Introduction to Thai language
Thai language has a very simple grammar, but the pronunciation is not easy to master, as it is a tonal language. The vocabulary is usually not difficult to remember, as there are many monosyllabic words, […]
Thailand
Questions about visas
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand? It depends on your passport. Passport holders from Western Europe, North America and Australia/NZ can enter the kingdom without any visa and stay for 30 days. Passport […]
Questions about health and safety
This page is for information purpose only (please read our disclaimer). Serious matters like health and safety should be verified with the relevant authorities before you travel. Health Is there any required vaccination for visiting […]
History of Thailand since 1973
1973-1976 The events of October 1973 amounted to a revolution in Thai politics. For the first time the urban middle class, led by the students, had defeated the combined forces of the old ruling class […]
Military rule (1932-1973)
Constitutional monarchy The coup d’état of 1932 transformed the government of Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. Siam’s first constitution included a National Assembly, half appointed and half indirectly-elected. A prime minister and […]
Thonburi and Bangkok period (1768-1932)
Taksin the Great (1769-1782) Despite its complete defeat and occupation by Burma, Siam made a rapid recovery. The resistance to Burmese rule was led by a noble of Chinese descent, Taksin, a capable military leader. […]
The kingdom of Ayutthaya (1350-1767)
The first ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi I, made two important contributions to Thai history: the establishment and promotion of Theravada Buddhism as the official religion – to differentiate his kingdom from […]
Sukhothai and the founding of the Thai nation
This series of 5 articles is only a modest attempt at mentionning a few milestones in Thai history. We used various sources of information but mainly Wikipedia, synthetizing their articles about history of Thailand, then […]
Ethnic groups in Thailand
A country of 65 million people, Thailand hosts a great variety of ethnic groups. The large majority of the population is Thai or Isan, but there are also ethnic communities such as the Chinese, the […]
Scams and rip-offs
Double pricing policy In a lot of touristic places, like natural parks, amusement parks, or any place that you pay to visit, there is a double price policy: a lower price for the Thais, a […]
Dos and Don’ts in Thailand
You’ve probably read about the “good manners” already in your travel guide. Most of what the guides say is true: you shouldn’t point your feet towards a Buddha image, you shouldn’t touch a monk, etc. […]
Sports in Thailand
National sports The most famous national sport in Thailand is of course Thai boxing (Muay Thai). This martial art uses kicks and punches in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing. […]
Television and cinema
Television Television is by far the most popular medium in Thailand. There is a TV in every house and every shop, always on, even in offices and administrations. Thai television channels remain under the tight […]
Dance and music
Thai dance Thai dance is the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Thai classical dance drama include Khon, Lakhon, and Fawn Thai. Folk dance forms include dance theatre forms like Likay, numerous regional dances (Ram), […]
