Thailand lies between Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, with the Gulf of Thailand to its south. Its culture mixes strong Indian influences, Chinese traditions, and elements that are uniquely Thai. With its diverse geography, friendly people, and stunning scenery, the “Land of a Thousand Smiles” is a must-see destination in South East Asia.
1. Thai culture is affected by Indian culture
a. Painting
Thai painting is affected by Indian culture, so we usually recognize the Buddhist temples or palace in some these old pictures.
They are idealistic and the themes frequently depicted are those related to Buddhism, such as the Buddha's life stories, stories of the three worlds (heaven, earth and hell), and also those concerning customs and traditions.
The common topics in painting reflected so many different purpose: the beautiful and dignify the places of worship, to promote Buddhism, and to educate people through pictures.
b. Architecture
Thai sculpture is concentrated on Buddha images that rank among the world's greatest expressions of Buddhist art. the sculpture usually were made by wood, metals, ivory, precious stones and stucco,so they created the represent Rattanatrai of Buddhism. Nowadays, the sculptures are depicted in some big temples or pagodas such as Phra Buddha Chinnarat in Wat Mahathat (Phitsanulok province) and Phra Buddha Chinnasi in Wat Bowon Niwet (Bangkok)
c. Literature
They were written in verse of various patterns. Then, in the early 20th century, King Rama VI made a revolution in Thai literary history.Prose has become a favourite form of writing among Thai writers since then, and common life scenes have been depicted in their works. One of the most important Thai literary pieces is theRamakian, an epic derived from theRamayana of India.
d. Drama
In the purely classical form, Thai drama and dance are indivisible. The techniques of dancing are of Indian origin, but Thai people evolved them to be much more graceful and slow in motion.
Some famous drama: khon (the masked drama), lakhon (a less formal dance drama with movements more graceful thankhon), nang yai and nang talung (shadow plays) and hun (marionettes).
Nowadays, the dramas are only performed in special festive occasions.
e. Music
Thai classical music uses the diatonic music scale. The instruments are of four kinds: Those of plucking, drawing, percussion and woodwind. Apart from drama, Thai classical music is played in some religious ceremonies, traditional rites and on festive occasions.
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