A SHORT HISTORY OF THAILAND

ANCIENT THAILAND
The earliest inhabitants of what is now Thailand were hunter-
gatherers. However about 4,000 BC they began farming. They grew
rice. At first the farmers used stone tools but about 3,000 BC bronze
was discovered. From about 500 BC the people of what is now Thailand
used iron.
At first what is now Thailand was divided into small states
called Meuang. By 100 AD they were practicing Theravada Buddhism.
However the ancestors of modern Thais are believed to have
come from southern China. They migrated to Thailand between the
10th century and the 13th century AD.
Meanwhile between the 9th century and the 13th century much
of what is now Thailand was ruled by the Khmers, a people from what
is now Cambodia.
However in the 13th century several small states in Thailand in
the Mekong River valley united to form a kingdom called Sukhothai. It
is regarded as the first Thai kingdom. However the first Thai kingdom
did not last long. It declined in the late 14th century.
 Meanwhile during the 14th century another kingdom
arose in Thailand called Ayuthaya and it annexed the kingdom
of Sukhothai. During the 15th century the Kingdom of Ayuthaya
continued to grow.
The first Europeans to reach Thailand were the
Portuguese in 1511. They were followed by the Dutch in 1605,
the English in 1612 and the French in 1662.
In 1675 a Greek called Constantine Phaulkon became
an official at the court in Thailand. He permitted the French to
station soldiers in Thailand. However he was removed from
power in 1688 and the French were expelled. Afterwards
Thailand adopted an isolationist policy. The Thais cut contact
with Europe until the early 19th century.
In 1765 the Burmese invaded Ayuthaya and they
captured the capital in 1767 and destroyed it. However in 1769
a general named Phraya Taksin became king and he made a
new capital at Thonburi across the river from Bangkok. He also
built up an empire. He conquered much of Laos and other
parts of Southeast Asia.
 However King Taksin began to have delusions and he
was removed in a coup in 1782. A general named Chao Phraya
Chakri replaced him as king. (He is known as Rama I). He had
Taksin executed. He also made Bangkok the capital.
In 1809 Rama I was succeeded by his son Rama II (1809-
1824). He was followed by Rama III (1824-1851). During their
reigns Thai culture flourished.
The next king Rama IV or Mongkut allowed the British
to live in Thailand. He also allowed them to trade freely. He
also signed treaties with many other western countries and he
encouraged the study of Western science.
Rama V (1868-1901) abolished the custom that subjects
must prostrate themselves in the king's presence. He also
abolished slavery and corvee (a tax paid in labor). Rama V also
reformed Thailand's government.
In the 19th century Thailand avoided being colonized by
Europeans. However in 1893 Rama V was forced to cede Laos
to France. He also ceded Cambodia to France in 1907 and in
1909 he was forced to cede territory in Malaya to Britain.
THAILAND IN THE 20TH CENTURY

In July 1917 Thailand joined World War I on the allied side.

In November 1925 Prajadhipok became king of Thailand.
However on 24 June 1932 a revolution made Thailand a constitutional
monarchy. In October 1933 Prince Boraradej led a counter-revolution
but he was defeated. Prajadhipok abdicated in March 1935 in favor of his
10 year old nephew Ananda Mahidol.
On 8 December 1941 Thailand agreed to let Japanese troops to
pass through the country to invade British Malaya. The Japanese then
occupied Thailand and on 25 January 1942 Thailand declared war on
Britain and the USA.
However 90,000 Thai guerrillas led by Pridi Phanomyong fought
the Japanese. In 1946 Thailand signed peace treaties with Britain and
France. The same year Thailand joined the UN.
In May 1946 a new constitution for Thailand was published.
However on 9 June 1946 King Ananda Mahidol was shot in mysterious
circumstances. King Bhumibol began his reign.
In 1947 Field-Marshal Phibul staged a coup. Although the king
continued to reign Thailand then became a military dictatorship. Even
after the death of Phibul in 1963 the army ruled Thailand.
 However in 1973 thousands of students demonstrated
demanding a proper constitution for Thailand. The king prevented the
army from crushing the demonstrators and Thailand returned to civilian
government with a coalition of 17 parties.
However in 1976 students demonstrated again. This time the
police brutally suppressed the demonstrations, killing and injuring many
students. The army then stepped in and installed a new government in
Thailand.
From 1980 Thailand was led by General Prem Tinsulanonda who
gradually introduced a more liberal regime. In 1988 he stepped down
and Chatichai Choonhavan became prime minister. However on 23
February 1991 the army staged a coup and General Suchinda took
power.
Yet in an amazing display of 'people power' Thais took to the
streets in May 1992. Suchinda moved to repress the demonstrations but
the king stopped him and eventually Thailand returned to civilian
government. A new constitution was introduced in 1997. There was
another military coup in Thailand in 2006 but in December 2007
democratic elections were held again.
In the late 20th century Thailand underwent amazing economic
growth. It was transformed from a poor, agricultural country to a newly
industrialized one. Thailand suffered from the economic crisis of 1997-
98 but that proved to be a temporary setback.
THAILAND IN THE 21ST CENTURY

