<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Thailand Information Blog &#187; Society and Culture</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/category/society-and-culture/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:29:14 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Thailand Cuisine</title>
		<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/thailand-cuisine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/thailand-cuisine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:02:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society and Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buddhism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thai Cuisine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thailand Food Culture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/?p=50</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Thai cuisine is very famous worldwide as it constitutes amazing blend of aquatic animals, plants and herbs. One can find all the five elementary tastes: sweet, spice, bitter, salty and sour. While tasting the popular Thai dishes you will find lime juice, garlic, chilies, lemon grass and fish sauce as common ingredients. Basically the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Thai cuisine is very famous worldwide as it constitutes amazing blend of aquatic animals, plants and herbs. One can find all the five elementary tastes: sweet, spice, bitter, salty and sour. While tasting the popular Thai dishes you will find lime juice, garlic, chilies, lemon grass and fish sauce as common ingredients. Basically the distinctiveness of Thailand Food depends upon, by whom it is cooked and for what occasion it is cooked. One can see a little influence of Chinese cuisine on Thailand Food.</p>
<p>Rice is one of the principle food ingredients that is omnipresent in all kind of Thailand Food. The jasmine rice and sticky rice are the kinds of the rice taken by Thai people. The fresh herbs are used while preparing Thailand Food as it increase the quality of the aroma of the food. A single time meal consists of a hot cup of soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip accompanying fish and vegetables. Also you can add some spice salad to the meals to make it heavier. The balance of spicy taste is maintained by the cooks while serving the spicy and non spicy dishes. For desserts you can enjoy the Thai sweets and fresh fruits.</p>
<p>The tools utilized normally by Thai people to have their meals are spoons and forks. Thailand has maximum number of Buddhist population, so one can see the impact of Buddhism in Thailand Food. The Thailand Food is served with roasted duck or pork topped on it. In that case one needs to have a fork obviously. If you are having a noodle soup then you can have it with the help of chopsticks too. One can see the influence of Chinese, Indian and Japanese styles in Thailand food culture.</p>
<p>Thai people are usually fond of eating rice with their meal and therefore whenever you stay with a Thai family, then be very cautious because you might end up putting on too much weight. Tastes of Thai Food can be amended to suit individual desire. All those who have eaten exotic Thai Food will in no way fail to order them again whenever their preferred dish is available.<br />
test</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/thailand-cuisine/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>People in Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/people-in-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/people-in-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:12:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gregg Hall</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society and Culture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/?p=31</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The modern Nation of Thailand is a multicultural society. The predominant Thai culture, identity and civilization emerged as a by product of the interaction of the indigenous population with Tai and other immigrant peoples. When people call themselves ‘’ Thai ’’ they mean they are in the political sense, subjects of the Thailand nation. If [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The modern Nation of Thailand is a multicultural society. The predominant Thai culture, identity and civilization emerged as a by product of the interaction of the indigenous population with Tai and other immigrant peoples. When people call themselves ‘’ Thai ’’ they mean they are in the political sense, subjects of the Thailand nation. If explored further the word has a cultural and, for many, a linguistic sense. However not all Thailand citizens speak Thai and of those who do so it is a second language for them. This Thai identity in its present form is relatively recent.</p>
<p>The first inhabitants are described in the Prehistory link. After prehistoric times there were the Mon, the Khmer and other Austro-Asiatic tribes such as the Lawa, H&#8217; tin, etc. Their defining moments are up until 1300 and the arrival of the Tai tribes. The Khmer who established the Kingdom of Chenla and Angkor are described in East Thailand People although Khmer influence was significant elsewhere as well.</p>
<p>The Austro-Asiatic speakers including the Mon are considered in North Thailand People and Central Thailand People regions. The Mon had separate kingdoms in each region. The other Austro-Asiatic speaking tribes are considered but these were less significant. In North Thailand People we describe the smaller groups of Austro-Asiatic speakers such as the Lawa, H&#8217; tin and other hunters and gathers of that region.</p>
<p>The Tai tribes are considered in the regions of Central Thailand, North Thailand, South or Southern Thailand and North East Thailand. These regions are relevant in that ethnic diversity is also varied through out the regions of Thailand. Modern Thailand is a modern political Nation now comprising what were historically numerous ethnic cultures and Kingdoms. The ethnic characteristics, belief systems, languages and lifestyles of each of all the tribes are compared also within these links. As between the Tai tribes the points of comparison are language and script, culture and art and architecture style. As between all the other ethnic tribes the points of comparison are language groups, monogamous and polygamous cultures, animist and non animist beliefs, ancestor worship or not, indic script or Khmer based text, highland dwellers or lowland farmers, heirarchical and non hierarchical societies, spirit beliefs and religion .