A Description of Thai people and Thailand

Thailand is often called the “land of smiles”, with good reason because you will see more smiling faces here than anywhere else in the world.

The origin of Thai people is somewhat vague, but scholars believe migrations occurred from the Chinese province of Szechwan around the 1st century AD. Recent discoveries suggest that a sophisticated Thai culture existed in Thailand that predates the Chinese.

Migrations of the Mon from Burma and the Khmer from Cambodia contributed to the original ethnic mixture that today is called “The Thai People”.

Visitors to Thailand are understandably overwhelmed by the intricacy of her superb temples, beautiful beaches, and lush jungles. Yet the natural resource that leaves the most lasting impression on everyone who has ever been to Thailand is her people.

My husband will tell you from personal experience that after being married to a Thai for well over 20 years, doing business in Thailand and living in Thailand for just over 8 years that Thais are friendly, easy going and quick to smile. Their lives revolve around fun (sanuk), and they give the impression that if something isn’t fun, then why bother with it? This attitude transcends into another vital phase in the Thai psyche, “mai pen rai” (never mind).