In the early 21st century Thailand

continued to grew economically. Like the rest
of the world Thailand suffered in the recession
of 2009 but it soon recovered. Thailand also
suffered severe floods in 2011 but soon
recovered. Thailand is now a prosperous
country and its economy is growing steadily.
Tourism is booming.
Thailand country located in the centre of
mainland Southeast Asia. Located wholly within the
tropics, Thailand encompasses diverse ecosystems,
including the hilly forested areas of the northern frontier,
the fertile rice fields of the central plains, the broad
plateau of the northeast, and the rugged coasts along
the narrow southern peninsula.
 ORIGIN OF THAIS
Thailand (previously known as Siam) has been populated ever since the dawn of
civilization in Asia. There are conflicting opinions of the origins of the Thais. It
presumed that about 4,500 years. Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in
China and later migrated down to Thailand along the southern part of China. They
split into two main groups. One settled down in the North and became the
kingdom of "Lanna" and the other one is in further south, which afterward was
defeated by the Khmers and became the kingdom of "Sukhothai".
There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thais. Three decades ago it
could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in the southern
part of what is now China about 4,500 years ago. Recently, however, this theory
has been altered by the discovery of prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban
Chiang in the Nong Han District of UdonThani province in the Northeast. From
these evidence of bronze metallurgy going back 3,500 years, as well as other
indication of a far more sophisticated culture than any previously suspected by
archaeologists. It now appears that the Thais might have originated here in
Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including China.
The controversy over the origin of the Thais shows no sign of definite conclusion
as many more theories have been put forward and some even go further to say
that Thais were originally of Austronesian rather than Mongoloid. What the
outcomes of the dispute may be, by the 13th century the Thais had already settled
down within the southeast Asia.
KHMER INFLUENCE
From the 9th to the 11th century, the central and
western area of Thailand was occupied by Mon
civilization called Dvaravati. The Mon share the
same common lineage as the Khmers and settle in
southern Burma latter. The Influence of Dvaravati
include Nakhon Pathom, Khu Bua, Phong Tuk , and
Lawo (Lopburi). Dvaravati was Indianized culture,
Theravada Buddhism was remained the major
religion in this area.
By the 11th-12th centuries, Mon Influenced over
central Thailand. Khmer cultural influence was
brought in the form of language, art and religion.
The "Sanskrit" language was entered in Mon-Thai
vocabulary during the Khmer or Lopburi Period. The
influence of this period has affected many provinces
in the north-east such as Kanchanaburi and Lopburi.
The Architecture in "Angkor" was also constructed
according to the Khmers style. The Khmer built stone
temples in the northeast, some of which have been
restored to their former glory, those at Phimai and
Phanom Rung and further cultures are stone
sculptures and stone Buddha images. Politically,
however, the Khmer cultural dominance did not
control the whole area but power through vassals
and governors.
LANNA PERIOD
Northern Thailand was once occupied by the ancient Lanna
Empire, which spread over Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun and
Phayao. Tucked comfortably in a valley, Chiang Mai - Lamphun
and Chiang Rai - Phayao represented the two main plateaus of
the empire. Known as Haripunchai, Chiang Mai - Lamphun
subsequently expanded to include Kelang Nakhon, or Lampang.
Meanwhile, Chiang Rai - Payao in those days was known as
Yonok.
The chronicles of the origin of "Lan Na" to "Chiang Saen" lies on
the Mae Kong River. Its first leader named "King Mengrai",
ascended to the throne in 1259. He extended the kingdom from
the borders of Laos to Lamphum. According to an ancient
inscription, Haripunchai was seized by Phraya Mengrai, who
then built Chiang Mai as hiskingdom's capital. The construction,
which started in B.E. 1839 (1296 A.D.) was witnessed by Phya
Ngum Muang of Phayao and Phra Ruang of Sukhothai.
Apparently, the three kings were close friends and
their kingdoms were so closely related that they were like a
consolidated nation. Territorial boundaries made no difference
to the peoples of the three kingdoms, Who enjoyed an
exceptionally active trade relations. As a memorial to such
friendly links, a monument of the three kings was built and they
now stand immortalized in front of the Chiang Mai City Hall.
Lan Na flourished for over 200 years. Its arts and literature rose
at the peak, especially in the middle of 15th century, the King
Tilokoraj period. Chiang Mai in this period was also chosen as
the navel of the eight world synod of Theravada Buddhism.
After the death of King Tilokoraj, the kingdom suffered from
internal conflicts. Lan Na weakened because of wars with
Sukhothai's successors.
 SUKHOTHAI PERIOD
Sukhothai, meaning the ''Dawn of Happiness'' was the first truly
independent Thai Kingdom founded in 1238, by two Thai chieftains,
Khun Bang Klang Tao and Khun Pa Muang , this ending Khmer rule
from Angkor Wat. In the early 1300s, Sukhothai enjoyed rule over the
Chao Phya River basin, westward to the bay of Bengal and the entire
Peninsula. A kingdom that was short-lived but of immense cultural
importance in the nation’s history. Sukhothai period was the most
flourishing period of Thailand. It quickly expanded its boundary of
influence after independence. Sukhothai period was considered to
be a golden age of Thai culture. During that time in the history,
everybody could say that "There were fish in the waters and rice in
the fields".

The boundary of Sukhothai stretched from Lampang in the north to Vientiane, in present day Laos
and the south to the Malay Peninsula. Sukhothai saw the Thais’ gradual expansion throughout the
entire Chao Phraya River basin and the establishment of Theravada Buddhism as the paramount
Thai religion. During this time Thai had strong friendship with neighboring countries. It absorbed
elements of various civilizations which they came into contact. Thai maintained and advanced their
culture ties with China. The potters entered Thai artistry and extensive trade was established with
Cambodia and India.

