mahachat Kham Luang in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/1076484/ |title=กรมศิลป์ประกาศยกย่อง 'มหาชาติคำหลวง' เป็นวรรณคดีแห่งชาติ |trans-title=The Fine Arts Department announces ‘Mahachat Kam Luang’ as a national literary work |language=th |website=เดลินิวส์ |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref>

Other national symbols of Thailand include the [[Siamese fireback]], declared as the [[national bird]] in 1985;<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Suwanrat |first=Saranphat |title=Habitatselection and abundanceestimates of siamese fireback lophura diardi at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station |type=Dissertation |year=2013}}</ref> the [[Siamese fighting fish]], declared as the [[national aquatic animal]] in 2019;<ref>{{cite journal |last=Sermwatanakul |first=Amonrat |title=Capacitating the local farmers to enhance global marketing of Thailand's national aquatic animal, the Siamese fighting fish |journal=Fish for the People |volume=17 |issue=2 |year=2019|url=https://repository.seafdec.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12066/5516/Siamese-fighting-fish.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y}}</ref> and the [[Nāga|Phaya Nak]], declared as the national mythological creature on November 1, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thaigov.go.th/infographic/contents/details/6337 |title=รัฐบาลไฟเขียวให้ "นาค" เป็นเอกลักษณ์ประจำชาติไทย ประเภทสัตว์ในตำนาน อีกหนึ่ง "ทุนวัฒนธรรม" ร่วมขับเคลื่อนเศรษฐกิจสร้างสรรค์ |trans-title=The government approves “Naga” as a national identity of Thailand, a mythical animal category, another “cultural capital” to drive the creative economy |language=th |website=รัฐบาลไทย |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref>

Unofficial symbols of Thailand include the [[Siamese cat]], known for its distinctive appearance and personality,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thepeople.co/read/history/50712 |title='แมว' อยู่ตรงไหนในหน้าประวัติศาสตร์ของไทย? ไฉนเลือกนาค (งู) เป็นสัตว์ประจำชาติ? |trans-title='Where is the cat in Thai history? Why choose Naga (snake) as the national animal? |language=th |website=The People |date=16 November 2022 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> and traditional sports such as [[Muay Thai]] and [[Takraw]], widely recognized and celebrated as national sports.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.paulpoole.co.th/pdf/opportunities/TTL1921Eng.pdf |title=The Takraw League 2019 - 2021: Commercial Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align: center;" heights="130px" per="" row="3" caption="National symbols of Thailand">
Betta spelendens (ปลากัด) Photographs by Peak Hora 04.jpg|[[Siamese fighting fish]]
Emblem_of_Thailand.svg|[[Garuda|Krut]]
Flag_of_Thailand.svg|[[Thai flag]]
Thai National Anthem - US Navy Band.ogg|[[Thai National Anthem]]
Asian Elephants, Elephas maximus in Khao Yai national park (25421949020).jpg|[[Asian elephant|Thai elephant]]
Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower Tree) (28993368851).jpg|[[Cassia fistula|Ratchaphruek]]
Bang_Pa-In_floating_pavilion_edit.jpg|[[Sala Thai]]
Siamese-fireback-Lophura-diardi-khao-yai-national-park.jpg|[[Siamese fireback]]
Royal Barges National Museum - 2014-02-25 - 006.jpg|[[Nāga|Phaya Nak]]
099 Ramakien Murals (9150508092).jpg|[[Ramakien]]
</gallery>

==World sites and Intangible cultural heritage==
{{main|List of World Heritage Sites in Thailand}}
Thailand has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the [[Historic City of Ayutthaya]] and the [[Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns]], both recognized in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/576 |title=Historic City of Ayutthaya |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |year=2021 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/574 |title=Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |year=2021 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> [[Ban Chiang Archaeological Site]] was also recognized in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/575 |title=Ban Chiang Archaeological Site |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> In terms of natural heritage, [[Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries]] were recognized in 1991,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/591 |title=Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> followed by [[Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex]] in 2005,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/590 |title=Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> and [[Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1461 |title=Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref>

