Thailand is a country full of culture and tradition. Thailand is well-known for being exclusive and open to all kinds of local and international brands and clothing when it comes to fashion.

If you’re concerned about what to wear in Thailand, while there are some restrictions, there are also unlimited options of what you can wear in the country.

Thai people follow strict protocols for covering their shoulders and legs when visiting temples and religious institutions. However, when going to malls or visiting beaches, you can practically wear whatever you want. Thai people also wear their cultural clothes for specific occasions.

Let’s look into the dress code, beach essentials, and the perfect materials to wear while enjoying your time in the country. Moreover, it is essential to learn about the culture of Thailand and what both men and women wear for traditional festivities.

Is there a “dress code” in Thailand?

Although you will mostly see locals and international foreigners wearing whatever they want across the country, there are certain places where you need to be somewhat careful. Temples, museums, and historical locations have rather strict dress codes.

On the other hand, malls, beaches, and outdoor events do not follow strict protocols. You will get somewhat used to seeing under-dressed foreigners and locals, especially considering Thailand is a hot country. However, that doesn’t mean the government is not modest. People are rather respectful about covering up when needed (3). 

When visiting Thai temples, you are expected to dress appropriately. Women should wear skirts longer than their knees or long pants (1). Moreover, long pants have to be worn by men as well. Both men and women are required to cover their shoulders as well.

What should you not wear in Thailand?

While visiting respected territories, landmarks, or institutions, you should be cautious about what you decide to wear. It is not respectful to wear tight-fitted or see-through clothing, especially when going to a religious area to pay respects or pray. 

Another rule is that clothing should not be too loose or tight but convenient enough for worshippers to pay their respects at the temple (1). If you are not appropriately dressed, Thai locals often charge a fee or allow you to buy shawls that can help cover your legs and ankles (1). For this reason, you should avoid wearing shorts and skirts to the temple.

Moreover, you must also take off your shoes, hats, and sunglasses before entering the praying area. However, you can continue to wear your socks (1). Thai people do not like it when you show the bottom of your feet.

What to wear at night in Thailand

Nights in Thailand come with mosquitos and humid weather conditions. You should pack lightweight and neutral color clothing that slightly covers your body and protects you from those bites to stay protected. Women usually opt for maxi dresses that cover their legs at night, while men aim for chinos or light-weight trousers.

You will not see a casual person wearing a bikini during the night. The dark brings casual and formal attire; restaurants and romantic cuisines are open for the chance for couples to have some downtime.

What shoes should you wear in Thailand?

In Thailand, the most common shoes you would need are sandals and flip-flops; easy slip-on for the poolside, the beach, and outdoor activities. Moreover, you can also pack dressy shoes such as loafers, wedges, or heels for the nighttime.

Thailand is a tropical location; however, that does not mean you should only pack open shoes. Sneakers are the norm; worn with shorts and dresses, and particularly popular for tourists, you will always need a pair to keep you comfortable on your trip. Sneakers are also a fan favorite for Thailand’s popular hiking locations.

The typical essentials to pack in your suitcase 

Thailand is the perfect tropical destination. This means you should always be careful when bringing in essentials that help save you from the heat on your trip.

Essentials for hot weather:

Here are some essential items you would need to wear while going out in the summertime: (3).

1. Mosquito-repelling bracelets 

2. Anti-theft bag 

3. SPF 30 lip balm 

4. SPF 30 mineral primer 

5. Beach towel 

6. Waterproof case 

7. SPIbelt pocket 

Essentials for women: 

• Maxi dress 

• Rayon skirts 

• Linen button-downs 

• V-necks

• Jogger pants

• Leggings 

• Bikinis 

• Shorts 

• Beach pants/traveler pants

• Hats 

• Cotton tanks

• Beach cover-ups 

Essentials for men:

• Boat shoes 

• Sunglasses 

• Wicking polo

• Linen pants and shirts

• Teva flip-flops

• Slip-on water shoes

• UPF 50+ sun hat 

• Swim trunks 

Types of materials 

Linen

Linen is the way to go when spending the day out in the sun. This is possibly the best tip you can ask for before coming to Thailand. Whether it be 100% linen or a cotton/linen blend, you will freely be able to roam around on the beach and visit the islands (3). Oversized linen shirts can be worn by both men and women-especially when you need something loose and comfortable when it’s hot. Linen doesn’t cease to amaze when it comes to pants as well. You can find comfortable men’s and women’s pants in the material (3). 

Wicking and quick-drying fabrics

Another perfect material to wear in Thailand is quick-drying fabrics. While going out and about and doing adventurous activities, everyone needs to protect their skin without needing to wear something heavy (3). Wicking fabrics mostly come in polo shirts. You can quickly test out these materials in the water and see how quickly they dry (3). 

Rayon and light cotton

Another fabric to wear in Thailand is thin cotton. Rayon is a material that is lightweight and also dressier compared to linens. However, it is not wrinkle-proof, so be careful to iron it out before wearing it to your special occasion (3). 

Skin-protection fabrics

The most crucial aspect of considering clothes in Thailand is the sun. As the country experiences the same tropical weather all year round, it is important never to burn yourself out and be protected when going outside (3). You can do this by wearing SPF 30, carrying a hat along, or wearing UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing such as shirts and pants when going in the water (3).

Materials not to wear

You should not go for anything lined with polyester, which will melt you to the core. Bring loose clothing rather than relying on tight-fit jeans and uncomfortable options (3).

Embrace traditional Thai clothes on your trip

We tend to wear the same clothes all year round, so why not change things up while you are away from home?

When visiting Thailand, it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in local customs and learn about culture and religion. This includes wearing Thai traditional clothing.

Here are some options for you to try:

Traditional Thai clothes for men:

• Suea Phraratchathan: “Royalty-bestowed shirt” was invented in 1979 for the rulers of the country. The shirt comes in long-sleeves and short-sleeves (2). 

• Chut Thai: Known as a Raj Pattern costume, which includes a pha chung hang or pants, with a shirt, a pha biang, and optional knee-length white socks. 

Traditional Thai clothes for women:

For women, there are eight formal Thai national costumes:

1. Chakkri: one of the most famous outfits, considered to be elegant and formal. It consists of a long tube-style skirt called a sinh alongside a silk top and sabai (2).

2. Chakkraphat: This is a formal Thai shawl made for conservative wives of emperors. You can wear it as an embroidery style to look elegant at ceremonies (2).

3. Boromphiman: Known as evening attire, boromphiman is an ankle-length tube skirt called a sinh, that comes with a long-sleeved neck blouse that is buttoned at the front or back. Moreover, you can also make it a once-piece dress (2).

4. Siwalai: Known as formal evening attire, a siwalai is almost identical to the last piece called the boromphiman. However, this one is mainly worn at super formal events and royal ceremonies (2).

5. Amarin: This is known as the evening dress for royals. Known as quite luxurious clothing, the dress consists of a  brocade sinh and a full-sleeved blouse, with buttons that go down at the center (2).

6. Chitlada: Chitlada is a formal dress worn at daytime events. It consists of a long sinh and a long-sleeved silk blouse with silver or gold buttons running down at the front (2).

7. Ruean Ton: This is considered one of the most casual Thai female outfits. It is worn at non-formal events where a standard dress is required. It is a long-tube sinh skirt with a long-sleeved blouse, with buttons at the center and no collar. The skirt is usually plain or striped (2).

8. Dusit: Dusit is a westernized version of a Thai dress. This is more westernized but also worn at less formal events. It includes a round neck and blouse with no sleeves. You can wear it as a one-piece dress or buy the skirt and blouse separately (2). 

What to wear FAQ’s

Can you year white or black in Thailand?

Black is usually worn head to toe to respect the Monarchy or recent King, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away. Civil workers were required to wear black for the month after the King’s death during the mourning season.

White is also an appropriate color for funerals. However, it is also a primary color worn around the summertime in Thailand. White linen trousers, dresses, and shirts are worn all year round. 

Can you wear all kinds of western clothing?

It is acceptable to wear all kinds of western clothing, such as sleeveless shirts, skirts, crop tops, shorts, leggings, and ripped jeans in Thailand. Especially in the main center of Bangkok, you will spot locals and tourists, young and old, dressed in shorts and cropped shirts.

You will feel as if you are back home, however, you might not want to wear something revealing to a religious area such as a temple or established institution.

The perfect place to experiment

Thailand is a beautiful country full of culture and tradition. Tropical weather allows you to dress casually and formally for the type of events you hope to attend. Summer wardrobe can be relatively straightforward; however, sometimes, it can come with restrictions.

In Thailand, it is a place that requires modest clothing at temples. However, you can practically wear what you want for tropical resorts or vacations, bringing in all essentials.

Or, as the proverb goes “when in Rome do as the Romans do”, well, Thailand is the perfect place to experiment and learn about new cultures and customs by wearing traditional Thai attire.

References

1. Monaworld. “Visiting Temples in Thailand: Etiquette, Dress Code & Temple Rules.” THAIest, thaiest.com/blog/etiquette-for-visiting-temples-in-thailand/.

2. “Thai Traditional Clothing and Dress (Chut Thai).” Thai Traditional Dress, Formal Thai National Costume, and Wedding Clothes, www.asiahighlights.com/thailand/traditional-dress/.  

3. “What to Wear in Thailand? Learn the Thai Dress Code for Bangkok, Beaches, Temples & More.” The Koh Samui Guide, 3 Nov. 2021, https://www.thekohsamuiguide.com/what-to-wear-in-thailand/. 

Thai ladyboy culture is strong in both quality and quantity. No matter where you go in Thailand, you’re bound to meet at least one beautiful ladyboy.

So, you might be wondering, why are there so many ladyboys in Thailand?

Ladyboys are common in Thailand because their society is open to gender fluidity. The main reasons that support this openness are Thai attitude, Thai Buddhism, Thai media, Thai beauty Contests, and Thai cosmetic surgeries. All five reasons work together and push Thailand to be even more welcoming toward LGBTQIA2S+.

But of course, there is more depth to the story. The members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Thailand also struggle with their daily lives. Read on to get a bird’s eye view of the ladyboys’ situation in Thailand.

***For the sake of convenience, this article will refer to LGBTQIA2S+ as LGBT.***

5 Cultural reasons why Thailand has so many ladyboys

Ladyboys are everywhere. They are not just a group of people in Thailand but are also present in your neighborhood. The thing is, they might not be expressing themselves to the fullest.

There is no definitive answer to why the ladyboy culture in Thailand blooms more than in the neighboring nations or even most countries. But the general reason is that Thailand is more open to gender fluidity.

To a certain degree, Thai people just accept ladyboys as who they are. Most Thai understand that ladyboys don’t become ladyboys because they choose to be; they become ladyboys because that is how they function. It’s like having 10 fingers. You don’t decide to have 10 fingers — you just have.

However, this kind of acceptance doesn’t come naturally. Thai people took time and effort to suppress the discrimination too. They just did it efficiently. 5 factors make Thailand embrace ladyboys, gender fluidity, and LGBT better than many other countries.

1. Thai attitude

As you probably know, Thai people love to conform to groups and communities. But while conformity dictates many parts of their behavior, they are also paradoxically easygoing.

This means while Thai people are quick to call out anything out of the ordinary, they are even quicker to forgive and let things go. 

The most obvious example is the red light crossing. There could be as many as 122,000 cases of red light violation a month. And that is in Bangkok alone. (Source)

Of course, the violators were punished, but the punishment was insignificant. They will just live on and commit it again. That’s why Thai people ignore red lights like it’s normal.

So when it comes to ladyboy culture, Thai people figuratively see it as yet another red light crossing. At first, they see men acting like women as traditionally unbecoming. But the more they see it, the more ladyboys become “normal.”

Unlike red light violation, being a ladyboy is not a crime. It doesn’t hurt anyone. So, Thai people have an easier time accepting it.

Another Thai characteristic that helps people accept the ladyboys culture is humor. Most ladyboys play clowns in a group, lighting up the mood and atmosphere. And Thai people love that. As a result, ladyboys are usually beloved in groups of friends.

2. Thai buddhism

When you hear an argument against LGBT, you often hear about religions as part of the reasons. Of course, this happens in Thailand too. However, it is not as harsh and brutal as in other Christian or Muslim countries.

One thing to note is that Buddhism has sects and other variations. This means that the practice and ritual differ depending on the region. For example, Shaolin monks have a more aggressive and violent image than monks from Tibet. This concept of differences is similar to Catholicism and Protestantism in Christianity.

In Thailand, the locals practice a variation of Theravada Buddhism (which is considered “less strict”).

Some Thai people believe that being LGBT is a form of punishment. They argue being neither male nor female was caused by your sin of sexual immorality in a previous life. (Source)

Of course, this is impossible to prove. 

But regardless of the legitimacy of their claim, the state of being an LGBT is not a sin itself. So, it is awkward to use Thai Buddhism to argue against ladyboys. And if you did, you would probably rouse more sympathy rather than hatred. Repenting for the sins of the unknown previous life would sound unfair to most people.

3. Thai media

In the modern world, the media holds virtually limitless power.

And with such power to influence people, Thai media plays a significant role in setting up the stage for ladyboys to shine.

The first appearance of Thai ladyboys in the media is difficult to pinpoint. However, it might go back further in time than you think. In 1954, there was already an indie silent black & white film about “Katoey,” or ladyboy, in Thailand. This film was called “กะเทยเป็นเหตุ” (Katoey Pen Hade) or “It’s All Because of Katoey.” (Source)

This film depicts the unrealistic relationship between straight men and a beautiful ladyboy. Since Thai people love humor, the film has a comedy vibe in its storytelling. (Source)

But this comedic aspect also shows that Thai people of the time see ladyboys as a laughing stock.

But as time passed, ladyboys gained more presence in the entertainment media. Most of them started off with a focus on comedy. However, many also succeed in healthcare, fashion, and other lifestyle TV programs.

Seeing ladyboys appear in the media every day eventually becomes normal to Thai people. And their attitude starts to change. Ladyboys are no longer just a laughing stock but talents rivaling those of straight men and women.

4. Thai beauty contests

On a worldwide scale, you might have heard of Miss International Queen. It is arguably the biggest pageant for trans women in the world.

In Thailand, these kinds of pageants exist as well. And they offer a variety of contests for the audience to attend and enjoy.

Mr. Gay World Thailand

As the name suggests, this is a contest for gay men to flex their appearance supremacy in fancy costumes. But that’s not the only thing they do. 

All participants must undergo trials like written tests, interviews, societal campaign proposals, and more. These processes guarantee that the winner is not only a looker but also a kind-hearted person ready to change society for the better. (Source)

Miss Tiffany Universe

You will hear of this contest if you are interested in Thai ladyboy culture. Why? Because this is the stage where the most gorgeous trans women in Thailand gather together. 

The winner of this event will continue to compete in the Miss International Queen. (Source)

Miss ACDC

You might wonder what a legendary rock star has to do LGBT beauty contest. No, ACDC here is not a rock band. It stands for “Alternative Creature’s Devoted Creation.” (Source)

This contest’s highlight is not the beautiful faces of the participants. It’s the creativity and humor of how they present themselves. The audience of Miss ACDC is bound to laugh every minute. You can almost think of it as a parody contest.

These contests are another factor that encourages all the LGBT in Thailand to express themselves. They also help Thai people accept the concept of gender fluidity faster.

▸ Want to learn more about Thai Beauty Contests? Check out our articles on “Miss Thailand” and “Miss Universe Thailand

5. Thai gender-affirming surgery

Thailand used to be a world-class destination for those seeking ladyboy surgery. (Source)

From genital removal to breast transplant and augmentation. Thailand has almost everything a ladyboy would need.

Since there is no official survey, it is impossible to name the number of cosmetic surgery clinics and hospitals that perform gender-affirming surgery in Thailand. But it is safe to say that it reaches hundreds or even thousands.

The most famous name among these hospitals is Yanhee. They position themselves as a “beauty hospital,” focusing their technology on cosmetic surgery and other beauty-related treatment. (Source)

If you asked a ladyboy where to get Gender-Affirming surgery, about half would say, “Yanhee.”

Of course, this type of surgery only saw a boom because of the high number of ladyboys in Thailand. They wouldn’t be this popular otherwise. On the other hand, these medical procedures also encourage the LGBTs to express themselves further. It’s a loop that makes Thailand more accepting of gender fluidity.

How are ladyboys viewed in Thailand?

The position of ladyboys in Thailand is quite complex. On the surface, the locals accept them as an integral part of society. But if you dig deeper, you will find that such a thing as 100% acceptance doesn’t exist.

Many parents are still skeptical about seeing their sons behaving like a girl. And that is understandable. After all, Thailand had been a patriarchal society for a good chunk of history. Many old-school parents still hold on to that image of a “masculine leader.”

With such conservative parents, the ladyboy-to-be children and teens will hide their gender orientation away from their families. But that doesn’t mean they don’t show their tendencies at all. They usually express themselves openly at schools where friends and teachers are more understanding and accepting.

In a sense, these kids are living a double life. They behave like women during the day at school and act like men at home during the nighttime.

Of course, it is only a matter of time before their parents find out. And once they do, it usually ends in a big argument. However, the parents usually can’t do anything. All they could do was express their disappointment or frustration.

Even though they don’t condone LGBT, they understand that this is a new age. Things are not the same anymore.

Some parents escalate the matter by declaring they wouldn’t financially support their child anymore. Some even send their child to a psychiatrist. But in the end, most of these parents have to accept the reality one way or another.

In the working adult world, ladyboys are culturally accepted, especially in the creative, art, and fashion field. However, this acceptance isn’t 100%. Many LGBT people find building trust in the workplace difficult, notably in the education field, where most personnel are somewhat conservative. (Source)

Interesting facts about Thai ladyboy culture

LGBT marriage is impossible in Thailand

Culturally, Thailand is open toward LGBT, ladyboys, and gender fluidity. On the legal front, however, it’s a different story.

As of 2019, there were around 3.6 million Thai LGBT (around 5% of the population). (Source)

But despite such a number, Thailand’s government still hasn’t legalized marriage between two people of the same sex.

As a result, most LGBT couples just live together. They aren’t recognized as a married couple by law and don’t receive the benefits the married do.

Ladyboys are unacceptable in the southern border provinces of Thailand

As mentioned, Buddhism plays a crucial role in Thai people’s attitude towards ladyboys. However, the people in Thailand’s southern border provinces are mostly Muslims. As a result, you don’t see many ladyboys in that region.

As you may or may not know, Muslims are serious about gender orientation. So, people there might react negatively to ladyboys and other LGBTs.

However, this negativity doesn’t stop some LGBTs from coming out. They chose to be branded as a sinner to express who they are. (Source)

Ladyboy culture and Thai culture

It is unclear why Thailand has so many ladyboys. But the factor you cannot overlook is the Thai Culture itself. Without the flexible attitude and lax Buddhism of Thai people, it is hard to imagine a boom of ladyboys and LGBT in this country.

Of course, the media, the contests, and the surgery also play a crucial part in this. But these three factors came after ladyboys became influential in Thailand. They are additional factors that encourage the locals to express themselves further.

As of 2022, ladyboys and LGBT are still not 100% accepted in Thailand. But if the current trend continues, you might see a day when Thailand is fully open to gender fluidity — culturally and legally.

Thailand is well-known for being a culturally colorful country, having everything from museums, temples, palaces, exquisite cuisines, and traditional clothing. You will spot color wherever you look.

While this might seem exciting and adventurous, it is also an excellent spot for earning knowledge. Color in Thailand is so much more than picturesque imagination.

Color is more than just an appreciation for style and aesthetic purpose. Thai people value colors for their symbolic references. Not only are various colors considered lucky or purely spiritual, but others are considered bad luck if worn on specific days. Thailand colors also have a connection to everyday life.

You will spot the unique use of color in various dimensions of Thai social life, from the national flag to the use of the color palette in everyday life. Moreover, color plays a significant role in Thai political debates, historical attributes, and royal importance. 

Color of Thailand’s national flag 

Thailand has changed the colors and design of its flag several times throughout its history as a nation. However, each time Thailand changed its flag, the country did it according to particular metaphorical references (1). 

For example, the current flag is a tricolor flag; the three-colored and five-striped flags are referred to as Thong Trairong. The colors represent the nation, the religion, and the country’s King (1). 

In the Thailand flag, the red color symbolizes blood; the violence and bloodshed by Thais used to maintain their nation’s independence from start to end. (1).

Moreover, the white color represents the purity of religion; Buddhism is regarded as the national and most popular religion in the country (1). 

Lastly, the blue color in the flag stands for the country’s monarchy. Blue also shows Thailand’s solidarity with its World War I allies: Britain, France, and the United States (1). 

Color in Thailand’s everyday life

Thailand follows a fascinating chart for wearing specific colors coordinates for each day in the country. Depending on the lucky color of the week, you can dress according to the chart. This way, you can spend your day in Thailand with good luck, as well as fit in with the community (1). 

These colors are not chosen by random choice but based on Thai traditions, primarily through knowledge of Hindu mythology. Sunday, for one, is red as the god of Sunday is Surya, who is red in color (1). 

Lucky colors of the week

Sunday: Red – According to history, there is the belief that Phra Isuan, who was a high God in Hinduism, captured six lions and grounded them with powder. Afterward, he wrapped a red cloth over them and sprinkled Nam Amarit, which is known as a holy powder, thus creating the Sun (2).

Monday: Cream or yellow- In Hinduism, Phra Isuan is believed to have captured fourteen angels, who he used for infinite powers to turn them into powder. Afterward, he wrapped them all with yellow cloth and made the Moon (2).

Tuesday: Pink- Pink is known as being the creation of Saturn. This was when Phra Isuan was believed to have caught eight buffaloes that he turned into powder. He created the new planet by wrapping them in soft, light red clothes (2).

Wednesday: Green for daytime and gray for nighttime- On this day, Phra Isuan rounded seventeen mystical elephants and wrapped them in a green leaf, thus creating Pluto (2).

Thursday: Orange or brown- Phra Isuan captured nineteen hermits and wrapped them in orange, creating Mars (2).

Friday: Light blue: As for the creation of Venus, Phra Isuan captured twenty-one bullocks and wrapped them in blue (2).

Saturday: Purple or black: On Saturday, Phra Isuan caught ten tigers and wrapped them in purple cloth, thus creating the planet Saturn (2). 

The tradition of color started in Thailand from Hinduism in India, which played a role in forming Buddhism as the central religion in the country. Since ancient times, Thai people have believed that there is significance between colors, planetary bodies, and astrology (3).

Assuming that there is a strong connection between planets ruled by certain Gods, the colors associated with days would influence our thoughts, actions, and destiny (3). 

For this reason, local people follow the chart and hope that they attain good luck and follow through with the right path.

Unlucky colors of the week

There is also a list of unlucky colors that you should not wear on particular days and the connection to their celestial body and God of the day (3). This can tell you what to not wear on a specific day as it would go against the particular God. 

Sunday: Blue, the Sun, Surya 

Monday: Red, the Moon, Chandra 

Tuesday: Yellow, Mars, Mangala

Wednesday: Orange-red, Mercury, Buddha

Thursday: Purple, Jupiter, Brihaspati 

Friday: Black, Venus, Shukra

Saturday: Green, Saturn, Shani 

Colors with royal connotation

Many colors are loved in the royal family. Despite the apparent love for yellow in honoring the King’s birth, we can see many beautiful colors used. The light color blue is typically worn on Thai Mother’s Day, known as the Queen’s color (1).

Moreover, the former King Bhumibol Adulyadej struggled with an illness which is why he was always seen leaving the hospital wearing a pink suit (1).

The former personal astrologer had informed the press that pink was the King’s lucky color, so he wore it as much as he possibly could before he passed. You would usually come across monarchy supporters wearing pink to support the King (1). 

Lastly, the color black is often worn in Thailand to respect someone’s passing. During the events following King Bhumibol’s death in October 2016, Thai people were seen wearing black for days and months, showing respect and mourning towards the King (1). 

Colors in Thai politics 

Colors are also used to emphasize political recognition and opinion in Thailand. Political activists use different colors to make particular statements. One such example is seen in the red and yellow shirt dilemma (1).

Anti-former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and pro-monarchy supporters are frequently seen wearing yellow shirts, while pro-Thaksin, anti-monarchy, and democracy supporters wear red shirts (1). 

Although there can be detrimental consequences to wearing such colors during political protests, that does not mean that you can’t wear them at all. Thailand respects and values all cultures and beliefs, especially when it comes to tourists visiting the country (1). 

Moreover, yellow is also used for other occasions, such as celebrating Father’s Day or honoring the King every Monday of the month (1). From this, we can gather that Thai people have true appreciation for colors when it comes to honoring their respected royal families and their desires.

Conclusion 

We can see that color plays a huge role in shaping Thailand’s unique culture and tradition. Whether you visit as a tourist or an e-xpat, you will find Thailand a colorful dreamscape of knowledge.

The color palette is used as a sweet escape, but it instead defines what it means to be Thai. You can see the historical significance that color plays in the national flag. Moreover, colors are used as good and bad luck charms for locals.

For others, colors are used to define their political stance and opinion. For most, color is used to highlight the most essential aspects of Thailand’s status: religion and love for the royal family and monarchy.

References:

1. Hulme, Kyle. “Rainbow Nation: What 10 Colours Represent in Thai Culture.” Culture Trip, The Culture Trip, 11 May 2018, theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/rainbow-nation-what-10-colours-represent-in-thai-culture/. 

2. School, Duke Language. “Did You Know That in Thailand, There’s an Auspicous Color for Every… – Thai Language School Bangkok: Duke Language.” Thai Language School Bangkok | Duke Language, 25 Mar. 2014, dukelanguage.com/2014/01/color-meaning/.