After the death of Khun Pha Muang in 1279, Ramkhamhaeng King, the third son of Si Inthrahit,
ascended to the throne. Under the Ramkhamhaeng King, Sukhothai had strong friendship with
neighboring China. King Ramkhamhaeng organized a writing system which became the basis for
writing and eventually developed to be the modern Thai alphabet. It was here that the first
evidence of written Thai was left, along with distinctively Thai styles of art such as painting,
sculpture, architecture and literature, which survived after Sukhothai was absorbed by the
kingdom of Ayutthaya – a dynamic young kingdom further south in the Chao Phraya River valley.
AYUTTHAYA PERIOD
For 417 years the kingdom of Ayutthaya was the dominant
power in the fertile Menam or Chao Phraya Basin. Its capital
was Ayutthaya, an island-city situated at the confluence of
three rivers, the Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Lopburi,
which grew into one of Asia's most renowned metropolises,
inviting comparison with great European cities such as Paris.
The city must indeed have looked majestic, filled as it was
with hundreds of monasteries and crisscrossed with several
canals and waterways which served as roads.Ayutthaya, the
capital of the Thai Kingdom was found by U-Thong King in
1350. Ayutthaya as an island is formed by the gathering of
three rivers, the Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Lopburi and
surrounded by rice terraces. It is easy to see why the
Ayutthaya area was settled prior to this date since the site
offered a variety of geographical and economic
advantages. Not only is Ayutthaya at the confluence of three
rivers, plus some canals, but its proximity to the sea also gave
its inhabitants an irresistible stimulus to engage in maritime
trade. The rice fields in the immediate environs flooded each
year during the rainy season, rendering the city virtually
impregnable for several months annually. These fields, of
course, had an even more vital function, that of feeding a
relatively large population in the Ayutthaya region. Rice
grown in these plants yielded a surplus large enough to be
exported regularly to various countries in Asia.
THONBURI PERIOD
Thonburi was founded by a Thai general named Phraya Taksin,
who was later crowned King Taksin Maharaj. After the fall of
Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, Thonburi, situated on the west
bank of the Chao Phraya opposite what is now the City of
Bangkok, became the new Thai capital.
After the shattering defeat which had culminated in Ayutthaya's
destruction, the death and capture of thousands of Thais by the
victorious Burmese, and the dispersal of several potential Thai
leaders, the situation seemed hopeless. It was a time of darkness
and of troubles for the Thai nation. Members of the old royal
family of Ayutthaya had died, escaped, or been captured by the
Burmese and many rival claimants for the throne emerged, based
in different areas of the country. But out of this national
catastrophe emerged yet another saviour of the Thai state - the
half-Chinese general Phraya Taksin, former governor of Tak.
Within a few years this determined warrior had defeated not only
all his rivals but also the Burmese invaders and had set himself
up as king.
RATTANAKOSIN PERIOD
The Chakris were inaugurated on April 6, 1782 together with the coronation of
Rama I or King Buddha Yot Fa Chulalok. He moved the capital across the Chao
Phaya River from Thonburi to a small village known as "Bangkok" and raised up
new laws to rule the country. Under his reign, Thailand covered all areas of
present day Laos and parts of Burma, Cambodia and Kedah province in
Malaysia.

In 1809, Rama II or King Buddha Loet Lad, son of Rama I took the throne until
1824. He devoted himself to preserve the Thai literature that had remained
from Ayutthaya period and produced a new version of Ramakien or Thai
Ramayana, the classical literature.

In 1824-1851, Rama III or King Nang Klao was successful in re-establishing

relation and making trades with China which was necessary to meet the
increasing domestic agricultural production.

Rama IV or King Mongkut (Phra Chom Klao), who reigned from 1851 to 1868
lived as a Buddhist monk for 27 years. During his monastic period, he could
speak many languages such as Latin, English, and five other languages. He also
studied western sciences and adopted the discipline of local Mon monk. Under
his reign, he created new laws to improve the women's and children's right,
opened new waterways and roads, and created the first printing press.
 Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that
was never colonized by an European country. In
fact, in the Thai language, the name of the
country is Prathet Thai which means “land of the
free.”
Thailand is where you’ll find both the smallest
and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal
in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand
home. You can also find the largest fish, the
whale shark, in Thai waters.
You’re lucky that you know Bangkok
as “Bangkok.” Its real name is one of the longest
names of a place in the world, made up of Pali and
Sanskrit root words: Krungthepmahanakhon
Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya
Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom
Udomratchaniwetmahasathan
Amonphimanawatansathit
Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. What does that name
mean? It means “City of Angels, Great City of
Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of
the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods
Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s
Behest.”
Males were all Buddhist monks for a while. There
was a time when all young men in Thailand
(including royalty) were required to become
Buddhist monks–even if only for a short period of
time–before they turned 20. This practice is not
observed as it used to be these days, however.

 Thailand is made up of approximately 1,430

islands. Many of the islands have become
famous for being featured in Hollywood films. A
popular habit of return visitors is to “try out” new
islands to find their favorite.
Have you ever been to a festival for monkeys? The
annual Monkey Buffet is held in front of the Pra Prang
Sam Yot temple Lopburi province. The local residents
see it as a way of thanking the monkeys for bringing
thousands of tourists to the village to see these
monkeys that live there. It’s no small buffet: two tons of
meat, fruit, ice cream, and other treats make up this
feast.