</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/people-in-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Retire to Exotic Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/retire-to-exotic-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/retire-to-exotic-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:16:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Fred Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society and Culture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/?p=29</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some have meticulously financially planned for retirement. Many others find themselves at retirement age with little or no plans, and savings to match. The amount of money that the experts suggest will be necessary to retire comfortably is ridiculous! As you read this article, we are at a point in time where some choices are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some have meticulously financially planned for retirement. Many others find themselves at retirement age with little or no plans, and savings to match. The amount of money that the experts suggest will be necessary to retire comfortably is ridiculous!</p>
<p>As you read this article, we are at a point in time where some choices are being made for us. Let me give you just one. It is no longer possible to retire in the US, UK, or many Western Countries because of the high cost of living. The cost of living in the USA goes higher each day, groceries, gasoline, medical bills, dental bills, home repair bills, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, many who have worked a lifetime are not really enjoying their Golden Years but are just barely getting by.</p>
<p>There is a better way! It is possible to have luxury living in retirement for pennies &#8211; not just &#8220;getting by&#8221; on your retirement pension. There are places that are more affordable, and have a quality standard of living. It is simply a matter of knowing how and where.</p>
<p>Asia is the most exciting continent on earth, and Thailand is an excellent country of choice. There is something for everyone, depending on your likes and requirements, large cities like Bangkok, small rural villages, beach resort areas, charming islands, lakes, cool mountains, good weather, great food, and friendly people. Thailand is filled with beautiful exotic locations where you can live on a shoestring and not have to sacrifice anything.</p>
<p>Let the entire country of Thailand be your &#8220;retirement community&#8221;. You will have affordable housing, modern shopping centers, banking and ATM facilities, fine restaurants, entertainment, good public transportation, movie complexes, health spas, fitness centers, social clubs, golf courses, and an incredible amount of sporting activities. Language is not a problem, but learning a little basic Thai is both fun and useful. And what about healthcare? Thailand is one of the leading countries for &#8220;Medical Tourism&#8221;, because the Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Major hospitals are internationally accredited, and reasonably priced! For those who want to semi-retire, you can earn extra income in Thailand with an Internet business like affiliate marketing, stocks or forex trading, or even teach English part time.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/retire-to-exotic-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Festive Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/festive-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/festive-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2008 09:48:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society and Culture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/?p=10</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Festivals in Thailand are either Buddhist, Chinese, animist, or associated with the monarchy. Buddhist and Chinese festivals are lunar and generally fall on a full moon, animist festivals such as Songkran or Loi Krathong can be solar or lunar, while royal holidays fall on special historical days such as the founding of the current Chakri [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Festivals in <a href="http://www.thailand2.com/"><strong>Thailand</strong></a> are either Buddhist, Chinese, animist, or associated with the monarchy. Buddhist and Chinese festivals are lunar and generally fall on a full moon, animist festivals such as Songkran or Loi Krathong can be solar or lunar, while royal holidays fall on special historical days such as the founding of the current Chakri dynasty or the birthdays of the reigning monarchs.</p>
<p>The southern island of Phuket with its large Chinese population is the scene of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival held during the ninth lunar month each year. The event lasts ten days and other than participants observing a vegetarian diet, involves ceremonies at Chinese shrines and temples along with firewalking and other acts of self-mutilations carried out by devotees known as Ma Song. These Ma Song are in ecstatic trances and oblivious to pain as they clamber up ladders with bladed rungs, walk barefoot over hot coals, and plunge skewers through their cheeks.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/festive-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Living in Bangkok &#8211; It&#8217;s Easy</title>
		<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/living-in-bangkok-its-easy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/living-in-bangkok-its-easy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:12:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Thomson Thomas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society and Culture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/?p=6</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bangkok is probably the easiest city to live in Southeast Asia. I should know; I have been back in Thailand for the last 17 odd years. I was in the US before that. First and foremost, Bangkok likes visitors from out-of-town. Here, the government truly promotes tourism in a big way; here, you have The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bangkok is probably the easiest city to live in Southeast Asia. I should know; I have been back in Thailand for the last 17 odd years. I was in the US before that.</p>
<p>First and foremost, Bangkok likes visitors from out-of-town. Here, the government truly promotes tourism in a big way; here, you have The Tourism Authority of Thailand. This means big budget for tourism activities.</p>
<p>You can start with the new airport, Suvarnabhumi; it can take on any other airport in the world. Some touch-ups are required, but for the most part, it&#8217;s fine.</p>
