FRONT PAGE:

ASEAN COUNRIES

SECOND PAGE:

CONTENTS:

- THAILAND
- PHILIPPINES
- CAMBODIA

FIRST COUNTRY:

THAILAND

- Intro to thai
- Brief history
- Language
- Food
- Culture (values, Tradition)
- Religion
- Celebrations (Annual thai festival)
- Places ( thailands 5 unesco world heritage sites)
- Literature
- Fun Facts

SECOND COUNTRY

PHILLIPINES

- Intro to Ph
- Brief History
- Language
- Food
- Culture (values, Tradition)
- Religion
- Celebrations (Annual thai festival)
- Places ( thailands 5 unesco world heritage sites)
- Literature
- Fun Facts

THIRD COUNTRY

CAMBODIA

- Intro to Cambodia
- Brief History
- Language
- Food
 - Culture (values, Tradition)
- Religion
- Celebrations (Annual thai festival)
- Places ( thailands 5 unesco world heritage sites)
- Literature
- Fun Facts

LAST PAGE:

- REFERENCES
THAILAND

INTRO TO THAI:

- Thailand officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand AND formerly known as SIAM. The name
means "land of the free," and appropriately. Thailand has never been conquered by another
country. It is a wondrous kingdom featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular
Islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food
and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize
Thailand's "land of smiles" reputation.
- Thailand lies between Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, with the Gulf of Thailand to its south. The
culture in Thailand is a mix of strong Indian influences, Chinese traditions, and elements that are
uniquely Thai. It is also the 50th largest country in the world with an area roughly equal to that of
France.  With rugged mountains in the north and world-famous tropical beaches in the south, it
is a land of pristine beauty.

BRIEF HISTORY:

Thailand is separated into four distinct regions. Despite the overarching strength and unity of Thai
culture, each region has its own unique cultural and geographic features.

- Northern Thailand shares its border with Myanmar and Laos. This region is mountainous and
filled with thick forests and river valleys. Its culture is heavily influenced by Burmese culture, and
it carries strong influences from the historical Lanna kingdom.
- Northeastern Thailand, also known as Isan, is largely isolated from the rest of Thailand by a large
mountain range.  A Lao-speaking majority, as well as a primarily agricultural society, characterize
this culturally distinct region.
- Southern Thailand, located on the Malay peninsula, is home to many of Thailand’s pristine
beaches and resorts.  With a more tropical climate, this narrow land mass is home to a many
fishing community.
- It is the region of Central Thailand that is predominant, though. This region is the seat of
Thailand’s modern-day capital city, Bangkok. With its fertile plains, it has also long been the
economic center of the country, producing the majority of Thailand’s rice. It is also the area that
has the greatest population density, and the greatest concentration of the ethnic Thai majority.
It is the political, economic, and cultural center of Thailand.
- The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has
been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal
government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.
- The current flag of Thailand is known as trairanga, which means tricolor" This national flag is
raised every morning at 8:00 and lowered every evening at 6:00

SLOGAN:
The country’s official tourism slogan is “ ‘Amazing Thailand: it begins with the people’. This campaign
emphasizes the good characteristics of Thai people and is aimed at encouraging people to visit Thailand
to experience Thai hospitality, culture and the unique sense of ‘Thainess’.
LANGUAGE:

Their official language is Thai, which is taught at schools and spoken throughout the country. But in the
far south and northern Thai provinces, there are different dialects that exist like Isan, Phu, Phuan, Thai
Dam, Galung, or other dialects and minority languages.

FOOD:

Many people would travel to Thailand because of the food and it’s not difficult to see why. The Thailand
traditional food is rich in flavor, making people want for more. Thai cuisine has many regional variations
as it has been heavily influenced by neighboring countries. The combination of sour, sweet, salty, bitter
and spicy flavors create a sumptuous mix that has become one of the world’s most popular cuisines.

- Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

The quintessential Thai aroma! A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chili, galangal,
lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce shapes this classic soup, giving it its legendary
herbal kick. Succulent fresh prawns and straw mushrooms lend it body. A versatile dish that can
fit within virtually any meal, the distinctive smell reminds you of exotic perfume, while it’s
invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams ‘Thailand’!