 Thailand has many flags. If you’re observant,

you’ll notice the national flag of Thailand being
raised at 8 a.m. each morning, and lowered at 6
p.m. There are also many other flags called the
“Royal Flags” which are flown along with the
national flag to honor the monarchy. You will only
see the Royal Flags in Thailand, but they are a
common sight.
The Wai is the common form
of greeting and adheres to
strict rules of protocol.

The wai is both a sign of

respect as well as a greeting.

The person who is junior in age

or status is the first one to offer
the wai.
 Thai Chakri Thai Boromphiman
Informal ceremonies Evening ceremonies
 Thai Dusit
Thai Siwalai
Evening parties
Wedding, dinner
 Thai Chakraphad Thai Amarintra
National ceremonies Evening ceremonies
 Thai Chitralada Thai Reun Ton
Temple, day time ceremonies Katin, waterfall
THAI SILK
THAI DANCE
Northeastern Folk Dance

Northern Dance Ancient Dance

Central Dance Southern

Dance
Blessing
Dance
• Songkran
the traditional Thai New Year is
celebrated every year between 13-15
April. The most obvious celebration of
Songkran is the throwing of water.
Songkran days are also considered the
family days and the elderly days.

• Loi Krathong
Romantic event on the full moon night
in November in which homage is paid to
the Mother of Waters. All over the
country, people gather at the rivers,
ponds and lakes under the moonlight to
float krathongs, small lotus-shaped
offerings containing incense, flowers, a
candle and a coin.
 Rice TOM YUM KUNG KAI PAD MED MAMUANG
HIMMAPHAN CHICKEN
HOT AND SPICY SHRIMP
SOUP WITH CASHEW NUTS

KAENG PHANAENG
Sticky Rice MOO SA-TE
ROASTED PORK MEET WITH COCONUT
COATED WITH TURMERIC CREAM
KAENG KHIAO WAN KAI PAD KAPHRAO TOM KHA KAI CHICKEN IN
GREEN CHICKEN CURRY MINCED PORK WITH COCONUT SOUP
SWEET BASIL

PAD THAI KAENG PHET PED YANG YAM NUA

THAI STYLE FRIED ROASTED DUCK CURRY SPICY BEEF SALAD
NOODLE
• Thai Boxing or "Muey Thai“

Muey Thai has musical

accompaniment which consists
of a drum or "Krong" small
brass cymbals called "Ching
Chup" and a Thai clarinet
commonly called " Pee." At the
being of each fight the
contenders dance to the
rhythm of the music around the
ring to pay homage to their
respective Archarn or Kru Muey
[teacher], usually for five to ten
minutes.
SAM LOR • The Samlor is the cheapest
and most simple form of
public transport. It basically
looks like a tricycle.
• You can find Samlor’s almost
everywhere in Thailand
except the center of Bangkok
because the traffic is horrible.
In quiet places of Bangkok
you will find them.
• The Samlor is very small so
the maximum amount of
people is 2, the Samlor also
doesn’t travel very fast.
• Tuk – Tuks are basically like
a car but much smaller with
TUK-TUK
three wheels and no
windows. Its sort of like a
taxi but instead of having a
meter they offer a price and
you bargain with them.
• Normally foreigners pay
more for Tuk – Tuks
• Tuk – Tuks can have a
maximum of 3 people in
the back and then of course
the driver in the front.
• The Tuk – Tuk has a
motorized engine.
• A motorcycle taxi Is just a
modern day version of the MOTORCYCLE TAXI
Samlor.
• You see motorcycle taxi’s
everywhere because they
are cheaper than Tuk –
Tuks (see next slide) but a
bit more expensive than
Samlors.
• The drivers mostly wear
over colored shirts so you
don’t mistake them for a
normal person on a
motorcycle.
Religion plays a very important role in Thai life
• Buddhism is nearly 95% of
Thailand’s population.
• Thailand has over twenty-seven • Buddhism Facts
thousand Buddhist temples,
mostly in the countryside. • Buddhism is the 4th largest religion
in the world!
• Buddhists believe that
selfishness and craving result in • The leaders of Buddhism are
suffering and that compassion monks.
and love bring happiness and • You can become a monk at any
well-being. period of time in your life.

• Three Jewels/Three Refuges

• The Buddha
• The Sangha (monastic
community)
• The Dharma (truth or teachings)
Christianity in Thailand is only a small
0.5 percent.
Christianity is the largest world
religion at the moment. It has over 2
billion followers, who classify
themselves under 34,000 different
denominations. Initially, Christianity
was derived from Judaism, as Jesus
Christ was a Jew, as were his twelve
disciples. Christianity is based mainly
around the life, death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is
monotheistic. Christians believe in
the Bible being the word of God, and
although some choose to take it
more literally than others, it is
generally considered to be inspired
by the Holy Spirit.
• There are approximately 3.8
percent Muslim people in
Thailand.
• Muslim means ‘anyone or
anything that submits itself to
god. Islam is one of the fastest
growing religions in the world.
To become
Muslim, a person of any race or
culture must say a simple
statement, the
Shahadah, that bears witness
to the belief in the One God
and that Prophet
Muhammad was the last
prophet of God.
 Bangkok is one of the world top tourist destination.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the largest
cities in the Thailand. Bangkok city contains awesome
palaces, temples, markets. Grand Palace is one most
visited place in the Bangkok. Bangkok is contains its own
natural beauty like canals, green spaces and tropical
plants of flowers. You must visit the Wat Phra Kaew
temple, which contains the statue of Emerald Buddha.
This city is also famous for its night life. Bangkok is
famous for Buddhist temples, major museums, cruises
Bangkok and boat trips, shopping venues and floating markets.