3. “What Do Different Colors Mean in Thailand?” Color Meanings, 3 Oct. 2021, www.color-meanings.com/color-meanings-symbolism-thailand/. 

Thailand, most commonly known as a tropical resort destination, is famously unique for its name. Used in popular cuisine titles, traditional references, and religious practices, “Thainess” is embraced by people worldwide.

However, Thailand was not always the country’s name. The country was once recognized as ‘Siam‘ or ‘Syam‘ – a Sanskrit word adopted from its early rule. But when did Siam change its name to Thailand, and why?

Siam changed its name to Thailand on the formation of a new dictatorship led by Phibun in 1939. The aim was to modernize and emphasize a unique Thai identity. Although the name change took place seven years after Phibun’s new government, it was changed back to its original name once, in between his two-year gap of pure dominance.

The name Siam itself is more than just a simple historical name changed by a man in power. People are often curious about where the name ‘Thailand’ derived from and what pursued Phibun (in full, Luang Phibunsongkhram) as the primary leader to initiate a significant transformation during a struggling rule.

This has a lot to do with cultural change and Thailand’s history of challenging Western influence and playing a role in uniting religious and cultural norms within their society. 

When Did Siam Become Thailand?

Siam is not only an old name but is also seen as an exonym, a different name outside of its native context.

Uniquely, the term Siam is thought to have come from various theories. The first myth is that Siam is believed to be a Sanskrit word meaning Samaya, which translates to dark and brown. The name comes from the skin color of natives in Siam, who were darker in skin tone compared to the other parts of Southeast Asia.

Another theory is that the word Siam comes from the Pari language of the Indian subcontinent. Here, the term translates to Land of Gold.

The third theory is that Siam belongs to the Mon language of native Thai, translating the phrase to Land of Strangers. 

It is often questioned why Thailand became such a famous name, although Siam is what the country was known for to the entire globe for years to come. The Portuguese started to use the name Siam in a global sphere, a unique attribute that brought the country to stardom.

Praise was the name that Siamese people used to pay tribute to their culture and national language. Kings themselves referred to their reigns as Kings of Siam. In the Thai language, Siam was known as Meyong-tai (the land of the Thais) 

However, after a long reign as Siam, the early 20th century brought differences in governance. The land of Thailand, which once was claimed from Laos, Malaysia, and Cambodia, was surrendered to the French.

The angry Thai people were frustrated by the political sphere of the country. Moreover, this allowed for the formation of the 1927 radical political party known as “The People’s Party” to be formed.

Led by army officer Phibun, the group was founded in 1932 and led a coup against the King of Siam. Although the monarchy remained safe from harm, Phibun’s party took over the country under a dictatorship in 1938 and formally changed the name from Siam to Thailand in 1939.

The military government justified the name change to represent the country’s majority and move on from the past name that carried on for 800 years.

In 1944, Phibun was forced to resign, temporarily changing the country’s name to Siam. In 1948, the country was permanently named the Kingdom of Thailand. (Source)

Why Did It Change from Siam to Thailand?

The country changed its name from Siam to Thailand for several reasons. Phibun was a leader who enjoyed nationalism and culture.

However, he did not like that the world knew Thailand by a foreign name. To boost the morale of his people, he thought the name Thailand was more suitable for identity. Thai means “free” or “free people.”

In that case, Thailand is known as the land of the free people or the land of the free.

The importance of freedom in slogans is also something other western countries, such as the United States, also go by. Thailand is also known as the only Southeast Asian country not to have been ruled by a western power. (Source)

How Did the History of Siam Change?

Before, Siam was known as an independent monarchy with a mixture of both Eastern and Western ceremonies.

Siamese was seen as happy people with a couple of modern-day improvements that led to their success.

The country Siam was known for being shaped like the head of an elephant. You might have also heard of Siam in comparison to Western countries such as Italy.

Bangkok was referred to as the “Venice of the East.” Today, the capital is called the Jewel City of Asia. 

Laced with canals and waterways, Siamese people built homes on boats as they did on their lands. Floating markets were seen with beautiful front yards; these factors became the main passions of women in the country. The river life was full of vegetables and fruits and a favorite location for the women.

An essential element to note was the evolution of Siamese women. Short hair on ladies was common morale, dragged on by decades of women assaults and army raids. Women were now left to characterize themselves as solid and resilient. 

The history of Siam has still significantly impacted what it is now, in the name of Thailand. Religion remains a prominent factor; Buddhism is considered the most critical factor of the country’s identity. Thai people are proud of their faith in philosophy as the doctrine of religion. (Source)

Siam vs. Thailand: The Aftermath of the Name Change

At the time of the name change, Phibun launched a modernization campaign and promoted Thai culture, language, and education across the region.

The transformation pressured Thai-Chinese relations. The slogan “Thailand for the Thai” was considered anti-Chinese. Moreover, Phibun cut down immigration from China, set up Thai businesses, and limited Chinese studies in educational institutions.

While implementing a western calendar, a new flag, and a brand new national anthem, Phibun also demanded that Thai people wear western-style clothing.

After Thailand allied with Japan during the Second World War, Phibun was forced to resign. Although he returned to power in 1948, Phibun was ousted nine years later. (Source)

Do Thai People Prefer Siam or Thailand as Their Country Name?

Today, most people in the country refer to the country by its new name: Thailand.

However, Siam is known for its historic character. Siam is still a common name used for providing tourists with an exotic look of Thailand, a far-off land it once used to be.

The historical name can be seen used in various locations such as Siam Niramit. These are traditional dances and performances put on by Thai people to showcase their historical evolution. The use of Siam for branding is shared within the country. (Source)

You will also note that even the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, has a unique history and is called by different names. Known in the Thai language as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, or Krungthep, Bangkok is seen as the City of Angels. (Source)

However, Bangkok has a more symbolic significance and a much longer Thai name. As seen in the famous song Asanee-Wasan Chotikul, a paragraph is used to describe what Bangkok means in Thai.

According to the Guinness World Records, this makes it the longest name for a place in the world. (Source)

Nevertheless, the country’s name still carries some controversy today. Even then, Thailand enjoyed support from rulers who noted cultural uniformity and the need for one national structure.

However, others still hope to restore the name ‘Siam’ with the sense that political and religious pluralism still deems the right to exist; people of different beliefs, backgrounds, and lifestyles should be able to coexist together in the same society. 

The Land of Smiles

Siam, now Thailand, has a long history of name changes. People from all over the world will remember the country by these two notable names in history. It is also known by foreigners as ‘The Land of Smiles.’

The names of Thailand and its cities all have Thai and English meanings prescribed to suit these values. There is symbolism and cultural importance behind every name being a voice for the people.

With significant influence from the west and Phibun’s need for rich nationality and a unique identity, Thailand’s evolution as a traditional and western power has led to its uniqueness and charm. The influence of western morals and Thai identity stays behind even after Phibun’s period of rule.

As a matter of fact, Phibun’s changes are still widely debated and discussed. He serves as one of the most influential people to have created change in Thailand.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and thinking about embarking on a spiritual journey to pose profound questions about your life? Well, visiting Thailand is an excellent place to start. Thailand is packed full of the most unique spiritual places. They have been around for centuries and are significant to many people.

Thailand is considered to have plenty of highly spiritual and sacred places based on the traditions, cultures, and beliefs of the people for centuries, especially Buddhism, supernaturalism, and superstitions or spiritualism. These places also consist of various phenomena and important events involving Thai’s lifeways and mindsets, as well as thousands of years of history and significance attached to them.

When visiting these places, you will understand Thai culture and its people deeply through the perspective of tangible things, whether it is man-made places such as buildings or architecture, and natural sites with faith and myth stories created by local people.

Not only this, but you also might feel energy, connectedness, knowledge, inner peace, and tranquility since the presence of faith elevates these spiritual places, making them more than mere places.

Here are some important spiritual and sacred places in Thailand, categorized into two types: culture and nature. They are ready for you to discover.

5 Spiritual Places in Thailand Where You Can Connect with Culture

The numerous spiritual and peaceful places offering solitude to most travelers primarily relate to Buddhism. Buddhist temples and religious sites amount to approximately more than 40,000 in Thailand (1).

In Bangkok, the 3 most famous places where Thais always visit to worship and pay homage to the Buddha images enshrined inside the temples (during different important religious days) are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun. They are packed full of tourists on a daily basis.

1. Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew “วัดพระแก้ว,” officially called Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram or commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It was built in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I to enshrine the Emerald Buddha, which was made in the 15th century. It still holds tremendous significance for Thailand and the Thais.

This image is adorned with three different sets of gold seasonal costumes; a diamond-encrusted gold robe in the summer season, a gold-plated monk’s robe with headdress in the rainy season, and a solid gold robe in the winter season (2). The King of Thailand changed the clothes three times per year in a ceremony at the ceremonial costume change of the seasons around March, August, and November. There are also many other Buddha images inside the temple and beautiful mural painting on the walls surrounding the Ubosot that depicts the Ramakien, based on the Indian Ramayana epic.

This is the most important and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the temple every year. The royal ceremony takes place to bring good fortune throughout the upcoming season, making people gather together on such a special day. It also is believed that those who come to worship the Emerald Buddha will receive a blessing for life, intelligence enhancement, and endless wealth and prosperity (4, 5, 6).

2. Wat Pho, Bangkok

Wat Pho “วัดโพธิ์,” officially called Wat Phra Chetuphon, or commonly known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the most well-known landmarks for travelers. The construction of the temple was built in the Ayutthaya period. It was renovated in 1832 during the reign of King Rama III to be the center of education and art, making it Thailand’s first university (3).

It is on the list of six temples in Thailand classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples and has been registered by UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) (7). Most importantly, it is the birthplace of the much valuable wisdom. This includes the historic inscriptions involving Buddhist precepts, literary works on traditional medicine and herbs, and mural painting on the walls showing traditional Yoga postures and traditional massage. It is now recognized as the famous learning center for meditation and traditional Thai massage, where people can learn techniques of various natural remedies for health.

Wat Pho holds the dual honors of having Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha image and the greatest number of Buddha images. These originated from the ruins of the former capitals Ayuthaya and Sukhothai in Thailand. The Wihan houses the highly impressive gold-plated Reclining Buddha, which is designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana, measuring 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The feet and the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl inlays of 108 auspicious signs of Buddha that combine India’s and China’s beliefs [6]. It also is believed that those who come to pay homage to the Reclining Buddha will receive fortune and abundance and live with happiness and peace.  

3. Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun “วัดอรุณ,” officially called Wat Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, or commonly known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the most published images of Thailand. The temple was built in the Ayutthaya period known as ‘Wat Makok.’ It was first promoted as the royal temple by King Taksin in Thonburi Period under the name ‘Wat Chaeng’ before being renamed to ‘Wat Arun Ratchawararam’ during the Reign of King Rama IV (8, 9).

The temple consists of a magnificent elongated Khmer-style Phraprang (pagoda), 80-85 meters in height, decorated with colorful glazed Chinese porcelains, tiles, and seashells. It is surrounded by four smaller pagodas, Giant statues, the Ordination Hall, the Bell Tower, and many Buddha statues (10).

Most interestingly, Wat Arun’s pagodas were built and located to simulate the Buddhist Cosmology and Traiphum. The story of the three planes of existence describing the basic ethos of traditional Theravada religion (11). You will understand the Buddhist Cosmos through their architecture and buildings when visiting here.

Although the temple is one of the most popular tourism attractive places, it is also an important place of worship for Buddhists. It is believed that those who make merit at this temple and pay homage at the beginning of the year to the principal Buddha image will have a glorious life like the rising sun or the bright dawn. Each year, the ‘Royal Tod Kathin’ ceremony is still held at Wat Arun. By the end of the three-month lent period for Buddhist monks, the King of Thailand travels downriver in a Royal Barge Procession to present new robes to the monks to conserve religion and culture.

4. Wat Sri Chum, Sukhothai

Wat Sri Chum or Wat Ruesi Chum is a part of the Sukhothai Historical Park, one of the most impressive World Heritage Site registered by UNESCO. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam during 13 – 14^th century that consisted of numerous historical remains illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture, known as the Sukhothai style, and Buddhism (12).

Wat Sri Chum was built in the late 14^th century and houses a huge 11.3 meters width and 15 meters height seated Buddha statue wearing a serene facial expression called “Phra Achana.” This symbolizes a person who is unshaken, stable, or a person worthy of respect and worship. The wall of the passageway features 700-year-old paintings, while on the ceiling are more than 50 engraved slate slabs illustrating the life of Buddha (Jataka) scenes (13).

This large Buddha image is well-known as the legend of the speaking Buddha image “พระพุทธรูปพูดได้.” During the second half of the 16^th century, there were many wars with the Burmese. The King wanted to boost the morale of his troops, so he ordered them to climb the narrow stairway that enshrined the Buddha image. Unnoticed by the other soldiers, he delivered a speech to his troops, making them believe that the voice was actually from the Buddha.

While another version of the legend says that the Burmese armies fled in fear upon approaching the Buddha image (14). Because of this, this temple is very famous for its sanctity, charm, and uniqueness, inviting tourists to visit and worship uninterruptedly.

5. Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya

Wat Mahathat, commonly known as the Temple of the Great Relic, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a royal Temple of the Ayutthaya period located in the center of old Ayutthaya, where the Kings had hosted many important royal ceremonies.

It is one of Ayutthaya’s most important temples that enshrined Buddha relics and was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism. Thus, the center of Buddhism in the Ayutthaya Kingdom (15, 16). When the Ayutthaya Kingdom failed in 1767, Wat Mahathat was severely damaged by fire and was since abandoned. Nowadays, the large monastery features pagodas, octagonal pagodas, a royal hall, small temples, murals under a Bodhi tree, and the famous sand-stone Ayutthaya-style head of the Buddha image in a tree’s root (17).

Most interestingly, the temple’s main pagoda (Phra Prang) represents Mount Meru – the center of the universe surrounded by the ocean, which was built to symbolize the Hindu and Buddhist views of the universe (18). While the style head of the Buddha image in a tree’s root is also known for miraculous beauty, becoming the world-famous photographed object known as UNSEEN Thailand.

5 Spiritual Places in Thailand Where You Can Connect with Nature

Buddhist temples and other spiritual sites can be popular destinations for connecting with nature, especially with the breathtaking landscapes shrouded in mystery and tranquility. Here are 5 spiritual places in Thailand where you can connect with nature or just admire the environment’s natural beauty.

1. Wat Tham Suea, Krabi

Wat Tham Suea or Tiger Cave is a Buddhist temple surrounded by stunning rainforests, large trees hundreds of years old, and the 360 panoramas encompassing the Andaman Sea. The most interesting things are the ‘footprint of the Buddha,’ which lies on the terrace, and ‘tiger footprints’ on the floor of the lower temple. The temple is also the meditation center of a Buddhism form called Vipassana that can help to focus on more spiritual matters (19, 20).

2. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn, Lampang

Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is one of the newest attractions from the ‘Unseen Thailand’ campaign, which is becoming the most famed destination. It was built over ten years ago by a revered monk from Lampang and 46 dedicated workers. They spent two years carrying materials and equipment to build these temples in rugged terrain.

The temple is a spectacle unlike anywhere else in Thailand, with golden and white pagodas spread throughout the sharp peaks and upon precipices. One of the exciting parts is that the visitors will pass by a footprint that is believed to be the footprint of Buddha. They will be surrounded by stunning 360 panoramas of nature and the shimmering stupas in bright sunlight (22, 24).

3. Wat Pa Phu Kon, Udon Thani

Wat Pa Phu Kon was built between 2010-2013, with the funds used for construction from a Thai donor in honor of King Rama IX. It follows the footsteps of the late King in keeping forests fertile. It is an outstanding forest temple that is unlike most religious buildings.

Although this temple lacks history itself, the architecture is beautiful in appearance and set in idyllic surroundings with sculptures and artworks that represent some mystical, philosophical, or other meaning related to Buddhism. The temple also serves as a place of pilgrimage for practitioners of the Buddhist faith (21, 22).

4. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan, Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan is one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples and was built in 1383 to enshrine a piece of bone said to be from the shoulder of the historical Buddha. A legend states that the King entrusted a white elephant with a magical relic necessary for the temple to be built. And people followed the elephant up to the Doi Suthep Mountain, and the exact place where the elephant died marked the spot where the temple had to be built.

Visitors need to climb the staircase flanked by naga to reach the temple. The climb is intended to help devotees accrue Buddhist merit. It also has the Vipassana Meditation Center within the temple that conducts various religious outreach programs for visitors (22, 23).

5. Thamma Park (Ban Khao Na Nai), Surat Thani

Thamma Park (Ban Khai Na Nai) is a popular Buddhist temple with astonishing architecture – the 9 top arch gates called Bhuddhawadi and the sky pagoda containing Buddha’s relics. It is located on a limestone hilltop, almost 300 meters. The main highlight is the temple’s arch gate, where sunlight shines on the gates in the early morning, making a stunning, mysterious scenery between nature and man-made structures (22).

5 Etiquettes to Remember While Visiting the Spiritual Places in Thailand

These spiritual places are places of worship and holy ground for people. Thus, it is essential to remember that you are expected to act with due respect when visiting, such as:

1. Take off your shoes and hats before entering the buildings.

2. Avoid improper or unacceptable clothes and ensure that your clothes cover your shoulders and your knees.

3. Ask permission before taking pictures, and do not take too many photos even if you are allowed (only applies to active places of devotion and worship).

4. Do not touch or climb on top of the Buddha statues. Buddha statues are religious objects, and you are expected to treat them with the utmost respect, and not lean on, sit on, touch, or point their feet towards them.

5. Do not touch Buddhist monks, especially if you are female. Women are not allowed to touch monks, as well as to hand items to monks.

Conclusion

As you can see, with numerous spiritual places based on Buddhism, Thailand is a dream destination for travelers seeking a spiritual journey. Thailand is a country where you can intensively study the nature of reality, grow your understanding of people’s beliefs, and rejuvenate your mindset.

You are truly spoilt for choice. This article has covered some great places to start and use as inspiration for your own odyssey.

References:

1. Buddhism), สำนักงานพระพุทธศาสนาแห่งชาติ (National Office of. จำนวนวัดในประเทศ ปี 2555-ปัจจุบัน. สำนักงานพระพุทธศาสนาแห่งชาติ (National Office of Buddhism). [Online] August 03, 2021. https://www.onab.go.th/th/content/category/detail/id/805/iid/9905/.

2. GRAND PALACE & EMERALD BUDDHA. THE EMERALD BUDDHA SEASONAL COSTUME CHANGING. GRAND PALACE & EMERALD BUDDHA. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.emerald-buddha.com/costume-change-emerald-buddha/.

3. Thailand, Amazing. 9 Sacred Sites In Bangkok. Amazing Thailand. [Online] July 2017. https://www.amazingthailandebook.com/files/book_182/4c5704efd21aeded3771e643e832cbfa1559117901509.pdf/.

4. Faiththaistory. พระแก้วมรกต ความศักดิ์สิทธิ์ที่หลวงปู่มั่นได้บอกไว้. Faiththaistory. [Online] July 10, 2017. https://www.faiththaistory.com/emerald-buddha/.

5. User : GLS***83. 6 เรื่องน่ารู้ก่อนเที่ยววัดพระแก้วกรุงเทพฯ 2020. Trip.com. [Online] Ocotober 27, 2020. https://th.trip.com/blog/things-to-know-wat-phra-kaew-2020/.

6. Bangkok Biz News. 9 “วัด” 10 พระพุทธรูปสำคัญแห่งเกาะรัตนโกสินทร์ ทำบุญไหว้พระรับ “ปีใหม่”. Bangkok Biz News. [Online] January 1, 2022. https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/lifestyle/980364/.

7. Sullivan, Boris. UNESCO Registers Wat Pho As A “Memory of the World”. Thailand Business News. [Online] December 27, 2011. https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/34124-unesco-registers-wat-pho-as-a-memory-of-the-world.html/.

8. หอสมุดแห่งชาติ กาญจนาภิเษก สงขลา. ประวัติวัดอรุณราชวราราม. หอสมุดแห่งชาติ กาญจนาภิเษก สงขลา. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.finearts.go.th/songkhlalibraryk/view/15356-ประวัติวัดอรุณราชวราราม/.

9. กองโบราณคดี (Office Of Archaeology). วัดอรุณราชวราราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร ปีงบประมาณ ๒๕๕๖ . กองโบราณคดี (Office Of Archaeology). [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.finearts.go.th/archae/view/9365-วัดอรุณราชวราราม-ราชวรมหาวิหาร-ปีงบประมาณ-๒๕๕๖/.

10. Thailand, Amazing. Wat Arun (Temple Of Dawn). Tourism Authority Of Thailand. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/wat-arun-temple-of-dawn/.

11. นายรอบรู้ นักเดินทาง (Nairobroo). วัดอรุณฯ คุณเคยรู้สิ่งเหล่านี้หรือไม่. นายรอบรู้ นักเดินทาง (Nairobroo). [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.nairobroo.com/travel/tips-travelers/wat-arun/.

12. UNESCO. Historic Town Of Sukhothai And Associated Historic Towns. UNESCO. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/574/.

13. Sukhothai. อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย. Sukhothai. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] http://www.sukhothai.go.th/tour/tour_01.htm/.

14. Museum Thailand. พระพุทธรูปพูดได้. Museum Thailand. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.museumthailand.com/th/2075/storytelling/พระพุทธรูปพูดได้/.

15. Renown Travel. Wat Mahathat “The temple of the Great Relic”. Renown Travel. [Online] [Cited: January 26, 2022.] https://www.renown-travel.com/historicalsites/ayutthaya/wat-mahathat.html/.

16. History Of Ayutthaya. WAT MAHA THAT (วัดมหาธาตุ). History Of Ayutthaya. [Online] January 2015. [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.ayutthaya-history.com/Temples_Ruins_MahaThat.html/.

17. Amazing Thailand. Wat Phra Mahathat. Tourism Authority of Thailand. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/wat-phra-mahathat/.

18. หรีด ณ วัด. สืบประวัติวัดมหาธาตุ แห่งอยุธยา วัดที่ต้องไปสักครั้งในชีวิต. หรีด ณ วัด. [Online] February 3, 2021. https://www.wreathnawat.com/วัดมหาธาตุ-อยุธยา/.

19. Krabi Tourism. Wat Tham Sua ( Tiger Cave Temple). Krabi-Thailand. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] http://www.krabi-tourism.com/krabi/watthumsua.htm/.

20. Hotels.com. Krabi Tiger Cave. Hotels.com. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] http://www.krabi-hotels.com/seedo/tiger-cave.htm/.

21. Jonesy In Thailand. Wat Pa Phu Kon Temple. Jonesy In Thailand. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://jonesyinthailand.com/nong-khai/attractions/wat-pa-phu-kon-temple/.

22. ทรัสต์. รวม 10 วัดบนเขาเมืองไทย สวยจับใจ ต้องไปให้ได้สักครั้ง. tripgether. [Online] January 6, 2021. https://www.tripgether.com/อัปเดตเรื่องเที่ยว/รวม-10-วัดบนเขาเมืองไทย-ต้องไปให้ได้สักครั้ง/.

23. Lonely Planet. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Lonely Planet. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai/attractions/wat-phra-that-doi-suthep/a/poi-sig/1243262/357655/.

24. HongKhao Village. Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn. HongKhao Village. [Online] [Cited: January 25, 2022.] https://www.hongkhaovillage.com/Attractions/wat-chaloem-phra-kiat-phrachomklao-rachanusorn.html/.

Every country has its own unique culture and beliefs that make them different from others. Some ideas are based on tradition, while others are based on religion and superstitions.

As Thailand is an Asian country with the majority of local people being Buddhists, many Thai people are very superstitious and have a lot of unique beliefs.

Thailand is home to various myths that are based on a variety of different phenomena and religious events. From wanting to know about pregnancy scares, color codes, mysterious festivals, or the perfect day to cut your hair, there are myths about some of the most peculiar, random, and humorous topics. 

Curious to know more? Keep on reading to learn about Thai superstitions and unique beliefs, such as how to avoid an old husband or how to steer clear of bad luck.

What are the beliefs of Thailand?

1. Don’t play hide and seek after sunset

This is a widespread story that older people tell to young children. The report entails the hideous horrors of children playing hide and seeks after sunset.

It is said that evil spirits will join the game and use their power to shield the hiding children from human sight so that the seeker won’t be able to find them no matter how much they scream or call for help. These evil spirits will take those lost children to the afterlife.

Almost every kid in Thailand knows about this belief, and there are many ghost stories based on its context.

In reality, the origin of this belief is that the parents are concerned about their child’s safety, so they use this story to prevent their children from playing during the night. Judging by how every kid knows this belief, this parent rule seems to be working. (Source)

2. How to avoid getting an old husband

Single ladies, this one is for you!

Thai people believe that if you sing while cooking or eating, you will marry an old husband. This is a common myth that teenage girls have probably heard while helping their mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen.

In the past, Thai ladies had the habit of singing while working in the kitchen, which resulted in them accidentally hurting themselves or burning the dishes. (Source)

So, to prevent such accidents, the elders share this belief with their younger generations. Additionally, it is not a good dining etiquette to be noisy and loud while eating, from where the idea is derived.

3. “Ugly” babies

In any other country, calling a baby ‘cute’ would bring an instant smile to their parents. However, this is not the case in Thailand.

Thai people believe that calling a baby ‘cute’ or ‘adorable’ would attract the attention of ghosts, like the Krause ghost, which is said to be a disembodied head and intestines of a woman floating around to cause harm to little children.