CULTURE

Thailand culture might surprise you because the people really have strong Thailand beliefs and traditions
that shape who they are today and give them a cultural identity.

- Family
When we say Thailand family culture is really strong, we mean it. Family matters and it’s one of
the most important values of the Thai culture. For the Thais, family almost always comes first.
For them, they treat their cousins as brothers and sisters so if you’re shocked by the number of
siblings a Thai person has, it could mean that those are their cousins.
- Beliefs
Here’s another Thailand culture fact: they strongly believe in ghosts and Thais are very
superstitious. For instance, they believe that if you call a baby cute, a ghost will take the baby
away. The newborn are usually addressed by unattractive nicknames, like “Fatty” or “Pig.” Spirits
might be jealous of a beautiful child, the belief goes, so the idea is to deceive them, particularly
during the vulnerable infant’s first month of life.
- Status
Believe it or not, status is a huge thing in Thailand culture. A person’s status is perceived through
age, family, job, education, connections, and income levels. When a group of people is
socializing or hanging out, the Thailand traditional practice is the highest earner in the group will
pay the bill

VALUES:
One thing that foreigners love about Thailand customs and traditions are the values of Thai people. They are
extremely polite and have their own ways of showing respect. They use the gesture called wai, a Thailand
traditional practice to show respect to people. When talking with each other, they have words that indicate a
person’s age: pee is used before an older person’s name to show respect, and nong for somebody younger than
them.

They also treat the head of a person as a sacred part of the body so as part of the Thailand customs and traditions,
you should not touch someone’s head. Left hand is also considered dirty in Thailand, it shouldn’t be used to eat,
shake hands, or receive gifts. The feet are also considered dirty so you shouldn’t use it to point at things, especially
at an image of Buddha. And when entering on houses and temples, footwear must be removed.

RELIGION:

Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand and remains a strong element in Thailand religion and culture
that draws on influences from Hinduism and animism. The second major religion in Thailand is Islam, and lastly,
Christianity, which is said to be less than 1% of the Thailand population.

CLOTHING:

The traditional Thailand clothing is called chut thai, which literally means “Thai outfit.” It can be worn by men,
women, and children. 

There are several types of chut Thai for women, each has different styles, garments, patterns, and accessories.
Some Thai outfits can be worn at any formal occasion, while others are typically more associated with particular
events. The chut thai for women are: Ruean Ton, Chakkri, Siwalai, Boromphiman, Chitlada, Amarin, Chakkraphat,
and Dusit.

As for the men, chut thai for them is known as suea phraratchathan (“royally-bestowed shirt”), the shirt is
buttoned, has a long collar, and can have sleeves of any length.

Here’s another Thai culture and tradition you must take note: skimpy attire is seen to be offensive by many Thais.
Shorts are seen inappropriate for adults.

THAI ARTS AND MUSIC:

The Thailand art and culture is one of the things travelers love about the country. Beyond showing a masterpiece,
it also has a rich history behind every art piece. Traditional Thailand art and culture is mostly composed of Buddhist
art and scenes from the Indian epics, similar with the other styles from Southeast Asia, such as Khmer. You can see
some of the most amazing art pieces at Bangkok arts and culture center.

The two most popular traditional Thai music are luk thung and mor lam. Even though Thailand was never colonized
by Western powers,European and American music influenced modern pop music in Thailand. 

THAI CELEBRATIONS:

The Land of Smiles may be popular for its Thailand culture and tradition, beautiful tourist spots to see (including
some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand), and oh-so-good cuisine, but it also boasts some of the most
colorful festivals in Southeast Asia.

1. CHINESE NEW YEAR

- The tradition of Thai-Chinese people to celebrate New Year has been conducting for more than one thousand
years. (Ang-pao = red packet of money, Tae-ea = a monetary gift tied around the waist)

- JAN-FEB – NATIONWIDE- THE BIGGEST

- YAO WARAT ROAD, BANGKOK

2. UNDERWATER WEDDING ON VALENTINE'S DAY

- Once-in-a-lifetime to the marriage registration under the water, the "Trang Underwater Wedding" is an exotic
traditional Thai wedding culture to foreign wedding couples, divers, and tourists from all over the world.

- FEB

- TRANG

3. INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL

-The sky will be decorated with flamboyant, intriguing and awe-inspiring kites from Thailand and abroad.

