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About Thailand
History
Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in 1782 after the then current capital Ayutthaya, had been left in ruins following years of conflict with the Burmese. After setting temporarily on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, the capital moved again, this time to the area of Rattanakosin. Almost entirely surrounded by water, the new location was vunerable to attacks.
The final move marked the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty. Rama I named the new capital Krung Thep (City of Angels) in reference to the past glories of Ayutthaya, and he ordered the construction of two of the kingdom’s most illustrious religious monuments, Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace.
Religion
The majority of Thais are Theravada Buddhists, with the rest of the population split between Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. Older animist beliefs also remain, practiced alondside a version of the Buddhism that originated with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in India around the 6th century BC.
Customs
Foreign visitors to Thailand are not expected to understand all the intricate subtleties of Thai customs, but by learning something about them and trying to incorporate them into your behavior, you will show respect for local people and avoid some potentially embarrassing situations. In Thailand two institutions take on particular importance: the monarchy and religion.
- Dress properly (long trousers or dresses, covered shoulders)
- Remove your shoes at the entrance of temple buildings
- Don't step on the threshold
- Don't sit pointing your feet towards a Buddha image
- Avoid touching Buddha images or chedis (funeral monuments)
- Be considerate when taking photographs
- Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by women. So, if a woman gives something to a monk, she must first pass it to a man or put it on a piece of cloth
Climate & Weather
There are three seasons: rainy (June to October), hot (March to May), and cool (November to February). Annual average temperature is about 29 C with monthly averages ranging from 35 C in April to 26 C in December.
More detailed infomation about thailand is available on the official website of the Thailand Tourism Authority
