Customs and geographical features of Thailand.

Thailand is located in the central Indian zhina Peninsula and the northern Malay Peninsula. It borders Cambodia in the east, Myanmar in the west and northwest, Malaysia in the south, the Gulf of Thailand in the southeast and the Andaman Sea in the southwest. Third, the main overview

The national area of Thailand is 5 1.3 1 1.5 million square kilometers. The population is 52.9 million (1986), of which Thailand accounts for more than half, followed by Laos and China.

Thailand is divided into four regions according to the terrain: north, northeast, central and south. * * * There are 73 prefectures and 596 counties and districts below the county level. The capital Bangkok. The currency is Thai baht. Thai is the national language of Thailand. Fourth, social customs.

The general characteristics of social customs in Thailand can be summarized in the following words: Thais believe in Buddhism and emphasize their adherence to teachings; Especially when you pay attention to your head, it will be annoying to touch it; There are many taboos in belief, and civilized behavior is the most important; "Hospitality" people have traditions and are polite in everything; Dating is especially trustworthy and polite. There are the following characteristics in the details of life:

Thailand is a country deeply believing in Buddhism, and her custom of putting her hands together is also closely related to the Buddhist bow ceremony. However, based on the influence of Buddhism, Thai etiquette has also changed the etiquette forms of Islam and China Confucianism, making Thailand a world-famous etiquette country. They usually invite relatives, friends and monks to attend yesterday's relocation and funeral on festive and auspicious days. If it is a formal event, the number of people invited is even, and if it is a private party, it is odd. But from people's habits, most people like to invite nine people, because the pronunciation of "9" in Thai is auspicious, representing "upward", "prosperity" and "developed"; Some people even say that the Thai petal "9" looks like an elephant, which is a symbol of good luck. Thailand has unique national customs. A person has to become a monk once in his life, ranging from three months to three to five years, or even for life. Without local monks, you can't be an adult, which makes people look down on you and even hard to find love. Thai monks are forbidden to salute anyone (because people think that the monk's cassock represents the Buddha). They are used to keeping appointments on time and think it is a polite question. They regard the white elephant as a national treasure and auspicious symbol, and often use it to represent wisdom, strength and loyalty. They love blue and think it symbolizes "stability" and "eternity". "Lotus" is very popular with Thai people. They often use lotus flowers to praise people's integrity. Five, etiquette etiquette

Thais usually give ten gifts when meeting guests. Put your hands together on your chest, head slightly lower, and greet each other with "Sawadi" (hello). When you return the gift, you must also put your hands together and put them between your forehead and chest. People with lower status or younger age should take the initiative to salute people with higher status or older age. When people with high status and old age return gifts, their hands should not be higher than their chests. The higher your hand is raised, the deeper your respect will be. Under special circumstances, such as when civilians meet the king, they should bow; When a son becomes a monk, his parents have to bow down. General etiquette

It is a habit for people who enter Thailand to take off their shoes when they go home. Don't step on the threshold. According to Thai tradition, there are immortals living under the threshold.

Don't touch anyone's head, even children, because the head is considered to be the tallest part of the human body, both literally and figuratively. If you accidentally touch someone's head, you should apologize sincerely at once. Thailand

It is taboo for outsiders to touch children's heads (especially young monks). Only kings, monks and their parents can touch a child's head. Even a hairdresser can't touch other people's heads. You must say "I'm sorry" before a haircut. Similarly, in social gatherings in Thailand, you will find that young people try to make themselves shorter than the elderly, so as not to be considered as "disrespectful" to the elderly. Of course, this can't always be done, but the important thing is that they have tried their best.

Thais can't sleep with their heads facing west, because the sunset symbolizes death in the west. People can't park their heads west until they are dead. When building a house in Thailand, it is customary for the house to face south or face south instead of facing west. Besides, do you recognize the beard? That's rude.

Public expression of love between men and women will be criticized.

Being unable to control your temper, especially in public, will be considered impolite and ill-bred. Thai businessmen always take a long time to make a decision, so be patient when dealing with them. Appellation and greetings

Thai people usually don't shake hands to greet each other except in more westernized social groups. The most common traditional meeting etiquette in Thailand is to put your hands on your chest, make a prayer mat and bend slightly. Under normal circumstances, young people bend over to their elders, and elders reciprocate in the same way.