Instead, people will refer to the newborn babies as “ugly” to fool the ghosts by making them lose interest in the babies. Therefore, don’t call babies “cute,” or you will make Thai parents very angry.

Also, don’t feel bad if you are a parent and Thai people call your baby “ugly” because they don’t really mean it and are just protecting them from evil beings.

4. Color codes

The color ‘black’ is often associated with funerals and mourning, so people avoid wearing black-colored clothes when visiting patients. Wearing all black should be avoided when attending joyful ceremonies, such as weddings or birthday parties.

Also, in Thailand, each day of the week has its own particular color that is believed to bring good luck if worn accordingly. This is because many local people, especially the older generations, believe that color influences their feelings and perceptions, and wearing the particular color assigned on the day they were born would bring good luck to them.

Curious to know which color is assigned to your birthday? Below is the list of colors and the days of the week associated with them so that you can find your color, too:

• Sunday: Red

• Monday: Yellow

• Tuesday: Pink

• Wednesday: Green

• Thursday: Orange

• Friday: Blue

• Saturday: Purple

5. Don’t look between your legs

And no, this is not about something sexual. In Thailand, it is believed that if a person bends down and looks between their legs, that person may see a ghost.

This is a widespread and widely known belief among Thai people and has even been used as a plotline in the famous Thai ghost movie ‘Pee Mak.’ In the film, the main character ‘Pee Mak’, finds out the true identity of his wife ‘Nak’ by bending down and looking between his legs. 

6. Bad lizards, good lizards

Huge monitor lizards are everywhere in Thailand, even in urban areas like Bangkok. They mostly live near the water, like swamps, lakes, and rivers, but they are also seen lazing around on tree branches or even invading 7-Eleven stores.

And interestingly, different people have different beliefs when it comes to these monitor lizards. Some Thai people think that these monitor lizards bring bad luck as these lizards lurk around the cemeteries and that spirits may follow them to where people live.

Another reason why some people believe that lizards carry bad luck is because they steal chickens and eggs and can even be a threat to small animals. Therefore, people try to chase them away if they find monitor lizards near their places.

However, some people consider these gigantic lizards to symbolize wealth and fortune. These people believe that if a monitor lizard is found near your home, it means they are bringing good luck to you and your family. Some might even feed or throw coins at them to increase their good luck. (Source)

Good or bad, no matter what kind of luck these giant lizards may bring, one thing for sure is that they can be pretty intimidating when coming across within a close distance. 

7. No haircutting on Wednesdays

This is a prevalent belief among Thai people that one should not get their haircut on Wednesday, and doing so would result in bad luck for that person.

This belief is such a widely known and accepted tradition among local people that many local hair salons and barbers close their shops on Wednesday as rarely any guest would come on that day.

The origin of this belief comes from the fact that in the past, the King and the royal family got their haircuts on Wednesday. Therefore, the commoners were told that they should not get their haircuts on the same day because it would be seen as rather disrespectful towards the royal family.

Another possible reason for haircuts being forbidden on Wednesdays is that in ancient Thai culture, Wednesday was considered the day of agriculture or a day of growing things. Thus, cutting stuff on such a day would bring bad luck to the people. (Source)

However, today, this belief has been questioned and not followed by the younger generations.

8. Bird poops and lizard noises

Bird poop and lizard noises are believed to be a sign of bad luck. If a bird poops on you at the start of a day, that means the rest of your day will be full of struggles and bad luck.

Also, if you hear a house lizard or a gecko making noises behind you when you are about to leave the house, consider staying in for the day because this symbolizes a warning sign that something bad is coming your way.

So, if you happen to encounter any of these signs, be extra careful on that day to avoid any bad luck.

9. Facial cues

Like in many other Asian countries, ‘physiognomy’ is a common belief among Thai people. If a person has a mole on the lower lips, they are lousy and cannot be trusted with secrets.

Birthmarks signify that the person is an old soul and has had a previous life, while those born without marks have new souls.

And all thanks to the fictional character, ‘Khun Chang,’ from one of the most famous works in Thai literature called ‘Khun Chang Khun Phaeng,’ bald people are considered flirty and sneaky as a stereotype.

10. Pregnancy rules

Aside from the usual pregnancy rules made by OBGYN doctors, there are also some traditional rules that pregnant women should follow.

The first belief is that pregnant women should not attend funerals as the spirit of the dead and other evil beings from the cemeteries will disturb the baby in the womb.

Also, pregnant women should not watch another pregnant woman giving birth as this will cause difficult birth for the one watching.

Other pregnancy beliefs also include pregnant women not sitting at the stairways as that might cause obstructed birth, and also not burying anything in the soil during the pregnancy period as it is believed to cause difficult childbirth. (Source)

Myths behind Thai festivals

Other than these superstitions, most of the festivals in Thailand are also based on religious beliefs.

As a country full of festivals all year round, here are two of the most significant festivals in Thailand and the beliefs behind each celebration.

Songkran festival

The country’s most famous festival, Songkran, or the Thai New Year festival, is usually celebrated around the second week of April. The beliefs and traditions behind this festival are that water symbolizes ‘purity’ – pouring fragrant water over Buddha images will bring blessings for the new year.

Likewise, by pouring water over one another, the sins from the previous year will be “washed away” with the water, and more blessings will come in the new year.

Most of the Buddhist temples around the country will hold special events and activities during the festival period. It is a tradition among the local Buddhist people to visit the temples, pour water over Buddha images, and build sand pagodas to increase their good karma for the new year. (Source)

Loy Krathong Festival:

Loy Krathong is another famous festival in Thailand and is mainly known as the ‘Lights Festival’ as candles and lanterns are used to celebrate this festival. The Loy Krathong festival is celebrated to respect the Goddess of Water and the Buddha. This annual festival is usually celebrated on the 12th full moon day of the Thai Lunar Calendar.

During the evening of the festival day, local people gather around the lakes, rivers, and canals to release lotus-shaped rafts and candles into the water as a way of showing their gratitude towards the Goddess of Water. People ask for forgiveness if they have used too much water or contaminated it during the year.

Also, it is a belief among the Thai Buddhists that by releasing the floating candles and rafts into the water, the negativity from the previous year will also be gone into the flowing water, leaving them with good luck for the next year.

Thai superstitions, Thai beliefs

As one may have noticed, many of these superstitions and beliefs are based on Buddhism, ghosts, and ancient traditions.

And as weird or outdated as they might sound in today’s age with advanced technology and science, many Thai people still practice these beliefs, and they even affect consumers and the business decisions of local people. (Source)

Therefore, it is helpful to know these beliefs and understand the origins of each, whether you are a tourist looking to avoid any bad luck during your stay or an expat who is doing business with the local people.

There are two types of Buddhism – Theravada and Mahayana. In Thailand, the prominent form of Buddhism practiced is Theravada Buddhism. Many holidays and festivals in Thailand are based on Buddhism, such as Buddha Day and the famous Loy Krathong festival.

According to estimates, over 90% of the Thai population identifies as Buddhists, and most of them take their religious beliefs seriously. So, to prevent misunderstandings with the locals, it’s helpful to understand the basic code of ethics revered by Buddhists.

What is forbidden in Buddhism?

In Buddhism, the most well-known rules of forbidden acts are known as the five precepts or five rules of training. (Source)

These are the rules guided by the Buddha to help people behave morally and ethically in their lives. It is believed that following these precepts will allow people to achieve enlightenment and reach Nirvana.

Many Buddhists in Thailand follow the forbidden acts more seriously during the Vassa or Buddhist Lent, a period of the Three-Lunar-Month that usually starts around August and ends in October.

The 5 precepts

The ‘five precepts’ advise against committing the following five acts:

1. Refrain from taking life (not killing)

This includes all lives, including the animals. And this rule might cause some confusion as to whether Buddhism forbids eating meat or that all Buddhists need to be vegetarian. This is actually not the case; Buddhists do not necessarily need to be vegetarians – even monks and nuns.

Buddhism forbids making others suffer from malicious intent. Monks and nuns can eat meat as long as they are pre-cooked by others.

For other Buddhists, eating meat is not explicitly forbidden by the religion, although many Buddhists in Thailand, and other Buddhist countries in South East Asia, such as Myanmar, avoid eating meat during the Buddhist Lent period, as doing so is believed to bring good karma.

Many restaurants and 7-Eleven shops in Thailand sell vegetarian meals during these periods as special seasonal meals.

2. Refrain from taking what is not given (not stealing)

Aside from obvious crimes of theft, this also means refraining from borrowing something and also not returning it to the owner. And this rule applies to even family members. Taking something without informing the owner is considered ‘sinning.’

Local people also believe that borrowing money and not giving it back to the lender will make them indebted to them even in the next life. It is also believed that stealing something from the temples or pagodas will bring the worst karma to life and must be avoided at any cost.

3. Refrain from committing sexual misconduct and adultery

The five precepts forbid people from committing adultery or sexual misconduct. It has been stated that lusting over someone already married or in an established relationship is forbidden by religion.

That’s why, in Thailand, having affairs is strongly condemned by society, and monogamy has been adopted into Thai law since 1935, making polygamy marriages unofficial.

However, interestingly, polygamy still exists in Thailand and is also accepted as long as the involved parties agree. Feeling attracted to monks or nuns is considered a big sin, and there were tales from ancient times about people who had to go to hell for lusting over monks or nuns, even for a few seconds.

This rule also applies to situations where one lusts over someone they should not, even when they do so just in their mind and not verbally or physically.

4. Refrain from false speech (not lying)

Yes, telling lies is prohibited, although there are arguably so many gray areas. ‘White lies’ are considered acceptable as those are told without any ill intentions.

Another belief among Buddhist people is that cursing or saying profanities will lessen the good karma as saying those ‘dirty words’ will make one’s guardian angel stay away from the person.

But in reality, it is not easy to avoid telling lies or cursing at all, so most people will try to keep this precept on special occasions such as Buddhist Day or during religious festival periods.

So, try not to curse (or at least out loud) when visiting the temples to avoid being stared at by the locals.

5. Refrain from taking intoxicants that lead to heedlessness

Buddhism explicitly forbids monks and nuns from drinking alcohol and taking intoxicants such as drugs. It is believed that doing so will cloud the mind and cause misjudgments to be made.

For ordinary people who are not monks or nuns, drinking alcohol is not explicitly forbidden by the religion, but it is not encouraged either.

In fact, 7-Eleven shops in Thailand do not sell alcohol on special days related to religion, such as the full moon day of Buddhist Lent, as it is illegal to buy and sell alcohol during Asahna Bucha and Khao Phansa days in Thailand.

And although not explicitly forbidden by the religion, some Buddhists do not drink alcohol for their religious beliefs. Therefore, it’s better to ask before offering drinks to Thai people during social events.

Other rules and traditions

Followed by Buddhists

There are other rules and traditions followed by Buddhists, apart from the five precepts. A few of them are as follows:

Women are not allowed in certain areas of temples

This rule has caused a lot of controversies among non-Buddhists and non-Asians and has seemed like discrimination against women. However, this rule was made because of the superstitions that have existed since long ago.

Many local people believe in the north and northeast of Thailand that their ancestors have kept the divinities and relics buried under the ground of these historic places, such as temples and holy pagodas.

And such areas are claimed as ‘Holy areas’ or ‘Holy grounds,’ and only authorized persons or monks, who are males, are allowed to be there. Hence, restrictions are made only for women in those historical places, such as the relic in Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphoon and Wat Prathat Lampang Luang in Lampang. (Source)

In Thailand, women are also not allowed to touch monks directly as such actions might cause distractions to the monks in their journey to reach enlightenment. Monks usually receive or give things to women by using a cloth or by their attendants.

So if you are a woman, you need to be careful about this when visiting the temples or encountering the monks in Thailand, even when you are not a Buddhist.

Looming above Buddha statue or image

Yes, even standing above (or worse, stepping over) a photo or painting of Buddha is considered very offensive to the Buddhists. That’s why using Buddha statues or images as decoration is highly condemned in Thailand.

If you visit Ayutthaya, you will see signs that say ‘Do not climb over’ or ‘Do not cross’ at certain places, as there are Buddha statues in the lower areas of those places.

Pointing at Buddha Image with your feet or lying down with your feet facing forward to the Buddha statue and image is also considered very offensive and disrespectful. It is believed that the feet are the dirtiest parts of the human body.

Followed by monks and nuns

Some rules are specifically made for monks and nuns as they are to lead lives where there is no lust or wants for physical things and pleasures. Although ordinary people do not necessarily need to follow these rules, here are a few of them if you are curious to find out.

Monks and nuns need to shave their hair

According to Buddha’s rule, a monk or nun is not allowed to grow his or her hair beyond a certain length or for a certain time period.

This is because becoming a Buddhist monk or nun means accepting an ascetic lifestyle. Shaving their heads symbolizes giving up on worldly attachments to cut off self-interest and attachment to personal appearance. (Source)

And also, shaving their hair gives the monks and nuns more time to focus on reaching enlightenment and Nirvana, which are the ultimate goals of any Buddhist in life.

Therefore, Buddhist monks and nuns will usually shave their heads at least once a fortnight or month, and sometimes more frequently than that, depending on the time it takes for one to grow out their hair.

They also need to use a razor of their own, which is one of the requisites for every monk and nun, and they cannot also use other tools such as scissors.

Dyeing or plucking out the grey hair is also not allowed as well, and as most Buddhist monks do not usually check their appearance in mirrors, they are more likely not to notice the grey hair as well.

Brushing or combing the hair or applying any treatment to the hair, except for medical purposes, is also forbidden. This means that they still have attachments to their personal appearances, which is considered a form of lust. (Source)

In Thailand, Buddhist monks also need to shave their eyebrows, although it is not required in other Buddhist countries like Myanmar.

Monks and nuns do not eat solid food after 12 noon

This is often known as Buddhist Fasting. It is not allowed to eat after midday because monks and nuns reduce as many distractions and physical attachments as possible to focus on meditations and study Buddha’s Dhamma.

So, for them, food is more of just a source of energy to survive and not something to be enjoyed, and they only consume just enough to get energy for their daily activities and hence, only eat breakfast and lunch before midday.

Also, monks and nuns need to rely on other people for cooking as they cannot buy or cook raw meat, and as a way to reduce the burden on people, this practice is applied.

The last possible reason is that monks and nuns lived in the forests or away from civilians in the past and needed to travel every day, so if they were to travel at night, it might endanger them. (Source)

Monks are not allowed to handle money directly

According to Vinaya rules, a monk cannot touch or handle the money directly. Therefore, most of the monks need to have an attendant-of-sort called Kappiya who will oversee and manage the money for the monks on their behalf. It may seem inconvenient to do such a thing, especially in modern times.

However, this rule was made to protect and remind the monk to be mindful of dangerous actions as that can lead his monkhood, also known as Bhikkhu life, to be compromised. (Source)

However, nowadays, this rule applies on a case-by-case basis as things have advanced and monks need to adapt to the modern world.

Respect goes a long way

These rules may sound complicated and complex to follow for non-Buddhists, especially Westerners, but in Buddhism, these are more like guidelines to live a moral and ethical life.

It cannot be said that all Buddhists follow these rules at all times, although some actually do so. But most Buddhists are very mindful of these forbidden acts.

Therefore, by knowing these forbidden acts, you can avoid any unnecessary misunderstanding with the local people. It is always good to be respectful of any religion when you are in their country.

Have you ever heard of ‘Sex Tourism?’ If you have, you might know that Thailand is on the top list of such countries. But do you know why Thailand is famous for its sex-oriented tourist attractions?

Thailand is famous for sex tourism because it has abundant options that serve the needs of sex-curious tourists. From go-go bars, cabaret clubs, massage parlors, and spas to brothels and the notorious ping-pong shows, people go to Thailand for sex because its red-light districts have something for everyone.

Even if you’re not interested in partaking in such tourism, you might want to know what it’s like. What makes Thailand sex tourism what it is?

Read on to discover the world of lust and desire in this unique country.

Why do people go to Thailand for sex?

When it comes to sex tourism, Thailand has everything. No matter how rare or niche your sex taste is, this country can scratch that itch.

Some of the services or shows can only be found in Thailand too. Like the infamous ping-pong show.

If you don’t know what it is, the following question might give you an idea. “Can you play ping-pong (table tennis) without the paddles, but with your… vagina?” And you can probably guess the answer. It’s called the ping-pong show, after all.

Even such a unique show exists in this country. So, you can definitely find “your thing” here.

Moreover, the Thai sex industry isn’t only about the variety but the quality too.

Every sex-related business in Thailand has fierce competition. If you want your place to survive, you step up your game. The prostitutes will do whatever they can to provide the best services, including masterful techniques, decorations, and substance use.

The last one might sound dangerous to both the customers and service providers. But it shows how far the sex worker is willing to go to “please” you.

However, with high quality comes high prices. You need to pay extra for the top service, or it’s “pay less, play less.” 

And that’s only the surface of Thai sex tourism. If you dig deeper, you will discover a darker side to the business too. After all, the sex trade in any country tends to attract issues such as human trafficking, kidnapping, scams, etc.

Some people go to Thailand to make deals on these shady businesses. And they make a ton of cash. However, if you’re not in the know, you will never see it with your own eyes. You can only hear about it in the gossip or local news.

So, sex tourism in Thailand is not only about pleasure. It can be about money too. This country really has everything.

Who goes to Thailand for sex?

The answer is quite obvious. It’s mostly men.

And the age range is wide too. Some young male tourists come to Thailand to enjoy themselves and go. And there are the so-called “sex-pats.” You guessed it. It’s ex-pats who stay for the sex. Mostly, this group is middle-aged men. But of course, there are the younger ones as well.

But why men? If Thailand really has something for everyone, why not women too?

Well… It’s the nature of these businesses. If you think about it, it’s simpler than you might imagine. When anyone says “brothels,” is “male prostitute” the first thing popping up in your mind? Probably the opposite, right?

Of course, “female prostitutes” attract men more than women. No matter how diverse the services Thailand offers, these businesses will still primarily target men.

And besides, Thai female prostitutes have a reputation for their beauty, personality, and skills.

For foreigners, Thai women are more… exotic.

They uphold different kinds of beauty and values. As a result, they are automatically a mystery worth exploring. And there is a superior female population in Thailand too. So, it’s comparatively easier to find female prostitutes here.

But of course, this doesn’t mean there are no sex tourists of other genders. After all, Thailand has everything. Some women come to have fun with male prostitutes too. Ladyboy prostitution and go-go bars are also a thing, so sexuality is not a problem.

Furthermore, there are “show businesses” that target audiences of all genders too. Like the mentioned ping-pong show. The drag queen and cabaret shows are also non-gender specific. You can enjoy these entertainments for their fashion and aesthetic.

However, no matter how you look at it, men are still the dominant sex tourists in Thailand. It’s just the way things are.

Is Thailand sex tourism legal?

Is it allowed? Yes. 

Is it legal? No.

Okay, this might sound confusing. So here’s an explanation. 

All forms of prostitution and related actions are prohibited by Thai law. Running brothels and similar businesses is punishable. However, the enforcement of this law is weak. The authority would let these businesses operate as if they don’t see them.

But why is that the case?

Well… deception is key. Most brothels operate under different fronts to appear legal — like a hotel, motel, massage parlor, or spa. This allows them to hide in plain sight. As a result, the police can’t do anything about it. They are technically legal.

And besides, Thai people understand that prostitution is not only about right or wrong but also survival.

You see, most prostitutes didn’t choose to do what they do. Their circumstances forced them to. 

Everyone needs to work and make money. But since most prostitutes come from poor backgrounds, they couldn’t afford a good education. So, they lack the crucial skills the workforce needs. That leaves prostitution as their only choice. 

After all, a physical body is a minimum requirement for the job. And everyone has that.

The pay, of course, is also as minimal as the requirement. But it’s enough to keep these poor prostitutes away from starvation. So, if you look at it differently, prostitution keeps these sex workers alive.

If the authority decided to abolish prostitution entirely, these people would be left to die in poverty. Thailand’s social security is far from ideal. Hardly anyone survives without a proper job and money here.

But if the government really wanted to get rid of prostitution, it needed to improve the citizens’ quality of life first. But with the current political turmoil in the country, it’s hard to say that will happen soon.

As a result, Thai sex tourism is “illegal” but “technically allowed.”

The truth about sex tourism in Thailand

Unfortunately, sex tourism is not the most moral thing the world has seen. And like most immoralities, it involves a hideous dark side.

As mentioned, most prostitutes are forced to work as sex workers. And sometimes, the things forcing them are not just poverty and the economy but other people.

Some parents are willing to sell their children to brothel owners for money. Why? Because unwanted pregnancy is also a massive issue in Thailand. 

Many new couples couldn’t afford to raise a child. So when their kids were born, they had to find a way to rebalance their expenses. But what would happen if they can’t accomplish that?

Yes. Instead of sending unwanted children to orphanages, they chose to sell to brothels. After all, the latter pays better.

It may sound like a tragedy from TV dramas, but it’s real in Thailand. And surprisingly, this is not the saddest part of the story.

Some human traffickers even kidnap pretty boys and girls and raise them into prostitutes. 

In the early 2000s, news about mysterious van kidnapping children terrorized Thai parents. Few claimed that they later found their children as beggars on the street. But others weren’t as lucky.

Chances are these missing children became prostitutes somewhere underground. Some of them might even get exported to… who knows where.

These things happen daily in some dark alleys of Thailand, and the solution is still far from reach.

Moreover, this dark side doesn’t end with the prostitute themselves, but also the tourist.

Remember how fierce the competition in this business is? It’s so fiery that those who can’t compete, need to rely on trickery.

They would make a B-grade copy of their competitor’s services and offer it at half price. As a result, many tourists leave Thailand unsatisfied.

The prime example of this practice is the fake ping-pong show.

The real ping-pong show demonstrates more than just how to play ping-pong with your genitals. They also show “weight-lifting,” bottle opening, and much more.

The fake ping-pong show would give you less than half the experience. And some places even use tricks to perform.

Tips for sex tourists

The only tip you’ll ever need as a sex tourist in Thailand is “do your research.”

Even though Thailand has everyone’s niche, you might run into a scam. So, make sure you go to the right place at the right time to get the best experience.

One of the best ways to pinpoint where to go is to talk to the locals. They are the inside men, after all. Nobody knows better than them.

However, choose your conversation partner carefully. Or else you might run into yet another scam.

If your general destination is Pattaya, avoid asking Pattaya people directly. Why? Because they might have their own business. And they might try to convince you to go to their place.

Instead, talk to people who “have been” to Pattaya. They will give you more insight into what to do and avoid. They might share a first-hand experience with scams with you too.

Now. The problem is whether you can communicate with Thai people. If you somehow acquired Thai as a second language, that would be a cakewalk. But if you didn’t, that could be problematic.

Even though many Thais learn to speak English, only a few master it. Their English could be so broken you end up relying on their body language.

So, learning a few tourist phrases in Thai would be a solution.

What is Thailand trying to do to improve its image of sex tourism?

Thailand remains in “denial” mode regarding prostitution and sex tourism. Officials often rebuff the current prostitution issue, as, after all, it is illegal in the eyes of the law. And being a Buddhist country, it is attested that it is impossible for such immorality to be occurring.

So, on a large scale, Thailand hasn’t done anything to improve the situation. And the Thai citizen doesn’t seem to mind it either. It’s business as usual.

On a small scale, however, voices from the younger generation suggest that “we should embrace sex tourism.”

The young Thai seem to think that prostitution should be legalized. Then, the country can fully profit from this business. 

Thailand’s tourism has been declining for many years — especially after COVID-19. The country lost a bunch of tourists to its competitors like Korea, Japan, and even Myanmar. And it’s time to step up the game.

It might be a controversial move internationally. But everyone already knows that Thailand has “sex tourism.” So, better make something out of it.

Even though Thailand wouldn’t be the first country to embrace sex tourism, it will still be one of a few. And the young Thais believe that it will revive Thai tourism.

Of course, there hasn’t been any actual change. The young generation’s idea hasn’t been realized yet. And the progress is lackluster.

You can safely assume that nothing is going to change until 2025. Or even further than that. As of 2023, Thailand is too busy developing its domestic foundation to spare time for tourism of any kind.

So, is sex tourism good for Thailand?

Yes and no.

In its current state, Thailand still needs to handle prostitution more carefully. Even though the profit can be huge, the money doesn’t go to the country. It goes to shady figures behind the scene.

But still. Money is money. Generating cash can liquidate its economy and keep its people alive. And sex tourism still has the potential to bring wealth to Thailand. They just need to play the game right.

So, you have to wait and see what will happen. It’s too early to tell now.

Dating Thai men is different. And you can notice it right away when you do date one.

Thai men’s characteristics are unique even among Southeast Asians. That means their personalities and charms stand out even more when compared to those of the western world.

Unfortunately, almost no one talks about them at all.

In most conversations regarding dating a Thai person, you will most likely hear about “dating a Thai woman” rather than “Thai man.” And that is understandable.

After all, Thai women have been renowned for their beauty and friendly disposition throughout history. And since the majority of the Thai population is female, Thai women would naturally dominate such a conversation.

But what is there to like about Thai guys?

The short answer would be “a lot.” But if you really want to be specific, you can also find the long answer here.

5 Charming Thai men traits

These are 5 traits of Thai men that would make them boyfriends you want to brag about.

1. They enjoy pampering you

Devotion is the name of the game.

Whenever you ask your Thai boyfriend to do something, they most likely respond with an “Okay.” Then, they will start working on the task you have given them like a knight serving his queen. (4)

This might sound like a natural thing to you. Most boyfriends would do anything you say just to see you smile. However, Thai men take that to a whole new level. It almost looks like stupidity when you think about it.