Thailand also has several sites on the Tentative List for UNESCO recognition, including [[Phu Phra Bat Historical Park|Phuphrabat Historical Park]] listed in 2004,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1920/ |title=Phuphrabat Historical Park |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> [[Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan]] in [[Nakhon Si Thammarat]] listed in 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5752/ |title=Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> and [[Chiang Mai|the Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna]] listed in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6003/ |title=Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> [[Wat Phra That Phanom|Phra That Phanom, its related historic buildings, and associated landscape]] were listed in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6183/ |title=Phra That Phanom, its related historic buildings and associated landscape |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> followed by [[Phanom Rung Historical Park|Ensemble of Phanom Rung, Muang Tam, and Plai Bat Sanctuaries]] in 2019,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6401/ |title=Ensemble of Phanom Rung, Muang Tam and Plai Bat Sanctuaries |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> and [[Si Thep Historical Park|The Ancient Town of Si Thep]] in the same year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6402/ |title=The Ancient Town of Si Thep |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> Lastly, in terms of natural heritage, the Andaman Sea Nature Reserves of Thailand were added to the Tentative List in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6573/ |title=The Andaman Sea Nature Reserves of Thailand |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref>

Thailand has submitted several elements of its [[intangible cultural heritage]] to UNESCO for recognition, such as [[Menora (dance)|Nora]], a dance drama in southern Thailand recognized in 2021,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/nora-dance-drama-in-southern-thailand-01587 |title=Nora, dance drama in southern Thailand |publisher=UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage |year=2021 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> [[Thai massage|Nuad Thai]], traditional Thai massage recognized in 2019,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/nuad-thai-traditional-thai-massage-01384 |title=Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage |publisher=UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage |year=2021 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> and [[Khon]], a masked dance drama in Thailand recognized in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/khon-masked-dance-drama-in-thailand-01385 |title=Khon, masked dance drama in Thailand |publisher=UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage |year=2021 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref> In 2023, the [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran festival]] has been submitted for UNESCO's consideration as part of Thailand's intangible cultural heritage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thaipbsworld.com/unesco-to-consider-songkran-as-an-intangible-cultural-heritage-in-december/ |title=UNESCO to consider Songkran as an intangible cultural heritage in December |publisher=Thai PBS World |date=2023-04-06 |access-date=2023-04-19}}</ref>

==Pastimes==
===Reading and Internet===
Eighty-eight percent of Thai people read books and spend an average of 28 minutes per day doing so, according to a poll<ref>{{cite news|last1=Praneetlekha|first1=Kawin|title=Internet usage cuts time spent on books|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/detail/national/30254712|access-date=24 Feb 2015|work=The Nation|date=2015-02-24|archive-date=2015-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224133321/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Internet-usage-cuts-time-spent-on-books-30254712.html|url-status=live}}</ref> conducted by the Thai Publishers and Booksellers Association (PUBAT) and [[Chulalongkorn University]]'s Faculty of Economics and Research Centre for Social and Business Development.

A total of 3,432 Thais aged 15–69 in 12 provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thamarat, Nakhon Ratchsima, and Khon Kaen, were interviewed from December 2014 to January 2015. While 88% of Thai respondents said they read books, 12% said they did not. They cited as reasons lack of time, bad eyesight, and dislike of reading.

Averaged over the entire population, Thais spend 28 minutes a day reading books. The reading sub-set of the population averages 46 minutes a day. Of this group, those aged under 20 spend the most time reading books, 56 minutes a day. That figure shrinks as people age until they reach 61, when people tend to get back into reading.

By comparison, 71% of Thais use the Internet almost every day for an average of 92 minutes. Those who spend most time on the Internet are people under 20, on average 224 minutes a day, while those over 61 spend ten minutes a day on-line.

In 2013 the Thai National Statistical Office conducted a reading survey<ref>{{cite web|title=The National Statistical Office said Thai people spent 37 minutes on reading in one day|url=http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thais-spend-time-reading|website=Thai PBS|access-date=24 Feb 2015|date=2014-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224143439/http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thais-spend-time-reading|archive-date=24 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> that found that Thais aged over six spent an average of 37 minutes a day reading. The survey was not focused specifically on reading books, but also reading journals, the Internet, tablet computers, and smart phones.