Chiang Mai city is in the north of the Thailand which is

called as a “North’s Rose”. Chiang Mai means “new city”,
because it is the new capital of Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai
city is famous for its jungles and mountains. Chiang Mai is
culturally famous city for historical and modern Thai
architecture. One of the big attractions in Chiang Mai is
Wat Chedi Luang temple. Chiang Mai is not only the capital
and cultural destination of the Lanna Kingdom, but also
the center of Buddhism. You must visit famous temple Wat
Phrathat Doi Suthep which lies outside Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai
 Kanchanaburi is located in western Thailand. This is famous for the
Bridge over the River Kwai which is a Second World War past.
Historical death railway was built here during its construction during
World War
Several national Parks like an Erawan and Srinakarind national park
which contains beautiful nature, caves and waterfalls. Kanchanaburi is
only two hours from Bangkok which is popular for cycling and
mountain biking, whitewater rafting, jungle trekking, caving, elephant
riding, fishing and star-gazing. It’s easy to arrange treks to natural
sites.
Kanchanaburi
Pai is a peaceful village in northern Thailand. It is a favorite
destination among tourists. Outside the city, you can enjoy the
elephant camps, beautiful waterfalls and whitewater adventures
offered by Pai River. This beautiful waterfalls, Pai canyon and
temples are easily accessible. Various varieties of local and western
foods are available in small nightly walking street market. Pai is a
perfect place from which you can enjoy the natural beauty of the
whole country as well as the cooking and famed Thai hospitality.
 Khao Sok National Park is most beautiful National Park in
Thailand. Due to this it’s Covers Rivers and lakes, jungle
forests and majestic scenery. It is the largest area of forest in
Southern Thailand. Various wildlife animals like Asian
elephants, barking deer, bears, Malayan tapirs, wild boar and
various monkeys are present in this park. Several trails in the
park from which tourist can choose to enjoy trekking,
photograph beautiful waterfalls and swim in natural pools.
Khao Sok National Park is filled with caves, mountains and
rare wildlife. If you are lucky, you can see tigers or leopards.
Khao Sok National park

Sitting on an extinct volcano in northeastern Thailand,

Phanom Rung is a Hindu shrine complex regarded for
its outstanding architecture. Located near the village
of Nang Rong, this temple sanctuary was built by the
Khmer culture between the 10th and 13th centuries as
a dedication to the Hindu god, Shiva. Constructed of
sandstone and laterite, Phanom Rung was built to
represent Mount Kailash, the sacred home of Shiva
 Railay Beach Krabi province is home to some of Thailand's
most famous beach destinations, and Railay is
the cream of the crop. Widely considered one of
the best beaches in the country, Railay delivers
on promises of white sand beaches, clear blue
water, and a feeling that you've found a slice of
paradise. You have to take a boat to reach the
island getaway, with services available from
Krabi town and Ao Nang.
The Grand Palace
There's plenty to see and do in the capital, but
it's perhaps best to start with the Grand Palace.
This is the number one sightseeing attraction
in the city, and it's staggering in historical
significance and craftsmanship. The grounds
are a maze of royal halls, temples, and ancient
relics, the most important being Wat Phra
Kaeo, Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
 Ayutthaya is located only a short bus trip or
train ride from Bangkok, making it convenient
for a day trip if you're pressed for time. If you're
on a more leisurely schedule, plan on spending
a few days in the ancient capital and rent a
push-bike to tour both the old city and the new.

Historic City of Ayutthaya

Perhaps the best-known wat in Chiang Mai sits

atop Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking
Thailand's northern rose of a city. In a crowd of
monks, devout Buddhist followers, and fellow
travelers, you'll have a chance to marvel at
intricate religious carvings, observe worship
rituals, and gaze out over the ever-growing sprawl
of Chiang Mai city.
Doi Suthep
 COME ON… LET’S TRY TO
ANSWER SOME QUESTION
ABOUT THAILAND
1. How was Thailandformerly known?
a) Atlantis b) Siam c) Formosa d) Utopia

2. Which is the capitalof Thailand?

a) Bangkok b) Pattaya c) Surin d) Lop Buri

3. Which is the currency of Thailand?

a) Shekel b) Lats c) Baht d) Rupee

4. Which is the official language of Thailand?

a) Cantonese b) Thai c) Mandarin d) Pali

5. Who appointed Anna Harriette Leonowens to tutor his children?

a) Mongkut b) Thilokaracha c) Narai d) Naresuan
6. When was Trailok king of Thailand?
a) 1526-1530 b) 1448-1488 c) 1412-1444 d) 1556-1605

