This document provides information about Thailand and Thai culture. It discusses the Thai flag, government, religion (Buddhism), traditions such as respect for elders and ancestor worship, cuisine including rice and noodles, education system, entertainment such as television dramas, and cultural norms including being polite and respectful. The invisible cultures discussed are religion and religious traditions which shape how people think and act in Thailand.

1. Land of Smiles Thailand By: Tan Sertthin

2. This Flag of Thailand got adopted in 1917. It has three colors and five strips. Each color has a meaning. Red= Thai people White= Buddhism Blue= Monarchy/ The Royal Family Population=

3. Government This is the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen of Thailand. This king ruled for 60 years now and is loved by the people of Thailand. On Mondays you can see Thai people wearing yellow shirts which represents respect to the King Surayud Chulanon is the 24 th prime minister and is the Army Commander. He is also Privy Councilor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej ใ

4. The main Religions is Buddhism which is common through out Asia.

5. In my country, elders are the most important person in family life. They have most of the choices on shaping up our family by telling us what's good or bad. When dinner time, elders usually sit at the head of the table and gets water to drink first. My family and I respect elders by coming or going home each day and saying sawadee ka/krab to the elders like my grandma . My mom isn't a house wife but goes to work every week days just like my dad. She wouldn’t even have a break on holidays. This shows that parents in Thailand are hard workers. As for me, my brother, and my big brother. Our job is to try our best and work hard in learning. We must play at least one sport and play at least one instrument.

6. Thai Food Thai foods have 5 fundamental tastes- sweet (garlic), spicy (chili), sour (lime juice), bitter (lemon grass), and salty (fish sauce). My family always use these ingrediens to make the food taste better. Gai yang, kao neaow, and som tam (Grilled chicken, sticky rice, and som tam) are one of the famous dishes in Thailand. Rice eaten almost every meal in Thailand. My family also eats rice almost every meal. Each year, Thai people consumes 100k a year!!! Thai people prefer eating noodles during lunch.

7. Traditions/ Celebrations My family and I celebrate Chinese New Year since my grandma is from Oversea China instead of Songkran. This is when my extended family and my family get together and have dinner together. I also receive red Envelopes. My other tradition is to respect (pray) dead ancestors and elders. It is a very important day so every one from my family and extended family MUST come. We bring food, candles, fire crackers to do a little ceremony on each grave yard. I have to go and pray 12 of them!!!!

8. Education Thai people expect strict responsible teachers since education is one of the values of my culture. My family, trying your best is already good. Normally, Thai Kids are very hard working students and would tutor until 8:00 pm. It is the law that every children in Thailand must go to school. Governments help build free public school for people that cant afford on paying one. In my culture, learning Chinese, English, and Thai is a must.

9. The majority of Thai people watch Lakorns (a dramatic television serials) to entertain them selves. Lakorns usually start at 8:30 and run about 2 hours long. These episodes last around three months. They would air about 2-3 times in one week. Lakorns usually have the same plot and solution. There must be a bad female character (person who is in totally in love with the male lead will do anything to break the relation ship between female and male lead). As for me, I like to play sports, play video games, MSN, watch T.V, and do my after school activities.

10. Visible cultures One of the visible cultures is Nature of Friendship to others. Thai people are known as friendly people. Thai people will listen every word the person would say and answer politely . In my culture, facial expression is also important when talking to others. If you are moody, you must soften your face to make the other person feel more comfortable in talking The other visible culture is Work Ethic. Thai people show their effort on their work by staying focus and participate as much as possible. They are very concern about learning so most Thai people take their to understand the concept of a topic.

11. Invisible Cultures One of the Invisible cultures is Religion. It shapes how we think and act. Another invisible culture is Religious traditions. One of my traditions pay a lot of respect to the elders.

12. Do’s and Don'ts Do’s When going in a temple, respect the Buddha statues and monks. Wai Sawaddee krab/ka every time you see someone that you know that is older than you. Dress up formally ( don’t ever wear spaghetti straps or shorts) when going in a temple. Don’ts Don’t climb or play with any kind of religious Bhuddha statues. That is considered very rude. Don’t greet people with head touching or shake hands. That is also considered very rude . Don't insult the royal family or about Buddhism. Thai people will take it very seriously. Don’t stick of point your feet to people especially over their head. Thai people believe that feet is the lowest and dirtiest part and head is the highest and most respected part.

13. Smile and make friends!!!  Greet other people (especially elders) politely. Be really nice to people. In that way, you will make lots of friends You must work hard in school (try your best). Try and make friends and understand their culture!! Thank you for watching my presentation!!