Thailand Tourism & Thailand Tourist Visa For Indians

Thailand a country in Southeast Asia is one of the loved destinations for tourists.  A country which is known as ‘Land of Smiles’, has a lot to offer from pristine beaches, thrilling nightlife, watersports,  to Thai temples, wildlife reserves, beautiful architecture, mouth-smacking delicacies, and a lot more you cannot miss out on it.

Thailand is a unique blend of multiple cultures including Indian, Chinese, South Korean, and Burmese with the maximum influence that can be seen is of Buddhism. Buddhism, Westernization, and Animism have influenced the modern culture of Thailand.

Tourism

November to March is considered the best time to visit Thailand as during this period it experiences a cool & dry climate whereas the budgeted travelers can opt for April to June.

Indians traveling Thailand have an option of Visa on Arrival (VOA). To avoid the long queues at the airport Indians can even opt for the e-visa and sticker visa if the stay is less than 15 days and 30 days respectively with minimum requirements of the documents. This visa is also recognized as a Thailand tourist visa for Indians.

Customs

Thai customs are still rooted in an ancient Siamese culture wherein they promote good deeds and avoid offensiveness. Thai custom ‘Wai’  is still in practice which is used as the greetings, acknowledgment, accompanying an apology.

Customs & etiquette in Thailand are very unique that includes pointing with the feet or touching the head are taboo in Thailand as they consider feet as the dirtiest part of the body and the head as the sacred part. It is important to remove shoes while visiting the temple entering the house.

Language

The official language here is Thai and English is widely spoken in the tourist regions for easy communication.  Theravada Buddhism is the main religion followed here with 94% of the population being identified as the followers of the same.

Cuisine

Thai cuisine is considered as one of the most popular in the world as it blends well with spicy, sweet, sour, and salty dishes. The herbs and spices used in the cooking have medicinal qualities such as garlic, turmeric, coriander, coconut milk, and lemongrass. The famous dishes here are Spicy Shrimp Soup, Green Chicken Curry,  Fried Noodles, and Fried Rice in Thai style.

Festivals

Festivals are an important part of every religion and culture and Thai people believe in celebrating their festivals colorfully and dazzlingly. Songkran Festival is also known as the water festival is celebrated as the new year on 13^th April every year.

Rocket festival is celebrated by the farmers of Thailand by launching it to please the god for abundant rainfall. Lantern festival creates an illuminating scene in the skies of Thailand and is celebrated to avert the mishaps of the last year.

Dress

Dressing in Thailand is known as Chut Thai means Thai Outfit that is worn by men. Women, and children. Dressing for women consists of Chong Kraben, blouse, and Sabai. Men include Chong Kraben, raj pattern shirt, and Sabai in their dressing. On formal occasions, they wear Thai National Costumes.

Arts

Thai arts traditionally were devoted only to Buddhism wherein Thai Buddha images of different periods had distinctive styles. Temple art & architecture has a unique combination of elements from the ancient Siamese culture and contemporary art combines with traditional & modern techniques.

Literature

Literature in Thailand is highly influenced by the Indian Hindu Culture and the most important works are the version of ‘Ramayan’ which is called ‘Ramakien’ written in parts by King Rama I & II.

Dance

Thai dance is divided into two major categories corresponding to high art (classical) and low art (folk) classes. Apart from regional & folk dance, there are two forms of classical dance-drama known as khon and Lakhon Nai considered as court entertainment. Lakhon Chatri is also considered as one of the important dance here.

Music

Music in Thailand is again divided into two parts of classical – piphat  & folk – Mor Lam. Pop music – strings is equally gaining importance in today’s modern world. Three types of ensembles are performed today in Thailand that includes Khrueang Sai, Piphat, and Mahori.

Sports

The traditional martial art of Thai boxing is the national sport in Thailand. Thailand first competed in the Summer Olympic Games in 1952 and Winter games in 2002 and hosted Asian games multiple times.

Football is the most popular sport here with maximum spectator views whereas tennis, badminton, and swimming are pursued throughout Thailand. Thailand is recognized as the golf capital in Asia as it attracts a large number of golfers from Japan, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and other western countries every year.

Entertainment

Cinema in Thailand has developed its unique identity and is internationally recognized for its culture-based cinema. Films like Ong-Bak: Muah Thai Warrior, Tom Yum-Goong featured the martial arts form of Muay Thai. Heist thriller Bad Genuis (2017) was the most recognized and Internationally successful film in the world and was awarded the Jury Award at 16^th New York Asian Film Festival.

Economy

The currency of Thailand is Thai Baht which is considered as 10^th most used currency in the world. The economy of Thailand ranks 2^nd in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and the 8^th largest economy of Asia according to the World Bank. Thailand is one of the countries in the world with the lowest unemployment rates. Thailand is ranked as the top ten in the world for automobile exporting nations. Industry & service are the main sectors in the Thai economy.

Education

The literacy rate in Thailand is above 93% as the education is provided by an organized school system here inclusive of kindergarten, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary schools, vocational colleges, and universities.

Education is compulsory for up to the age of 14 and the government provides free education through the age of 17. Most international students here from neighboring Asian countries including China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The top-ranking universities here are  Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University.

Exploring Thailand is one of its kind experience from the culture of the Thai, nightlife, cuisine to the pristine beaches, wildlife, attractions, welcoming people. This uniqueness of Thailand attracts plentry of tourists from around the world.