History
Around the 3rd century, part of the territory of today’s Thais formed a civilization of the Dvaravati, whose city-states inhabited predominantly the Mon people who professed the Theravada Buddhism.
During the 13th century, several Thai states emerged in the north, of which the most prominent was Lanna and Sukhothai. The state of Sukhothai has gained power and is therefore considered by the official historiography to be the first Thai state.
In 1350, the new state of Ayutthaya was established, which succeeded in the military and marriage policies of conquering Sukhothai. At the same time, they carried out repeated campaigns against Angkor. The state of Lanna continued to exist in the north. In the 17th century, Ayutthaya was the dominant power in the Middle East of India. In 1767, Ajutthaja succumbed to the Burmese invasion and was completely destroyed.
King Rama I (originally General Chakri, founder of the Chakri dynasty) moved the capital city to the other bank of the Caofraja River, to Bangkok. The colonial penetration of Britain and France into the region posed a threat to Siam. The Kings reacted with friendly diplomacy, territorial concessions, and reforms to increase Siam’s prestige in the eyes of the Powers, and to consolidate centralized state power in the territories that had remained vacant in relation to Bangkok. This created the modern state of Thailand in the current frontiers. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that avoided colonial rule.
The name Siam was the official name of the state until May 11, 1939 and again in 1945 – 1949.
Following a series of military dictatorships and quickly demolished civilian premiers, Thailand finally stabilized into a fair convergence of democracy, and the economy evolved through tourism and industry. During this time, King Rama IX ruled. (from the Chakri dynasty, he was the longest ruling monarch in the world, ruled from 1946 until 2016, and even after his death he is a deeply loved and respected person throughout Thailand).
Thailand – officially the Kingdom of Thailand
Although it is formally a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, the coup in 2014 has established a military dictatorship. Thailand is, among other things, a founding member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
Politics
At the head of the state stands the king (nowadays), Rama X. It is a similar system like in Britain, but the monarchy has a greater influence, a supervisory role and also presents a number of projects for the development of the country.
The King and his family are protected by the Majesty’s Insulting Act (insult or criticism is punishable by imprisonment and penalties are added up to the number of insults). In 2017, the man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his insulting to monarchy in his facebook account.
The royal power is governed by the Constitution and is also subject to its provisions. The King opens a parliamentary session, appoints a prime minister and cabinet members.
The Monarchy has three administrative articles (the Cabinet Council, the Royal House Office and the Secretariat of the King). The executive power of the government is subordinated to the prime minister elected by the Parliament, which consists of the lower (360 seats) and the upper (270 seats) of the Chamber of Deputies. The Constitution establishes a bicameral National Assembly, composed of the Senate and the Parliament. Members are elected by popular vote for 4 years.
Judicial power is exercised in the name of the king. King elect and appeal judges.
The army consists of the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the police.
Religion
93.6% report to Buddhism. Theravad Buddhism is also the core of Thai national self-awareness. In the southernmost regions of Thailand, Islam prevails. Christianity confesses only 1.2% of the population.
As in most Asian cultures, respect for ancestors is important in spiritual teaching. In Thailand, there are over 300,000 Buddhist monks. From Thai men, including members of the royal family, are expected to temporarily enter the monastic order at least once in their lives, usually for three months. Monks travel the land, and people give them food because they believe it will bring them happiness.
People
Of the total population, Thai people are 75%, Chinese 14% and the other 11% (Lao, Malay, Khmer …).
Culture
Thai culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Some arts include traditional dances and music based on religious rituals. Another example is the Thai box (muay thai), derived from the military training of Thai warriors. It is the most famous home sport in the country.
Calendar – In addition to the Gregorian Calendar, there is the Thai Sun Calendar also used but there are 543 years ahead. Accordingly, according to the Thai calendar, this year 2019 is year 2562.
Holidays
Wisakha Bucha – falls on the full moon day of the 5th or 6th lunar month (May or June). It reminds of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. This day is the most important day in Buddhism.
Makha Bucha – falls on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month (February or March) and reminds a spontaneous gathering before the Buddha of 1,250 people, which led to their consecration and subsequent enlightenment.
Asanha Bucha – Coming at the full moon day of the 8th lunar month (July), recalling the first preaching of Buddha and the first monk of Buddhism. This day is also known as the beginning of the Buddhist period (Vassa), when candles
Songkran – is a celebration of the Thai New Year,
Loy Krathong – takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar (November). Thai people go to the river, canal or a pond, with a wish. The name could be translated as “to float a basket,” and comes from the tradition of making Krathong or buoyant, decorated baskets, which are then floated on a river. This act is the thanksgiving of the Goddess of the Rivers, which gives life to people. In the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, they have their own unique tradition of floating baskets and shining balloons.
