| When you speak of Thailand, instantly a picture of | | | | of ancestors. However, the Muslim community is |
| people with small eyes and happy smiling faces | | | | also a big religious group in Thailand. The Muslim |
| appear before you. They have the typical | | | | population is mostly prevalent in places south of |
| south-east asian look. However, their ways, their | | | | Chumphon. The Malay group is present in the |
| way of speaking, their beliefs, and their culture | | | | southern part of Thailand. In addition to these |
| are a symbol of their true identity. | | | | communities and groups, there is a sprinkling of |
| Thailand mostly comprises of people who speak | | | | Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs as well. |
| Tai language. Tai speaking people are spread over | | | | Based on their belief and main Buddhist tradition, |
| Central Thai, the Northeastern Thai, the Northern | | | | Thai people pay a lot of respect and homage to |
| Thai, and the Southern Thai. Central Thai is the | | | | their ancestors. It is the core of their spiritual |
| area where one finds most Tai speaking people. | | | | belief and faith. They are very generous and |
| In addition to Tai speaking people, there are | | | | hospitable people. Social hierarchy plays a very |
| Chinese who have blended seamlessly with the | | | | important role in their lives. They touch the feet |
| Thai. Other cultures include Malays, Mon, Khmer, | | | | of their elders as a mark of respect and to seek |
| and even Vietnamese. | | | | their blessing. The elders play a key role in any |
| Majority of Thais follow the Theravada Buddhist | | | | important decisions or ceremonies. |
| tradition, which ranges from animism to worshiping | | | | |