Gap Year Destinations

Where to go

Asia: Thailand

A huge, independent country characterised by devout monks, beaches from paradise and over fifty types of banana!

Environment

Thailand is a huge country with a vast range of differing environments. The long southern part of the country is characterised by the famous beaches, rocky inlets and fishing villages. The mountainous north is home to the mighty Mekong River, while the centre of Thailand is flatter, with rainforests and plains.

Climate

The Thai climate is tropical – the cold season runs from November to March and is mostly dry. This gives way to the hot season from April to May, followed by monsoon from June through to mid September. The south of Thailand is almost always hot and humid, however, and rain can fall at all times of year all over the country.

Demographics and Language

Due to the fact that Thailand has never been ruled by any imperial power, Thai demographics are fairly homogenous, with 85% of the population being ethnically Thai (although this can be split up in various regional groups, such as the Isan Thai in the north west), speaking the Thai language and sharing a common culture. Significant ethnic minorities are Khmer, Mon, Vietnamese and Chinese communities (although these are largely well integrated), southern Thai Muslims who speak Malay and small tribes such as the Hmong, Mein and Karen peoples.

Cuisine

Enjoyed around the world, Thai food is most famous for its red, yellow and green curries, papaya salad Tom Yam, and the signature noodle dish Pad Thai. The distinctive flavour of the cuisine is produced by using certain ingredients, such as the Kaffir Lime leaf, and for blending the four tastes of sweet, spicy, sour and salty in almost all main dishes, which are invariably eaten with rice. Sugar and fruit, chillies, tamarind and limes, and soy and fish sauce are used to create this mix, along with peanuts, eggs, ginger, shallots, sweet basil, garlic, oyster mushroom sauce and lemongrass.

Religion

95% of all Thai people are Buddhists, who follow the Theravada tradition. Of the remainder of the population, 4.5% are Muslims, while the rest is made up of followers of Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism.

Economy and money

Thailand is the world’s number one exporter of rice, and just over half of arable land in the country is used for rice cultivation. Other important exports are textiles, rubber, jewellery, cars and electrical appliances, while tourism is a growing part of the country’s economy. Almost 30% of Thai people live below, on or around the poverty line of one dollar a day. The currency is Thai baht.

Culture and politics

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with both a king (the much loved King Bhumibol) and a Prime Minister (Samak Sundaravej) residing in the capital, Bangkok. Recent allegations of corruption led to a military coup in Thailand in 2006, with a general election called at the end of 2007. The People Power Party won the majority of seats and a civilian coalition government was formed on 28th January this year.

Thai culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism and often young men and boys will become monks for a short period during their adolescence. Respecting elders is very important, and the wai, or bowing greeting is a sign of respect. Touching someone’s head or pointing your feet at someone is considered very rude, as is putting a book on the floor – books are considered the most revered of secular objects.

Thai martial art is called Muay Thai, and closely resembles types of boxing as well as other martial arts – kicks and punches are both used. Thai’s also love football, and many support foreign teams and are very knowledgeable about external competitions, such as the English leagues. Traditional music and dance, as well as traditional dress are fêted at regional festivals, while Songkran, or Thai New Year is a huge celebration characterised by the throwing of cleansing water.