Message from the Minister of Culture
Different cultures of different countries have their own identity. Thai culture has existed in Thailand for hundreds of years, until the present time when the world is borderless. Despite the outside influence of other cultures, Thai culture is still unique in its own way. The Thais always take pride in Thai culture. Blended with Buddhism, Thai culture is in conformity with Thai lifestyle and environment. Thai heritage comprises art and crafts supported by Her Majesty the Queen, music, dance and plays, religious ceremonies, festivals, and traditions, sustained by the community at all levels of operation. Thai cooking and common custom like ‘wai’, food offering to monks, as well as many different religious activities other than Buddhism are also included. All these, however, have probably changed to fit varied lifestyles and values of different generations. Thailand’s unique culture as well as exquisite arts and architecture have attracted tourists from every place and the country has become one of the top ten most popular destinations in the world. On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, I would like to extend my congratulations on the real achievement of a collector of information and photos regarding Thai culture and traditions of Thailand. I wish the collector a success in promulgating these aspects of Thai pride to the world.
General
(Ret.)
Vira Rojpojchanarat Minister of Culture, The Kingdom of Thailand
CONTENTS THE MONARCHY
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AGRICULTURE
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AGRO-INDUSTRY
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INDUSTRIES
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ENERGY
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INFRASTRUCTURE
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BUILDING INDUSTRY TOURISM
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HEALTH
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EDUCATION
ART AND CUTURE DESIGN INDUSTRY CUISINE RELIGION
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SPORTS THAI PEOPLE
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The Beloved King
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Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand have forged friendly ties with many countries by paying and receiving state and official visits that lead to good understanding and bring benefits to the country and the people.
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Land of Abundance
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Thailand is endowed with rich and diverse natural resources. The climate is controlled by tropical monsoons and the weather is hot and humid throughout most of the year. The terrain features high mountains, a central plain, an upland plateau and long coastlines. With such conditions and good irrigation systems, Thailand has long been an agricultural power house. As much as almost half of the country’s total land area supports agricultural activity in various forms, with over half that area devoted to rice cultivation. Rubber accounts for the second largest slice of the pie by land area, followed by sugarcane, cassava, corn, palm oil and others. In maritime zones which account for one-thirds of the territory, fisheries industry makes a major contribution to the national economy. Thailand’s fertile flood plain and tropical monsoon climate are ideally suited to wet-rice cultivation. Thousands of irrigation projects, large and small, further enhance output by enabling Thai farmers to harvest off-season rice crops. The hot and humid climate also suits rubber plantations. Though traditionally mainly concentrated in the south, over the past decade rubber cultivation has been promoted to other regions also. The resulting approximately 34% increase in total output has made Thailand the world’s largest exporter of natural rubber. Thailand is home to many delicious fruits. Throughout the year, one can enjoy the taste of wide varieties of Thai tropical fruits. Among many others, the list includes durian, longan, mangosteen, banana, mango, lychee, rambutan, coconut, pineapple, papaya, tamarind, lime and pomelo. Thai fruits have made a name for themselves in many countries, especially longan, mangosteen and banana. Not only tropical plants, Thailand can cultivate temperate fruits, flowers, and vegetables in the northern mountainous region. The premier research station for temperate plants (Royal Ankhang Agricultural Station) set up by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1969 has been an important centre to promote different kinds of crops. The products from the station are certified in various standards, for example the Organic Thailand certification for organic vegetables, tea, herbs and coffee, etc. Thailand has also capitalised on its vast fishery resources to become one of the world’s biggest fisheries exporters. In order of magnitude, Thailand’s fisheries production is derived from marine fishing, coastal aquaculture, freshwater culture and freshwater fishing. Over 500 marine species are found in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The most economically important species of fish are Indo Pacific Mackerel, King Mackerel and Anchovy. Shrimp include Banana Shrimp and School Prawn. Cephalopods number Squid, Cuttlefish and Octopus. Mollusks include Scallop, Green Mussel and Bloody Cockle. Plus Sea Cucumber, Jelly Fish, Crabs and many more. Familiar sayings from earlier eras that still resonate today, such as ‘There is fish in water, rice in fields’ and ‘Treasures are in the soil, wealth is in the water’, eloquently testify to Thailand’s abundant agriculture and fisheries resources while charmingly affirming the close relationship Thai people have since long ago enjoyed with the fertile and fruitful natural environment that is widespread throughout the country.
