Society and Politics

In spite of the pressures of change, Thai society is relatively stable. The concept of the extended family is important in Thailand, as in other parts of Asia. Children live with their parents, often sleeping in the same room, until marriage. Living alone is rare. Elders are always accorded respect within families and in society. There is no caste system, but the social hierarchy, topped by the monarchy , is quite rigid. Social standing is mainly dictated by wealth and family connections. Women have less standing than men, despite playing a major role in the economy, mainly as labourers and white-collar workers.

Hierarchy permeates daily life in many ways. The traditional greeting, the wai, in which the hands are brought together near the chin, is always initiated by the inferior, and the height of the wai reflects the social gap between the parties. If the gap is extreme, inferiors may approach their superiors on their knees, Other rulers of etiquette, such as never raising the voice, transcend class. Despite such rules that they apply to themselves, Thais are renowned for their tolerance of other cultures and friendliness to visitors. Offence is taken only if there is any perceived disrespect to the king or Buddhism.

There is no criticism of the king in Thailand's press. Constitutional since 1932, the monarchy is revered almost as much as when king were chakravatin, or "lords of life". Kingship and religion are inextricably linked in Thailand. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), served as a monk in his youth and presides over some major religious ceremonies. He is the longest - reining living monarch in the word, having ascended to the throne in 1946, and has won widespread respect for his devotion to welfare and environmental projects throughout Thailand.

The monkhood (sangha), some 250,000 strong, plays a crucial social role. Most teenage boys become monkhood properly later in life and may choose its austere precepts for life. Monks conduct numerous Buddhist rites, ranging from festivals to everyday blessings and other social events. In rural areas, they traditionally play an important role as school teachers, a profession that in Thailand is perhaps held higher in regard than anywhere else in the world.

In contrast, politicians are held in far less respect, and the Thai press makes no hesitation in criticizing the running of the country. Parliamentary politics are plagued by old - style patronage and privilege and are still threatened by military coups: There have been 19, mostly peaceful, coups or attempted coups since 1932. A mass pro - democracy demonstration in 1992 ended in bloodshed when the army opened fire. A great tragedy, The event did at least succeed in raising public awareness and securing a broader base for democratic reform.