Thailand is 94%-95% Theravada Buddhist with minorities of Muslims, Christians, Mahayana Buddhists, and other religions. Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs regarding ancestral and natural spirits, which have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology.
Of Thailand’s nearly 70 million people, roughly two thirds are from Thai ethnic groups. The remaining third of the population is made up primarily of Chinese, as well as various minorities including Vietnamese, Khmer, Hmong, and Mein. Even among these diverse ethnic groups, the Thai language is widely spoken and understood, and the Thai script is often used in place of traditional writing styles.
Elephants and Thai Culture The elephant has been an important part of Thailand's history and culture through both good time and war time. Elephants are known for their prowess in war. They Symbolize strength and wisdom. Wisdom is represented by the elephant in the form of the deity Ganesh, one of the most popular gods in the Hindu religion's pantheon. Also sometimes known as Ganesha, this deity is very distinctive in having a human form with the head of an elephant. Lord Ganesha's birthday (rebirth) is celebrated as the Hindu festival known as Ganesha Chaturthi. Strength of the mind is believed to come from the Thai elephant. It is said that the grey elephant can run wild any moment and destroy everything on it's way.
A white elephant is rare and given special significance. It is often considered sacred and symbolises royalty in Thailand and Burma, where it is also considered a symbol of good luck. White elephants in Thailand are sacred and a symbol of royal power; all those discovered are presented to the king. It is said in Thailand that the more white elephants the king has, the greater his standing.
Customs: One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the wai. It shows greet, farewell or acknowledgement. Generally the salutation involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands. It also may include a slight bow of the head. This salutation is often accompanied by a smile symbolizing a welcoming disposition and a pleasant attitude.
Thai people believe that the head is regarded as most respected and highest part of the body. Respect for hierarchy is a very important value for Thai people. In Thailand, women making offerings to monks by placing their donation at the feet of the monk, or on a cloth laidon the ground or a table. Powders or unguents that are intended to carry a blessing are applied to Thaiwomen by monks using the end of a candle or stick.
Marriage Traditions: Thai marriage ceremonies between Buddhists are generally divided into two parts, Buddhist and non-Buddhist. The Buddhistcomponent, includes the recitation of prayers and the offering of food and other gifts tomonks and images of the Buddha. The couple first bow before the image ofthe Buddha. They then recite certain basic Buddhist prayers or chants, and light incense and candles before the image. The parents of the couple are then called upon to 'connect' them, by placing upon the heads of the bride and groom twin loops of string or thread that link the couple together. The couple may then make offerings such as food, flowers, and medicine to the monk's, which centres on the couple's family. The non-Buddhist part of the ceremony is all the traditional practices the family follows which may include a feast or some sort of gift exchange.
Food: Thailand is well known for its delicious cuisine. Rice in Thailand is the staple food at every meal. All food is brought to the table at once, instead of being served in courses. Thai meals commonly consist of fish, shrimp, rice, soups and noodles. In Thailand, cooking uses a variety of spices and seasonings such as lime juice, ginger, coconut milk, and peanuts for flavour.