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Thailand’s Burgeoning Agro-industries – ‘Feed the World’
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Serious concerns for food security arose when, in 2009, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations reported that the world’s population would double by 2050 – to some 9.l billion human beings. As one of the world’s major food producers and exporters of fresh and processed foods – to the tune of US$300 billion annually – Thailand was immediately involved. The ability to farm a wide diversity of agricultural commodities, coupled with high skills and relatively low labour costs, has encouraged Thailand to develop from being an exporter of raw materials, notably rice, rubber and cassava, into a more internationally competitive country in the food industry. The Royal Thai Government has set in motion strategies to raise the country’s farm product output to international standards, thereby raising the prices it commands. Strategies for achieving this involve conducting research and improving crop quality, water management, and pest & disease control. At the same time, labour supply is maintained and investment promoted. Modern technology machinery, genetic engineering and biotechnology are employed to enforce the efforts. As a result, Thailand has emerged at the top table among agricultural countries as a leading exporter of fresh and processed foods. Besides its predominance in the rice industry, Thailand is also now a major exporter of sugar, frozen and canned seafood, and fruits. Moreover, it is known world-wide as a reprocessing centre for imported products that it then redistributes to global markets. According to the National Food Institute, Thailand’s food processing industry currently covers over 30,000 product categories. In the realm of canned seafood alone, there are 29 Thai producers. Twenty-three of them are specialised in canned tuna, giving the country a remarkable capacity of 230,000 tons annually, which the Thai Tuna Industry Association (TTIA) has found makes Thailand the world’s biggest tuna producer and exporter. Farm produces not only feed people but also the livestock that in turn produce meat, dairy products and eggs. Apart from feeding humans, Thailand also produces most of the fodder required for local animal husbandry. These include rice bran, sorghum, corn, cassava, fish meal, soy bean meal, and others. Driven by increasing demand as old practices of raising livestock in backyards was replaced by industrial husbandry, Thailand’s animal feed supply has expanded rapidly. Meanwhile nutritional content, safety and hygiene of animal fodder have also come under tight control in recognition that what the animals eat is also ultimately consumed by people.
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On a Mission to Become Masters of Mass Production
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All factories, such as this Siam Cement plant in Lampang Province, have to use advanced production technologies that minimise the impact of their operations on the environment and the community.
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More Power to Energy Generation from Diversification
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Accelerated economic development in Thailand has resulted in steadily rising demand for energy. Industry and transportation account for the highest shares of energy consumption, followed by commerce, households, and agriculture respectively. However, thanks to an abundance of natural resources, domestic supplies of fossil fuels meet much of the country’s requirements. Most of Thailand’s crude oil resources are found in offshore fields in the Gulf of Thailand. Moreover, with six operating refineries, Thailand has the second largest refining capacity (1.18 million bbl per day) in Southeast Asia, behind only Singapore. As for natural gas, domestic output is 4.1 BCF per day, with 8 TCF in proven reserves as of end2014. The national gas pipeline system connects onshore and offshore gas fields to gas separation plants, power plants, and industrial users. Thus natural gas-fired generation accounts for 65% of total electricity supply. To serve electricity consumption nationwide, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), a state enterprise, owns and operates different types of power plants with varying capacities at 40 sites across the country. EGAT’s power generation facilities comprise: 3 thermal power plants, 6 combined cycle power plants, 22 hydropower plants, 8 renewable energy plants, and a diesel power plant. Ninety percent of Thailand’s electrical generating capacity is conventional thermal. Oil-fired plants have been replaced by natural gas. Coal-fired plants account for 20% of capacity, with the remainder derived from biomass, hydro, and biogas. Besides the main fossil fuels – oil and gas – alternative energy sources are promoted to support the country’s energy security. They include hydro, wind, solar, biodiesel, gasohol, and biomass. High-technology energy production such as nuclear and hydrogen are also in the national energy plan. Thailand is one of the largest producers of bio-fuels in Asia, with 21 ethanol plants consuming molasses and cassava as feedstock. Eleven biodiesel plants use variations on palm oil and other feedstock themes. By 2021, renewable energy is expected to account for a quarter of Thailand’s energy mix, up from eight percent now, of which about a fifth, or roughly 3,000 MW, will come from solar power. Together with the development of renewable energy, government policy and long-term strategy for the next 20 years emphasises the importance of energy efficiency, ecological awareness and sustainable development of the country.
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A Dynamic Platform for Progress
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Suvarnabhumi is one of the largest and most sophisticated airports in Southeast Asia.
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New Era of Architecture
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Modern construction forms redefine metropolitan Bangkok’s night time skyline.
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Thailand’s Endless Tourism Charms
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Certain islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, notably Koh Tao and the Similan Islands, are specially designated as scuba diving areas. Serene and picturesque beaches, meanwhile, present idyllic destinations not only for tourists but international movie makers. Stunningly beautiful Maya Bay sheltered by towering cliffs on Phi Phi Leh Island is a prime example.
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Better Care for Longer, Healthier Lives
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Apart from superb massage treatments, Thai spas and some of the best wellness resorts in Thailand often integrate the natural environment with beautiful architecture and inspired landscaping to give an experience of relaxation and tranquillity.
