Art & culture

A view into the palaces reveals the majesty and splendor of the Thai monarchy some of which are open to the public. Grand Palace in Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Khiri Summer Palace in Phetchaburi, Bang Pa In Summer Palace in Ayuthaya. Vimanmek Palace in Bangkok and Mrigadayavan Palace in Phetchaburi.

The fact that there are more than 30,000 Buddhist temples attests to the fact that these places of religious worship are social, educational and spiritual centres. Indeed these impressive looking and ornate buildings with their murals, woodcarvings and Buddha images can be found in every vicinity. Well known ones in Bangkok include Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Recling Buddha), whereas in Phuket there's Big Buddha, Wat Bang Riang, Wat Chalong and in Samui, Wat Plai Laem and Big Buddha Temple. Chinese temples have in more recent years melded into the tapestry.

The display of art in Thailand is predominately seen in the sculpture of Buddhist images, which date from the 11th century to the present and arguably outrank the population of the country. Ornate and finely crafted from wood, metals, ivory, precious stones and stucco, these icons represent the Buddha's doctrine (Buddha and Dharma) and the Buddhist clergy.

The themes of classical painting are most prevalent in the form of mural paintings which are found in Buddhist temples and palaces. These beautiful and delicate works, like art, often depict stories of Buddhism in addition to customs and traditions.

One of the oldest art forms is fruit and vegetable carving and is used to decorate the dining table and plates. This art heritage originated in the 14th century as decorations for the floating lamp for the Royal Festival celebrated on the night of the full moon of the 12th month of every year and has been passed down through women. Carvings may also be seen in some restaurants and centres.

Thai dance is the main dramatic art form of Thailand and can be distinguished between classical dance and folk dance. Elegant and graceful movements, bright costumes characterize these dances that vary from region to region. Khon classical masked dance, originally performed only in the royal courts, traditional puppet shows, dramas and plays are delightful and worthwhile performances to see in theatres and also restaurants throughout the country. The performing arts may not be as vibrant as they once were, but modern society has not made them extinct.

Music and the instruments used to produce it are much of the product of both Thailand's geographic position at the intersection of China and India along with the influence of traders from Africa, Greece and Rome centuries ago. Western music introduced in the early 1900's has gradually played a strong part in modern Thai music. Thai classical originated in court ensembles and repertoires in royal centres in Central Thailand roughly 800 years ago and has progressed to its present form. Folk music, which developed in the mid-20th century primarily in the northeast, focusses on the life of the poor, rural Thai.

Thai dance and music go hand-in-hand. Performances are delightful and worthwhile to see in theatres and also restaurants throughout the country.

Although Thai boxing or Muay Thai is a sport, it is considered a national form of martial art. Muay Thai stadiums can be found all across the country with notable and authentic shows to be seen at Lumphini Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Stadium in Bangkok. Bootcamp training sites have become more popular with Phuket attracting international visitors to train and benefit from wellness activities these venues offer.

Thailand has a tradition of a way of life along the river and canals although modern times has increased a more land-based of commerce and lifestyle. Floating markets still remain the norm in several areas of the country and see farmers bringing their produce to sell, freshly cut flowers and vendors selling food by boat early in the morning. The sights and sides of the local architecture and way of life remain almost timeless in certain parts of the kingdom.

There are delights to be held in the markets and shops all over Thailand for the shopaholic and the visitor wishing to return home with some souvenirs. Chiang Mai is known as arts capital with silk, silver, ceramic, cotton, wood, natural fibre, bronze and lacquerware on display and for sale. Visitors can see factories and workshops where artists or artisans using both traditional and modern techniques produce their specialties as well as purchase crafts in one of the many markets in the area. Various regions in the country have their specialty products with silk being popular in the northeast and in the south, items such as batik and silver jewellery are treasured products for tourists.