==See also==
{{Portal|Thailand}}
* [[Betel Chewing In Thailand]]
* [[Buddhist temples in Thailand]]
* [[Cinema of Thailand]]
* [[Folklore of Thailand]]
* [[Ghosts in Thai culture]]
* [[List of museums in Thailand]]
* [[Media of Thailand]]
* [[Ministry of Culture (Thailand)]]
* [[Phya Anuman Rajadhon]]
* [[Racism in Thailand]]
* [[Royal Flags of Thailand]]
* [[Thai Buddhist sculpture]]
* [[Thai temple art and architecture]]
* [[Thailand National Artist]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Works cited===
* {{cite journal |last1=Kanchanakunjara |first1=Taddara |last2=Chantachon |first2=Songkoon |last3=Koseyayothin |first3=Marisa |last4=Kuljanabhagavad |first4=Tiwatt |title=Traditional curry pastes during Sukhothai to Ratthanakosin: The subjective experience of the past and present |journal=Asian Culture and History |volume=7 |issue=1 |year=2015 |pages=175–182 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268210306}}
* {{cite thesis |last=Kaewsangcham |first=Teerada |date=2015 |title=Traditional Thai cuisine heritage |url=https://repository.au.edu/bitstream/6623004553/19958/2/AU-Thesis-Fulltext-19958.PDF |type=Ph.D. |publisher=Assumption University }}
* {{cite web|url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/33678835.pdf |title=The Effects of Globalization on the Status of Music in Thai Society |first=Primrose|last=Maryprasith |date=1999 |publisher=University of London Institute of Education |access-date=2023-04-16 |via=[[CORE (research service)|CORE]]}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Intaraporn|first=Weerawat|date=2006|title=Aesthetics of Khlong in Thai Poetry: Convention and Creativity|journal=Manusya: Journal of Humanities|volume=9|issue=3|pages=73–87|doi=10.1163/26659077-00903005 |s2cid=194336907 |url=https://brill.com/downloadpdf/journals/mnya/9/3/article-p73_5.pdf}}
* {{Cite thesis |type=PhD |last=Pongsripian |first=Winai |date=1983 |title=Traditional Thai historiography and its nineteenth century decline |url=https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/34506710/544360.pdf |publisher=University of Bristol |access-date=13 April 2023}}
* {{cite book|last1=Sthapitanond|first1=Nithi|last2=Mertens|first2=Brian|title=Architecture of Thailand: A Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Forms|publisher=Editions Didier Millet|year=2012|isbn=978-9814260862}}
* {{cite book |last1=Mishra |first1=Patit Paban |title=The history of Thailand |date=2010 |publisher=Greenwood |isbn=978-0-313-34091-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HzTHaIEduwYC}}
* {{cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Chris |last2=Phongpaichit |first2=Pasuk |date=2017 |title=A History of Ayutthaya: Siam in the Early Modern World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GHiuDgAAQBAJ |location=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-19076-4 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Polkinghorne |first1=Martin |last2=Pottier |first2=Christophe |last3=Fischer |first3=Christian |title=Evidence for the 15th Century Ayutthayan Occupation of Angkor |editor1-last=Woodward |editor1-first=Mark R. |editor2-last=Srisakra Vallibhotama |editor2-first=Sukanya |publisher=Siam Society |year=2018 |pages=99–132 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323166841 |access-date=2023-04-10}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web |url=http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/peansiri.htm |title=Linguistic Perspectives of Thai Culture |author=Peansiri Vongvipanond  |date=27 Sep 2009  |work=This paper was presented to a workshop of teachers of social science organized by the University of New Orleans (Summer 1994) |publisher=Thai Language Audio Resource Center |access-date=2013-01-05  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120062746/http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/peansiri.htm |archive-date=2012-11-20 |url-status=dead}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Culture of Thailand}}
{{Wikiquote|Thai proverbs}}
*[https://www.m-culture.go.th/en/ Ministry of Culture]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130129172834/http://www.story-lovers.com/liststhailandstories.html Thailand stories and folklore]

{{Thailand topics}}
{{Southeast Asia topic|Culture of}}
{{Culture of Asia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Culture Of Thailand}}
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