CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Journey Back Through Time
Thailand is such a unique country
that only by travelling back through
the glorious past can one truly
begin to understand it.
Over the centuries Thailands
culture has left its mark on the
landscape. Thousands of Buddhist
temples, the ancient ruins of Isaan
(Thailands Northeast) and the
magnificent temples and palaces of
Sukhothai and Ayuthaya tell of an
ancient culture that continues to
enchant visitors even today.
Although there were regional
conflicts, essentially Thailand has
retained its independence and its
unique identity for over 800 years.
Never colonized by a Western power,
Thailand has remained free to
continue beliefs and practices which
have been part of everyday life for
centuries.
A proudly independent nation, the
Kingdom comprises cultures as
diverse as the hilltribes, sea
gypsies, and rural communities
living in harmony with modern day
mobile phone owning city dwellers.
In any other country it may be a
surprise that such diversity can
co-exist so harmoniously, but it is
no surprise in Thailand. The
peoples respect for tradition,
their adherence to Buddhism and love
for the monarchy unite them and
transform their diversity into
strength.
Tradition lives on today. In
Bangkok, which is a mere 200 years
old, the citys magnificence can be
seen at the wonderful Grand Palace,
the Temple of the Emerald Buddha,
the towering Temple of Dawn and the
Charming Vimanmek Teakwood Palace.
Visitors will be enthralled by the
sight of a Buddhist Temple under
construction side-by-side with an
elevated expressway.
Thailand has a living culture,
evolving before your eyes and
embracing the ancient and timeless
with the modern. More than any other
Asian nation, Thai people love
fun. And believe in enjoying it
whenever they can. In fact, there is
a special word for this sanuk.
You will see it in the smiling faces
of the people, in the myriad of
local festivals and in the way in
which Thai people always find an
excuse to have a party.
Sanuk yet another good reason to
make Thailand the Preferred
Destination!