7. When did Chakkri dynasty begin to rule Thailand?

a) 1782 b) 1498 c) 1757 d) 1761

8. When was Thailand’s king Anand Mahidol found dead?

a) 22 January 1936 b) 9 June 1946
c) 10 August 1945 d) 3 December 1948

9. Who was Thailand’s premier in 1958-1963?

a) Thaksin Shinawatra b) Samak Sundavarej
c) Sarit Thanarat d) Pridi Phanyomong

10. Of which military alliance was Thailand a member?

a) ANZUS b) CENTO c. NATO d) SEATO
 เอ aehM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'A'

บี beeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'B'

ซี seeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter] 'C'

ดี deeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'D'

อี eeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'E'

เอฟ aehfL [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'F'

ite
ms จี jeeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'G'

เอช aehtL [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'H'

ไอ aiM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'I'

เจ jaehM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'J'

เค khaehM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'K'

เอล aehnM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'L'

เอ็ม emM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'M'

เอน aehnM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'N'

เอ็น enM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter] 'N'

โอ o:hM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'O'

พี pheeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'P'

คิว khiuM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'Q'

อาร ์ aaM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'R'

เอส aehtL [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'S'

ที theeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'T'

 ยู yuuM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'U'

วี weeM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'V'

ดับเบิลยู dapL beernM yuuM [transliterally,] 'W'

เอ็กซ ์ ekL [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'X'

วาย waaiM [Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'Y'

[Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'Z' [as
ซิ siH
named in the United States]
[Thai pronunciation of the English letter,] 'Z' [as
เซด saehtF
named in Europe]; zed
THAI LANGUAGE

Thai, Central Thai, or Siamese, is

the national and official language of Thailand and the first
language of the Thai people and the vast majority of Thai
Chinese. It is a member of the Tai group of the Tai–
Kadai language family. Over half of its words are borrowed
from Pali, Sanskrit, Mon, and Old Khmer. It is
a tonal and analytic language.
Thai also has a complex orthography and system
of relational markers. Spoken Thai is mutually
intelligible with Laotian, the language of Laos; the two
languages are written with slightly different scripts but are
linguistically similar.
WHAT IS THE THAILAND ENGLISH?

Tinglish (US and Thailand) or Thaiglish (UK)