Thai people use first names instead of surnames; Don't be surprised if you are called "Mr. Bob" or "Miss Mary".

Appointment and punctuality

It is necessary to make an appointment in advance, and punctuality is a sign of politeness. Hospitality and gifts

As a guest, you should be interested in the host's family and house, but don't praise something too much, lest the host feel compelled to give it to you.

Generally speaking, small souvenirs can be given as gifts. Gifts are usually wrapped in paper. Flowers are also suitable gifts. Talk to each other

We should answer questions about politics, kingship and religion. sign

Don't point your feet at anything at will. Whether standing or sitting, be careful not to put your feet in a conspicuous position, and don't let people see your soles.

Birth taboo:

In Thailand, midwives can only cut the umbilical cord with bamboo knives, not scissors. After the baby is born, put the baby's placenta in a clay pot and bury it behind the house after the baby is full moon. Newborn babies have to soak in cold water several times a day until their faces turn pale and their lips turn purple. It is said that this can prevent the child from getting sick. Neighborhood friends and relatives visit? When you are a woman, you can't talk about cold and heat, sweat rash, disease and death.

Other taboos:

Thais don't need to sign their names with a red pen, because after death, Thais should write their surnames on the coffin mouth with a red pen. It is forbidden to dry clothes, especially underwear and socks, in places where people often walk around, such as doorways and roofs. In some rural areas, it is forbidden to praise other people's children for their beauty. You can't carry water on the lamp. Thai people hold loi krathong every year on the full moon of 65438+February in Thai calendar, which is the most lively festival in Thailand. When you look at the water lamp, you must pay attention. No matter how delicate and beautiful it is, never pick it up, or you will be severely punished.

Please put the garbage in the dustbin. Bangkok City Management Office strictly enforces the law and strives to keep the city clean and hygienic. If someone spits, throws cigarette butts or takes out garbage in public areas, these people will be fined.

Please don't have anything to do with drugs. In Thailand, the punishment for drug crimes is very severe.

Please don't support any cruelty to wild animals. Never buy any products or souvenirs made from wild animals, including reptiles, such as snakes and monitor lizards, tortoise shells and ivory. Please don't patronize local restaurants that serve wild animals. It is illegal to slaughter wild animals for food in Thailand.

Gambling is forbidden in Bangkok. You can't play cards or mahjong even in a hotel room.

Sixth, the taboo of faith.

Most Thais believe in Buddhism, which is the national religion of Thailand. Monks in Thailand can eat meat, but they are only allowed to eat two meals a day, that is, the food taken from the bowl is divided into two meals, and they can only drink water in the morning and afternoon. They are forbidden to touch other people's heads casually. No one can touch anyone's head except a monk. Otherwise, it is a great insult to them. Thai monks are most afraid of giving cash because it is contained in Buddhist precepts. Thai people are forbidden to cross their legs or sit with their legs crossed. Because ordinary families in Thailand have no seats, people are used to sitting on the floor, but they are never allowed to sit with their legs crossed or crossed. They hate the manners and habits of patting and beating in westerners' daily life and think it is immoral. Rural people in Thailand are not used to shaking hands. Even unpopular. They are afraid that someone will kick the door with their feet or point with their toes. Think this is immoral and impolite behavior. They are afraid that others will pass over their heads with something. I think this is a very impolite move, and I will think that you are insulting him on purpose. They are afraid of left-handed service, think that their left hand is not clean, make people think of dirty things in meetings, and even suspect that you are misbehaving. They are taboo to sign with red pen and engrave in red, and think that using red is a treatment for the dead. They don't sleep with their heads in the west and feet in the east, thinking that only when the dead are dead will they sleep with their heads in the west and feet in the east. They think it is impolite to wear sunglasses and point at each other. They are forbidden to discuss or inquire about the secrets of the king and the royal family. They don't eat fresh beef, and they don't like soy sauce, stewed vegetables, beets, bananas and sea cucumbers. Seven, eating habits

Thais love ethnic curry rice (cooked with rice, fish, spices, coconut juice and vegetables). They especially like to eat Chili, the hotter the better, "Chili sauce" is a must for every meal; Thais also like to season with monosodium glutamate and fish sauce. They don't drink hot tea, but they are used to adding ice cubes to their tea and drinking drinks with some ice cubes. When they drink orange juice or lime juice, they always like to add some salt powder to it. The formation of this habit may have a lot to do with the hot climate in their country. They have the habit of eating fruit after meals. When eating watermelon or pineapple, they not only like to put some ice cubes, but also like to dip some broken salt or pepper. They think this way of eating is unique. They like western food for breakfast and Chinese food for lunch and dinner. They are not used to using chopsticks when they eat. Some people like to use forks and spoons (spoon in right hand, fork in left hand), while others like to eat with their hands.

