Thai People

Immigrants have been assimilated into the Thai population throughout the country's long history. Many were skilled people – dancers, writers, painters, sculptors, musicians and architects, and they helped to enrich the already existing culture.

There is a rich ethnic diversity in Thailand's population – Thai, Mon, Khymer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian stock – and so there is no typical Thai face or physical type. People can be short, tall, dark-skinned or light-skinned.

About 80 percent of Thais are involved in agriculture which has an effect on many of the religious ceremonies and festivals of the country.

• It is considered rude to point your foot at another person, and Thai do not approve of pats on the head – even as a friendly gesture. You should apologize immediately if you touch someone's head intentionally.
• Extended eye to eye contact may be considered insulting – or considered an invitation to fight.
• When entering a Thai house, you are expected to take off your shoes.
• All Buddha images - large or small, old or new - sacred: people should not climb on one to take a photograph or do anything that might be construed as showing lack or respect.
• The Monarchy is held in reverence by the people and, here again, visitors should be careful not to offend by casual remarks or actions.
• Worth remembering also is that Thais do not like domestic squabbles in public. They consider it in the poorest taste. So leave airing your dirty linen until your back in the hopefully cooling comfort of your hotel room.
• Overt public display of affection between the opposite sexes are frowned upon.