(also Thenglish, Thailish or Thainglish) is the
imperfect, macaronic form of English
produced by native Thai speakers due
to language interference from the first
language Differences from standard native
English include errant pronunciation, unusual
word choices, and grammatical anomalies,
as well as innovative vocabulary items.
 English is not a colonial language in Thailand and has
developed more slowly than varieties of English in post-
British-colonial countries, which are sometimes called non-
native varieties of English. The history of colonial and
postcolonial English that these other countries in the region
have is absent in Thailand. This paper aims to examine the
evolution of English in Thai society using Schneider’s
Dynamic Model (2007) to determine whether it meets the
criteria that would allow us to consider it ‘Thai English’.
Analysis indicates that English in Thailand has arrived at the
Phase II level, ‘Exonormative Stabilization’ with Thais
prioritizing British/American English rather than what we
might call Thai English.
 The socio-historical development of English in a country which is not
a former British/American colony has often been neglected by scholars
of World Englishes. English here has no facets and dimensions of an
implanted language by a colonial power, so it does not portray language
interaction between indigenous people and colonizers. Moreover, the
evolution of English for nation building as a second/official language or
a vernacular as well as affinity with or aversion towards it by local users
in relation to colonialism does not exist. The importance of English and
its multi-functions in the current global society, however, assigns English
in such a community a higher prestigious status than other foreign
languages. This status of English, which is also present in ex-
British/American colonies, calls for more research into Thai English and
its development.
Thailand has never been a European colony, therefore any study that
proposes that its English development is influenced by imperial rule
seems to be implausible. Several researchers have provided a
description of the history of English teaching and learning in Thailand by
providing background information on how English was introduced and
the way it is currently used rather than analyzing socio-historical aspects
of Thai–English contact. The latter emphasis has thus only been seen in a
few studies.
 Warie’s (1979) study can be considered the pioneer research study in
sociolinguistic aspects of Thai–English contact. It highlights the historical
background and the use of English in Thailand since the nineteenth century.
It also analyzes phonological, lexical and grammatical processes reflecting
the influence of Thai–English in periodicals, newspapers, government
reports and textbooks in both Thai and English. These processes are evident
in nativization as well as code-switching and code-mixing. The analysis
leads to the proposal of the notion of Thai English. Similarly, such results
have also appeared as part of Chutisilp’s (1984) research which focuses
more on the spread of English in Thailand via different historical periods of
development since the seventeenth century and via functional domains.
Importantly, this study examines lexical, syntactic and stylistic processes
affected by Thai–English contact seen in fictional and non-fictional texts in
both Thai and English, resulting in an assertion of the term ‘Thai English’ as
another variety. Like Chutisilp (1984), Senawong (1989) details the linguistic
scenario of the Thai and English relationship over four centuries and its
phonological and lexical effects on acquisition and functional uses in Thai.
However, since her study stresses the phonological and morphological
transference of English phraseology into Thai by Thai speakers, she does
not adopt the term ‘Thai English’. Likewise, Tuaychareon (2003) presents a
brief sociolinguistic background study of Thai–English contact since the
seventeenth century, but Senawong (1989) describes the phonological,
morphological, semantic and syntactical
features of English exhibited by Thai students and users as a result of first
language interference processes in order to indicate their
contribution to Thai English. Overall, these four studies represent salient
sociohistorical phenomena of Thai–English contact as well as its effect on
linguistic features which reflect the way in which Thai English has
developed. Although the linguistic analysis of the English features in the
Thai context is based on established approaches, such phenomena are
described without using a solid theoretical framework. Thus, there is an
absence of a clear depiction of how Thais and Anglophones have
interacted in English as a result of contact and other factors leading to
the evolution of Thai English.
This paper attempts to address this gap. This paper therefore
attempts to put forward the claim that although English in Thailand is
not the result of its being a British/American colony and from a history of
colonization, English in Thailand has evolved to what it is today through
other means of direct and indirect contact with Anglophones. It thus
aims to describe stages of English development in Thailand in order to
ascertain whether English in Thailand still depends on a native variety of
English for what are considered norms or if it has developed
its own linguistic norms similar to those in other postcolonial countries
by using Schneider’s Dynamic Model of the Evolution of Postcolonial
English (2007) as the theoretical framework.
PHASE 1: FOUNDATION
a. Socio-political background. English is brought to a new territory or
non-English community by an STL group for military forts and trading
outposts. Relationships between the STL and IDG strands may range
from friendly to hostile.
b. Identity constructions. The STL population regard themselves as full
members and representatives of the source society (Britain) while the
IDG population see themselves as the only rightful residents of the
territory.
c. Sociolinguistic conditions. Within the STL strand, migrant speakers
from different regions in Britain have direct inter-dialectal contact.
There is only marginal contact between the STL and IDG strands with
little communication, except for utilitarian purposes.
d. Linguistic effects. Three processes emerge: (i) koineization, which refers
to a middle-of-the-road variety of language use; (ii) incipient
pidginization, which concerns the development of an English-based
lingua franca in trading; and (iii) toponymic borrowing, which refers to
the adoption of indigenous terms for place names in the colony and
the likes.
PHASE 2: EXONORMATIVE STABILIZATION
a. Socio-political background. English is now regularly spoken in a new
environment, and it formally becomes the language of
administration, education and the legal system in the colony. Thus,
contact between the STL and IDG strands is increasing.
b. Identity constructions. The STL settlers maintain their ‘British-cum-
local’ identity while the identity of the English-knowing locals
undergoes development.
c. Sociolinguistic conditions. English is spread to the IDG group via
education and increased contact with the STL strand. Also, written
and spoken British English becomes the linguistic norm.
d. Linguistic effects. An English lexical segment in local communities
containing loans and new coinages develops such as the suffix ‘-
isms’ (i.e. Americanisms). The STL group classifies English spoken by
the IDG group as ‘good’ or ‘broken’.
PHASE 3: NATIVIZATION
a. Socio-political background. This is the most important phase. Many
colonies are independent, so the offspring start their own ways
politically and linguistically.
b. Identity constructions. The sociolinguistic gap between the STL and IDG
strands is reduced; both groups consider themselves permanent
residents of the same territory. The identities like ‘us’ and ‘others’ are
also gradually diminished.
c. Sociolinguistic conditions. The degree of linguistic acculturation and
assimilation varies. In North America, Australia and New Zealand,
assimilation is slow and reluctant due to the scale of immigration, but
the STL group members become permanent residents of the country. In
South and Southeast Asia, the STL strands return to Britain, but English
remains important for nation building. For norms, innovation in English
is rejected by the conservative STL strand.
d. Linguistic effects. Innovation widely emerges due to the nativization of
English. For example, IDG speakers show a marked local accent in
English and exemplify hybridization, localized collocations and varying
prepositional usage.
PHASE 4: ENDONORMATIVE STABILIZATION
a. Socio-political background. With political independence, a local norm in
English is formally accepted such as the birth of new varieties in
Australia and New Zealand. Shifting from a self-association with Britain
to the new country, the STL group carries truly independent identity.
b. Identity constructions. The STL and IDG strands share a new identity
construction in the new former colony. Both groups consider ethnicity a
parameter of identity negotiation to enhance nation building.
c. Sociolinguistic conditions. The gradual acceptance of localized English
forms as a new norm is extended to the formal written domains and
instruction. Moreover, the new term is given here: English in the context
or the X English such as ‘English in the Singapore context’ or ‘Singapore
English’. Also, the degree of cultural and linguistic independence leads
to literary creativity in new English literatures.
d. Linguistic effects. The process of nativization has produced a new variety
of English different from the STL dialect, as found in grammar books and
dictionaries such as in the Macquarie Dictionary (Australia) that contains
a lexicon collected from written and spoken interaction between the STL
and IDG strands in English in society.
PHASE 5: DIFFERENTIATION
a. Socio-political background. The new nation has no external dominant
source of power and orientation, so the emergence of a new variety
of English is not controversial. However, some internal differences are
a prominent factor of the socio-economic stability of the nation.
b. Identity constructions. For national identity, ‘group identification and
social categorization’ are more vital than ‘the collective identity’ of
the previous stage.
c. Sociolinguistic conditions. The patterns of dense interaction and
mutual identification lead to group-internal linguistic
accommodation such as the selection of certain linguistic forms as
markers of group membership.
d. Linguistic effects. An acceptance of new varieties of English, in
divergence from the parent varieties, leads to the birth of new English
dialects and the ‘sociolinguistically meaningful internal
diversification’ of the language.
 English emerged in Thai society because of its
spread during the European colonial period in
Asia. Indeed, English was not a colonial language
used within Thailand. Thailand is the only country
in Southeast Asia which was never colonized.
However,
many factors and situations that mold English
here are similar to those of British and American
postcolonial countries. Below, the cyclical
processes of the development of English in the
country are examined via two of the five phases
in Schneider’s (2007) model.
  Hello = Sawatdii
Basic Thai greetings are
 How are you? = Sabaaidii mai?
hands down the most
important of phrases visitors  I’m fine = Sabaaidii
will want to memorise before  I’m not well = Mai sabaii
journeying to the Land of  I come from (America) = Pom/Chan maa jaak
Smiles. Speaking of smiles, (ameerigaa)
those who can say these  What country are you from? = Kun maa jaak
words are almost guaranteed bprateet arai?
to receive a smile in return to  Thank you = Khop kun
everyone they greet with
them. The small effort it takes  Sorry = Khot hort
from travellers to memorise  No problem = Mai bpenrai
basic greetings goes a long  Goodbye = Bai
way in the eyes of the locals in
 Can you speak English? = Kun pood paasaa
Thailand. Here are some of the anggrit dai mai
most basic of phrases worth
 What is your name? = Kun chuu arai?
remembering.
 My name is __ = Pŏm / Chán chuu __.
 Basic Thai words for
questions

