Over the centuries Thailand’s culture has left its mark on the landscape Thousands of Buddhist temples, the ancient ruins of Isaan (Thailand’s Northeast) and the magnificent temples and palaces of Sukhothai and Ayuthaya tell of an ancient culture that continues to enchant visitors even today.

A proudly independent nation, the Kingdom comprises cultures as diverse as the hill tribes, sea gypsies, and rural communities living in harmony with modern day mobile phone owning city dwellers. In any other country it may be a surprise that such diversity can co-love for the monarchy unite them and transform their diversity into strength.

The people’s respect for tradition, their adherence to Buddhism and love for the monarchy unite them and transform their diversity into a strength. Thai culture evolves largely around Buddhism and respect for seniority, whether in terms of age, status or wealth. However, monks receive absolute deference and it is common to see healthy young monks sitting on buses while elderly passengers stand. Seniority has different forms: younger people respect elders, the poor look up to the rich, and common citizens defer to politicians and high ranking military personnel. Seniority in years is sometimes unclear, so Thais often ask a person’s age. With seniority established, the older person may address the younger as nong, and the younger person may address the older as pii.

Visitors will be enthralled by the sight of a Buddhist Temple under construction side-by-side with an elevated expressway. Thailand has a living culture, evolving before your eyes and embracing the ancient and timeless with the modern.

In fact, there is a special word for this – “Sanuk”. You will see it in the smiling faces of the people, in the myriad of local festivals and in the way in which Thai people always find an excuse to have a party. “Sanuk” – yet another good reason to make Thailand the Preferred Destination.