Here is one example scenario when dating Thai men … One day, you suddenly felt the urge to travel to the beach 100 miles away. You then asked your Thai boyfriend to drive you there.

Even though he was busy. Even though he had not prepared. And even though he had no idea how to drive there, believe it or not, he would get you there no matter how. It’s one of Thai men’s characteristics.

This level of devotion has its own origin. There are reasons for it.

Back in the days of absolute monarchy, Thai men loved showing off their wealth. Among the best ways to do that was to pamper their wife (or wives).

If the husband failed to take good care of his wife, gossip would spread around town. He would be put to shame, then his wife and his family would get involved. And if worse came to worst, it could even lead to a demotion in his job.

Even though time has passed, this culture of pampering his partner still lingers (albeit softer in most ways).

The second reason is the cooperative nature of Thai people in general. They love peace and harmony. It is rare for a Thai person to reject you straight out. This is especially true if you are his treasured special one.

There is one warning in this personality. If you happen to get mad at your Thai boyfriend and ask him to do the impossible out of spite, beware that he might actually do it.

2. They are polite in every word they say

Dating Thai men can make you reconsider the definition of politeness. Especially in speech.

Whatever they say, Thai men always exude this aura of passivity and humility in their voice and body language. And it is obvious. The degree of which might vary from person to person, but you could mistake this calm for meekness in extreme cases.

These Thai men traits are a result of the nature of the Thai language.

If you happen to know Japanese, you might have heard of Keigo. It is a system in the Japanese language used to show respect directly from their words. (1)This system is more complicated than just adding “sir” or “madam” to everything you say.

And Thai language has something similar as well.

It is called Racha sub (royal words) and Kham Suphab (polite words). These are lists of synonyms you would use to substitute normal vocabularies when conversing with someone of higher status. Like royalties, monks, and your seniors. Thai people will select the right politeness level and speak accordingly to the occasions. (5)

In addition, the Thai language also has Kham Longtai (ending words). Thai people use these words to finish their sentences, showing respect to their interlocutors. Generally, Thai men use “khrub” while women use “kha.” (6) Think of them as words to show instant politeness. If you are learning Thai, remember to add these behind anything you say.

With these words and concepts in mind, your Thai boyfriend might stumble over his words whenever he talks to you. Do not fret. It is a part of dating Thailand guys.

This speech difficulty happens because he tries to select the best words to use with you, his special one. Even though he speaks English with you, it is still engraved deep in his nature. This characteristic prevents him from speaking to you too casually and impolitely.

3. They hold no grudges on your mistakes

“I’m sorry for making you wait for half an hour”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

This exchange happens many times when Thai people date. And without a single doubt in their mind, Thai men will forgive such a misstep and never mention it again. This is not just to appear nice. It is just the way they are.

Being late? Forgiven.

Forgetting your promises? Forgiven.

Lying to him? Forgiven.

Cheating on him? Well… That is probably too far.

Unless your mistake is at a degree of homicide or straight-out immoral Thai men will most likely forgive you. And like most behavior traits, there is a cultural explanation for it.

If you have been to Thailand before, you might have heard of this legendary phrase. The “Mai pen rai.” Thai people say it all the time.

The direct translation of this phrase is either “it’s fine” or “don’t worry about it.” The Thais mostly use the phrase to turn down an offer in a polite fashion. But in the right situation, the meaning can also completely change. (2)

However, if you are well-versed in Thai culture, you will know that this “Mai pen rai” is less of a phrase and more of an attitude. It reflects how Thai people value peace and harmony more than anything else.

Because of this attitude, dating Thai men can be more relaxing than you imagine. Thai men put more emphasis on smoothing things over rather than direct confrontation. It is a common characteristic in Thai guys that grows from a peace-obsessed society.

Knowing that arguments and fights can create an unmendable crack in a relationship, Thai men avoid such confrontations to the best of their ability. And to do that, they developed a chill temper and a calm mind. That is why Thailand’s men are extra-forgiving when it comes to mistakes.

Nevertheless, you should never cross the line with him. No matter how forgiving he is, there is a limit to everything. And once you go beyond the limit, there is usually no safe way to return.

4. They laugh all the time

You can also see this point as a continuation of point #3. A point #3.5 if you will.

Thailand is also known as the land of smiles. And there is a reason for that. Not only do people walk around with a smile on their faces, but they also laugh all the time.

As mentioned, Thai people value peace and harmony to the core. Whatever they do, they will try their best to be as least offensive as possible. And that is where the humor comes into play.

At first, it might feel weird to you when your Thai boyfriend laughs at his own failures or other mishaps. You might think something is wrong in his head, but that is not true. That is just another charm of dating Thai men.

Humor plays a big part in the daily lives of all Thai men. It works as a means to socialize, a tool to tackle stress, and a weapon against disharmony. It is one of the most prominent parts of a Thai man’s character.

“Laugh it off” is one of the go-to tactics Thai men use when dealing with emotional issues. (3) For example, if you happened to knock his favorite mug from the cupboard and break it, he would just laugh and go buy a new one with you.

It doesn’t mean that he was not upset. He just does not want you to be upset as well. In an awkward situation like that, bright laughter will dispel all the discomfort and lift everyone’s mood.

Humor is not exclusive to sticky situations either. Thai men generally love making jokes about everything. They will make you laugh at things you might not be aware of as funny. Like religions and jobs.

And if you like puns, you are in for a treat. Thai men love puns. No matter what language it is, if it is a pun, he will laugh. And he will make puns for you as well.

5. They love foreigners like you

Do you know why Thailand is a world-renowned tourist destination?

There are many answers to that question. But no matter where you look, the people will always be one of the answers.

Thai people are friendly and easygoing. Especially to foreigners. That is why dating Thai men is another great option for you to consider.

The country used to be jam-packed with tourists all year round before COVID-19. Thus, Thai men learned to throw away all the discriminating and xenophobic behaviors and embrace foreigners of all origins.

This characteristic does not stop with their welcoming attitude. Once they get used to you being around, they will start treating you as if you were a fellow Thai citizen rather than a tourist. They still acknowledge your differences, but that does not stop them from including you in their personal circle. They will make jokes with you, drink with you, and have fun with you.

And if you manage to get a Thai man to fall for you, you will get something extra. These men are willing to set aside their own business and find time to learn your language and culture. All of these are just to get a better glimpse of your thought process.

Having an understanding boyfriend never hurts. A man who has insight into your background and culture will be an ideal choice if you come from a tradition-rich country or family.

What dating Thai men boils down to…

After reading these five personality points of Thailand’s men, you may have come to realize one thing. 

That is “Thai men are quite considerate.”

They will take good care of you. They speak carefully. They avoid hurting your feelings. They always make you smile. And they are willing to know you better.

These traits take deep roots within all Thai men since they grow up in a country where cultures and traditions focus on people’s hearts and feelings.

If you happen to be looking for a dating candidate, give dating Thai men a chance. You might find yourself unable to stop talking about them once your date begins.

References

1. Cotoacademy.com. 2022. An Introduction to Japanese Keigo | Honorific Form, Humble Form & More!. [online] Available at: <https://cotoacademy.com/japanese-keigo/> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

2. Cavanagh, R., 2022. Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind. Or Does It?. [online] Thaizer. Available at: <https://www.thaizer.com/mai-pen-rai-means-never-mind/> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

3. Bbc.com. 2022. Why Thai people love to laugh. [online] Available at: <https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20170915-why-thai-people-love-to-laugh> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

4. Clubsister.com. 2022. ข้อดีของผู้ชาย 7 ประเทศ..เลือกไม่ถูกเลยจริงๆ – Clubsister.com. [online] Available at: <https://clubsister.com/lifestyle/advantages-of-seven-boy> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

5. Kroobannok.com. 2022. คำราชาศัพท์. [online] Available at: <https://www.kroobannok.com/1435> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

6. dailynews. 2022. คำลงท้ายในภาษาไทย. [online] Available at: <https://d.dailynews.co.th/article/192389/> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

So, what side of the road do they drive on in Thailand? Left or right?

If you plan to enjoy a road trip in this country, you need to answer this question first — or you might find yourself sleeping in a cell for a couple of months.

The Thailand driving side is on the left. The reason was that the British, the original left-sided drivers, influenced Thailand heavily on the traffic culture when cars first appeared in the country. In fact, the first driver in Thailand had learned how to drive back when he worked in England.

Now that you know this much, it is time to dig deeper. Uncover the root of Thai traffic, find out “interesting” Thai driving rules, and get stupified by Thai drivers’ misdeeds.

Why do Thai people drive on the left?

As you know by now, Thai people drive on the left. And the reason is simple. However, if you google “why do the Thais drive left-sided,” you might find historically inaccurate answers like these.

Because Thailand was colonized by Britain (wrong)

The answer couldn’t be more incorrect than this. 

It might sound sensible since England is the most famous country to drive on the left. And back in the day, they had colonies all over the world. However, this is not the reason the Thais drive cars this way. Not only has Thailand never been colonized by Britain, but Thailand also has never been colonized at all.

Among the Southeast Asian nations, Thailand is the only one to maintain its independence during the colonial period. So, if you see an answer like this, do not trust it.

Because the first car in Thailand was British (wrong)

Many foreigners seem to believe that the first car in Thailand was a present from the British royal family to the Thais. And that is not true. The first car appearing in the country was nothing as grand as that. (Source)

According to the correspondence between Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong and Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, Chaophraya Surasakmontri bought the first car in Thailand. He bought it from a foreigner whose name was not recorded. The car model and origin were also unknown.

Furthermore, the first Thai royal family car was not of British origin but German — the Mercedes Benz 28 HP. Prince Raphi Phatthanasak bought it as a gift to King Rama V in 1904.

The REAL reason Thailand drives on the left

Thai people drive this way because that is how they first learned it.

Since 1826, Thailand has had a friendly relationship with Britain. Many wealthy Thai families sent their members to study and work in Britain. And among them was Chaophraya Anutootwatee — Chaophraya Surasakmontri’s brother. (Source)

Since the first car in Thailand was manual-driven, and Chaophraya Surasakmontri couldn’t handle it, he needed a teacher. Chaophraya Anutootwatee, who had worked and learned how to drive in Britain, was his go-to person.

And from then, Chaophraya Anutootwatee taught his brother and many drivers that followed. Of course, his teaching was based on the British driving system: driving on the left. (Source)

Will Thailand change from left to right-hand driving?

No, it won’t.

You can probably imagine what would happen had such a change occurred. Yes. Chaos.

Thailand has been driving on the left since 1903. Changing it 120 years later would be difficult. People across the kingdom would be confused, and the law enforcers would probably be too.

Moreover, the budget for this project is going to be massive. The Thais would need to switch sides of all the road signs in the country. Not to mention repainting and rebuilding roads. They also need new buses with doors on the matching side.

Overall, changing the driving side for Thailand seems like an unproductive move. They don’t even have a decent reason to change.

Most countries that have changed their driving side have a good reason to commit. Like in the 1900s, many British colonies switched from left to right after regaining their independence to symbolize their freedom. Like the USA and many Arab countries. (Source)

Another good example is Samoa. They switched from driving on the right side of the road to the left in 2009. The reason was that importing left-sided cars from New Zealand was cheaper than the right-sided Americans. (Source)

Now that you understand the driving-left situation in Thailand, you might want to know more about Thai driving culture and an “interesting” traffic law in this country.

Well… Here goes:

Bizzare Thai driving law

In Thailand, if you take a clear photo or a video of someone violating traffic laws and report it, the police will pay you.

This law was passed in 2018 and became a public phenomenon. Since there are way too many traffic law violators in Thailand, you can make easy extra cash daily. And Thai people loved it.

After you submit your media, The police will give you half of the fine they collect from the offenders. If you catch a big case, you can win big money.

According to Thairath news, there was an elderly man who made a million THB by reporting cases to the police alone. And it took him only 4 years. He said he spent most of his free time as a retiree taking pictures and videos of traffic offenders around Bangkok. (Source)

For those coming from the “right” country, you might want to prepare yourself before you start speeding in Thailand. Try driving on the left in safe areas and get used to it. If that doesn’t work for you, you might want to find a local driver for your trip. Who knows? Your driving on the wrong side might be caught on someone’s camera.

Bizzare Thai drivers’ misdeeds

If you have been to Thailand before, you would know that the country’s traffic can get hectic at the drop of a hat. Not only because of poor road design but also Thai people’s relaxed attitude.

Some Thais are so laid back that they think breaking a few traffic laws is okay. And here are 2 extreme examples.

Driving on the footpath

A footpath was designed for pedestrians. You can walk safely while staying away from fast cars and motorcycles. However, such safety isn’t guaranteed in Thailand.

Not only is the footpath narrow and packed with street food carts, but you might also find unwanted motorcycles there. And they cause accidents all the time.

This offense usually occurs in Bangkok with its busy streets. But you can also spot it anywhere else in the country. Getting caught driving on the footpath would cost you up to 1500 THB (2000 in Bangkok).

Despite the penalty, lots of Thai riders still continue this crime. In 2019, there were 23,421 reported cases. The total fine was 15,566,800 THB. (Source)

Driving on the “right” side

After reading this far, you might think that you will never see a vehicle running on the right side of the road. Well… you would be wrong.

Many Thais, regardless of location, break this fundamental law on purpose. The reason for it is simple. They wanted to get to a nearby destination but didn’t want to drive to the much further away U-turns.

This offense is not limited to motorcycles either. There are reports of pick-up trucks committing the same stunt.

Aside from life-threatening danger, this could cost you up to 500 THB of fine. And if an accident happened, you could get thrown in jail for up to 3 months. (Source)

For more interesting (and strange) laws in Thailand, check out this article on Thailand laws.

In short, just be careful and drive on the left

Since the first car appeared in Thailand, the Thais had been driving on the left. And it will remain this way for a long time. Maybe forever.

Your road trip inside Thailand will be fine. Just don’t forget that you are driving in a foreign land. Respect their law, and they will respect you too.

As you already know, China is a big country. It has immense political power and influences over many regions, like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other small islands in east Asia.

So, it is natural for some of you to ask, “is Thailand a part of China?”

The Kingdom of Thailand is by no means a part of China. Thailand has its sovereignty, territory, constitution, and leaders. However, the two nations have an intimate relationship. While China heavily influences Thai economics, tourism, and culture, Thai people consider the Chinese their siblings.

The story between Thailand and China goes way back. The two countries have been supporting each other for hundreds of years throughout history — and that relationship doesn’t seem to end any time soon.

Read on and dive deep into the intimacy between Thailand and China.

Is Thailand in China?

Believe it or not, many foreigners believe Thailand is a province in China. And that is not true at all. 

Thailand is a Kingdom located in Southeast Asia. It has a territory of 513,120 square kilometers, 77 provinces, an estimated population of 70 million (as of 2022), and a capital city called Bangkok. The country shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. (Source)

Unlike Taiwan or Hong Kong, Thailand is not directly influenced by Chinese laws and politics. The Kingdom has its own constitution and leaders. Currently, Thailand is under the rule of its 20th constitution with the lead of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). (Source)

Culturally, Thailand also has its own language — both in spoken and written form. Like the English language, Thai uses the alphabet system. There are 79 alphabets in the Thai language: 44 consonants, 21 vowels, 4 tonal indicators, and 10 numbers.

As you can see, none of these has anything to do with China.

However, that doesn’t mean Thailand has nothing to do with China. The two countries have a deeper bond than you might expect.

Is Thai related to Chinese?

There are 3 famous theories suggesting Thai people have come from China.

Theory 1: Thai people are from Sichuan

This theory is proposed by Albert Terrien de Lacouperie, a professor at London University. In 1885, he published the Cradle of the Shan Race. He analyzed the Chinese dialects compared to the languages in Southeast Asian countries.

In his writing, he concluded that the Thai ancestor had been in Sichuan in southwestern China even before the Chinese. This statement is backed by the geographic survey in the Chinese archive.

Theory 2: Thai people are from Altai Mountain

In 1909, an American missionary named William Clifton Dodd proposed this theory. He suggested this idea in his book, The Tai Race: The Elder Brother of the Chinese.

Altai (or Altay) is a massive mountain range where Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan converge. Dodd’s idea points out that The Tai race lived in this area. They inherited Mongolian blood and predated the Chinese and Hebrew civilizations.

The theory shook the historian’s circle back when it was published. Thai people had believed in this theory for a long time. Nowadays, with its weak evidence, nobody talks about it anymore.

Theory 3: Thai people are from southern China and nearby regions

Geographically, this theory might look the simplest for the non-scholars. Archibald R. Colquhoun, a British explorer, proposed this theory in 1885 after his travel from Guangdong in China to Mandalay in Myanmar.

Throughout his Journey, he claimed that he met Thai people of Thai ethnicity inhabiting these areas. Hence the origin of the Thai theory.

That said, no one can guarantee you where the Thai is actually from. There are 2 other theories suggesting the Tai race is from somewhere other than China. One claims they were here all along, while the other says they came from Malaysia. (Source)

Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Thai people have a deep bond with the Chinese. So, it is understandable that some people might mistake Thailand for a province in China.

What is the relationship between China and Thailand?

Generally, you can say that Thailand and China have a sibling-like relationship. The two countries have acknowledged each other for hundreds of years. And this bond seems to continue for a long time.

The origin of the Thai-Chinese relationship

It is unclear when Thailand first made contact with China. However, the earliest evidence shows that they had already known each other since the Kingdom of Sukhothai (1238 – 1438). This should come as no surprise for any Thailand fanatics. Since Sukhothai is the first Kingdom in classic Thai history, most Thai “first times” happened here.

There were many efforts from China to contact Sukhothai. They tried to send diplomats to the southeast Asian Kingdom multiple times. However, these diplomats failed because of the harsh road and forces from opposing nations. The first successful contact between the two happened when King Ramkhamhaeng sent his diplomats to China.

China tried to reach Sukhothai because they wanted to spread the influence of their emperor, Kublai Khan. On the other hand, Sukhothai contacted China to gain support against neighboring powers.

Since then, the two kept in touch and established trade routes — land and sea. And when Sukhothai lost its power, China continued to nurture this relationship with the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767). (Source)

Current Thailand-China relations

Despite a long history together, the “alliance” between Thailand and China hasn’t changed much. The two countries have never had any major conflict to the point of war. Not even a battle. 

The only friction between the two is arguably the trade profit issues. But that had never escalated into anything consequential. So overall, you can say that they are good friends.

Economics

You can almost say that China is Thailand’s trade lifeline. 

In 2019, China ranked 1st as a trade partner of Thailand — number 1 in imports and number 2 in export. As you already know, the Chinese market is massive in Asia. It is only natural that Thailand depends on trading with China for both imports and exports.

During the same year, Thailand ranked 13th as China’s trade partner — number 13 in imports and number 17 in export. (Source)

You might notice a sizable unbalance between the two rankings. But you need to understand that Thailand is a small developing country. Their trade value cannot compete with other giants trading with a global power like China.

Tourism

As you know, Thailand’s economy relies heavily on tourists. Before COVID-19, Thailand saw approximately 30 million tourists annually (Source). 

China only allows its people to travel outside the country under government surveillance. And Thailand was among the first countries the Chinese government allowed people to travel to. They even built the China National Tourism Office: CNTO in Bangkok in 2017.

In 2019, 10.98 million Chinese tourists came to Thailand. They made up more than 28% of all foreign tourists, ranking 1st on the Thai Tourism list. (Source)

Culture

When it comes to culture, Thailand mostly plays the receiver role.

Since more than 10% of the Thai population — around 7 million people — are of Chinese descent, it is no surprise that you can see Chineseness in Thailand. From Chinese temples and Chinese restaurants to Chinese dance schools. You name it. (Source)

There are also hundreds of Chinese-Thai cultural exchange programs. These initiatives are held by both government organizations and the private sectors from both sides. (Source)

Examples of Chinese influences in Thailand

Chinese Community

Like many countries, Thailand has Chinese communities scattered all over the nation.

The one you should have heard of is Yaowarat. It is arguably the biggest and the most famous Chinese community in Thailand. Located in Bangkok, this district is bustling with food shops and restaurants of old Chinese families. Some buildings here are more than 200 years old.

Because Thailand was one of the more famous Southeast Asian sea trade sites, many Chinese merchants decided to settle here. As a result, these Chinese communities popped up all over the place. Not to mention the war and political refugees from mainland China in the old days.

Chinese New Year

Thailand is one of those countries celebrating the Lunar New Year. The locals prefer to call it Chinese New Year since it is related to the Chinese farming season.

Despite the Chinese being the minority, Chinese New Year is a big deal. When January approaches its end, you can notice the Chinese vibe within everything in the country. Stores decorations, televisions ads, street banners, and even radio broadcasts. Everything shifts its focus to the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The celebration itself is divided into three days. Each day has different rituals and practices to be performed. It is a wild sight, and you should see it with your own eyes.

Chinese Corporates

As discussed, there are millions of Chinese descent in Thailand. So, it’s no surprise they own more than a few big companies in the country. One of the most prominent “Chinese” corporations you should know about is the Charoen Pokphand Group or CP Group.

The CP group came from the agriculture industry. Nowadays, you can almost say that they are trying to monopolize many parts of Thai economics. Their power and influence in the country are basically limitless. And here are some examples.

If you have been to Thailand, you cannot miss the many Seven-Elevens around the country. You see them on almost every street. And all these Seven-Elevens are owned by the CP group. They recently took over the Tesco Lotus in Thailand, expanding their influence over the country’s retail sector. (Source)

Now that you understand the serious side of the Thai-China relationship, you might want to look at something more light-hearted. Keep reading to explore the fun side of these two countries.

Thai-Chinese Fun Facts

1. Chinese Thai people refer to their relatives with Chinese terms

Normally, Thai people call their father “พ่อ” (pronounced like “pore” without the /r/). The Chinese-Thai, however, call their father “เตี่ย” (read like “tear” without the /r/), which is a Chinese term. (Source)

This difference occurs with every member of the family. The Chinese-Thai refuse to address their relatives with Thai terms and stick with the Chinese terms to this day. The reason is quite unclear. But you can already feel the Chinese exclusivity from this action alone.

2. Many Thai can speak Chinese

Even though the Chinese language has nothing to do with Thai daily life, many younger Thais still decide to study Chinese (Mandarin).

As mentioned, many big companies in Thailand are owned by the Chinese. These companies often offer better payment to those who can speak their language. As a result, many Thais speak Chinese better than English.

A 2015 article claims that there were 850,000 Thai who studied Chinese. And the number is growing each year. (Source)

3. Even Thai people see Thailand as a part of China

This is a joke among the younger generations.

With many economic policies favoring Chinese investors, smaller investors in Thailand are salty towards the Chinese. But no matter what the locals do, the government doesn’t seem to care. It almost feels like the Thai government is trying to lick the Chinese’s boots.

With this unfairness and the Thai’s love for dark-sarcastic humor, younger Thais begin to call Thailand “Tai Gua” province. It means “Thai people” in Chinese.

At this point, the misunderstanding that Thailand is a part of China should be cleared in your head. However, there might be other misunderstandings about Thailand that still stick. And it is time you clear them out as well.

Misunderstandings people actually believe about Thailand

1. Thailand is Taiwan

This is arguably the most infamous misunderstanding among the three. Even though there are many similarities between the two countries, you must remember, “Thailand is not Taiwan.”

Since the names are similar, this mistake is understandable. But still, it is okay to refer to a Thai person in your neighborhood as “the Taiwan guy.”

2. Thai people ride elephants to work

This one is quite offensive. When the Thai hear this statement, they usually furrow their brows and say “what?” in bafflement. Thailand has cars, motorcycles, buses, and trains. People drive and ride those to work — just like the west.

If you study Thai history, you will know that elephants are the Thai national animal. Some Thai consider them sacred animals and don’t want you to mess around. (Source)

3. Thai people use chopsticks all the time

When eating food, Thai people prefer “fork and spoon.” Unlike Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, they rarely use chopsticks for meals. The only time they use them is when they eat noodles.

Thailand and China: The Unbreakable Bond

Even though “Thailand is a part of China” is a misunderstanding, you cannot deny the intimate relationship between the two. And in a way, it makes sense to think like that.

After all, Thailand receives many cultural practices from China. Its economics also relies heavily on the Chinese market. And their history can be traced back more than 500 years ago.

Imagine wearing almost 10 pounds of rings around your neck…

There are actual people in Thailand who live that way for their whole lives. They are known as long-neck Kayan tribes or “Padaung” people. And behind their seemingly extraordinary appearances, the long-neck tribes in Thailand have stories to share with the world.

The long neck tradition in Thailand originates from the Kayan women or Padaungs. They are famous for wearing brass coils around their necks that give them a “giraffe-like” appearance. As the weights of the neck coils push down the collar bone and ribs of the wearer, it creates the illusion of a longer neck than usual.

But there’s more to it than just appearance. Here are all the answers to your questions about long-necked Kayans – where they are originally from, why they wear neck coils, and whether you should or shouldn’t visit their famous tourist villages in Thailand.

Where is the long neck Kayan tribe from?

The long-necked Kayans are a sub-group of Red Karen people from Myanmar’s Kayah/Karenni region. Around the late 1980s, conflicts and intense civil wars between Karenni rebel forces and Myanmar’s SAC army made them flee from their homes in Myanmar to the Thai borders.

The Thai government permitted them temporary stay under the ‘conflict refugee’ status. As of 2018, approximately 500 Kayans (or Padaungs) lived in the northern Thailand long neck hill tribe villages.

