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People:
Thailand has a population of about
60 million. The majority are ethnic Thais, but historically the
area has been a migratory crossroads, and you will find Mon, Khmer,
Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and, especially, Chinese. Despite this
diversity, the country has a great cultural and social harmony.
Everyone speaks the same
Thai language, even though there are subtle differences of dialect
in the various regions and localities. Each region also has a unique
identity, moulded by the landscape and people. The North is an area
of forested mountains, populated by hill peoples and lowlanders.
In the South, the beaches and islands contrast with rainforests
and rubber plantations in the interior.
The Malay-Muslim element in the population
gives this region its special cultural flavour. Between North and
South lies the Central Plains, the country's ricebowl and cradle
of Thai civilization. The Northeast has a tougher climate but has
a rich culture from its long historical association with Laos and
Cambodia to the east.
Language
Thais are very proud of their language.
It is the carrier of the cultural and artistic heritage, and also
a mark of Thailand's long-standing independence and sovereignty.
There are 44 consonants, 32 vowels
and five tones in Thai pronunciation, and a script which has its
origins in India. However, English is now quite widely understood,
particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial
language.
It is even difficult to give a precise
rendering of Thai words in the western alphabet. Although, the tones,
some vowels and consonant sounds have no English equivalent, but
don't be completely discouraged. Here are some basic greetings and
phrases for you to try.
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Hello (female speaker)
How are you?
Fine thanks
Thank you
Never mind
I don't understand
Do you understand?
Where is the rest room?
How much does this cost?
What is this?
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sawasdee kaa
sabai dee reu
sabai dee
kop koon
mai pen rai
mai kao chai
kao chai mai
hong nam yoo tee nai
nee tao-rai
nee arai
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Religion
Over 90 percent of Thais follow Theravada
Buddhism (a branch of Hinayana Buddhism), and Buddhism is the most
powerful force in the nation's culture.
In keeping with Buddhist teaching,
we are a peace-loving nation. Muslims are the second-biggest religious
group, but there are also Christians, Hindus and other faiths. Tolerance
is total, and there is no history of religious conflict.
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