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For A Brighter Future
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Appreciating that education is key to both personal quality of life and the nation’s economic progress, Thailand annually invests substantial sums in human capital. About 20% of the national budget, or 4% of GDP, is spent on education. The focus is on every education level, from basic and vocational to higher education, while also promoting lifelong learning so people can continue to adjust to changes and live happily. Thailand has made significant progress in literacy, recording a figure of 96.8% among citizens aged 15 and above in 2012. Education from pre-school to senior high school is provided mainly by the Thai government through the Ministry of Education. However, private international schools have become popular and as of January 2015, International Schools Consultancy (ISC) listed 174 international schools throughout Thailand. The constitution has long guaranteed up to twelve years of basic education provided free for all citizens and a minimum of nine years’ school attendance is mandatory. Moreover, effective 2009, the government committed to providing 15 years of free, quality education for all children. Special English Program and Gifted Program for math and science schools offer both elementary and secondary education. The government also promotes academic camps and competitions to select students to represent the country at the International Science Olympiads. Several Thai students have won medals at the Olympiads, including in 2014 alone: 30 gold, silver and bronze medals in mathematics and science competitions at elementary level; four gold and silver medals in biology competitions, and; five gold and silver medals in physics competitions at secondary level. Regarding vocational education, Thailand has over 800 public and private colleges producing skilled workers, with more than one million students in the system at any one time. Pre-college Thai students have won prizes in international competitions, including eight awards at the 66th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF 2015) and 8th International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering, and Environment Project (I-SWEEP 2015), the world’s biggest science and engineering competitions. Thailand is also home to over 150 higher education institutions, both public and private, offering over 9,000 diverse study programmes of which 884 are international. Several of Thailand’s public and private universities feature in prestigious world rankings such as QS World University Rankings and The Times Higher Education. Thailand also promotes educational opportunities through open universities via distance learning over TV channels, as well as lifelong learning and skills development, including adult learning and occupational training. A country’s competitive edge cannot be kept sharp without quality human resources management. Thailand has responded positively to this challenge, laying down long-term plans for further and greater success.
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The Priceless Treasure Trove 152
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Truly outstanding in the refinement and delicacy of its expressions, Thai art and culture reflects the country’s history, customs and values and their harmony with the landscape, environment and climate. When combined with Buddhist beliefs and reverence for the monarchy, the works are even finer. Various branches of arts are united in Thai architecture and visual arts – painting, carving, engraving, turning, casting, plastering, molding, sculpting, lacquer work, metal work, glass staining, and glass lacquering. Each branch demands great skill, much experience and inspired devotion. Among the most astounding Thai crafts is wood carving. Thick forests of teak in the country’s northern region provided the raw material for master craftsmen. Their intricate works came to decorate temples, palaces, royal barges, thrones, monks’ sermon seats, Buddha image pedestals, tripitaka cabinets. Modest expressions of the craft can also be found in the humblest of Thai homes across the country. Thai art and culture seamlessly blend with the people’s lifestyles. Handicrafts are commonly made during breaks from farming. Weaving is considered women’s work while men make handicrafts necessary to the family and community such as basketry, smithery, silverwork and wood carving. In times past, villages became centres of weaving, spinning cotton, farming silk worms, natural dyeing, cloth weaving in patterns echoing ideologies and themes in murals and architecture, and creation of elegant garments. In addition to individual use, Thai costumes and woven items are presented as intrinsic elements in festivals such as Songkran, marriage ceremonies, paying respects to elders and making offerings to monks. When work commitments and farming wind down and festivals, weddings, ordinations, temple fairs and funerals take over, it is time for entertainment and ritual. Popular songs and dances and classic plays include Lakhon Nai (classical dance drama), Khon (masked dance), Likay (folk drama), folk dances, puppetry and shadow plays. The performers’ costumes and accessories are as elaborate as those of the puppets and shadow play characters. In Khon, originally performed at royal court by men, dancers wear masks representing each character. Accompanying the dancing and acting in Khon and puppet and shadow plays, choruses off-stage sing and interject dialogue and narrative recitations. Each song and the instruments that provide the musical accompaniment are unique. As precious treasures inextricably expressive of the identity of the country, Thai arts and culture have been handed down over hundreds of years. Thailand, as such, is rich in cultural diversity, making it one of the most enchanting places to visit in the world.
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Creative Generation
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Thai fashion designers and manufacturers have received good responses from local and international buyers. Many of their creations have featured at international catwalk events, such as the Asia Fashion Week and Paris’s Men Fashion Week. 179
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The Taste of Paradise
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Freedom of Belief
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Varieties of Physical Activities
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With strength and skill, the 20-year-old golf superstar Ariya Jutanugarn became the first player on the LPGA Tour to win her first three titles in consecutive events in May 2016: Yokohama Tire Classic, Kingsmill Championship and Volvik Championship.
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To Be an Integral Part of the World Community
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