Guide to Culture of Thailand

Guide to Culture in Thailand Female: The people of Thailand take many things seriously from the king who has reign for 60 years to their national symbol—the elephant and the magical, mystical Lantern Festival. Thai people are very revered towards the royal family. The current king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has ruled Thailand for 60 year and is the recipient of genuine warmth and emotion from his people. The king is a constitutional monarch which means he’s mostly a symbolic figure. He doesn’t make political decisions. However, during times of political of people, the king has been known to wield his considerable influence to prevent blood shed or military cruise. The current concept of Thai kingship has evolved to 800 years of absolute role. The idea of this early kingship was based on two grand concepts; based from Hinduism and Buddhist beliefs. The king is popular in Thailand particularly due to his good works. However, his reputation is protected by law. If anyone insults him they can face prosecution. Sakha: If I could, I would love to get close to him at every possible opportunity. Female: He enjoys almost universal respect as a champion of the poor and the environment. The jubilant turned out of so many subjects for the king’s 80th birthday celebration just goes to show how far his popularity reaches. The elephant is the national symbol of Thailand. Elephants hold a revered place in society because of their symbolic importance to monarchs, religion and a nation as a whole. Thai tradition abounds with examples of the elephant playing an important role in the workings of the kingdom. Most significant of all perhaps is the white elephant priors because it is rare animal judged fit only for royal duty. According to ancient rule Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance exemplifying a king’s honor and glory. A white elephant is a gift fit for a king. And to acquire one during his reign will brings about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom. If any province in Thailand comes across a white elephant, the find has to be reported to the ministry of interior. They notify the Bureau of the Royal Household which conducts a physical examination to decide if the elephant bares the complete characteristics of a special noble beast. The Thai elephant faces the decline in its natural habitat due to ivory poachers and even death at the hand of man if caught trespassing into human settlements near forested areas of the country. Thai locals have trained elephants to do many things. From painting to playing musical instruments—they can do it all. In the province of Chiang Mai an inspiring festival takes place each year held at night on the full moon of the 12th Lunar month. The Lantern Festival is gripping to watch. Traditional dances usually with candles and other lights take place in the ceremonies. The festival is a celebration of traditional culture that ensures its legacy will live on. Vichuda: This ancient culture has been created over here thousands of years ago and this is the atmosphere that happened. Female: The unusual ritual of launching Lanna-style hot air lantern balloons is the unique aspect of a festival. Traditional belief has it that when these huge hot air balloons are set adrift and flown away so did the travels of the person who launched the balloon travels up a whole town just floating away. And if they don’t go away permanently at least the beautiful site is uplifting. Scott: I went to Chiang Mai last year and I saw the balloons going out. And then I heard about this event so I went and come back this year. Female: The simplicity of the white lantern that glowed the light of the fire inside them is spell binding site for tourists and locals and participants and spectators alike