The Kayan people became the center of attention when the photos of long-necked women from the tribe were made known to the world. Tourists began to pick interest in the Thailand long-neck tribes’ traditions. This prompted the Thailand government to create tourism villages eventually around 1985.

To this day, tourists can visit these long-necked tribe villages for around 8-16 USD to take a quick photo with the famous long-necked beauties. These Kayan women are also known as Padaung, translated into ‘long-neck’ – a name fitting for their stretched necks. (Source, Source)

Where are the long neck tribe in Thailand?

The location of the long neck tribe in Thailand is in the northern parts of Thailand. Several long-neck tribe villages are between the Golden Triangle area (Thai-Myanmar border) and Chiang Mai.

Reasons and traditions behind the neck coils

Interestingly, not even the Kayan women are sure about the origins of wearing neck coils. Although there is no definitive answer, here are four possible explanations for their purpose and continued existence:

1. Tiger protection

The first reason is that the Kayan women wear neck coils to prevent tigers from biting their necks.

2. Slavery prevention

Another possible answer is that these neck coils are worn to prevent the women from being abducted for slavery, as wearing them would make the women less attractive in the eyes of other tribes.

3. Culture

These days, it is suggested that Kayan women wear neck coils for cultural preservation.

4. Beauty

Aside from these protective reasons, Kayan people use these neck coils for aesthetic purposes as the belief among the tribe is that the longer the neck of a woman, the more beautiful she is. (Source, Source)

At what age do they start wearing neck coils?

In general, Kayan girls start to wear coils around their necks and shins by the time they are five or six years old. In some cases, they start from the age of two.

However, this also depends on the family’s wealth because traditionally, the coils are expensive, and not every family in the tribe can afford them.

What does a long neck symbolize?

Therefore, it is believed among the Kayan people that a long neck symbolizes beauty, wealth, and status, as not everyone in the tribe can afford to wear many neck coils.

In the past, each brass coil cost around 2 U.S. cents. However, these days, it can cost as much as 250 USD or more, depending on the quality of the coils. These neck coils are usually brass and gold alloy and weigh over 20 pounds. (Source, Source)

The blemishes behind the beauty

Behind the world-famous unique beauties of the long-neck tribe, there are some concerns regarding their health, human rights, and the future.

1. Health

As the coils are heavy, it imposes some serious concerns for the health of Kayan women in the tribe:

Collar bone displacement

The weights of the neck coils push down the collar bone of the wearer, and it causes the vertebrae in the spine to collapse.

Although not in every case, these neck coils can cause severe injuries to the neck and back. While sleeping, Kayan women have to pad their necks with leaves as a cushion between the skin and the coils to prevent chafing and sores. As a result, it can cause gradual displacement of the collar bone. (Source)

Lack of healthcare and pain relief

The lack of access to health care and hospitals in the villages where the tribe resides imposes long-term health problems for the Kayan women. Also, it has been found that many Kayan women chew betel nuts and leaves to get some pain relief. These betel nuts are highly addictive and can cause kidney and oral problems.

When the coils are removed

Another health concern for Kayan women is the possible repercussions when they stop wearing neck coils.

One Kayan lady said in an interview with New York Times that when taking off the brass coils, one can feel a little dizzy and should not walk for one to two minutes afterward. They can also have a slight headache and feel very light as if they’ve been wearing a heavy backpack and suddenly taking it off – due to the weights of neck coils being lifted off the body. (Source)

Myth:

And although it has been suggested that removing the coils can cause the neck to topple over because it no longer can support the head – this is just a myth. No such instances have been reported. (Source)

2. Human rights

Some commentators argue that these tourist villages are set up with the wrong intentions. As such, it is widely debated whether tourists should be supporting something exploitative.

Lack of medical care

Health concerns for the long-neck tribe go beyond the act of wearing coils. Their villages are located in some of the poorest areas of Thailand and lack basic sanitation and medical care. Therefore, the villages can be subject to tropical diseases. Without access to doctors and healthcare practices, there is a risk of severe illness and death. It has been reported that there have been fatalities in the past. (Source)

No coils, no money

According to reports, many Kayan women are pressured to wear the neck coils against their will as they are a source of income for the tribe’s women. Despite the discomfort and potential health problems, they need to wear neck coils to earn money from tourists who want to see this custom. Allegedly, the women wearing neck coils are given extra salaries. (Source)

Distribution of money

It has also been suggested that not all the tourists’ funds go directly to the tribe. According to Marie Claire, approximately 40,000 tourists visit the tribe’s villages annually, but the long-neck women earn less than 50 USD per month from selling souvenir trinkets and postcards. (Source)

Silence is golden

Allegedly, the women in these villages are prevented from discussing their problems with foreign visitors. Village owners believe this would contradict the traditional lifeways the tribe is renowned for. Therefore, weakening the tourism experience. It has been suggested that anyone found expressing their grievances to the public may receive a reduced salary. (Source)

Tradition over modernity

Apparently, they are also prevented from using anything modern because the village owners think it damages the traditional image of the tribe and fear tourists will stop visiting. As a result, many Kayan people do not have the same freedoms and access to everyday technology, such as computers, cell phones, and the internet. (Source)

3. The future

The future of the Kayan people remains uncertain due to issues surrounding their residential status. Some residents of the tourist villages have received full Thai citizenship or I.D. cards that allow them free movement in the country. Whereas Kayan in the refugee camps has not been issued such paperwork (Source, Source)

Unclear refugee status

Over the decades, there has been a lack of clarity over the Kayans’ refugee status, whether they are considered “real refugees” or economic migrants. To this day, it is difficult for some to get other jobs outside of the tourist villages.

And without citizenship, they will continue to have limited access to fundamental utilities such as health care, education, and employment opportunities. Whatsmore as an ethnic group, they do not qualify for special assistance, for example, government support during the pandemic. (Source)

Resettlement difficulties

In the past, it has been reported that long-neck families received resettlement offers from third countries (such as New Zealand and Finland) as part of the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) program and operations in Thailand. However, getting the necessary exit permits was problematic. (Source)

But over the last decade, the Thai government started to allow Kayan in the villages to move to the refugee camps and apply for resettlement in a third country. The New York Times communicated in 2020 that “scores of Kayan” have resettled in New Zealand, Finland, the U.S., and other countries.

So, things are changing.

In fact, before the pandemic in 2019, the UNHCR announced that 300 refugees – most of Kayah/Karenni ethnicity were returning home to Myanmar. (Source)

Has the pandemic changed the perspective?

As the Kayans largely depend on tourists as their source of income, the global travel restrictions brought on by Covid-19 significantly impacted them.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, a long-necked woman named “Mu Ei” said that her family’s only income during the lockdown was what her husband earned from working at a nearby construction site, around 300 THB (8 – 9 USD) per day.

This economic hardship forced many Kayan families to abandon the village and head back to Myanmar to find farm work. Of the 20 original families who lived there, only three families stayed behind.

Whatsmore the lack of tourism prompted village owners to close down the tourist villages, resulting in families having to move between villages during this time. (Source)

The pandemic and lack of tourists have resulted in no income and homelessness.

The pandemic and lack of tourists has resulted in no income and homelessness for the Kayan Long Neck’s. This poses the hard question, what would life be like for them without the tourism industry?

Jittrapon Kaicome, a photojournalist, based in Chiang Mai, reported during the pandemic that “without visitors, they are living in limbo.” With empty villages, closed souvenir stalls, and ultimately, no jobs – there has been a distinct loss of livelihood that once was. (Source)

Therefore, it would be incorrect to think that these tourist villages have no benefit to them whatsoever.

Should you visit the long-neck village?

Ever since the human rights issues in these villages have been made public, the topic of whether tourists should visit the long-neck villages in Thailand has received contrasting opinions.

Some have argued that tourists should refrain from visiting these “human zoos,” as the money does not go directly to the tribe’s people.

Others have pointed out that tourism is the primary source of income for most, if not all, of the villagers. As proven by the recent pandemic – if nobody visits there, they will be deprived of income.

Even the tribe people living there have different opinions. The new generation chooses not to wear the coils, have career aspirations, and yearns for freedom. In contrast, others are hurt by the negativity, want to preserve their culture, and wish to stay in Thailand.

Therefore, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not it is the right thing to visit the long-necked tribe villages, as we all have different judgments and principles. (Source, Source)

How to plan your visit to the long-neck tribe

Suppose you have decided to visit the long-necked tribe village. In that case, there are some things you need to know beforehand to make your visit as ethical and meaningful as possible.

Here are some tips on how to plan your visit to long-neck women’s villages in Thailand:

1. Do your research

Doing some research before you book a trip to the villages is essential. You should find a responsible tour company to ensure a socially responsible visit.

And be careful if you decide to hire private guides as they can bring you to their own villages, which means that you won’t get to truly experience the lives of the long-neck women in their most genuine forms.

2. Keep in mind that it’s a business

As mentioned above, these tribe villages are essentially geared toward tourists. Only a small portion of the money goes to the tribe. If you want to ensure that your money will benefit the villagers directly, a better option is to support the long-necked women by purchasing the trinkets and handicrafts they sell, as most of their incomes come from this.

If you wanted to be insistent, you could request that your entrance fee be paid directly to the chief of the village instead of a third-party organizer. Although, this may be an uncomfortable situation. (Source)

3. Focus on the experience

The most important thing anyone who decides to visit these long-necked tribe villages should understand is to focus on understanding the lives of Kayans and how to help them.

The goal of visiting long-necked women should not be to take photos so one can brag about it when they return home.

It should be to learn more about the new culture and understand the Kayans’ stories about their livelihoods. (Source)

Conclusion

There you have it – the origins of the Kayan tribe and the struggles behind their world-famous long-necked beauties.

To this day, the long-necked women live in refugee camps along the Thailand borders. They rely on tourists and international NGOs for their survival.

So, are these tourist villages good or bad? That’s for you to decide.

Whatever your opinion, we can all agree that everyone deserves easy access to basic human needs like health care, education, and job opportunities.

As for whether or not you should go and visit the long-neck tribe in Thailand, this continues to be an endless dilemma – both for the tourists and the tribe people.

Every flag has a story, whether it be connected to nationalism, pride, or future goals. The Thailand flag is considered one of the most beautiful and well-recognized flags.

Full of historical insight, you will find that a lot goes behind the choice of color, design, and structure. However, there have been several flags in the history of Thailand that served multiple meanings. So, what is the meaning behind the current flag of Thailand?

Thailand has been through six different changes in the flag starting from 1809 to 1917 and the development of the country from Siam to what it is today. The stripes of the flag represent a particular meaning when it comes to colors and designs. The flag itself is seen as a symbol of nationalism.

Let’s look into the history behind the Thai flag and the stories behind each ruling. There were several decisions to keep adapting to the flag as time went along. The representation and symbolism behind the design have significant meaning for the Thai people. During each change and adjustment, we can see the importance of history in making the country’s current flag. 

The history behind the changes in Thailand’s flags 

The first flag of Thailand was introduced during the time the country was known as Siam. The flag was at first initiated as plain red. However, the design was considered weak regarding international standards

Early in those times, the simple red flag was the ensign of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and Thonburi.

However, when the Rattanakosin period began, the red flag was accompanied by a chakra symbol to symbolize connection to the royal ships. Moreover, the chakra symbol was known as the weapon of the Hindu God Vishnu, with deep ties to the Chakri dynasty. In 1809, King Rama II, also known as Phraphutthaloetla Naphalai, implemented the elephant inside the chakra symbol. 

In 1916, the reign of King Rama IV had another redesign in the flag. This time, the flag was plain red but was accompanied by a single elephant in the center. Another version of this flag was one of the elephants standing on a podium. 

Later on, the country adopted the current flag design with red, white, and blue stripes. However, during this period of 1917, the center stripe was red, which was changed to blue a few months later.

The true inspiration behind the stripes lay in the idea that King Vajiravudh, also known as Rama VI, wanted a symmetrical flag. By sticking to this design, anyone could flip the flag upside-down, and the pattern and design would still be the same.

There is also a story behind the stripes. According to a legend, King Rama VI took a boat trip on the Chao Pao when he noticed an upside-down hut. When he returned to the palace, he realized that the country needed a modern design that could be seen the same way upside down.

During this time, he also decided to remove the elephant and adapt to the simple design of colors. Today’s flag is one of the oldest and was adopted by Rama VI on September 28, 1917. The flag in Thai is known as Thong Trairong, translating to ‘tricolor’. (Source)

Representation of design: Flag colors 

Thai people live by the motto: nation, religion, and king. In this case, each one of the three-stripe colors represents a different meaning.

The red stripes represent the blood and work gone into maintaining the country’s independence. The white symbolized the purity of Buddhism, which is the country’s main religion. Lastly, blue is the color of the Thai monarchy. It also stands for the country’s World War I allies: the United States, Russia, Great Britain, and France. All of these countries’ flags have the colors red, white, and blue.

While showing a connection to these other countries, Thailand could continue to develop international relations and friendships across the border.

Flagging respect for the nation

Thai people place great value on their flag. It is part of the daily routine that locals practice and stand still, respecting the national flag, at least twice a day.

One such example is the routine of students reciting the national anthem every day at 8 am before school begins. Moreover, everyone stops walking or doing other activities upon hearing the national anthem played anywhere in public from movie theaters, the street, or an event. 

The Public Relations Department highlighted and stressed the importance of the sacredness of reciting national anthems in schools and using that as a symbol of 8 AM serenity. The morning anthem and raising of the flag show respect for the monarchy and the nation; if you do not, you are betraying the country. (Source) 

Why Thais fly the flag 

At the Vajiravudh College in Bangkok, the tricolor flag was celebrated with its 101st anniversary. The colors of the flag are cherished more than ever before. The deputy Prime Minister, Krea-ngam noted that the tri-color flag represents the Thai nation.

“In paying respect to the flag, people demonstrate their respect for and pride in their nation. The flag is important to all Thai’s spirit. Destroying the flag is against the law”.

(Source)

While raising the Thai flag, we show that we are a part of the community and identity. It demonstrates the unity of a group of people; when flags are lowered, it shows mourning and a lack of respect. For this reason, you will notice that the Thai flag is hung above buildings and all over events to emphasize its importance. (Source)

Simple by design, significant by meaning

Thailand and its people value national pride, especially when it comes to their country, their practice of religion, and the monarchy itself. When implementing the current flag we see today, Thailand has taken note of the relationship between each of the colors and what they serve.

Moreover, the simple design and historical significance pay tribute to the importance of the flag for the people. Today, the flag holds significance as a sign of hope, and the binding of people by religion and utmost love for their precious King.

Life is easier when we can understand each other. Communication is essential wherever you go. So, if you’re considering traveling or living in Thailand, you’ll probably wondering, do Thai people speak English?

In the 2020 EF English Proficiency Index, Thailand ranked 89th place out of 100 countries. In big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Pattaya, you will find people who can speak English. But daily, you might encounter many people who cannot speak English, especially when you travel to provinces.

This shouldn’t put you off visiting Thailand, though. There are still ways you can effectively converse with the locals during your stay. Read on to get some basic “Tinglish” tips along with some alternative forms of communication.

How openly do Thai people speak English?

Interestingly, even when they understand English, some might still refuse to talk with you in English or even pretend like they don’t understand you out of fear or shyness.

So, it’s safe to say that it can get pretty frustrating to communicate in English with the local people. But of course, if you go to department stores, hotels, and high-end restaurants, you will find people who can speak English. Also, most of the younger generation can speak (or at least understand) English very well.

However, there are many ways for foreigners and non-Thai speakers to enjoy their everyday lives in Thailand despite the language barriers and knowing very limited Thai language.

Here is what communication is like for foreigners like us in the Land of Smiles, where English is limited.

Learn “Tinglish”

One thing foreigners should understand is that it’s easier to communicate in English with the locals if one just forgets all the grammatical rules and make short sentences focusing only on the main points. This is because most Thai people speak what is known as “Tinglish.”

Tinglish is the method of conversing in English without using the proper grammar and/or sentence construction.

For example, Thai people use many clipped words when speaking in Tinglish, like saying ‘sewen’ instead of ‘7-11’. Propositions are often omitted in the sentences, so instead of ‘Where can I go for the toiler?’, local people are more likely to understand ‘Where go toilet?’.

Tinglish also has a lot of sentences that are spoken in literal translation from Thai to English, which can be pretty confusing for foreigners and expats who are not familiar with such usage of English.

Tinglish is used very widely, even on the official signs in public areas, as seen in the picture below.

Mastering Tinglish

As a general rule, just forget all the grammar rules and sentence structure you might have learned in the class and focus on catching the main points. If the vendor or the hotel receptionist says ‘No have’ when you asked for something, it means they don’t have the thing you asked for.

If the taxi driver asks you where you want to go, just say the name of the place you would like to go to and forget about using proper sentences like ‘I would like to go to this place please,’ because it will just confuse him and probably cause a lot of stress for both of you.

How do most Thai people speak English with foreigners?

Body language is the key

It’s actually the universal truth for every foreigner. There have been many anecdotes that said that ordering meals at food courts is the most effective when one just simply points to the food displayed on the menu.

Also, body language and hand gestures help a lot when trying to explain or ask for something. Want the vendor aunty to pack your food for takeaway? Use body language.

Want to tell the direction of your hotel to the taxi uncle? Use body language. Simple and effective! You will also see that Thai people use a lot of body language to communicate with foreigners.

And that’s actually how one can even pick up some basic Thai words and Tinglish, by observing the body language Thai people use when they speak in English, or rather ‘Tinglish.’

With the help of smart phones and the internet

Local people, especially the older generations, use the Thai language when it comes to numbers. Instead of saying ‘1, 2, 3’ to count, they will just use ‘หนึ่ง (nùeng), สอง (sǎawng), สาม (sǎam).’

Vendors are more likely to just show the price on the calculator when asked about the price. It’s a very common sight in the markets and fashion malls like Platinum Mall to see the vendors holding calculators or using the calculator app on their smartphones every time to let their customers know the price.

Google translate is something local people use a lot when they need to speak in English as well. When using online shopping applications such as Shopee or Lazada, both of which are very widely used in Thailand, the shops are likely to use google translate more often than not for inquiries made in English.

Grab drivers or food delivery riders use the auto-translated chat. This is why many foreigners and expats prefer to use Grab often. It saves non-Thai speakers from the trouble of explaining the location, which most of the time is not understood by the drivers due to the different accents or ways of pronouncing the words.

Now, you might be thinking, ‘Is google translate even accurate?’ Well, it’s not 100% accurate, but it helps to get the context in general, like how Tinglish works.

A smile goes a long way

And even if all the things that have been mentioned above failed, fear not! Thai people are very friendly, and they are happy to help you most of the time.

More often than not, they will try their best to communicate with you, be it in Tinglish or by using body language, and they will even try to find someone who can communicate in English to help you.

You will see many nice people who are willing to step in and help out even without needing to ask for their help. Also, as above, many people from the younger generations can speak fluent English, making it easier to communicate than years ago.

Therefore, even though Thai people who can speak English are very low compared to other countries, it should not be a problem to visit the Land of Smiles.

Are you a fan of Thai dramas? Or perhaps you follow Lisa, the world-famous Thai K-pop idol, and her music videos? If yes, you may have noticed the beautiful, traditional Thai dresses that are being worn.

But what exactly are those outfits called? And where can you find one for yourself? This post will tell you everything you need to know about Thai traditional dresses – from their history, componentry, and the different types for various occasions.

Let’s start with the origins of Thai clothing.

History of clothing in Thailand

Unlike in some cultures, there is no one specific clothing “style” when it comes to the way Thailand traditionally dressed. Traditional attire and dresses vary depending on the era and region of Thailand – making them as diverse as they come.

As you would expect, the history of Thai clothing dates back to the country’s ancient kingdoms. Here’s a summary of how clothing styles have evolved through the eras and why:

Early Indian and Khmer (Cambodian) influence

During the era of the Dvaravati Kingdom (6th-13th Century), the outfit styles were influenced by India –such as golden necklaces, metal belts, and loincloths. During the Lavo Kingdom in the 7th Century, the dress styles were influenced by the Khmer (early Cambodia), and shorter dresses became the norm. (Source)

Wrapped clothing

Pha Chung Hang

According to history, both Thai men and women used to dress in a loincloth wrap – known as Pha Chung Hang. Males would wear their Pha Chung Hang to cover from the waist to halfway down their thighs. As for women, they would wear Pha Chung Hang down their waists to well below the knees.

Royal family members wore silk robes that were called Khuri and a tall, pointed hat known as Lomphok when attending royal affairs. As seen in murals, early photographs, and illustrations from up to the middle-1800s, bare feet and bare chests were accepted as part of the informal Thai dress code.

Pha Nung

The main components of a traditional Thai outfit during the reign of King Rama IV had primarily made up of Pha Nung and Pha Hom garments – one cloth to cover the lower body and another cloth to cover the upper body for both men and women.

Before the 20th century, the primary factor that differentiated the class of clothing in Thailand was the use of silk and cotton cloths with printed or woven motifs. Both commoners and royals alike would wear wrapped clothing – not stitched ones.

Traditional Thai outfits changed significantly during the Rattanakosin era.

Stitched clothing

Victorian fashion

Since the 1860s, Thai royals have selectively adopted Victorian fashion and etiquette to Thai fashion.

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V), stitched clothing, including ceremonial uniforms and court attires, was created.

Western-style dresses became popular among the city people in Bangkok during this era. Women began to wear Victorian-style shirts with high collars, puffy sleeves, and lace. Many women would mix their Thai clothing items with Western garment pieces. It was typical to see Victorian shirts adorned with a Sabai and worn with Jong Kraben.

Raj pattern

Men’s fashion in Thailand also evolved, and Raj pattern-style jackets began to replace cotton shirts or silk shirts, which were popularized during King Rama IV’s reign. Both women and men during that era would wear their Jong Kraben outfits with knee-high socks and leather shoes to appear more Westernized.

Westernization

On January 15th, 1941, Plaek Pibulsonggram (Prime Minister of Thailand 1948 – 1957) issued a Thai cultural mandate to modernize and Westernize Thai outfits. He deemed the long-practiced tradition of wearing underpants, not wearing any shirt, or wearing a wraparound cloth to be forms of inappropriate public attire. (Source, Source)

How was Chut Thai clothing created?

When H.M. King Bhumibol ascended to the throne in 1950, the way Thai dressed peopled dressed had already been influenced by Western styles.

With his wife, H.M. Queen Sirikit, the King prioritized reforming and changing the institute in a way that would enhance and solidify the identity of Thai nationality.

As a part of this institutional reform plan, Queen Sirikit established a national Thai costume – which would later be known as “Chut Thai” or Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom.

Chut Thai clothing was created because for the Thai people, having an official national costume helps to unify the country’s identity. Additionally, every style of Chut Thai shows different traditional weaving techniques, local patterns, the inherent modesty of the local people, and the imagery from the country.

To craft outfits that would be recognized as traditional Thai clothing, the Queen worked with French designers. Taking inspiration from historical photographs, writings, and the remaining royal garments and fabrics.

As the historic brocades preserved in Royal Treasury were too fragile to be worn, the new ones were woven to create traditional dresses for the Queen. The Queen and the designers then came up with eight different looks for Thai women and an essential one for men. (Source)

Components of Chut Thai

Chut Thai is usually known for its modest yet bright look. The outfits are generally made of silk (as Thailand is known for the quality of this fabric).

Since India and Cambodia had influenced the fashion designs of Thailand, the current designs still exhibit the use of gold and silver, which were first popularized in Thailand by these countries.

There are also essential components in almost every Chut Thai clothing. Below are their terms and how to wear each of them:

Pha Sinh

Pha Sinh (ผ้าซิ่น) is the base component of all the variations of women’s traditional Thailand dresses. It is also known as a Pha Nung or a Pha Thung.

Pha Sinh is a tube of fabric or silk for more formal occasions and worn as a skirt. The fabric is folded and tucked by the wearer to make the skirt tight around the waist and form a fold in the front.

When worn correctly, the fabric in the fold would be even with the rest of the fabric. Therefore, one can quickly check if they have worn it the right way or not.

Pha Sinh is not only worn during formal occasions. It is very common to see women, particularly elderly women in the villages, wearing a Pha Sinh with an informal top. They are also commonly used for going between shower and bedroom, especially in the countryside as one can change underneath.

And although Pha Sinh is usually made of silk when worn on formal occasions, it is easy to buy cheaper cotton-made versions of Pha Sinh at the local markets in Thailand. (Source, Source)

Pha Chung Hang (or Chang Kben)

A Pha Chung Hang, also known as Chang Kben, is a long rectangular piece of wraparound cloth for the lower body and can be worn by both men and women.

Pha Chung Hang is synonymous with the Khmer Sampot as well. It resembles pants more than it is a skirt. It is worn by wrapping the Pha Chung Hang around the waist, stretching the cloth away from the body, twisting the ends together, and pulling the twisted part between the legs to tuck it in the back of the waist.

Pha Biang (or Sabai)

Pha Biang (ผ้าเบี่ยง) or Sabai (สไบ) is a shawl-like cloth or “breast cloth” and also can be used by either women or men.

It is a long clothing piece made of silk and about a foot wide. The wearer must drape the Sabai or Pha Biang diagonally around the chest by covering one shoulder while its end falls behind the back. Pha Biang could be worn on top of another cloth or around the naked chest.

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn, it was a common practice to wear Pha Biang together with Victorian-era outfits. This practice lasted until King Vajiravudh, when Westernized dresses became more fashionable.

During the 1940’s Thai clothing reform, the wearing of Pha Biang, a daily outfit, was officially banned by Plaek Pibulsonggram.

