Bangkok’s culture is influenced by the modern day, yet still retains very proud links to its tradition and Buddhist spirituality. This culture can be found on every street corner, in the food, language, music, dance, the arts, and Buddhist temples.
"Bangkokians" are a warm and friendly people, generous with their welcoming smile, deeply proud of their "Thai-ness", and normally too polite to show offence, anger or annoyance. Only a fool though, would dare mistake their friendliness for weakness.
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Bangkok, with monks, temples, spirit houses, Buddha images and statues everywhere you look. It is expected that appropriate clothing be worn in temples, and shoes removed before entering.
ART
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a unique art centre, opposite MBK and Siam Discovery Centre. Aside from the interesting architecture, you'll find paintings, sculptures, music and dance performances.The centre is designed as a working educational art space and holds exhibitions of art from Bangkok, Thailand, and the world.
MUSIC
Modern Thai society has fully embraced the pop and boy-band culture of the west. But the strong links to the more traditional music and song remains.
DANCE
Teut-Teung (drum dance) - The teut-teung drum, in folk music is used across Thailand in parades at traditional festivals.
Farmers Dance (rice growers dance) - A modern dance created by the Thai Ministry of Culture. Wearing the attire of traditional rice growers, the dance itself plays out the daily graft of workers that feed the country.
Combat Sticks and Swords - These dances are inspired by war and combat, either sticks or swords the main props. This ceremonial dance is performed prior to combat.
Thai Calendar
The Thai solar calendar, Patitin Suriyakati ปฏิทิน สุริยคติ, is Thailand's version of the Gregorian calendar. It replaced the Patitin Chantarakati (Thai lunar calendar) in 1888 (2431) at the behest of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
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