Thailand Introduction

         Thailand officially the kingdom, land of the free, was known as Siam until May 11, 1949. The word Thai means “freedom” in Thai language and is also the name of the majority Thai ethnic group. It is the only Southeast Asian Country never to have been colonized by western power.
        
         In the past, Thai society was very simple: the people were kind and always smiled. We were called “Siam Muang Yim”. Thai people shared thing with each other. But today everthing has changed because people think only about work and work to make more money. They are too busy to help other people and only their family and themseles.
        
         The official calendar in Thailand is based on the Buddhist Era, wihch is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
        
         Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and the king is extremely respected. The Thai King recently celebrated 60 years on the throne and Thai citizen commemorated the events and showed their reverence by wearing yellow-T-shirts, the official royal colour.
        
         Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. The feet are considered as the basest part of the body; don’t rest your feet or put your shoes on the table.
        
         Thais feel strongly about their religion, so don’t wear your short clothes to a temple, don’t climb over the Buddha images and take off your shoes before enterring a temple.
        
         The traditional Thai greeting is the “Wai” the hands are brought together in front of the chin.
         Sanuk is a Thai word describing everything that is fun. This combines with the phrase “Mai Pen Pai” or nver minded.