Raj pattern costumes

Raj pattern means either a Thai male costume (ชุดราชปะแตน) which consists of a white Nehru-style jacket with five buttons, a Pha Chung Hang, knee-length socks, and dress shoes, or the specific form of the jacket itself (ราชปะแตน).

Raj pattern clothes were worn mainly by government officials and the upper-class elites of Bangkok during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. These days, it is used on particular occasions as a Thai national costume for men. (Source)

Formal Chut Thai dress for women

As mentioned above, there are eight different designs for women’s formal Chut Thai outfits. Different designs of Chut Thai outfits are used for different occasions – both formal and informal.

1. Thai Chakkri

Chakkri is one of the most famous traditional Thai dresses. It is commonly worn as a formal dress to the point that when people say ‘Thai traditional costume,’ it is very likely that most people would think of Chakkri.

Chakkri dresses are considered to be formal and elegant. It is made up of Pha Sinh, which in this case is typically a Yok Dork brocade and may even have gold and silver threads weaved into the cloth. The top is usually made from silk, and a Sabai is wrapped over the shoulder to complete the look.

Women would wear a gold or silver belt over the Pha Sinh, and other gold and silver Thai jewelry would be worn as accessories while wearing a Chakkri.

2. Thai Chakkraphat

Chakkraphat is another formal outfit worn for royal ceremonies. It is similar to Chakkri but has a more conservative design and is considered more official.

The Chakkraphat used two Sabai shawls – one is a pleated shawl cover, and another one is a thicker shawl with a lot of detailed embroideries.

This combination is considered to be one of the most formal and elegant types of Chut Thai dresses for Thai women. Since the name of the dress itself means “Emperor”, this outfit is usually reserved for royal and national ceremonies.

3. Thai Amarin

An Amarin is often worn by the royals and is considered a luxurious evening dress. It is usually worn during royal ceremonies with all the requisite royal ornaments.

The dress consists of a brocade Pha Sinh and a broad, almost square-like blouse. The blouse may have a wide, rounded neckline with sleeves extending to just below the elbow and buttons all the way up to the throat’s front. Typically, the blouse in the Amarin dress is not tucked in, and there is no need to wear a belt either.

4. Thai Boromphiman 

This is another formal dress used as an evening attire.

Boromphiman consists of an ankle-length Pha Sinh tube skirt and a long-sleeved blouse with a round neck as the top. The buttons of the blouse can be found either on the front or back. Sometimes, the skirt and the blouse of Boromphiman are sewn together to form a dress.

The outfit is made from fine fabric, giving it a luxurious and elegant look. There is no Sabai in Boromphiman. The outfit is usually completed with a silver or golden belt and gold or silver jewelry as accessories. Boromphiman dresses can be worn for formal and semi-formal occasions.

5. Thai Siwalai

Siwalai is another formal evening dress and is almost identical to a Boromphiman, apart from there is a Sabai in the Siwalai dress.

Siwalai is like a combination of the two previous dress styles, as it incorporates a Sabai and a long-sleeved top. And most of the time, this outfit is mainly worn during royal ceremonies, formal functions, and other official events.

6. Thai Ruean Ton 

This is the most casual female outfit out of all eight Chut Thai dresses for women.

Ruean Ton is usually worn during non-official functions where a smart casual dress code is needed. The Ruean Ton consists of a Pha Sinh that is usually plain-colored, with horizontal or vertical stripes, and a long-sleeved, collarless blouse. The blouse has a row of buttons at the front and elbow-length sleeves and is typically tucked in. The outfit is usually completed with a belt.

7. Thai Chitlada

For daytime events, a Chitlada is worn as a formal ceremonial outfit and is usually worn by Thai officials.

They are generally worn to greet official royal guests. The outfit usually consists of a long Pha Sinh and silk, long-sleeved, jacket-like blouse with five buttons made of gold or silver at the front. People are also seen wearing a Chitlada to cremations and funerals.

8. Thai Dusit

A Dusit is visually the most modern and more Westernized form of a Thai outfit.

Since it is a mix of Thai and Western fashion influences, Dusit is intended to be worn (as what others would usually call) Western-style evening wear. The outfit features a slim-fitting dress with a round neck and no sleeves. It can be worn as a one-piece dress or as a skirt and blouse outfit.

The dress is usually made of brocaded silk and accessorized with either traditional or Western jewelry. People usually wear this dress style at less-formal evening events or international events due to its conventional look. (Source, Source)

Formal Chut Thai for men

There are many different Thai men’s clothes. However, the one considered to be the formal attire for Thai men is known as Suea Phraratchathan.

Suea Phraratchathan

The name “Suea Phraratchathan” literally means “Royal-bestowed shirt” in Thai.

The outfit was first created in 1979 for the King of Thailand and was popularized by General Prem Tinsulanonda, the then Minister of Defense.

The outfit has a resemblance to the Raj-pattern jacket. However, a Suea Phraratchanthan is specified as having a standing Mandarin collar, two outer pockets, and five buttons. The shirt may come in three different versions – short-sleeved, long-sleeved, and long-sleeved with a slash. This depends on the level of formality.

A Suea Phraratchathan is typically worn with Western-style suit trousers, but there are some instances in which it is paired with more “Thai-style” pants. (Source, Source)

Modern-day Thai traditional dresses

Although Chut Thai dresses were created for the Queen’s visit to the U.S. in 1960, these traditional dresses are worn by Thai people today – for all kinds on various occasions.

Thai traditional dresses in beauty pageants

For example, Thailand’s beauty queens are seen wearing Chut Thai-inspired dresses in the National Costume category of international pageants like Miss World and Miss Universe.

In 2017, Miss Thailand, Chalita Suansane, wowed the fans with her national costume, which was inspired by the vintage photos of Queen Sirikit.

The dress was embroidered with a hundred thousand Swarovski crystals and was designed by the culture scholar Hirankrit Pattaraboriboonkul. Also, in the Miss Grand Thailand competition, the national costume round is given a lot of importance. Contestants are seen wearing various forms of Thai traditional costumes designed to represent the region they are from. (Source, Source)

In February 2018, the royally-initiated festival Winter Dusit, or the Oon Ai Rak Klay Kwam Nao, received a lot of attention from local people who were eager to dress up in various traditional Thai costumes.

People visiting the festival wore puffed-sleeve blouses, lace, and Jong Kraben-style pants. They lined up near the Royal Plaza, where the festival was held.

This provoked the interest of young Thai people in traditional outfits, as many young people would only usually wear traditional costumes for official functions or important social events. (Source)

The “Lalisa effect”

Last year, there was a surge in interest in Thai traditional dresses and headdresses. All thanks to the world-renowned Kpop idol, Lisa.

Born and raised in Thailand, Lisa (or Lalisa Manoban) paid tribute to her roots in the music video of her solo debut song “Lalisa.” She did this by wearing a traditional Thai dress-inspired costume and a headdress that is usually worn by traditional Thai dancers.

The song was a huge success. And so was the interest in the Thai costume and accessories Lisa displayed in the music video. Traders at a famous market in Bangkok said that ever since her famous music video, there has been an increased demand for traditional outfits and accessories.

In an interview with Reuters, Samorn Suthiwong, a worker from a clothes store in the market, said that a lot of people had ordered from their online shop, and there had been a constant flow of customers coming to their physical store to ask what kind of headgear they have, and in what style and color.

Thai designer brand Asava was the one in charge of the custom long, shiny gold cape, crop top, and wrapped mini skirt that was worn in the music video.

According to the Instagram post shared by Polpat Asavaprapha, the Lalisa dress was created exclusively for the idol. It was specifically made with traditional Thai brocade and golden silk, which were delicately woven in metal-treaded ancient traditional Thai clothing patterns from the Lamphun province.

On top of that, the costume was embroidered by hand and embellished with sparkling Swarovski crystals.

Although the exact price of the customized headdress worn by Lisa is unknown, traditional headdresses like this were usually sold in the markets for a price between 250 to 1000 THB (6 to 27 USD) per piece.

And thanks to Lisa’s music video, some shops selling traditional headdresses saw a 10% increase in their income.

Prasop Riengngern, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, also praised Lisa and the designer Polpat Asavaprapha for promoting Thai culture through fashion, as it helped Thai costumes to gain more recognition on the international stage. (Source, Source)

Where to find Thai traditional outfits?

Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand (inside the Royal Palace compound)

Contact Number : +66 2 225 9430 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

There is no better way to experience and witness various Thai traditional outfits than visiting the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles in Bangkok.

The Queen herself is the creator of the Chut Thai dresses, and the museum is named after her to honor the Queen’s efforts to develop traditional dresses. This museum hosts various rooms inside the building, such as a library, a lecture hall, an education studio, and the first laboratory in Thailand dedicated to textile conservation.

It was first opened in 2003, on the grounds of the Royal Palace, which was built by King Rama I in 1870. 

The exhibitions inside the museum tell the story of Queen Sirikit and how she developed the traditional outfits and transformed Thai silk into the country’s symbol. The highlight of the museum would be the Queen’s personal collection of dresses. By visiting the museum, you can easily witness all the different Chut Thai dress types in one place. (Source)

Sense Of Thai

Address: Tha Maharaj (~300m from Grand Palace), 1/11 Trok Mahathat, Maharaj Rd, Phrabarommaharajwang, 10200, Bangkok

Contact Number : +66 94 321 5225 Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7 PM

If you want to rent a Thai traditional dress to go around the temples and city attractions for a day, here is where you can find one.

There is a traditional Thai costume rental shop called ‘Sense of Thai‘ conveniently located near the popular Thai temples, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

Upon visiting the shop, you can browse various Chut Thai dress collections in various colors, patterns, materials, and designs. The dresses also come in various sizes – from X.S. to 2XL, Thai traditional dresses for girls, and X.S. to 3XL Thai clothing for men.

Then, you can try on up to 2 different costumes to pick the one you like the best or even ask the advice from the store’s stylist to dress you up.

There are also accessories and handbags you can rent to complete the look. And for couples and groups, the shop offers couple outfits and group packages too. So, you can take photos in matching outfits!

Check out the ‘Sense of Thai’ on Instagram to see the beautiful Thai traditional dresses you can rent from them.

The rental cost is 550 THB (15 USD) for a one-day rental service for both outfits and accessories.

There is a private photographer service available at the shop, so for those who want to take beautiful photos in Thai costumes, make sure to request.

For making reservations, you can book via the Line account of the shop.

On the day of the visit, customers can leave their bags and luggage in the shop for a temporary period. Still, it had been advised not to leave any valuable belongings in the bag as the shop will not be responsible for any lost items.

The customer needs to pay a deposit of 1000 THB (27 USD), which will be returned once the dress is returned and confirmed for no damage by the shop’s staff. Unfortunately, there is no costume available for infants. (Source, Source)

Thai Style Studio

Address: 444 MBK Center Phayathai Rd. Pathumwan Bangkok, Thailand, 10400 : 3 floor. Zone C (3C09)

Contact Number : +66 2 048 7136 Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

If you are looking for an indoor photo studio to take photos with Thai costumes, complete with hair and makeup, then this would be the one for you.

Located on the 3rd floor of the famous MBK shopping center, Thai Style Studio has a long-standing history of Thai costume rental services. They have been operating for over three decades already and provide studio photoshoots with traditional Thai settings to help their customers capture the essence of unique Thai culture.

And of course, customers can rent costumes and also get full premium hair and makeup services completed with a headdress if they wish to go full costume.

The process of renting a Thai traditional customer here is also simple:

First, you will have to book ahead of the day they want to rent the costumes by emailing service.thaistylestudio@gmail.com or a message via the Thai Style Studio 1984 account on Facebook and Instagram.

Then on the day itself, customers can choose from an array of Thai cultural, traditional dresses and accessories that the shop has to offer and ask for assistance from the studio’s staff as well.

After selecting the costume, the customer will have to pay a deposit of 1500 THB (40 USD) to rent the outfit for three days. And within three days, the customer can return the rented costume to the studio to get the deposit back.

The cost of renting a standard costume set for three days is 2,000 THB (55 USD), while a fully premium set includes everything – from hair and makeup services to accessories like belts, headdresses, and necklaces, which is 2,300 THB (62 USD).

Or, if you would like to book an outdoor photoshoot, it is possible to do so at Thai Style Studio as well. The cost for outdoor photoshoot service is 4,000 THB (110 USD) per hour – including costumes, hair and makeup services, and photographer service.

For every additional person, the extra cost will be 2,500 THB (68 USD). However, it is important to know that all the prices for outdoor photoshoots do not include the entrance fees one will have to pay at most tourist attractions places like temples and museums. (Source)

Costume rental shops at Ayutthaya

As Ayutthaya is known as the ancient city of Thailand, taking photos at the temples in traditional Thai costumes seems to be a popular trend among both local and foreign visitors.

While taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, you can easily rent a traditional Thai costume from the local rental shops located across the city. Just make sure to look for the small shops near the temple entrance, and you can rent each outfit and umbrella for a price of 500 THB (14 USD) at the majority of the shops.

Although the dresses may not be as new or as well-made as the ones you can rent at the above-mentioned photo studios from Bangkok, it is a convenient and affordable option to take some memorable photos while visiting the famous ancient temples of Ayutthaya.

Places to buy a traditional Thai dress

If renting the costume for a few days is not enough for you, there are several shops around the city that sells Thai silk and make dresses on request. Some recommended places to buy a traditional dress are as written below:

Queen Thai Silk

Address: 10/4 Trendy plaza Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

The shop uses 100% pure Thai silk to create beautiful traditional Thai dresses in just a couple of days. The customers can choose the fabric and design they want and have the dress tailored-made for them here. However, it has been said that the prices are costly as they use quality silk and would usually charge 1500 to 1800 THB (40 to 50 USD) per yard. (Source)

Narai Phand

Address: Eight Thonglor Building (1st Floor No. 88/333, Sukumvit 55 (Thonglor Klongton Nua Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

This shop has been operating for more than 72 years and is known to have some of the best handicrafts in Bangkok.

What’s interesting about this shop is that the handicrafts sold here come from regions and villages across the country, and the reason why is to create aid for the villagers who produce these handicrafts. And besides traditional dresses, one can also find skirts, scarves, shawls, bags, etc.

Chut Thai, Thai culture

It is truly mesmerizing to see how each Chut Thai traditional dress is designed to be worn on different occasions.

There have also been a lot of influences from different cultures and ancient kingdoms on Thai formal dresses. This makes them unique and diverse compared to traditional outfits from other Southeast Asian countries.

So, if you are looking for a fun yet authentic way to experience Thai culture, perhaps trying on one of these beautiful traditional dresses and taking photos at the landmarks would be a great way to spend your time.

If you have seen some of the famous Thai movies like ‘Pee Mak’ or ‘The Medium,’ you will know that Thai people have a superstitious culture. Most of their superstitions stem from their religious beliefs. And one of the most commonly accepted superstitions is carrying amulets for various purposes.

Curious to learn more about Thai amulets? This is your complete guide – covering their history, how they are made, and why they are worn in Thailand.

Plus, if you’re an aspiring collector, you’ll find a list of the most famous Thai amulets and advice on where to get them. Let’s start with the basics.

What is an amulet?

An amulet is defined as an object believed to be “endowed with special powers to protect or bring good fortune. It is also defined as a charm or ornament often inscribed with a symbol or magic incantation to “aid the wearer or protect against evil.”

Among believers, amulets are viewed as deriving power from religious associations, connection with natural forces, or from being made for ritual purposes. They can be natural or man-made.

Amulets are carried on the person or stored in the desired place – such as in the house or on the roof. 

There are many kinds of amulets.

Natural amulets can be a number of things. Such as precious stones, teeth, claws of animals, bones, and metals. Plants like four-leaf clovers can also be a natural amulet, as it is believed to bring good luck. As for man-made charms, they can be in the form of small figurines, religious medallions, or jewelry. (Source, Source)

Whatsmore, different countries have their own versions of amulets.

For instance, “evil eye” amulets (which usually have the shape of an eye inside a circle) are of popular belief in the Middle East. Whereas natural amulets like “crocodile teeth” are considered by some African people to help them win gambling. (Source)

History of Thai amulets

In ancient Buddhism, making symbolic religious objects was not commonly practiced.

It is argued that Thai amulets were first designed after the style of Greek amulets and icons of deities distributed widely under the rule of Greek King Menander in India.

When Buddhism reached Thailand, people started to worship the religion. This, in return, influenced the creation of Thai ‘Pra Kruang.’ Amulets were made to serve as an object of worship for the followers of the belief.

The emergence of authentic Buddhist amulets in Thailand during the late 19th century – displayed the cultural shift in Buddhism’s role in the country’s society. This was due to Bangkok’s Thai elite members championing philosophies related to humanism and individualism.

Consequently, their approach to religion had shifted. Rather than focusing on solely on spiritual matters, they considered realities of the physical world and pursuing material happiness.

These modern values indirectly caused the belief in the supernatural powers of amulets to be reinforced in Thai society. Local people began to view the Buddha and his devotees as saviors who could bring good fortune to the worshippers.

Hence, prominent monks in the country began to produce amulets of their own for the believers.

Since then, Buddhist amulets in Thailand have been widely found across the country. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of Thai amulets. But it is a reasonable theory that they were first created in Thailand when Buddhism began to flourish. (Source, Source)

How are Thai amulets made?

It is believed that the very first Thai amulets were made of simple, locally sourced materials. Local people utilized a group of plants (known as ‘wan’), which were seen as medicinal and had the power to protect against vulnerabilities.

As Buddhism and Hindu-Brahmanism grew over time (in what is now Thailand), amulet productions became more sophisticated. 

Amulets can be made in a variety of methods. The most common ones are those manufactured from a mixture of different ingredients – pressed in a mold and baked.

Some are made with powders mixed with oils or herbs and then pressed into a pre-designed metal plate to create different shapes and sizes. These amulets are then baked at high temperatures to solidify them. Some amulets are made from metal or a mixture of metal and other ingredients. These mixtures are melted down at high temperatures and then poured into a mold to set.

The ingredients included in amulets are often kept as secrets by the monks or people who make them –depending on the final use. The finished amulets are then blessed by monks, priests, or learned laymen upon creation. 

Amulets are often inscribed with the mark of the temple or the monk who produced them. Cryptic and sacred diagrams composed of graphic symbols (known as ‘yantra’) are often found on the amulets.

It is believed to increase their power. Some even add gold or precious stones to the backs of charms.

Aside from these man-made amulets, many amulets found in Thailand’s rural areas are often made from natural materials. Wood, flowers, stones, and even earth and clay are used.

People in such places tend to use ingredients that are readily available in the area they live in. Old metal amulets and powered ones are often used in creating new amulets. It is believed that this will transfer some of the ancient, powerful magic to the new amulets. Thus, making them more potent for the wearer.

Ingredients are not the only important aspect of creating amulets.

For an amulet to be “powerful”, it must be crafted and blessed by monks or people that are highly skilled and experienced. That is why some amulets are created by many monks praying together. This blesses the amulets with particular powers. Whatsmore, only the experienced spell casters among them are allowed to do such work.

At the beginning of those ceremonies, all people involved must be cleansed. This is to show recognition and respect to the previous monks who were involved with these particular amulets. Also, in recognition of the spirits that are going to be associated with bringing blessings or supernatural powers to the amulets. (Source, Source)

Such processes are considered sacred and must be done with great reverence from everyone involved.

For more explanation of the history of Thai amulets and how they are made, here is an informative video:

Why do Thai people wear amulets?

Although amulets are common superstitions among many cultures, people wear different amulets for a specific purpose.

The religious significance of different amulets can vary from user to user. Also, what they represent can be connected to a certain moment in their life.

For example, a rabbit’s foot is a popular amulet in the U.S. According to ancient Celts’ belief, rabbits could directly communicate with gods and spirits.

In Norse legend, the oak tree represents the god of thunder and lightning. Thor and ancient Norse filled their houses with acorns to protect against the lightning. 

In Thailand, it is the same.

People wear or carry the amulets for various purposes. The most common belief about amulets in Thailand is that they can provide the carrier with good luck. Also, that they protect against any kind of misfortunes in their lives.

Thai people usually wear amulet necklaces as a way to protect themselves against disease, accidents, and witchcraft. It is also believed that the older the amulet is, the stronger the protective power.

It is suggested that three different types of people collect amulets – the wealthy, the traders, and the believers. Each of these groups has a different purpose:

• Wealthy people: wear amulets around their necks as a sign of prosperity.

• Traders: collect amulets for financial gain and profits.

• Believers: wear amulets purely for luck (as stated above).

Amulets in Thailand are also worn to get closer to the Lord Buddha, especially if worn around the collector’s neck.

Even though the teachings of Buddha do not actually encourage the usage of amulets, many Buddhists in Thailand surround themselves with as much protection and luck as possible. Therefore, carrying, wearing, or at least keeping the amulet at home or workplace.

They believe that wearing amulets brings them closer to Lord Buddha and will remind them about things to do and things not to do. These amulets often have the form of miniature Buddha statues or representations of different holy monks.

No matter what the reason is for wearing or collecting amulets, it can be generally considered that Thai people wear amulets as a way to get clarity and peace of mind. (Source, Source)

Most famous & powerful types of Thai amulets

Popular Thai Buddha Amulets (Phra Khrueang)

Usually, in the form of small Buddha images, Phra Khrueang or Thai Buddha amulets can have the appearance of monks, the Bodhisattvas, maestros, and other gods. Thai people believe that these amulets will protect them against danger, bring them good fortune and, to some extent, make them invincible.

These amulets are small enough to be manufactured in large quantities as miniature replicas of the image of Lord Buddha.

In ancient times, Thai warriors carried these amulets with them. As of now, these amulets can be seen being worn around people’s necks as lucky charms.

Below are some of the most well-known Buddha amulets worn or kept by Thai people:

1. Jatukham Ramthep

Known as the most popular Thai amulet at the beginning of 2007, Jatukham Ramthep [จตุคามรามเทพ] is an amulet depicting the image of two gods – Thao Khattukham and Thao Ramthep, who guard the Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan temple located in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Both gods are believed as supreme deities according to Brahmanism beliefs:

Jathukham is a name for the creator god Brahma and Rammathep (being the name for Lord Rama), the avatar of Vishnu, the god. Later, they were renamed Thao Jatukham.

There is also another belief that stemmed from the local legend in southern Thailand. According to that belief, Jatukham Ramathep was a king of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom that existed around AD 1287.

This monarch and the mighty warrior was named “the Black King of the Southern Seas” once he had succeeded in establishing the Srivijaya Kingdom.

In 2007, the country went into the “Jatukham craze.”

Jatukham amulets were believed to have the ability to make their owners ‘super rich’ or wealthy without any reason. The craze for Jatukham amulets was so extreme that in the early stages, a local woman was crushed to death in a crowd at a Nakhon Si Thammarat temple while trying to place amulet orders.

Due to this frenzy, the price for the first Jatukham amulet made in 1987 skyrocketed to over a whopping 40 million THB (over 1 million USD). The original price was only 49 THB (a little over a dollar).

Incredible.

Other variations of Jatukham amulets were also sold at high prices. A top-of-the-range, gold-leaf edition from a famous temple was purchased for more than 10,000 THB (280 USD). Jatukam owners would proudly display their amulets. Either on the outside of their shirts or suspended from a thick gold chain.

It was highly believed that Jatukam supports the owner, offering strength, clarity of thought, and enhancement to their lives. (Source, Source)

2. Phra Somdej

Considered one of the most powerful Buddha amulets around, Phra Somdej is also known as the ‘King of Amulets’. This is because it was intended to bring the highest praise and blessings of Lord Buddha to the wearer.

The amulet was named after its maker – Somdej Phra Buddhacara Toh Prommarangsi. A famous monk and son of King Rama II who is known to be compassionate, morally upright, and very dedicated to his faith.

There are many prints of Phra Somdej, but the most popular one seems to be Phra Somdej Rahkhang. An original piece of the amulet dating back to the 19th century can cost anywhere from 80 million to 150 million THB (2.2 million to 4.2 million USD).

Phra Somdej amulets feature the image of a faceless Lord Buddha sitting on three platforms that symbolize the three cosmology levels in Buddhism. (Source)

3. Phra Nang Phaya

The Phra Nang Phaya amulet was found at Wat Nang Phaya, a temple dedicated to King Narasuan’s queen.

Honored as the “Queen of Amulets”, the amulet was said to be first discovered in 2444 B.C.E.

These amulets are made with holy water, golden and silver sand metal, sacred soil, nam phee, a unique iron mineral, and holy relics.

It is believed that Phra Nang Phaya amulets bring good fortune and protection. During ancient times, these amulets were given to troops of King Naresuan that were yet to win a battle and were afraid of foreign invasions. (Source) 

4. Phra Kring Pawareth (Ringing Amulet)

Therefore, these ringing amulets are believed to help cure illnesses and diseases of their keepers. They remind

As there are many Thai people (and foreigners) who are health-conscious, Phra Kring Pawareth amulets tend to be sold out quickly. After all, who wouldn’t want a reminder and protector of their well-being? (Source)

5. Phra Pid Tha

In the Thai language, Phra Pid Tha means ‘monk who is covering their eyes.’ These amulets were first discovered in 1850.

As the name of this amulet suggests, the image of the monk with closed eyes depicts going into Nirodha (“cessation”). This is a state of immunity from the sufferings of life – a removal of thinking.

The amulet is popular among people looking to improve their luck and mindfulness. As the closed eyes monk represents being invisible from the distractions and danger of life.

Therefore, shielding the wearer from suffering and dissipating their negative thoughts.

The amulet is also associated with charm and financial success. This explains why it is one of the most sought-after Buddha amulets in Thailand. (Source)

Other types of amulets in Thailand

Aside from the Buddha amulets, other types of amulets can also be found in Thailand.

