Religion and monarchy are the cornerstones of Thai culture, and they
permeate everyday life, from the custom of standing for the royal anthem
before films are shown and for the national anthem played across towns and
villages twice daily, to the predominance of Buddhist temples all around the
country - even in mile-a-minute Bangkok.

For the beach-holidaymaker and Bangkok fly-by-nighter, it is often easy to
overlook these cultural subtleties - the Thais are a gregarious and accepting
lot - but a little bit of respect goes a long way in finding out more about
Thailand's people and culture.

Thai art, principally sculpture and architecture, is divided into a number of
historical styles beginning with Mon (6th-13thC), Khmer (7th-13th C),
Peninsular (until 14th C), Lan Na (13th-14th C), Sukhothai (13th-15th C),
Lopburi (10th-13th C), Suphanburi-Sangkhlaburi (13th-15th C), Ayuthaya A
(1350-1488), Ayuthaya B (1488-1630), Ayuthaya C (1630-1767) and
Ratanakosin (19th C to present).

Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic and chillies
and a characteristic mix of lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander.
Galanga root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk
are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai
dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot
and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes.
Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks
and appetisers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and
slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or
juiced. Sugar-cane juice and, for something stronger, rice whisky are favourite
local tipples.

Classical Thai music has similarities to Chinese, Japanese, Indian and
Indonesian music. The traditional Thai orchestra is composed of woodwind,
string and percussion instruments. The most significant is a double-handed
drum; before a performance, the players make offerings of flowers and incense
to the drum, which is considered to be the 'conductor' of the music's spiritual
content.

There are several forms of classical dance in Thailand. Most are intimately
connected to drama, particularly the epic journey tale of Prince Rama's search
for his beloved Princess Sita, who has been abducted by the evil demon
Ravana. These dance performances feature elaborate costumes and masks.

Monarchy and religion are the two sacred cows in Thailand. Thais are tolerant
of most behaviour, as long as it doesn't insult one of these. Buddhism is the
dominant religion, and orange-robed monks and gold, marble and stone
Buddhas are common sights. The prevalent form of Buddhism practised is the
Theravada school,which emphasises the potential of the individual to attain
nirvana without the aid of saints or gurus. Make sure you are suitably dressed
when visiting a temple - no shorts or singlets.

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