Thailand++Culture

__** Thailand Culture **__
 * = History ||= Geography ||= Culture ||= Economics ||= Politics ||= Class Activities ||= Resources ||

toc = ** __People__ ** =
 * People who live in Thailland come different cultures such as Thai, Chinese, Mon, or Malaysian cultures.
 * Most of the people live in modern homes
 * Some still live in traditional homes which are made mainly of wood and are raised on posts.
 * Homes are raised because the rainy season of Thailand brings monsoons and many floods.
 * It is common for many generations of the same family to live in the same household.
 * Parents and children may share the same bedroom.
 * Shoes are not allowed to be worn in their homes or temples.
 * Many women work as assemblers for electronics factories.



= __**Beliefs and Traditions**__ =
 * Thai people do not shake hands when greeting, they use a custom "wai'.
 * A "wai" is usually given first by the younger person as they places the palms of their hands together and give small bow.
 * The higher the hands the higher the respect level between the two people.
 * Women in some refugee villages believe they can become more attractive by stretching limbs with brass rings. (Video below).
 * Kite flying is not only a hobby to Thai people, but it also a competitive sport.
 * Thai men play the sport called Takro. Players try to keep the ball in the air using only their knees, feet, and chest while also passing it to each other trying to make a basket.
 * Because Thai children are so important to the country, Children's Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of July every year. A lot of businesses charge half price admission or host festivals.



= __** Religion **__ =
 * 96% if the population is Buddhist
 * Buddhism is the religion that wants to reduce pain and suffering in the world.
 * Young men and boys decide to become monks for some part of their lives.
 * Traditional monks wear orange robes and shave their heads.
 * Modern monks wear dress shirts, jeans, pants, or skirts

= ** __Education__ ** =
 * Thai children learn science, math, social studies, physical education, art, and language.
 * Unlike other countries, they also study scouting.
 * A part of their school day is devoted to worship and most schools contain Buddha statues and temples.
 * Shoes are not allowed to be worn inside the classrooms.
 * Uniforms are worn by the students.
 * Students must cut their hair every month. Girls keep their hair extremely short and boys wear the crew cut.



= __Food__  =
 * Most meals are made up from shrimp, rice, noodles, and fish.
 * Spices and seasonings are used daily in preparing meals. The most popular are coconut milk, ginger, lime juice, and peanuts for flavor.
 * Thailand offers the largest production of pineapples in the world.



= // Brass Ring Beauty // = // Below is a video of women from Thailand who believe they can enhance their beauty my stretching their necks and other limbs with brass rings. // media type="youtube" key="BL8ARB5FmsA?version=3" height="315" width="420" align="center"

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