- MAR- THE BIGGEST -CHA-AM PHETCHABURI

4. SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

- Traditional Thai New Year celebration features cheerful water fights.

- KHAOSAN ROAD, BANGKOK- APRIL- NATIONWIDE

5. YASOTHORN ROCKET FESTIVAL

- According to people in Northeastern part of Thailand, Sky Rocket Festival is held annually to call for seasonal
rains. In the event, there is also a sky rocket competition.

- MAY-THE BIGGEST-YASOTHORN

6. THE PHI TA KHON GHOST FESTIVAL

- The superstitious belief that has been passed on for generations among people living in Northeastern part of
Thailand leads to the renowned Phi Ta Khon masked procession.

- JUN-LOBI-THE BIGGEST

7. THAILAND INTERNATIONAL WAX

- The tradition that has been performing for more than 100 years. Visitors will be dazzled by the spectacular sight
of a 3- kilometer ong spectacular wax candle procession. These candles will later be offered to monks residing in
temples during the Buddhist lent.

- JULY-THE BIGGEST- UBON RATCHATHANI

8. DOK KRACHIAO BLOOMING FESTIVAL

- The only time of the year that you can. enjoy diverse types of wide Krachiao flowers (Slam tulips) in Pa Hin Ngam
National Park.

- JULY,AUGUST- ONLY AT- CHAIYAPHUM

9. LONG BOAT RACING FESTIVAL

-Watch the ferocious Long Boat Racing festival that has been performing for nearly 200 years. The event features
several kinds of boat competition, and each paddling route is longer than 650 kilometers. The winner team will be
awarded the Royal Trophy.
- SEP-THE BIGGEST- PHICHIT

10. BUFFALO RACE FESTIVAL

- It has been 100 years that Buffalo Racing Festival is held annually to perform ceremony for encouragement and to
give buffaloes relaxation after their hard work. It is believed that if the racing does not take place any year, there
will be plague.

-OCT-THE BIGGEST- CHONBURI

11. LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL

- The long-established and magnificent Loy Krathong festivals aim to pay homage to the Lord Buddha and to show
gratitude to Phra Mae Khongkha (Goddess of Water) There is also a beauty contest in the event.

- NOV-NATIONWIDE-SUKHOTHAI

12. NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

- Bangkok's street countdown party happens every year at Ratchaprasong intersection Find a good spot near the
junction where you can enjoy the fireworks and cheery crowds that will have gathered here from the early
evening, with over a hundred thousand people expected

- DEC,JAN-NATIONWIDE,THE BIGGEST- RATCHAPRASONG, BANGKOK

THAI FAMOUS HERITAGES:

THAILAND’S 5 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

1. Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

- Noted for being ahead of its time in terms of art, architecture, urban infrastructure and more, the Historic Town
of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns are among the most fascinating historical sites in Thailand. These
settlements dates back to the 13th and 14th century, and Sukhothai was the first capital of the Siam Kingdom.
Sukhothai blossomed in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was built by the Khmers and taken over by the Thais in
1230. The Thai language and alphabet originated here, the last was invented in 1283 by the famous King
Ramkhamhaeng as a revision of various forms of Khmer alphabets into a system suitable for the writing of Thai
words. The same king made Sukhothai a powerful kingdom that included many parts of what today neighboring
countries are. A number of ancient cities paid him tribute.  The monuments and architecture of these towns were
pioneers for the kind of architecture found around Thailand today – so much so that it’s been labelled “Sukhothai
style”. A visit will connect you with some of the Thailand’s first examples of those tall, pointed temples and
buildings that capture travelers and foreigners alike across the country to this day.

- Wat Maha That is a grand temple situated right in the middle of the town. Within the temple complex,
there are more than 200 pagodas altogether.
- Wat Si Chum temple houses Phra Achana, the Buddha image in Subduing Mara (demon) posture.
- Wat Phra Phai Luang is considered the second mostimportant temple next to Wat Maha That temple. It is
surrounded by 3 moats and contains 3 reliquary towers. Pottery kiln and ancient pottery Additionally,
there are various other places worth a visit.