Below are the examples of some amulets local people believe in:

6. Kuman Thong (The Golden Child)

While visiting Thailand, you might see a child figure placed on top of the shelf at a local grocery shop. (Especially in the rural areas.)

That figure is not just any figure – it’s an amulet for luck.

Known as Kuman Thong (กุมารทอง), kuman means sanctified or holy young boy, and thong means golden. Therefore, these amulets are effigies of little boys with covered in gold.

Traditionally, the Kuman Thong was a stillborn baby boy that had died in the womb of his mother. The fetus was roasted to a dried-out husk while being chanted over. Then covered in lacquer and gold leaf.

It is believed to represent the spirit of a child, and honoring the spirit of the effigy will bring good fortune. The spirit of a child is called upon and invited to live in the statue. As spooky as it sounds, many people keep Kuman Thong statues. They believe that it protects them from disasters, helps identify enemies, and boosts prosperity.

One condition that every Kuman Thong keeper must follow is that the amulet should be taken care of as if it were a real baby boy. The keepers must feed the figure and invite him to join the table. (Source)

Nowadays, it does not require a tragic event to create a Kuman Thong figure. Using human remains for ceremonies is illegal. It can be made from either the soil collected from seven cemeteries, gooseberry wood, milkweeds, or metals. These ingredients are then shaped into the form of a boy dressed in Chong Kraben clothing and with a topknot hairstyle.

However, it is suggested the practice of using body parts to make them continues on the black market. CNN and New York Post reported in 2012 that Bangkok police arrested a Taiwanese man who possessed six fetuses that had been roasted and covered in gold leaf. (Source, Source)

7. Nang Kwak (Goddess of Fortune)

Another common amulet present in Thailand is Nang Kwak (นางกวัก) – the goddess of fortune statue.

The statue features a woman in a traditional Thai costume with accessories. She is sitting on the floor with her legs folded to one side. Her left hand is placed either on the side or on her lap, while the right hand is raised to shoulder level in a beckoning gesture.

People believed that this inviting hand signal would “beckon wealth and customers” to the business.

For that reason, Nang Kwak statues are considered as Thai amulets for wealth. And can be seen at many business establishments across the country.

The Nang Kwak statues were first discovered in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period (AD 1350- 1767). Later in the modern eras, the worship of Nang Kwak became more popularized during the reigns of King Rama IV and V. This was due to the economic developments in those eras.

Interestingly, it was also around the time that the famous ‘Maneki-Neko’ (or beckoning cat of Japan) made its first appearance in the country. This solidified Thai people’s beliefs in such “luck beckoning statues”. (Source)

8. In Koo (Love Charm)

In this scenario, it is believed to make everyone that the wearer comes into contact with to be friendly and compassionate towards them. Whatsmore that it can make others fall in love with him or her.

Aside from being a powerful love amulet, the In Koo is also believed to make businesses flourish, attract money and gifts, and make life less bothersome.

This charm has been used for thousands of years by ancient folks and shows no signs of losing its popularity anytime soon. (Source)

9. Thai Lizard Amulet (Jing Jok)

The “Jing Jok” (or the Gecko) is a magic animal that has appeared in Thai folklore since the pre-Buddhist eras of Animism. It usually comes in the form of the lizard statue put in a clear amulet case. 

According to Thai mythical beliefs, you will be blessed with lucky windfalls and other favorable events if you hear a Gecko’s greetings while leaving your house.

The Thai lizard amulet is famous among perpetual gamblers and businessmen. It is believed to increase gambling fortunes and improve business talks and sales.

The Jing Jok is also said to be powerfully endowed with Kong Grapan Magic. This protects the wearer from harmful accidents and deadly attacks. Its perceived anti-black magic properties also keep curses away.

It is also a popular Thai amulet for love – a favorite love charm of many generations in Thailand. (Source)

10. Thai Elephant God Amulet

The Hindu deity Ganesha is known as Phra Pikanet in Thailand. It is one of the most worshipped deities in Asia. Son of Shiva and Parvati, Phra Pikanet is the Hinda god who governs the mother earth and life force. His image can be found throughout Asia in many variations.

Still, the elephant head makes him easy to be identified. There are versions of him being portrayed as sitting, standing, dancing, or playing. Whatsmore, Phra Pikanet usually has four or eight arms and is holding various objects. All items and traits contain interesting symbolisms to remind his devotees.

These characteristics and traits are believe to represent the following:

• A big head to think big.

• Large ears and small mouth to listen more and talk less.

• Small eyes to focus.

• A large stomach to take in all the good and bad things happening in life.

As for the objects:

• The axe is for cutting all bonds from worldly attachments.

• The mouse represents keeping all desire under one’s control.

• The rope to bring the devotees to their nearest goals.

• The broken tusk signifies sacrifice.

These Phra Pikanet amulets are believed to protect the keepers against evil and weapons. They are bring an abundance of wealth as a result of thriving trades. It also is believed to have a subtle charm that can attract the opposite sex.

A fantastic gift idea to give to someone special or an amulet collector. (Source)

Where to get yourself a Thai amulet

The Thai amulet industry is huge. It can be found online and offline across the country.

Before going to get yourself one, here’s one thing you should know:

Most, if not all, local people tend to refer to collecting amulets as ‘borrowing amulets’ rather than ‘purchasing amulets’. This is because the trade or sale of Buddha imagery for money is considered offensive and superficial to Buddhist traditions.

Temples for Buddhist amulets

Sacred Buddhist amulets are crafted only at Buddhist temples.

So, the best place to get one of the Buddhist amulets – and have it blessed by monks for extra powerful effects – is at one of the Buddhist temples in Thailand.

Also, by getting one directly at a Buddhist temple, you can be sure that they your new amulet is geniune.

As you would expect, Buddhist temples and monks would not go against the principles of Buddha and get involved with fake amulets. They only sell amulets they have manufactured or that have been commissioned the approved Buddhist craftsmen.

Grand Palace Temple, Wat Phraw Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun would be the best temples to visit and get your Buddhist amulets in Bangkok.

Markets for Non-Buddhist amulets

Looking for local markets to get non-Buddhist amulets? Or for cheaper alternatives of the famous amulets for sale in Thailand?

Talaad Phra Chan (Sunday Amulet Market):

In that case, Bangkok’s Sunday Amulet Market – Talaad Phra Chan is an amulet collector’s heaven.

This location is known to have the most comprehensive selection by far in Bangkok. It’s usually filled with hundreds of stalls selling all sorts of amulets and pendants – metal, clay, wooden, ivory, tooth, and many others.

Located on the Chao Phraya River (adjacent to Grand Palace Temple and the Thammasart University), the market is open every day except on royal holidays. The vendors are more active on the weekends. (Source, Source) 

Thai amulet prices

As for the price of a Thai amulet, it depends on how rare or how antique it is. Artificial amulets you can find at markets might cost as low as 20 THB (50 cents). While extremely rare Thai amulets are priced at millions.

The most expensive Thai amulet ever sold (Luang Puu Kai Amulet from Cherng Lane temple) holds a record of 30 million THB (845,000 USD) per amulet.

Grab yourself a new amulet

Has this guide ignited (or reignited) your passion for Thai amulet collecting?

Now that your curiosity has been solved, it’s time to book your ticket to Thailand and grab yourself one (or several).

Now before you do, keep in mind these three behaviors to follow while wearing your new amulet:

1. Do not insult someone’s mother.

2. Do not have an affair.

3. Do not wear an amulet on your body while having sexual intercourse or visiting a brothel.

You’ll certainly not want to land yourself in any trouble with the deities.

Knowing how to take care of your amulets will maintain their power – ensuring you are blessed with the maximum of good fortune!

With abundant golden temples and statues encrusted with gems, Thailand is recognized worldwide as a colored gemstone hub. The country has always been considered at the forefront of jewelry and gemstone production and exportation.

And here are the reasons why it is so well known among gem traders all over the world and why you should consider buying Thai gems and jewelry on your trip to this tropical country.

History of Thai jewelry and gems

The custom of excellent craftsmanship for jewelry and gems in Thailand has passed down through many generations and is still intact to this day.

In Thai, the jewelry and gemstones industry is one of the leading industries and has thrived since ancient times.

Ruby mines in Thailand

With a history dating back to the 15th century, Thailand was an important mining industry country.

The primary mines were located in Trat, Kanchanaburi, and Chanthaburi regions, where rubies and sapphires were mainly found. However, the rubies mined from Thailand were considered inferior to Myanmar’s ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ rubies, as Thai rubies have a darker color due to extra iron.

However, in the 1960s, Myanmar mines were controlled by the socialist U Ne Win government after a coup in 1962, and the market had to switch to an alternative source.

This opened the market for Thailand jewelry, as the market searched for an alternative source of rubies. Also, Thai dealers had found a way of heating the gemstones to improve their color. (This was the main reason Myanmar’s ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ rubies were considered superior to Thailand’s.)

With these two significant developments in the market, Thailand’s rubies became a massive success to the point that the 1980s almost depleted the mines in the country.

But the country has shown its skills in cutting and treating the gems and has been able to secure its position in the industry since then. (Source)

Gold

The history of Thai gold jewelry goes way back thousands of years.

Did you know?

Thailand’s original name ‘Siam’ means ‘gold’ in the Sanskrit language; the Indians called the country ‘Suvannabhumi’ or ‘Land of Gold,’ and the Chinese called it ‘Jin Lin’ which means ‘Peninsula of Gold.’

In Thai, gold jewelry trading was also probably what gave the country its first contact with the outside world.

It has been said that gold craft traveled to Thailand around 2000 years ago through Hindu settlers from the east and south of India. Their techniques were picked up by the Dvaravati Mons of Chao Phraya Basin, who heavily influenced the craft in the rising civilization of Khmer.

During the Srivichai era, goldsmiths were able to make gold foils to use in Buddhist ceremonies, and of the gold ornaments made during that time, gold beads were known to be made in the southern and the central regions of Thailand.

Meanwhile, in the Sukhothai period, gold was beaten into thin, flat sheets to cover Buddha statues, and by then, goldsmiths also found out how to goldplate giant Buddha statues. Gold ornaments during the Sukhothai period were simple, smooth, and had minimal designs.

The tradition of gold and gem-based jewelry peaked during the Ayutthaya era – the rulers would commission gold crowns, swords, and even footwear embellished with various glittering gemstones.

Gold was also an essential part of constructing Buddha temples and Buddha statues during that time. It was to the point that the Ayutthaya period was considered the “Golden Age of Gold.” (Source, Source)

Use of gold in religion

In Thailand, gemstones and jewelry are used for more than just aesthetic purposes. Gold, in particular, is used on many occasions, such as for religious purposes.

For many Thais, gold has a great religious significance in Buddhism as the Buddhist literature described the Buddha as having the skin of gold.

For this reason, many Buddha images in Thailand are made of gold, and as part of religious rituals, gold leaf is also stuck onto Buddha images. The largest Buddha image in the world is housed at Wat Trimitr in Thailand. Known as the Golden Buddha, it is made with pure gold and weighs over 5 tons.

Gold is also commonly used to make Thai amulets, a Thai Buddhist blessed item. Many Buddhist Thai people wear or carry amulets with them. It is believed that these protection amulets or “good luck charms” can be very powerful in many forms of spirituality.

These amulets are believed to have the ability to heal, protect and balance the owner’s energies.

Almost every Buddhist Thai owns at least one amulet, and many use them to improve their wealth, health, marriage, and relationships. (Source, Source)

Hill Tribe Silver

Thai hill tribe silver is perhaps the most famous of all Thai jewelry. Known for its beautiful tribal and nature motifs, Thai hill tribe jewelry has been crafted for generations by the hill tribes in Thailand, the largest of these hill tribes being the Karen/Kayan hill tribes.

At first, hill tribe silver jewelry was reserved only for the tribes’ use as these pieces of jewelry symbolize social status and affluence among the tribe people. It didn’t become a major trade until the mid-to-late 20th century in Thailand.

Karen hill tribe’s silver jewelry is now famous worldwide for its hand-made designs – from beads, clasps, pendants, and earrings to classic designs.

Thai silver jewelry is also known for its high content in silver, as its purity range between 95% to 99.9%. Karen artisans combine a bronze alloy with silver to create a robust soldering solution to keep the silver’s luster intact. (Source)

Silverware

Influenced by the early Hindu culture, silverware in Thailand was initially confined to use only for items of ritual worship and ceremonial uses.

About seven centuries ago, silver tooling became a prominent craft – partly due to the skillsets brought into Thailand by refugees from Myanmar. Eventually, this led to the development of a distinct style (known as Thai silverware today). It gradually evolved as the Thais migrated to southern regions. (Source)

Quality of Thai gem jewelry and craftsmanship

The range of gemstones that can be obtained in Thailand is diverse – including ruby, diamond, sapphire, etc.

Quality assessment

The values of Thai jewels are guaranteed, and the selling of gemstones and jewelry in Thailand is managed by trading policies to ensure quality.

Globally accepted local organizations such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI), Gems and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), and others – evaluate and assure the value of Thai gem jewelry.

Craftsmanship 

Thailand is known for its gemstone craftsmanship too.

Thai artisans pride themselves on the long history of uniquely handcrafted artisans found everywhere – from the theatres to the temples.

Thailand’s standout point in the industry is the incomparable level of expertise in processing rough, colored gemstones supported by cutting-edge technologies.

Heat treatment

One particularly known technique Thai craftsmen used is the ‘heat treatment.’ When the gems are heated at a specific temperature, they become more translucent and vivid, and it can even heal the cracks inside the stones sometimes.

Some version of the technique involves only heat. An imitation of the phenomena that naturally form the colored rocks in the first place, while some versions add other components such as sand, glass, and chemicals.

Thailand is one of the few countries that have perfected this ‘heat treatment’ technique. And as for the story of how Thailand developed such a method, some say that it was discovered by accident.

In 1968, a big fire destroyed the gem market in the Chanthaburi region, considered the gem city of Thailand.

After the fire, many shop owners were surprised to see that their gemstones were not only undamaged but also were even more beautiful than before.

Therefore, the Chanthaburi’s gem traders began experimenting. As a result, they discovered this unique technique that can highlight the beauty of colored gemstones.

Lapidary

Aside from this heating technique, Thailand is also internationally known for its lapidary.

The lapidary enthusiasts from Thailand had a lot of opportunities to sharpen their skills since they started when rough stones were rich in the country and were distributed at a much lower price.

The experience taught them to find the best approach for each gem – choosing which side and which style to cut to get the best possible version of the stone. As a result, Thai craftspeople became experts in this field.

To this day, Thai artisans are praised worldwide for their ability to create beautifully balanced and symmetrical gemstones by using only hands and relatively simple tools.

Specific expertise

Each region of Thailand also has its specific expertise. Chanthaburi and Kanchanaburi are famous for colored gemstone processing and jewelry design.

At the same time, the northern part of the country, especially Chiang Mai, is known for having a variety of techniques for making silver jewelry.

Meanwhile, the southern Thailand regions, such as Ranong, Phangnga, and Phuket, pride themselves on jewelry adorned with pearls.

Sukhothai region also has a long history of gold jewelry with its unique and intricate designs. (Source)

Internationally recognized standards

Standard verifications are particularly important in craft-based industries, such as gems and jewelry.

Consequently, Thailand invests a lot to ensure that its gems and jewelry are eligible for internationally recognized standards. The country’s primary focus is on the testing laboratory, a part of the industry’s ecosystem that is directly concerned with the standardization process.

Gems and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) issues reports for various gemstones found in Thailand. Identifying Thailand jewelry is done inside their gem testing laboratory, which professional gemologists operate. GIT’s laboratory was certified by The World Jewelry Confederation (CIBJO) in 2000, and at present, it can verify the quality, origin, and characteristics of gemstones, silver, gold, and pearls.

GIT’s laboratory has the reputation of being one of the seven best gem testing labs globally – ensuring the quality of Thai gemstones and jewelry. (Source)

Thailand’s jewelry market

With a long history of expertise, Thailand’s industry is growing as a global hub for gemstones and jewelry trading.

While it may surprise some, a massive portion of jewelry in many countries such as the US, the EU, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Middle East is from Thailand. Thailand is the world’s 3rd largest colored stone exporter and also the world’s largest silver jewelry exporter.

In 2019 alone, the country produced 50,000 metric tons of silver. The average revenue of Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry is nearly one trillion THB, and over 18,000 workers are in the upstream gem and jewelry industries nationwide; for mining, gemstone cutting, and polishing.

The export value of Thailand’s gems and jewelry products also reached the highest rank for the first half of 2020, at more than 10,000.00 million USD. 

To keep the country’s competitiveness in the industry, the government and entrepreneurs in Thailand have been investing in new technologies and marketing activities to keep the business afloat.

Thailand’s government has introduced many policies to encourage the industry’s development, such as granting a duty exception for importing raw materials and giving tax benefits for jewelry products.

In September 2020, GIT set up GIT Gems and Precious Metals Standard – aiming to upgrade the gem and metals testing private laboratories or purchasing and QC laboratory sections of jewelry factories in Thailand.

GIT also collaborated with local gem trader associations to promote colored stone trading by issuing product quality certificates under GIT’s “Buy with Confidence (BWC)” project. This project boosts the buyers’ confidence and helps the trading process to become more accessible.

Chanthaburi city is also being pushed by the local entrepreneurs and alliance agencies of GIT as the ‘City of Gems’ with plans to organize annual trade fairs similar to the Tucson Gems Show in the US. (Source, Source)

Thai jewelry brands you can buy online

Among the famous Thai jewelry designers, here are some of the most recent standout ones, known globally for their designs and creativity.

These Thai jewelry brands also can be purchased online, making them ideal for those who are not in Thailand right now:

1. SARRAN by Sarran Youkongdee

Sarran Youkongdee founded this jewelry brand in 2008 based on the concept of Asian elegance and blending the Thai heritage with the concepts of emotions and stories.

The origin of the SARRAN brand aims to become the “connection right between” the core value of Asian women and Sarran Youkongdee’s sense of creativity and to create beyond exceptional jewelry pieces, which are known as ‘Art-To-Wear.’

Sarran’s jewelry pieces are characterized by flowers and an artistry that pays homage to women from all over the world. The brand has also achieved local and international recognition. Sarran Youkongdee became the first Thai to be awarded the LOOT Acquisition Award Winner 2018 by the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.

SARRAN’s jewel collections include buckles and belts, earrings, ear cuffs, bangles, and hairpieces- flowers and stories characterize all. (Source, Source)

2. Pattaraphan

This Thailand-based, unisex jewelry brand is loved by big-name celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Kendell Janner.

The designer and founder of the Pattaraphan brand, Pattaraphan Salirathavibhaga, or Nok as her nickname goes, started the brand after noticing a gap in the Thai market for high-quality jewelry that is accessible edgy, and contemporary.

At that time, the ones already available in the market were either expensive traditional Thai jewelry pieces or mass-produced Thai fashion jewelry.

Inspired by her heritage and the idea that “jewelry should feel good on the skin” and “should be a natural extension of oneself,” Nok creates unisex jewelry pieces committed to preserving Thai heritage.

The bold designs of Pattaraphan jewelry pieces pay homage to the brand’s Thai roots.

For example, Nok took inspiration from older generations of Thai ladies wearing pearl jewelry necklaces to formal events and created chain necklaces, hoop earrings, silver bracelets, and more in her ‘CO’ collection.

Nok said that Pattaraphan’s jewelry is produced in small batches by local Thai artisans who have been in the gems and jewelry for decades.

Her genderless, unisex designs are receiving much love, both locally and from overseas, and British Vogue even called her brand a “must-have item for every IT girl.” (Source, Source, Source)

3. Kin.Ko

Good news for international jewelry lovers – this brand offers a worldwide shipping service!

It was created by two sisters, Kacha & Rada Koranee, Kin.Ko is a contemporary jewelry and lifestyle brand of luxury pieces handcrafted by local artisans in Bangkok, Thailand.

The brand is meant to allow everyone to celebrate their individuality and is designed to complement and be suitable for individuals of all genders.

What’s unique about Kin.Ko’s piece is that every jewelry piece has beautiful words engraved in Thai- such as ‘yes, she can,’ ‘be kind,’ as a positive reminder the wearers can keep close to their hearts.

The founders said they are inspired by arts and various beautiful things they get to see, feel and experience in their everyday lives. Another selling point for Kin.Ko is their ‘Good Soul Mission’ project.

The brand emphasizes environmental sustainability, and as a result, they reduce plastic waste as much as possible and source from small local businesses and communities.

As for the packaging, Kin.Ko only uses recycled cardboard boxes and biodegradable paper wraps as well.

Partial of the profits earned are also donated to empower youth and support under-developed schools and communities in Thailand.

Kin.Ko’s collections range from necklaces and rings to bracelets and chains- staying true to their idea of creating jewelry pieces suitable for every individual. (Source, Source)

How to buy gems and jewelry in Thailand 

If you have plans to purchase gemstones and jewelry on your trip to Thailand – worry not!

Once you have landed in Bangkok, the Jewelry Trade Center (JTC) in the capital’s Central Business District is the place to go.

Located on the Silom Road of Bangkok, JTC is a well-known spot among Thailand jewelry manufacturers and worldwide due to its competitive prices.

More than 1,500 wholesalers and 300 Thai jewelry stores are operating inside the building, making it Thailand’s most prominent marketplace for gems and jewelry trade.

The only downside of the JTC building is that it is too big to the point that it is difficult to find a starting point to search for your desired product. However, it is a very tourist-friendly place.

Once you fill in the form at the reception counter on the ground floor, you will get a free shopping bag or birthstone. Complimentary personal shopper service is also offered to make your shopping spree easier and more enjoyable.

And the best part is that JTC supplies everything – from fine jewelry to Thai designer products, from silver to Thai diamond jewelry, and from traditional Thai jewelry pieces to one-of-a-kind customized designs. (Source)

Tips on how to buy Thai Jewelry

And here are a few tips for first-time buyers to ensure you get the most bang out for your buck:

1. Find a trustworthy seller

New buyers may have a common question about Thailand’s jewelry market: “is jewelry made in Thailand real?’

It may be obvious, but do not get swayed by the people on the street who approach you and push you to buy their jewelry. Sometimes, the taxi drivers or the Tuk-Tuk drivers might take you to overpriced jewelry shops and persuade you to buy there but never purchase gems from places you do not know beforehand.

Instead, buy from the businesses that even wholesalers trust.

2. Check for certificate

As mentioned above, GTI has a ‘Buy with confidence’ project to reassure anyone who wishes to buy gems in Thailand.

The guarantee comes in stickers and tags with BWC’s logo on them. Also, a QR code that provides the details of both the products and the shops.

To avoid fraud, you should always check for BWC logo marks before buying any gems and jewelry in Thailand. Also, you can check if the Thai jewelry is authentic (and the origin of the gemstone) at GIT and the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences.

Both are located inside the JTC building or at the Tokyo Gem Laboratory, which is 10 minutes away from the JTC building by foot. 

3. Don’t forget to bargain

It is common for foreigners to be told higher prices than the original while buying from small sellers. Sometimes, they might ask for 50% more than the actual price when selling to foreigners.

To avoid this, it has been advised to ask for the wholesale price to get a reasonable quote and then negotiate from there. This won’t happen with more significant sellers and companies as they usually have fixed prices, but it makes it a bit easier to negotiate a better price. (Source)

Conclusion

As the country is recently opening to foreign visitors and tourists again, the Thai jewelry industry strives to improve technology, assurance, and sustainability issues.

With a long history of expertise and beautifully handcrafted jewelry made in Thailand, the country is becoming Asia’s hub for jewelry trading.

So, next time you think about buying gemstones or jewelry, Thailand and Thai jewelry brands are worth considering.

No matter where you are, in Thailand or anywhere else, politics is always complicated. And one of the most complex and misunderstood terms in the political world is communism. That’s why you might wonder if Thailand is a communist country, or not.

Thailand is not a Communist country. Its political system is a democracy under the basis of a Constitutional Monarchy. Thailand has a king as head of state and a Prime Minister as head of parliament. The existence of a monarch betrays the core value of classless equality in pure communism.

With that said, you might still be unconvinced. After all, there are numerous aspects of Thailand that you might associate with communism.

Read on to get some facts about Thailand’s politics and economy that will expel the word communist from your mind.

Is Thailand Communist?

Thailand is not a communist country. But it’s understandable if you mistake it for one. After all, Thailand has gone through many militaristic coup d’etat, and its political struggle between liberal and authoritarian power still persists.

However, to understand why Thailand is not communist, you must know what communism is first.

What is Communism?

“Communism” is among the most misunderstood terms in political circles. And that’s largely thanks to the media. When you catch the word “communism” or “communist” on TV, you usually hear it as a hateful or negative expression.

The thing is, you can’t blame them. After all, communism “has been used as a tool” in slaughtering many lives throughout history. However, communism didn’t begin like that at all.

The origin of communism is tricky to pinpoint. But it saw a boom in 1848 when Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel published a pamphlet called The Communist Manifesto. In this pamphlet, Marx and Engel tried to define what communism is.

In the most basic sense, communism is a political and economic ideology emphasizing the concept of “a classless society.” Everyone is equal as a comrade and will receive the same benefits from the commune without any separation. (Source)

Some even claim that in a perfect communist world, the concept of state/nation wouldn’t even exist. (Source)

At its core, communism sounds like an ideal society you want to live in. But in practice, it is impossible to achieve. Every group needs a leader. And with such a distinguished position, the concept of equality and comradeship is broken.