Conversing in Thai is
confusing. The public
transportation in Thailand is Where? = Tiinai?
complicated. Thai menus are
What? = Arai?
befuddling. Regardless of what it
is that has you puzzled, you are When? = Muarai?
going to need to know a few How? = Yangngai?
question words to clarify, well,
Why? = Tum mai?
everything.
 Basic Thai phrases for
addressing people
How you address people in
Thailand is very important.
People are addressed
differently based on things like
age and social rank.
Addressing someone using the
incorrect term can be
oftentimes considered
disrespectful. For example,  I (female) = Chán
addressing someone older  I (male) = Pŏm
than you with a title that is  You = Kun
used for someone younger  He/She/They = Kao
than you can be considered  Female/Male (junior) =
offensive to some. Here are the Nong
basic titles worth remembering  Female/Male (senior) = Pee
so that this does not happen.
 Basic Thai phrases for
restaurants or cafes

 Restaurant = Raan aahaan

Bangkok’s caffeine scene is  Café = Raan gaafee
becoming more popular and  Excuse me = koortoot
thriving every day. From pet  Bathroom = Hongnaam
cafes to speciality coffee  What is this? = Annii arai
shops, visitors are going to  Hungry = Hiu
want to try a cup of joe or  May I have the menu = Aow meenuu noi
two while travelling Thailand.  Vegetarian = Mawng sa vee rat
Do not even get us started  Vegan = Gin jay
on Thai cuisine, either. As  Water = Naam
one of the most popular  Beer = Beer (easy, right?)
foodie destinations in the
 Chicken = Gai
world, knowing these words
while dining is a must. From  Rice = Kaao
street-side eats to the more  Cold = Yen
luxurious of dining options  Hot = Rone
in the capital, check out the  No ice = Mai aow nam khang
most helpful phrases to  No sugar = Mai aow nam tan
utilise while chowing down  1 more please = Khor iik nung
in the Kingdom.  I like spicy = Chan/Pom chawp pet
 Not spicy = Mai pet
 Basic Thai phrases for an
emergency
You take every
precaution you could
possibly fathom and
are ready for your trip  Hurts = Jep
to Thailand. There is
seemingly nothing that  Where is the police station? = Sataanii
dtamruat yoo tee nai
could happen that
could derail your trip.  Where is the hospital? = Rongpayaabaan
All the vaccines and yoo tee nai
mosquito repellent in
the world, however,  Call an ambulance = Dahm rot pa-ya-
cannot determine bahn
whether an accident
may arise. In case one  I’m lost = Long tahng
does, here are some
phrases that will help  Can you help = Choo-ay dai mai
during an emergency.
 Sa-wat dee (hello)
Used for both hello and goodbye.

 Khop koon (thank you)

How to show your appreciation once you’ve been handed your Singha beer and
pad Thai.

 Gee baht? (how much)

Essential for all the shopping you’ll be doing, or when haggling with tuk-tuk drivers.

 Yoo tee nai...? (where is...)

Invaluable when lost! Just point at a place on your map or in your guidebook and
say ‘yoo tee nai’. Also useful when you are trying to find the right bus to go to
Phuket or otherwise.

 Mai ow (don't want)

Useful for fending off persistent street vendors.
Khor tort (sorry)
Stood on someone’s foot at the Chatuchak market? Now you can apologise.

Neung, song, saam, see, haa, hook, jet, baat, gow, sip (one to ten)
Impress the locals by reciting one to ten.

Lot noi dai mai? (can you make it cheaper?)

If you are doing a lot of shopping then try this handy phrase. By speaking a
little Thai you might just get a better discount.

A-roi (delicious)
Show your appreciation for that delicious Thai meal! You never know, if you
go back to the same place you might get an extra helping.

Mai pen lai (never mind)

A common phrase in the Thai language – if someone apologises to you
(khor tort) then reply with ‘mai pen lai’. If someone thanks you (khop koon)
say ‘mai pen lai’. If there’s a mix up (which invariably happens with a
language barrier) have a chuckle and say ‘mai pen lai’!