2. Historic town of Ayutthaya

Frequently praised as one of the most beautiful historic cities in Thailand, Ayutthaya is a must-visit for crumbling
temples and a glimpse into the opulent Thailand of years gone by. The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350,
was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which
time it grew to be one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy
and commerce. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers connecting the city to
the sea. This site was chosen because it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that
time, thus preventing attack of the city by the sea-going warships of other nations. The location also helped to
protect the city from seasonal flooding.The city was attacked and razed by the Burmese army in 1767 who burned
the city to the ground and forced the inhabitants to abandon the city. The city was never rebuilt in the same
location and remains known today as an extensive archaeological site.

- Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is one of the most significant temple in Ayutthaya Era, as it houses cremains of
former Kings. Therefore, this temple is equivalent to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram.
- Wat Rat Burana was a royal monastery in Ayutthaya Era. It gains popularity when a large amount of gold
wares were discovered inside the temple's reliquary tower.
- Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophit Phra Mongkol Bophit, the largest bronze cast Buddha image in Thailand

3. Ban Chiang archaeological site

Inaugurated into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992, Ban Chiang is one of the most important archaeological
sites in Thailand – and the whole of South East Asia, for that matter. The site, which is located in the country
northeastern Udon Thani province, was discovered back in 1966 and excavation has since discovered that the
human activity here dates back around 3,500 years ago.  Its significance is derived from over 300 excavated
archaeological settlements that have unearthed a sophisticated material culture that includes painted ceramic
pottery, metal tools, and jewelry, as well as the earliest evidence for farming in the region. The name “Ban Chiang”
is not how the people associated with this culture referred to themselves. Instead, Ban Chiang refers to a modern
village turned archaeological site where these prehistoric materials and human remains were discovered.  A visit to
the site will connect you with these fascinating prehistoric people and their way of life.

This sizeable neolithic pot is an example of Ban Chiang red-on-buff ware, which was created freehand without the
use of a pottery wheel.

This type of pottery discovered in burial sites, along with a variety of bronze and glass ornaments, including
armbands, anklets, rings, and necklaces.

The tradition of Thai ceramics dates back to the third millennium BCE. The earliest trace of Thai ceramics ever
recorded in Ban Chiang, which is in present-day Udon Thani Province, Thailand.

The ceramics discovered were earthenware, and the most common forms were cylinders and round vases. The
early pots were undecorated, while the later ones were decorated with geometric patterns and swirling designs.
4. Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are among the most untouched areas in Thailand, and most
important conservation areas in mainland Southeast Asia. The two regions, Thung Yai Naresuan and Huai Kha
Khang, have been working sanctuaries since the 1970s and were given UNESCO status in 1991. Tucked up by the
border with Myanmar, this part of Thailand is characterised by peaks and valleys, waterfalls, and various types of
lush forest. The scenery is reason enough to visit, but the hundreds of mammal, bird, reptile, and freshwater fish
offer extra allure – tigers and elephants roam freely here.

However, as a protected area there are limits as to where visitors can set foot. Use Huai Kha Khaeng Sanctuary’s
headquarters as your base; here there is a visitor’s centre and a few walking trails which allow you to get out into
the park. Enquire with staff at the centre about the longer hikes as it’s possible to organise these with a Ranger
upon request.

- Wong Tii Kai is a puzzling natural phenomenon which rocks of different sizes were aligned in a circle.
- Pong Nai Sor is the name of salinized soil whose permeating water attracts a large number of wild
animals.
- Pong Nam Phu Ron is also salinized soil which is located near a hot spring. The area is crowded with
wildlife, especially gaurs, bantengs and antelopes.

5. Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex

One of the most significant areas in Thailand for wildlife, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex spans over
200km jut northeast of Bangkok. This protected area is listed as a UNESCO site because it’s home to hundreds of
flora, mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species, several of which are under threat. The critically endangered
Siamese Crocodile, and endangered species of elephant, tiger, leopard, and banteng can all be found here.

There are five protected areas you can visit. Khao Yai is one of the most popular, covering a large part of the
western section of the complex. This is the oldest national park in Thailand and undoubtedly beautiful, but it can
get busy, especially in peak season. For something a little quieter, head to Pang Sida National Park, where you’ll
find waterfalls to be explored and 400 species of butterflies.

