Tag: culture

Key Characteristics of Thai Paintings and Murals

September 19, 2014

When most people think of art history, the things that come to mind are the masterpieces by largely European men like Michelangelo and Da Vinci, or paintings representing various stories from the Bible.

Paintings in Thailand also began, and often still, focus on the religious myths of the area, depicting stories from the life of the Buddha or of the various Hindu gods and goddesses that have influenced life here. Some of the best places to see Thai paintings are wats, on the walls of the ceremonial halls. But what are some of the characteristics of Thai art?

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The Best Places to Find Visual Art in Thailand

September 16, 2014

When it comes to the visual arts in Thailand, it seems that the subject matter is not particularly varied. Much of the art produced hews to religious depictions, much like the performing arts traditions such as the Khon and Nang Yaai. However I suppose that can be attributed to the theory that generally arts don’t develop in a society that spends much of its time focusing on survival. That’s not to say there is no visual art in Thailand. In fact, there is at least one place in every village that likely showcases some very essential Thai art.

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Book Review: “Sightseeing,” 6 Stories about Thailand

September 2, 2014

A quick search of the Internet for top vacation and retirement destinations will frequently turn up Thailand. A jaunt over to Amazon to find some books about Thailand will inevitably return numerous guidebooks and works of fiction written by white men who have either moved or vacationed here. There is not much fiction written in English by a Thai author. Which is why I was excited to find “Sightseeing” by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, a collection of short stories about Thailand.

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In Thailand, “It’s the Little Differences.”

August 26, 2014

Vincent: Yeah, baby, you’d dig it the most. But you know what the funniest thing about Europe is?

Jules: What?

Vincent: It’s the little differences. I mean, they got the same s*** over there that we got here, but it’s just…it’s just, there it’s a little different.

Like Vincent Vega rhapsodized about in the Quentin Tarantino film “Pulp Fiction,” here too, in Thailand it’s the little differences. And I know you are sitting there, like Jules, asking for an example, so here are five examples of the little differences of Thailand that I now find jarring when I see them in the American shows that I watch.

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Dancing in the Streets of Rural Thailand

August 17, 2014

It seems like Thais are always looking for an excuse to party. (Not that I’m complaining!) A lot of these celebrations, like monk ordinations, include everyone in the village parading through the streets and dancing. The music is supplied by a vehicle that is stacked with speakers and a DJ blaring music. Having trouble picturing it? Here’s an excellent video showing it. Bonus, it includes some great Thai folk music.

Thai Nationalism and the National Anthem

August 12, 2014

In Thailand, there is a strong current of enforced nationalism which is most evident in the public playing of the national anthem, or pleng chat (เพลงชาติ) twice a day, and the required standing and observance. A friend said that she was asked recently by the kids she works with when we sing and hear the national anthem in America. All she could come up with was at sporting events and sometimes at school concerts. But here in Thailand, the national anthem is a constant part of my life, I overhear it coming from my neighbors’ televisions at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.. If I’m at the bus station it comes on, everyone stops and stands and the students sing it every morning. So I thought I would give you readers a taste of the anthem here and what the words mean.

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Ethnicities of Thailand: Hilltribe Minority Groups

August 8, 2014

One thing that is interesting about Thailand, especially with the policies that the junta is pushing, is the concept of a “Thai identity.” Yet, there are between 70 and 75 ethnic groups, some of whom do not identify the Thai identity, and many of the hill tribes are legally barred from having an affiliation with Thai-ness, even if they wanted to. Who are some of these ethnic groups and hill tribes and what is their relation to Thailand?

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Ethnicities of Thailand: Thai Identity

August 5, 2014

I was born and raised in the United States, a place that is frequently referred to as a “melting pot,” due to the number and variety of immigrants that have moved there over the centuries. The diversity of the people of my home country is definitely something that I miss.

However, saying that belies the diversity of the people of Thailand, which is ignored and passively covered up by the dominant and “official” history of the country. The Thai identity is one that has been cobbled together from various peoples that have had an influence on the Siamese kingdoms, though has certainly been dominated by the Tai peoples (not the same as Thai).

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Thai Performing Arts: Thai Dancing

August 1, 2014

On thing that I really like about Thailand is how proud Thai people are of their culture. I’m always asked what I think of Thai food, I’m eagerly included in events at the wat (including funerals and weddings for people I have never met) and when I ask questions about things I don’t understand the explanations are free flowing. But there is one thing that I find especially impressive, and I’ve noticed it a lot more lately as I’ve attended more festivals: the pride in Thai traditional dancing.

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