Thai food is hot and sour and appetizing. It uses a lot of condiments and natural spices. Fish, shrimp and crab are all divided into meals.

The signature dishes of the museum include Dongyin Gong (hot and sour seafood soup), coconut tender chicken soup, curry fish cake, green curry chicken, mango fragrant rice and so on.

Thai food is mainly made of seafood, fruits and vegetables. The main meal of Thai people is a big bowl of rice.

With one or two curry dishes, a fish, a soup and a salad (lettuce), the meal order is not particular, according to personal preference.

Thai people's eating habits have the following characteristics:

(1) Pay attention to the delicacy of fish and the flavor characteristics. (2) The taste is generally salty and spicy.

③ The staple food is rice (glutinous rice). I don't eat much spaghetti. I'm also interested in jiaozi and noodle soup. I like to eat cupcakes and dry snacks.

Non-staple foods such as fish, shrimp, other seafood, mutton, chicken and eggs. And vegetables, peppers, tofu, vermicelli, etc. Seasonings like fish sauce, monosodium glutamate, curry, coriander, cardamom, garlic, Chili sauce, butter, jam and so on. ⑤ Cooking methods prefer dishes made by frying, frying, sliding and frying.

Chinese food likes Sichuan food, Cantonese food, Beijing food and Shanghai food in China.

⑦ Enjoy the dishes such as hibiscus chicken slices, mutton lion head, winter melon cup, Chaozhou fish balls, Sichuan-style pork, green pepper meat, fried shrimp balls, fried chicken, dried mandarin fish and chicken soup slices.

8 Shuijiu likes beer and wine; Love to drink mineral water, orange juice, orange juice, coffee, cola, milk, etc. I especially like drinking iced tea (black tea).

9 Fruits like to eat oranges, oranges, grapes, watermelons, pineapples, lychees, longan, apples, duck plows and so on. Dried fruits such as almonds and cashews.

Thai people can't eat without fish and shrimp sauce and Chili sauce. They like China Cantonese food and Sichuan food, but they don't like soy sauce.

Eat braised pork and sweets.

I have the habit of eating apples and pears after meals, but I don't eat bananas.

Betel nut and durian are Thai people's favorite fruits. Thais also like drinking tea. Many teahouses put one in hot tea.

An ice cube serves the guests. I like to eat cupcakes and dry snacks when drinking coffee and black tea.

Thai food enjoys an international reputation. Whether the taste is spicy or light, harmony is the guiding principle of every dish. In essence, Thai cooking is organically combined with the influence of the East and the West with a history of hundreds of years, forming a unique Thai diet. The characteristic of Thai food is to satisfy everyone's appetite by chefs, diners, occasions and cooking places. Thai cooking originally reflected the characteristics of aquatic lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs are the main components Avoid using large pieces of meat. Later, this influence led to the use of quite large pieces of meat in the Thai diet.

Because of their Buddhist background, Thais avoid using large pieces of animal meat. Large pieces of meat are chopped and mixed with herbs and spices. Traditional cooking methods in Thailand are steaming, roasting or barbecuing. Influenced by China, the methods of frying, frying and frying were introduced. Since17th century, cooking methods have been influenced by Portugal, Netherlands, France and Japan. /kloc-In the late 7th century, Portuguese missionaries got used to the taste of South American red pepper, so they introduced red pepper into Thai food.

Thais are very good at "Siam-Yi Shi" foreign cooking methods and substitute some ingredients. Butter used in Indian diet was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut juice replaced other dairy products. Reduce the use of too strong pure spices and increase fresh herbs, such as lemongrass and galangal. Finally, use less spices in Thai curry and increase the use of fresh herbs. Usually, people know that Thai curry is very spicy, but it lasts for a short time, while other curries are very spicy and last for a long time. Thai food is served not in a certain order, but at once, so that diners can enjoy the flavor of complementary combination.

Thailand's fruit export is a major economic pillar of Thailand, mainly producing durian, mangosteen, longan and coconut.