You need to understand that there is no such thing as a pure communist nation. Those who claim to be one have mixed elements from other political systems. They are not even close to what Marx and Engel had visioned.

Now, you get a simple idea of what communism is. It’s time you look at Thailand’s politics.

What is Thailand’s political system?

As mentioned, Thailand’s official Political system is democracy. It’s just not the one you might be familiar with.

Democracy in Thailand is based on the framework of the Constitutional Monarchy. Meaning: the monarch in Thailand acts as a head of state under the rule of the constitution. The parliament is the governing body of the country. It is led by a prime minister who comes from an election. (Source)

If you are British, this system will sound familiar to you. Why? Because Thailand’s and England’s politics share at least 2 similar characteristics. They both have monarchs and parliamentary governments. (Source)

With that said, you might have already noticed why Thailand is not a communist country. But if you haven’t, here are 4 reasons to consider.

1. Thailand has a King

In communist countries, you can’t have a king. Why? Because communist countries should be a society without class. Kings and monarchs, however, are the very symbol of societal classes and separation. The two ideas don’t go together at all.

Thailand, like many countries, has a long history with its monarchs. The relationship between the people and the royal families has seen many ups and downs, but it still survived.

You might have heard that the Thai had once overthrown their monarch. And that is true. This happened in 1932 after the revolution led by Ka-Na-Raat (คณะราษฎร, which means people party). Their goal was to change the country from an absolute monarchy to a democracy. However, they didn’t eliminate monarchy entirely. The royal family still exists and lives with limited power. (Source)

On paper, the royal family has no power over Thai politics and governance. The king only acts as a symbol and a head of state. However, some sections in the Thai constitution limit the locals from monitoring the royal family’s actions. (Source)

The current monarch of Thailand is King Maha Vajiralongkorn or Rama X — the eldest son of the previous king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the 10th king of the Chakri dynasty. He became a king in 2019 after his father’s death. (Source)

With such an existence as a monarch, you cannot call Thailand a true communist country. This kingly presence betrays the very core concept of communist society.

2. Thailand’s government is formed by multiple parties

Currently, only 5 countries claim to be communist: China, North Korea, Laos, Vietnam, and Cuba. And one characteristic these countries share is the one-party government system. (Source, Source)

This system emphasizes the right of a single political party to be a de facto governing body of the nation. And Thailand is nothing like that.

Thailand’s government is formed by elected members of parliament (MPs) and senates from numerous political parties. (Source)

Once elected, these parties will decide whether they will be on the coalition or opposition side.

As of 2022, the Thai government consists of 27 political parties. 20 of which are on the coalition side and 7 on the opposition. (Source)

In total, Thailand has 88 political parties. Most are newer and smaller parties, but several bigger and older ones also survive. (Source)

The most influential parties are Palang Pracharath and Pheu Thai. The former is a newer party formed by supporters of the 2014 coup. (Source, Source)

The latter was the leading party in the government of the said coup. (Source)

The current (2022) prime minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, isn’t from any party. In other words, he is an independent politician. He first came to power as the leader of the 2014 coup. In 2019, he won the election as a candidate of the Palang Pracharath party — becoming the 29th prime minister of Thailand. However, there are certain groups who question the legitimacy of his prime ministership. (Source)

All the complicacy aside, you can see that the government-forming method in Thailand is a democratic model. So, it is difficult to say that Thailand is a communist country.

3. Thailand relies on a capitalist economy

In a sense, communism is the idea that opposes capitalism. So, a country that relies heavily on capitalism like Thailand — and even China — can’t be called a true communist country. (Source)

But what is capitalism?

Capitalism is an economic system where the private sectors, or the capitalists, own the means of production and pay the laborers to produce goods for their own profit. Note that there is “ownership,” “capitalists,” and “laborers.” in capitalism.

So how does capitalism contrast with communism? The answer is simple.

In a true communist society, there shouldn’t be any separation between people. Everyone should be treated equally as comrades. The “capitalists” and “laborers” shouldn’t exist.

Not only that. Communism also condones the concept of individual “ownership.” Everything should be shared equally with everyone as a commune. Nobody gets more than anyone else. (Source)

Now, you need to look at Thailand’s economy. You don’t have to be a scholar to notice that Thailand has a ton of private companies and investors. They all compete with each other for maximum profit. They also hire labor to produce goods and provide services in response to demands. This is as capitalism as it gets. (Source)

The most famous example of a private company started in Thailand is probably Red Bull. It began in 1976 as an energy drink company called Krating Daeng (กระทิงแดง), which means red bulls. (Source)

However, Thailand is not a pure capitalist either. Like many other capitalist countries, there are some businesses that the government has to intervene. In Thailand’s case, the examples are electricity and waterworks. (Source)

If the private sector owned these basic needs, their baseline price would skyrocket; only a few people can enjoy that benefit.

With the heavy influence of capitalism on the Thai economy, it is difficult to argue that Thailand is a communist country. Of course, some might say that China has adopted capitalism while maintaining its “communist” stance. However, there are still debates about whether you can call China a communist country.

4. Thailand has been on the Democratic side since the Cold War

The Cold War Era was arguably the peak time of communism. But still, Thailand managed to survive those days while maintaining its position on the Democratic side.

During the Vietnam war, Thailand supported Southern Vietnam and the US forces. To help fight against the communist from North Vietnam, Thailand sent aircraft trainers, warships, and militia to the battlefield. (Source)

However, Thailand’s battle against communism didn’t occur only outside the country. It happens on a domestic level as well. However, the story might be a bit different from other countries.

In 1942, a party called the Communist Party of Thailand was formed. And as the name suggests, they promote communist practices and conduct like equality and a classless society.

Unfortunately for the party, their existence didn’t last long.

There was a coup d’etat in Thailand in 1947. The new conservative and militaristic government declared itself an enemy of communists to appeal to the US power (despite the new government being authoritarian themselves). As a result, the Communist Party of Thailand was purged.

Fun Fact: As of 2022, there have been 13 revolutions in Thailand.

After the fall of the communist party, people who agreed with the communist idea went into hiding. But not long after, they emerged again. This time, together with the liberals, as a mob against the authoritarian military government. (Source, Source)

The conflict lasted for a while and caused two horrifying events in Thai political history. 

One was called the October 14th incident, and another the October 6th incident. The former happened in 1973, and the latter in 1976. Both events involved the loss of lives from liberals, communists, and the military. (Source)

After such terrifying pages in history, communist supporters have disappeared from Thailand. However, their actions during both incidents are still up for debate. Many respect them as heroes who fight against dictatorship. Others still see them as “communist bad guys.”

Communism in Thailand is unlikely to happen

Even though some argue that Thailand is not the most democratic, you still cannot consider it a communist country.

The monarchy is still intact. As long as that is the case, communism will never bloom in Thailand. The multi-party parliamentary government and the capitalist economy also prevent This country from moving in a communist direction.

And despite the loss of lives, Thailand’s history with communism is short. It is unlikely that the locals would revive the idea once again. But no one can confirm it either. After all, politics and the future always change.

Lunar New Year might be an unfamiliar concept to Westerners like you. Many Asian countries — Thailand included — celebrate this day as gloriously as the International New Year itself.

However, Thailand has its unique ways of celebration, distinguishable from other Asian nations.

The Thais refer to Lunar New Year as Chinese New Year and celebrate it annually. The celebration takes place for three days. Each day has different practices and ceremonies. The most important day among the three is arguably the 2nd day when they pay respect to deities, ancestors, and spirits.

The Lunar New Year celebration in Thailand gradually changes throughout the year. Some households might celebrate it differently from others.

Read on to learn the key elements that make up the Thai Chinese New Year celebration.

Does Thailand celebrate Lunar New Year?

Thailand sees a big Lunar New Year celebration annually. The Thais call this celebration “ตรุษจีน” (Troot Jean), meaning: Chinese New Year.

While most spiritual ceremonies are performed exclusively by Chinese-Thai families, everyone can still feel the impact of these special days.

The reason for the glorious Lunar New Year celebration is simple: there are tons of people of Chinese descent in Thailand. They make up more than 10% of the population. (Source)

In 2017, a survey showed that Chinese-Thai people spend around 1.3 million THB for the celebration — 6,200 THB per family. (Source)

The origin of these Chinese goes back to the Ayutthaya kingdom (1351-1767). Some of them came to Thailand to trade. The others came as political refugees. (Source)

Lunar New Year occurs on different dates each year. This festival is not based on the Gregorian calendar but on the Chinese Lunar calendar (which also differs from the Thai Lunar calendar). People celebrate Chinese New Year on the first spring day, around late January to early February. (Source)

In Thailand, the celebration itself lasts for three days. Each day has different names, practices, and ceremonies to follow.

The 1st day is called “วันจ่าย” (Wan Jaai), or Shopping day — the most simple day among the three. It is one day before New Year’s Eve, and people buy food and other necessities for the ceremony of the upcoming days.

The 2nd day is “วันไหว้” (Wan Wai), or Paying respect day. As the name suggests, this is when people perform ceremonies — paying respect to Chinese deities, passed away family members, and other wandering ghosts and spirits. This Chinese New Year’s eve is arguably the most detail-oriented day of the three.

“วันเที่ยว” (Wan Tiao), or Visiting day, marks the final day of Chinese New Year. People visit their elders and bring the whole family to travel wherever they want. Children would like this day the most out of the three. Not only do they get to travel, but they also receive red envelopes from their relatives. These envelopes contain money for them to use on the New Year. (Source)

How do Thai people celebrate the Chinese New Year?

As you already know, Chinese New Year lasts for three days — Shopping day, Paying Respect day, and Visiting day. 

The first and the last day are simple enough to understand. However, you might want to know what and how exactly the Chinese-Thai pay respect.

Generally, you can divide this day into 3 phases: Deity phase, Ancestor phase, and Wandering Ghost phase. (Source)

1. The Deity Phase

This phase is when people pay respect to Chinese Deities. The ceremony usually happens early in the morning — sometimes even before sunrise. The exact timing depends on the deity you want to address and the Chinese horoscopes.

This phase begins with you setting up the ritual table. There are loads of things you have to offer the gods. These includes:

1. The deity statue — Representing the gods themselves

2. Incense sticks, candles, and flower

3. 5 bowls of rice, and 5 cups of tea and Chinese liquor

4. 3 types of meat:

• Boiled/Roasted Chicken: signifies grace.

• Boiled Pork: signifies abundance.

• Boiled/Roasted: signifies all-roundedness.

5. 3 types of pastries:

• Thai rice flour muffin or “ถ้วยฟู” (Tuai Fuu) — signifies growth and success.

• Chinese New Year cake or “ขนมเข่ง”(Kanom Keng) and stuffed dough pyramid (Kanom Tian) or “ขนมเทียน” — signifies happiness and smoothness.

• Steamed bun or “ซาลาเปา” (Sa-la-pao) signifies the ability to keep your fortune.

6. 5 types of fruits:

• Orange — represents wealth.

• Banana — represents fertility and numerous children.

• Pineapple — believed to attract fortune.

• Grape — represents growth and success.

• Dragon fruit — represents power.

6. Golden and silver papers (Source)

Keep in mind that the details of these foods and items vary. Each family has its own beliefs and culture, so they may add or take out anything they like. Besides, wealthy families might want to add more menus for more return fortune.

When you finish setting the table, wait for the right time (according to Chinese horoscopes), then light the candles and incense and pray to the gods. During this time, you can ask for blessing and protection.

After praying, you wait a bit for the gods to “feast” on your offering. Then, take the gold and silver papers and burn them as an offering.

The Chinese-Thai believe you will receive whatever you offer the gods as a return favor. So, if they want wealth, they offer money. However, burning money is probably not a good idea. Instead, they use these gold and silver pieces of paper as “money.” (Source)

Don’t burn or eat the food yet. You can repurpose these dishes in the next phase.

2. The Ancestor Phase

In the late morning, it is time you show respect to your ancestors (passed away relatives included).

The setting and process are pretty much the same as the deity phase. The main difference is you replace the gods’ statues with portraits or pictures of your ancestors. And don’t forget to refill the golden and silver papers. Besides, you can add your relative’s favorite menu to the mix. (Source)

Another important aspect of this phase is burning papers. In the Deity phase, you burn “money” to receive it as a return favor. In this phase, you burn “money” so that your ancestors can spend it in heaven. (Source)

Since the purpose is different, there is an extra step you need to perform. Before burning the golden and silver papers, you must burn a special piece of paper called “อ่วงแซจิ่ว” (Uang Sae Jiw). This yellow and red paper acts as a ticket to open heaven’s gate. Without this ticket, the “money” you burn cannot reach your ancestor. (Source)

3. The Wandering Ghost Phase

This phase is less like a show of respect but more of a display of generosity.

If you think about it, the ancestor phase is designed for the dead to receive goods from their living relatives. But what about those who don’t have any living children or siblings? Are they doomed to be starved in the afterlife?

That is where this phase comes into play. In the afternoon, you put the leftover food from the deity and ancestor phases in bowls and lay them down on the floor. This way, the wandering ghosts and spirits can feast on them. (Source)

However, keeping these unknown spirits in your house might not be a good idea. So, after letting them eat for a while, don’t forget to light firecrackers to expel them from your home. (Source)

When all phases finish, it’s time for the whole family to enjoy a big meal together. They usually eat what’s left on the table from the gods and their ancestors (which is everything).

The sad thing about this ceremony is that the younger generations seem to know so little about the procedure and the meaning of the ritual itself. Only a handful of them knows how to set the table. And even fewer are aware of what each aspect of the ritual represents.

However, it is unlikely that the Chinese New Year will disappear from Thailand. Thai people love celebrations. They won’t miss a chance to celebrate another day.

Thai Lunar New Year fun facts

It isn’t a public holiday, but…

Most Thai people still go to work on Lunar New Year. However, some companies with Chinese owners make Chinese New Year a holiday for their employees. And it’s not only that. Some Thai companies even allow you to take leave to celebrate Chinese New Year. After all, it is a family day. They don’t want to force you to work on such a special occasion.

How to say Happy Chinese New Year in Thailand?

There are numerous ways you can say this in Thailand. However, the most well-known phrase is actually in Chinese: “xīnzhèngrǔyì xīnniánfācái.” (Source)

For those who cannot read pinyin (Chinese phonetic alphabet), it reads “Sin Jeng Ruu Ii Sin Niang Fa Chai.”

You can say this to any Thai during the festival. Everyone will understand that you mean Happy Chinese New Year. (But not everyone can say it back accurately, though).

Where to celebrate Chinese New Year

You can see Chinese market events across Thailand. Walk around the place, shop, and eat. There might even be shows like Chinese dances, Chinese lion gymnastics, or Chinese dragon parades. It is recommended you see it with your own eyes once.

Thai culture and Lunar New Year

More than anything, Lunar New Year in Thailand emphasizes the importance of families. Thai people respect their elders from the bottom of their hearts and will do anything to give back what they have received. That’s why Chinese New Year fits right into Thai culture.

The celebration particulars might vary from house to house, but the essence of the family is still the same.

Everyone loves New Year. Whether in Thailand or not, the first day of the year is when you welcome the new and say goodbye to the old — the time of change and a new beginning. However, not every country has the same New Year celebration, and Thailand does have its own tradition for this special occasion.

Like Western cultures, Thailand celebrates New Year on the eve of the 1st of January. Thai people celebrate with a big meal with their family and loved ones. Many companies also hold parties for their employees to exchange gifts. Thailand also celebrates Chinese New Year and its own New Year (Songkran) in April.

At first glance, the Thailand New Year celebration may not seem unique. But some particulars and nuances separate Thai New Year from other nations. Read on to immerse yourself in the joy of festivities and celebrations of New Year’s Eve in Thailand.

Do they celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand?

When the end of December comes, the festive atmosphere of New Year takes over Thailand. Many companies make the last week of the year a holiday. People walk worry-free on the streets. You can see shops everywhere hanging giant “NEW YEAR SALE” banners and putting up light decorations.

Many Thais, especially parents, choose New Year as a time to visit their relatives. Whether they live a thousand miles apart or just next door, they will go to the house where the oldest family members live. Seniority is paramount in Thailand. You don’t want to bother the elder with long road trips or flights.

Once everyone has gathered at the elders’ house, it is time for the catch-up. This is a normal catch-up conversation the westerners make — full of “so what’s new?” and “how have you been?”

When evening comes, the actual celebration begins. This is where the whole family would sit down at the same table and enjoy the meal together. Some families might choose to eat out. The others might prefer a homemade meal. Either way, it is a time of laughter and smile where everyone in the family gets to see each other and indulge in tasty food.

After that, they might do present exchanges. Most families that do are families with small children. The others usually don’t and focus on the fun of the meal.

Nevertheless, most Thai teenagers and young adults favor something fancier than a family meeting — like parties. They choose to get drunk with friends at the bars, go see exhibitions at the shopping malls, or enjoy the countdown festivals in the city.

During this long holiday, some companies throw parties for their employees. It could be a small drinking dinner or a full-blown buffet with Karaoke and a dance floor. They sometimes exchange presents too.

4 Places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bangkok

In Thailand, you choose the style of New Year Celebration. Whether you love to chill, dance, countdown, or even see religious rituals, Thailand has something for you. Here are 4 places to visit in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve. Choose one that suits you the most.

1. Lebua No.3

If relaxing with music, rich liquor, and friendly conversation under the starlit sky sounds appealing, you should go to Lebua No.3.

This rooftop cocktail bar sits on the 52nd floor of Lebua Hotel and Resort, located on Silom Road, Bangkok. On such a high floor, you can feel the breeze while enjoying the view of Bangkok at night to your heart’s content.

On the food side, Lebua No.3 offers a range of dishes and menus from appetizers, the main course, to dessert — both local and foreign. The drink is, without a doubt, top-notch. After all, this is a bar in an exquisite hotel in the capital. (Source)

2. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

When it comes to New Year’s eve, a “party” might pop up in your mind. And the best place to set yourself loose is the dance floor of The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel. Located near Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT, you can reach this hotel by just taking trains.

The party is held in the “Altitude” room on the 25th floor. You will find live DJs playing music non-stop, so you can dance as much as you like. And when you are tired, feel free to go out on the balcony and enjoy the Bangkok night view.

You can reserve your place at the party with the starting price of 900 THB (around 25 USD). (Source)

3. ICONSIAM

You can’t discuss New Year’s Eve without mentioning a countdown event. And the most fascinating countdown site in Thailand is arguably at ICONSIAM.

This massive shopping mall never does anything plain and simple. On the last day of 2021, they held the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022” festival at their Chao Phraya riverside area.

The highlight of the event isn’t the countdown itself. It is a 7-minute long multimedia firework show. Since the firework exhibition was so long, it had to be divided into seven parts. Each part has its own theme and story to tell. (Source)

So if you love countdowns and fireworks, make sure you put ICONSIAM on the list.

4. Any temple close to you

If you want to see people practicing Buddhism on New Year’s Eve, you can visit any temple you like. Most Buddhist temples in Thailand hold an event where people see the New Year by praying.

The larger the temple, the bigger the mass. Sometimes, thousands of people dressed in white gather together to pray in the temple’s courtyard. These prayers can take hours. Some temples start the event from the last sunset until the first dawn of the year.

Thai people do this because they believe it will attract fortune. The more they pray, the better their life will be. (Source)

Now that you know where to go for New Year, you might wonder, “does Thailand have other New Years’ to celebrate?” The answer is yes. Read on to find out.

How many ‘New Year’s’ do Thailand celebrate?

Like many other countries, Thailand celebrates the international New Year on January 1st while celebrating its national New Year at another time. However, that’s not the only other New Year the Thai celebrate.

Thailand celebrates 3 New Years: International New Year, Songkran or Thai New Year, and Chinese New Year.

1. International New Year

Amongst the holidays, the international New Year has arguably the most significant impact on the country. You can celebrate this special moment no matter where you come from, what kind of job you do, or which religion you are in. There is always something for everyone.

You can see festivities everywhere you go. Shops and stores decorate their places with lights and New Year wish banners. New Year songs and Tunes can be heard on TVs and radios. Even the street itself is filled with the air of celebration and happiness.

The countdown festival on December 31st is the highlight of this holiday. The local authorities will close down some roads and organize an event where people gather and welcome the New Year together. There will be street food areas to fill your stomach, mini-concerts to enjoy, and other performances to be fascinated with.

Once January 1st comes, you can either continue partying or get a long rest. But if you are a Buddhist or interested in Buddhist culture, you can visit a temple. They perform all sorts of rituals like offering food to the monks, chanting sutras, and paying respects to Buddha’s images.

2. Songkran or Thai National New Year

Before COVID-19, Songkran was the most anticipated holiday for Thais and Foreigners. It is one of the main reasons tourists visit Thailand in the first place.

Songkran is a festival that happens on April 13th -15th. People across the country will come out on the street and throw buckets of water at each other (literally). You can do this all day without anyone getting mad at you. After all, Thailand’s temperature peaks in April; everybody needs to cool off.

So, if you happen to be in Thailand during this time, expect to get wet no matter what.

But if the bustling street with people trying to spray each other with water guns is not your thing, you can still find serene and spiritual aspects of this holiday.

The original purpose of this “New Year” day was for a family reunion. The younger generations visit their elders early in the morning to perform a ceremony called “Rod Nam Dum Hua.” In this ritual, the young pour water on the elders’ hands and clean them. In return, the elders give New Year wishes and blessings — asking the angels and benevolent spirits to protect their children. (Source)

3. Chinese New Year

With more than 10% of the population of Chinese descent, Thailand sees massive Chinese New Year Celebrations annually. (Source)

In the old days, the Chinese celebrated this day on the first day of spring, marking the coming of the new farming time. However, Thailand doesn’t have spring. It only has a hot season, rainy season, and cold season. As a result, Thai people celebrate Chinese New Year on February 1st. (Source)

What people essentially do on this day is pay respects to the Chinese gods and their ancestors. The Chinese Thais believe that doing so will attract fortune to their lives.

There are many ways people show their respect to the deities. The most popular one you see everywhere is food offerings. They prepare loads of sacred food, pastries, fruits, tea, and liquors on the table with incense sticks. (Source)

These foods are for the god to “eat” first, then they eat what’s left (which is basically everything.)

You might hear the continuous bang of firecrackers in the early morning too. These firecrackers are believed to scare away the evil spirits from entering the ceremony and stealing the sacred food. (Source)

This might be a pain for the night owls sleeping in the morning. But if you like to experience the culture, you should visit Chinatown early and see every house lighting firecrackers.

With that said, you might be interested to see what kind of food Thai people feast on during the international New Year. Is it a traditional dish? Or is it something peculiar? You can learn more in the next section.

What Do Thai People Eat on New Year’s Day, and Where?

Unlike those in China and Japan, you won’t see historical dishes designed to celebrate the coming of the New Year in Thailand.

But that doesn’t mean the Thai don’t eat anything special on New Year. They do. However, the food they enjoy on New Year is just the same as any other celebratory occasion food. And here are 3 types of cuisine Thai people eat to celebrate.

1. Korean barbeque

Thanks to the popularity of Korean music and TV series in Thailand, everyone in the country seems to enjoy Korean BBQ.

If you have been to Thailand recently, you must have seen at least 3 different Korean BBQ stores. There are so many that it is impossible to miss. Thai people eat there when they graduate, land their first job, win a lottery, or on any celebratory occasion.

The charm of Korean Barbeque lies within its festive nature. You can chat and have fun while waiting for your meal to be cooked. Most importantly, you must be fast with your hands, or else your friend could steal the meat you’ve been aiming for the last 5 minutes.

2. Family restaurant with karaoke

Thai people, especially those of middle age, love to sing. So in such a joyous time like New Year, they will take all chances to grab the mike and show off for a song or two.

A delicious meal and Karaoke are a perfect combination for the Thais. That is why you will see restaurants with a Karaoke service in a jam-packed state during New Year.

The food they serve is typical Thai dishes like Tom-yum (spicy soup), fried rice, and garlic pork. However, some high-class places might serve western food as well.

3. Hot pot at home

At the end of the day, there is no place like home. You can do and eat anything you like in your comfort zone. So, a Hot Pot at home is a perfect meal for a Thai New Year.

The recipe is easy. Prepare a soup or stock, put it to a boil in a pot, then throw anything you want to eat in there. This simple meal is the greatest when you share it with your friends and family.

Of course, if you have a Karaoke application at home, that will be perfect. Just sing the song you like and enjoy the food you choose.

Items you shouldn’t gift for New Year in Thailand

Each country has its own preference when it comes to gifts. While Thailand is quite flexible on this aspect, some families can be extremely strict about inappropriate presents.

Here are the 3 items you should avoid gifting on New Year — especially to the elders of Thai Chinese families.

1. Clock or Watch

While a watch might be a great present in the west, it doesn’t work as well in Thailand. There is a hidden meaning behind it. No matter how long-lasting the battery is, a clock will eventually stop. This represents the end of a good long relationship.

2. Glassware

No matter how beautiful or delicate the glassware is, you shouldn’t give it to the Thai elders.

It could break and easily injure them. Furthermore, the glass itself symbolizes the fragility of a relationship. So, never give it to your lover.

3. Comb

A comb might look harmless at first glance, but it also has a hidden meaning you might never have thought about. Each comb tooth is separated by a chamber. This symbolizes distant or non-intimate relationships. So if you want to keep someone far away, give that person a comb. (Source)

New Year in Thailand as a whole

Despite many minor differences from the west, you cannot deny that New Year in Thailand is also a time of joy and celebration. The nuances and particulars only add the spices to the festive mood.

If you plan to go to Thailand this New Year, never let anything stop you. You will definitely enjoy your time.