Thailand seems blessed with so much; paradisiacal tropical islands, picturesque mountains, one of the world's most exciting cuisines, the fastest growing economy in the region and a much loved king that has loyally served his people for 60 years. The Thais are a fun loving people and at the same time possess a strong sense of independence. Thailand or Siam as it was called until 1939 has never been colonised and apart from invasions by the Burmese and Khmers and a brief occupation by the Japanese in WWII, has never been ruled externally for long enough to diminish the Thai's spirit.
A country of 62 million, the people of Thailand somehow straddle modernization and very traditional ways of life. Buddhism reached Thailand from Sri Lanka during the Sukhothai period (13th-15th centuries), and remains an integral part of life for Thais, the vast majority of whom are Theravada Buddhists. While three quarters of the population is ethnic Thai, 11% have Chinese ancestry, 3.5% are Malays and the remaining population is made up of non-Thai speaking groups including Vietnamese, Khmer, Mon, Moken (sea gypsies), Htin, Khamu, and a variety of hill tribes including the Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Akha, Yao, and Karen. Items found on our site from Thailand include etchings by Vorakorn Metmanorom, Buddhist art and various artefacts.
Etching Collection Etchings
Buddhist Art Collection Buddhist Art
A Brief History of the Kingdom Thailand Eastern Artefacts