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 Thailand has a broad diversity of
ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. Ethnic Thais form the
majority, though there is considerable ethnic diversity as the
area has historically been a migratory crossroads of the region.
Strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and other
permanent foreign residents are the principal minority groups.
The hill tribe people constitute another prominent ethnic group,
playing an important economic and cultural role. But the most
significant minority in Thailand is the Chinese. We can see the
ethnic Chinese form a large community in the various commercial
centers of Bangkok and the other big provinces. In Bangkok
alone, roughly half the population has some Chinese blood.
More than 95 per cent of Thais practice and profess Theravada
Buddhism. A small percentage of Thais and most of the Malays in
the south, approximately 4% of the total population, are
followers of Islam. A further half a percent of the population
follow the Christian belief, and another half percent are
Confucians, Taoists, Mahayana Buddhists and Hindus. Although
they practice different religious beliefs, the Thai people are
able to live in complete harmony, unified and united through the
strong faith and belief in the monarchy, with none of the
problems experienced by many neighboring countries.
On the whole, the Thais are a group of
people who believe that
life should be enjoyed, without infringing on the rights of
others. The Thais are tolerant and hospitable, with a strong
sense of humor. It is very easy to get along with them. In Thailand, women have a considerable influence in society. It
is common now to see women in top-ranking positions, both in
public and private agencies, although they have yet to gain
equal acceptance in the male-dominated Thai society. |
