thailand

HISTORY

The ancient kingdom of Thailand is sometimes called the rice granary of southeast Asia. Thailand is one of the world's leading exporters of rice, a basic food for much of Asia. Known for hundreds of years as Siam, the country changed its name in the 1900's to Thailand, meaning "Land of The Free". The name is appropriate, for Thailand is the only nation of southeast Asia never to have been a European colony.

THE PEOPLE

Most of Thailand's people belong to the Thai ethnic group. There are also considerable numbers of people of Chinese and Malay ancestry, as well as Cambodians and Vietnamese. Most of the Cambodians are refugees from the civil strife in their country.

Lisu (Lisaw)

Lisu costume is the most striking of all tribes with colorful striped tunics worn by women. As with most tribes the men tend to wear dark clothing with a black jacket.

Children from the lisu tribe wear their traditional clothes which are colorful. It's skirt is of knee high and a same color trousers are worn. Mostly young children do not wear shoes.

There are over one million Lisu tribes folk in China, Burma and North-Eastern India. There are none in Lao or Vietnam. Thailand has around 25,000 in the Northern area, they arrived in the early 1900's to establish small settlements in the mountains. They believe they are the only tribe to survive a global flood.

(Kariang, Karen or Yang)

Harmony colors are used in Karen's traditional clothes. The upper part has a V-shape neckline, the sleeve is one quarter and it is below the bellybutton. The lower part of the clothes is of ankle length or higher. Accessories such as a necklace made of beads are also worn.

The Karen are thought to have originated in Tibet and have lived in Burma for hundreds of years. They have been in Thailand since the eighteenth century. There are today some four million Karen in Burma and 280,000 in the mountain areas all along the Thai side of the Burmese border.

Karen believe a white "younger brother" will come from over the waters bringing with him knowledge of writing that had been long ago lost. As a result many embraced easily Christianity upon encountering foreign missionaries. The Karen have a special relationship with elephants and their trainers are the best in Asia.

Hmong (*Meo)

The upper part of meo's traditional clothes is like the kimono which is flapped closed n the front and is stash with a pink cloth that is functioning as a belt. They wear trousers that look like big skirts and its length is above the ankle. They wear shoes that look like slippers.

Meo people has the custom to keep their hair long and is 'tochang'.

The Hmong have an ancient history in China and for long periods in the eighteen and nineteenth centuries they were again caught up in war against the Pratet Lao communists. There are over four million Hmong in China and some 80,000 in Thailand.

Spirit worship is practiced and the family unit is very strong. They have developed good business skills and trade in agriculture products. This Hmong gentleman, with hair at 5.2 m, is the longest in the world . [RIGHT-ABOVE]

Musser (Lahu)

Their traditional clothes are colorful and a yellow headgear is worn at the head. [ABOVE]

In Thailand there are some 60,000 Lahu. They started arriving at the start of the twentieth century. Several different clans are distinguished by their dress. Although many Musser have now adopted Christianity, their own beliefs in a Supreme being and many spirits remain strong.

The Musser long for the blessings of this life and the next, for things that are good and pleasant and, in accordance with the message of an old legend, men are particularly caring of their partners.

ACCESSORIES

Jewelry

Jewelry is usually high on visitors' lists when shopping, as there are quality items available at competitive prices. However, always buy gems and jewelry at a reputable specialist rather than a general souvenir shop.

Gold

Gold is a worth buying as an investment and also as ornaments, since it can be resold in Thailand at current international prices. It is sold by the "baht" weight (one baht of ornamental gold is equal to about 15.16 grams). When buying gold ornaments, you will be charged for the weight of the gold content plus an amount for workmanship, which varies according to the intricacy of each individual piece.

Thai Silk

This is perhaps the best known of all Thailand's handicrafts, brought to the fore by the legendary Jim Thompson. It is available in a range of colors, patterns and ply, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items. Most hotels and souvenir shops stock a range of Thai silk, but the best known outlet for this is undoubtedly Jim Thompson's shop at the top of Surawong Road.