Thai people

Flag of Thailand

Chan Kusalo cremation 15

Map of the Thais Diaspora in the World

Peopling of Thailand

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Mon political entities

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Gerner Tai-Kadai migration route

Thai people or Thais (Thai: ชาวไทย), are the national and ethnic group native to Thailand and the primary practitioners of Theravada Buddhism. They constitute the majority of the population in Thailand and speak Thai, which is part of the larger Tai language family.

History

The history of the Thai people is a subject of debate among scholars. It is generally believed that the Tai-speaking peoples originated in what is now southern China, and from there migrated southward over the centuries. The first significant Tai settlements in what is now Thailand date to the 12th century. The Tai peoples assimilated earlier inhabitants of the region, such as the Mon and Khmer, through a combination of conquest and cultural influence.

Culture

Thai culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism, particularly Theravada Buddhism, which affects everything from the architecture, as seen in the country's numerous temples, to festivals and daily routines. The Thai also have a rich tradition in other areas, including their cuisine, which is known for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.

Thai art includes a variety of forms, such as painting, sculpture, and pottery. Traditional Thai sculptures often depict Buddha images and are an integral part of temple architecture. Thai literature, historically influenced by Indian culture, includes both religious texts and poetry. The national epic, the Ramakien, is an adaptation of the Indian Ramayana.

Language

The Thai language is the official language of Thailand. It is a tonal and analytic language, with a complex orthography and relational markers. Thai is mutually intelligible with Lao, the language of Laos, and with the Isan language spoken in northeastern Thailand.

Demographics

The majority of Thailand's population are ethnic Thais. There are also significant minorities, including Chinese Thais, who have historically played a significant role in the economy, and various hill tribes living in the northern regions of the country. The southern part of Thailand is home to a large Muslim community, primarily of Malay descent.

Economy

Traditionally, the Thai economy was based on agriculture, with rice being the most important crop. Thailand is one of the world's leading exporters of rice. In recent decades, the economy has diversified, with significant growth in manufacturing, tourism, and services. The tourism industry, in particular, has become an important source of income, with Thailand being a popular destination for international travelers seeking its beaches, cultural sites, and culinary experiences.

Politics

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The country has a long history of political instability, with numerous coups and changes in government. The political landscape is marked by a division between urban elites and the rural poor, with the monarchy often playing a central role in Thai identity and politics.

See also

• Culture of Thailand
• History of Thailand
• Economy of Thailand
• Politics of Thailand