Thailand Economy

People of Thailand : the Thais are one mingled race. Though the dominant people are the Thais, the other ethnic influences that comes a close second are that of Indian and Chinese. Most of Thailand's culture, tradition, practices and also its people are imbued with these two prime external influences. The other ethnic races that make a significant difference to the populace of Thailand are the Malays, the Mon, the Khmer, the Laotians, the Lawa, the Hmong, the Akha, the Mien, the Lisu, the Karen, the Lahu and the Tai. As a result of this, there is not even a special physical trait that is uniquely Thai.

Arts, Culture and Music of Thailand :

Art : the types of art to be found in Thailand can be branded under the heads of performing arts, literary arts and visual arts. The two most important external influences to Thai art come from China and India. Either way, Buddhist images dominate expressions and representations. In the sphere of literature, the “Ramakein” or the Ramayana, were written by the King Rama-I and King Rama-II. The rest of the traditional; poetry comprises of the works by the poet Sunthorn Phu. The performing arts in Thailand comprise of dance-drama and dance. Drama is non-existent in the Thai tradition. Some of the names of the types of Thai dances are “Khon”, “Lakhon”, “Likay” and “Nang drama”.

Culture : the Thais have a detailed social and cultural code, whether be it for conduct or for actions. They strictly follow a very traditional form of greeting called the “Wai”, which is prayer-like bow. Also, since they believe that the head is the highest part of the body and the feet the lowest, touching a person's head is forbidden as is gesturing with the feet. Another renowned feature of the Thai culture is the traditional form of boxing and martial art called the “Muay Thai”.

Music : Thai music is chiefly influenced by Chinese and Indian styles, with extra additions from its neighbors like Laos. The classical music of Thailand is called the “Piphat”. Woodwind and drums were used as an accompaniment to the Piphat.

The other classical music is called the “Khruang Sai” which was sung to the music of stringed instruments. Traditional and folk music in Thailand includes the “Luk Thung” and “Mor Lam”. ‘Khaen' is a musical instrument that accompanies the Mor Lam'. “Kantrum” is a special type of music performed by the people of Isan in Cambodia.

Flag of Thailand : Thailand has a simple rectangular flag comprised of the colors blue, red and white. The flag also has a name; it is called the “Thong Trairong” meaning ‘tricolor flag'. There are five horizontal stripes running from end to end of the flag. The red and the white stripes are equal in width while the central blue stripe is double in width to the red or the white. On the top and the bottom of the broad blue stripe is one white stripe each, and next to the white stripes are the red ones. The colors in the flag are representative of the unspoken motto of Thailand – namely ‘Nation-Religion-King'.

Economy of Thailand : there are several factors contributing to the economy of Thailand. Of theses, tourism plays a major role. However, it is not the sole revenue bringing source. Thailand has several bankable natural resources. Some of them are timber, rubber, natural gas, lignite, tungsten, lead, tantalum, gypsum and Fluorite. The thriving marine life around the country is beneficial for the fishing industry. Also, Thailand is blessed with an arable land. So, the things that you will find growing in Thailand are coconuts, rice, corn, tapioca, sugarcane, rubber and soybeans. Among the things that are manufactured, most of the products are exported. Exports, apart from the mineral resources, include garments, beverages, food processing, cement, tobacco, integrated circuits, jewelry, electric appliances, furniture, computers and parts, plastics, automobile parts.

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