- Pha Diao Dai is an area of complex biological diversity where rare plants can be found. For example,
Lanchester, Moss, Butterworst, etc.
- Tab Lan National Park is Thailand's and Asia's massive and intact area of Fan Palm forest.

THAI FUN FACTS:

1. The full name of Bangkok is KRUNG THEP MAHANAKHON AMON RATTANAKOSIN MAHINTHARAYUTTHAYA
MAHADILOK PHOP NOPPHARAT RATCHATHANI BURIROM UDOMRATCHANIWET MAHASATHAN AMON PHIMAN
AWATAN SATHIT SAKKATHATTIYA WITSANUKAM PRASIT. It means "City of Angels, Great City of Immortals,
Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by
Visvakarman at Indra's Behest. It is the longest place name in the world.

2. ONE-TENTH OF ALL ANIMAL SPECIES ON EARTH LIVE IN THAILAND

- 285 mammal species and 925 bird species call this 514,000 square mile country home. And in case
you're keeping score, that's 300 more bird species than all of Europe combined!

3. THAILAND IS THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE EXPORTER OF ORCHIDS

- Thailand has taken advantage of the more than 1,500 species of orchids growing wild in their forests by
turning it into a $70 million a year industry. Total exports of Thai orchids around the world totalled over 422
million stems and plants!
4. YOU CAN BE ARRESTED FOR LEAVING THE HOUSE WITHOUT WEARING UNDERWEAR

- You remember that time your mother scolded you for leaving the house without clean underwear on?
She wasn't just doing that to preserve your modesty. She was trying to keep you out of a Thai jail. You'll thank her
next time a Thai police officer looks up your skirt.

5.GREETINGS!

- Instead of shaking hands, Thais "WAI", so put your palms together near your chest and bow slightly
whilst saying hello, which is "Sawasdee Kha" if you are a lady and "Sawasdee Krub" if you are a man.

6. THE HEAD

-It is the most sacred part of the body, so never touch a Thai persons head. Touching is a sign of trust.
Kissing a local on the cheek may offend them, especially if you don't know them very well.

7. THE FEET

-they believe that it is the lowest and the dirtiest. Never show the soles and always leave your shoes
outside, when you visit a person’s house.

8. THAILAND HAS THE SECOND HIGHEST TRAFFIC FATALITY RATE IN THE WORLD

-If you're driving around Thailand, make sure you take care. Over 10,000 people die on Thailand's roads
every year - mostly in motorbike accidents. Make sure you take special care during Thailand new years
celebrations (see point 18) when the traffic fatality rate doubles.

9. THAILAND BOASTS THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE RELIGIOUS ARTIFACT

-The 5.5-ton Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit in Bangkok is the not only the largest solid gold Buddha in the
world, but also the most valuable (moneywise) religious object, valued at over $225 million.

10. TOUCHING THE KING OR QUEEN IS PUNISHABLE BY DEATH (AND NOT TOUCHING COULD RESULT IN THEIR
DEATH)

-No one is permitted to touch the king or queen of Thailand except the leader of a foreign state. This rule
is strictly enforced to a point where in 1880, Sunandha Kumariratana, one of the wives of the King of Thailand,
drowned in a boat accident because she couldn't swim and none of the nearby witnesses could touch her to help
her to safety.

A Few Words!

If you try and speak a few words of Thai then your efforts will really be appreciated. To be polite add on "kha" to the end if you
are a woman and "krub" if you are man. Here's just a few words that will make all the difference to your stay:

- Kop khun kha / krub - Thank you

- Mai bpen rai - Don't worry about it,no problem
- Sabai dee mai? - How are you?
- Sabai dee! - I'm doing great!
- Chok dee! - Good luck! (to say goodbye!)
- Mai Ped- Not spicy
- Cheque bin - Bill or cheque please
THAI LITERATURE:
REFERENCES:

https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/thailand-culture/

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/5418462042963041/visual-search/?
x=24&y=24&w=530&h=640&cropSource=6&imageSignature=3f4e2f6ac441b7889b01d3307ce42778

https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/travel/what-know-visiting-thailand

https://www.theexpeditioner.com/wordpress/infographics/22-bizarre-things-you-didnt-know-about-thailand/

http://www.responsiblethailand.co.uk/green-tourism/5-unesco-sites-you-must-visit-in-thailand/