<p>Next, you can check out some of Bangkok&#8217;s finest accommodations, starting from the Oriental Hotel, one of the best in the world. They claim that the hotel staffs will recognize you by your first name after staying there for a few days. Then you have the Four Seasons, a super luxury hotel on Rachadamri Road; it&#8217;ss not far from Lumpini Park. The room decor here is very comfortable; you need to book early.</p>
<p>For a few weeks or a few months stay, you want to park yourself with the top serviced apartments here, like the Centre Point group, Chin House and the Emporiums. These places could make you feel like home away from home.</p>
<p>For a stay longer than that, you would want to check out some apartments and condos. There are tons of them to choose from in Bangkok, from less than 20,000 baht to over 100,000 baht a month.</p>
<p>Next, we want to hit the Loft at Central Chidlom Department Store, my favorite eatery. There you have Italian food, Thai, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Chinese and some Mexicans. It is set up like a high class cafeteria; you are given a food credit card, you pick up what you like, set yourself down at a table, and a waiter will bring you your freshly cooked order. Once you&#8217;re done, you can check out the bill registered on the credit card. I just love their Caesar salad.</p>
<p>Some tourist attractions that you might be interested are Bhuddhist temples. There are many Bhuddhist temples in Bangkok; over 95% of the city dwellers are Bhuddhists. These temples have old Thai style architecture; they are very colorful. The temples are also places of worship, so you must have proper attire and manner while you are there.</p>
<p>Rock concert. That&#8217;s right, we have rock concert here from time to time. Over 10 years ago I got a chance to see Michael Jackson performs; just before the unfortunate scandal got serious. Michael and his troupe were great. I would never get to see him if I was in the US at the time.</p>
<p>Then last year, I went to see Eric Clapton performance at the Impact Muangtong Tani (something like Madison Square Garden in Manhattan). It was terrific too. At other times, we have the Bolshoi troupe performs at the Cultural Center at Rachadapisek Road. I have not attended that one, but heard rave reviews about it.</p>
<p>Getting around town is pretty easy when you use the SkyTrain or the subway. Using taxi is a little more difficult because of the language barrier, but doable. A hotel&#8217;s car service would be a good alternative. A tuk tuk (a tricycle novelty) is something unique when you feel adventurous; you can really feel the wind blowing through you hair when it really takes off.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/living-in-bangkok-its-easy/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Do And Don&#8217;t For When Your Stay In Pattaya, Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/do-and-dont-for-when-your-stay-in-pattaya-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/do-and-dont-for-when-your-stay-in-pattaya-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:07:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Murphy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society and Culture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/?p=3</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is considered good manners in one culture may be considered rude in another. For example, in English speaking Western countries it is usually considered good manner to bring a bottle of wine when coming to someone&#8217;s house for dinner. In France, however this is considered insulting as it suggests the hosts are unable to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What is considered good manners in one culture may be considered rude in another. For example, in English speaking Western countries it is usually considered good manner to bring a bottle of wine when coming to someone&#8217;s house for dinner. In France, however this is considered insulting as it suggests the hosts are unable to provide their own good wine.</p>
<p>In Arab countries it&#8217;s rude to display the soles of your feet or touching somebody with your shoes, Also eating with left hand is extremely offensive; for the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene.</p>
<p>In the United States, it is rude not leaving a proper tip for a server at a restaurant. While in other countries some establishment may add a gratuity to the bill, in the United States this is not usually done and is up to the patron to leave an adequate tip, usually 15 percent.</p>
<p>Here are a few points that you should observe while staying in Pattaya, Thailand.</p>
<p>1. Always take your shoes off when you enter somebody&#8217;s home, unless the owner insists you not to take it.</p>
<p>2. Always take your shoes off when you enter a temple hall.</p>
<p>3. No tank-tops, shorts, sleeveless-shirts, allowed in a temple ground and palace ground. Do not climb on stupas (chedis) and Buddha statues.</p>
<p>4. Doorway thresholds are considered a sanctuary for spirits, it&#8217;s important not to step on a raised threshold, but rather to step over it. Keep this in mind especially when visiting temples.</p>
<p>5. Thais revere their King greatly, so treat portraits of the King and Queen with respect. Do not step over or standing in bills or coins (they all have the face of the king).</p>
<p>6. Do not point at something with your foot.</p>
<p>7. Do not touch somebody in the head (in Buddhism the head is the most pure region of the body).</p>
<p>8. Tipping is not necessary then eating at mom-and-pop food shops. For high-end restaurants and hotel restaurants, 10-15 percent gratuity is usually included in the bill.</p>
<p>9. Never passionately smooch and kiss in public.</p>
<p>10. Do not feel offended when someone asks you, &#8220;When do you want&#8221; they don&#8217;t&#8217; mean to be rude , they just don&#8217;t know it&#8217;s a bad connotation.</p>
<p>11. Other than that, use your common sense. Do what the Romans do.</p>
<p>This is special Advice for new comer in Pattaya Thailand</p>
<p>1. Beware of unauthorized people who offer their services as Pattaya guides. For all tourist information, ONLY contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Pattaya, contact the Pattaya Tourist Information.</p>
<p>2. Observe all normal precautions, as well as the safety for your assets. Walking alone in night on streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your money, jewelry, and important information are properly protected from stolen. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police (1155).</p>
<p>3. Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.</p>
<p>4. Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.thailandlisting.com/blog/do-and-dont-for-when-your-stay-in-pattaya-thailand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

