Thai culture in Pattaya
Culture? What culture you may ask when in Pattaya. The city is probably Thailand’s most watered down and decadent of cities, catering to a large expat and tourist crowd who are more interested in girlie bars than Buddhism. Despite this, there is still the traditional Thai side to Pattaya which is evident in many off-the-beaten track suburbs, as well as typical cultural sites such as temples.
The tourist culture in Pattaya is generally one of self gratification, in which it’s difficult to ignore the waterfront lanes full of girlie bars, neon lights, noisy tuk tuks and sleazy looking men in their hundreds. This is what makes Pattaya attractive to many and ensures it prospers. However it should not be taken as a reflection of Thailand as a whole and it’s not too difficult to find serene temples, traditional streets full of old shop houses or regular Thai people displaying their famously innocent smile and warm hospitality.
Thailand has a rich legacy of cultural influence that has benefited from several very civilised and organised kingdoms dating back more than a thousand years. The strength and advanced development of Sukhothai in the fourteenth century and Ayuthaya during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth century resulted in a flourishing of artistic expression, mostly inspired by Buddhism. Even during the current Rattanakosin era the country dominated this region of Southeast Asia late in the nineteenth century, but until recently Pattaya was no more than an insignificant fishing village that saw little cultural development.
However, traditional Thai culture is popularly displayed in all tourist areas, where colourful costume, graceful dance, timeless mural art, distinctive traditional music and various handicraft specialities are widely found. Some hotels and restaurants put on cultural shows, others dress their staff appropriately and the impressive artistic expression in Thai architecture and finishing is ever present in lobbies, temple grounds, monuments and city landmarks, as well as every day items.
Thai etiquette is also very important to all Thais and although a Isarn girl in hot pants might conveniently forget her manners while serving you iced beer, almost all Thais keenly observe a strict protocol of behaviour based on status and respect for those older or more important that them. The best-known display of this is their gracious ‘wai’ greeting which is the bringing together of both hands to the chest and bending the head to the tips of the fingers. Thais wai to show respect to the elders as the way to say hello, good bye, thank you and sorry. Every Thai person is taught to ‘wai’ from a young age, most of the time even before they can utter their first word. There are many more cultural manners to be observed and visitors will do well to familiarise themselves with the main ones (in our section on etiquette), to avoid creating offence.
Buddhism is Thailand’s official religion and it is deeply ingrained in about 90 percent of the population. Even though modern Thailand tends to be distracted by contemporary and commercial influences, Buddhism continues to have a profound effect on the country, including beliefs, making merit, decision making, festivals and community support. There are numerous temples scattered around Pattaya, some are quite impressive and offer a fascinating Eastern religious attraction to foreigners. These also serve an important purpose in the lives of most Pattaya residents.
Festivals are also popular in Thailand and all part of the ‘sanook’ (fun) element of Thai life, with the water festival of Songkran (April) and the light festival of Loi Kratong (November) being two highlights. Visitors year-round are often delighted to discover some sort of event taking place during their stay. In addition, contemporary Thai culture is equally entertaining, none more so than the famous ladyboy cabarets, which the Thais execute with brilliance.
Thai etiquette:blend in with the locals where east meets west, by, learning to mind your manners to Thai way, it will make the world of difference to your stay... more |
Festivals:join the party, Thais love a bit of fun so make sure you plan your trip to co-incide with one of these popular and lively festivals in Pattaya...more |
Thai language:learn a bit of the local lingo, it’s not that difficult, and find you’ll find the Thai much more friendly, here’s a beginners’ tutorial... more |
