In an era when most Monarchs are just figureheads Thailand energetic King Bhumibol truly is beloved for his efforts on behalf of the Thai people. The King has no constitutional authority but his good works and virtuous behavior make him the most loved and powerful man in the Kingdom.
Buddhist Temples (Wats)
Thailand population is 85% Buddhist. Unlike western chapels of prayer, Thai Wat's are often loud, raucous, and crowded with people who seem to be doing everything but worshiping the Buddha.They are not being disrespectful however, Thais are there because Temples serve as community centers: Places where lover's stroll, children play without fear of reprimand, and vendors are allowed to sell a verity of merchandise.
Monks
Every Thai male is supposed to spend a portion of his life in spiritual contemplation, most become novice monks for a few months while in their teens, others spend a lifetime in meditation and tending the Temples throughout Thailand.
Meditation Study
Thailand has long been a place popular for western students of Buddhism, particularly those interested in a system known as vispassana (INSIGHT). Foreigners who may want to study have a wide choice of temples, which specialise in these teachings.
Thai Massage
Thailand offers ample opportunities to study its unique tradition of massage therapy.
Wat Pho in Bangkok is considered the master source for all. Northern Thailand boasts its own softer version and also has many learning centers where visitors can take a full course.
Ancient Temples
Once part of the Angkor Empire Northeastern Thailand is still influenced by Khmer civilisation. Nakhon Ratchisima (Korat) is the gateway to a series of deserted ruins stippling the Korat plateau.
Thai Dancing
Willowy and sensuous, Thai classical dancers are renouned for their grace and poise, also for their beautiful and elaborate costumes
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
All areas of Thailand take this,their national sport seriously,from the smallest out of the way villages to the major cities Muay Thai will be found on a regular basis.Holiday destinations hold nightly events to entertain and excite tourists,giving many their first experience of this popular sport.
     
Hill Tribes
These hill tribe girls in the far north look as if they are from China, which is not surprising since the Thai nation traces its origin back to the mountains of Yunan.
     
Elephants On Parade
Elephants are very much a part of Thai culture. In tiny villages around Surin 600km east of Bangkok, the training of wild elephants is a serious occupation,
every year in November about 150 elephants and their mahouts journey to Surin for a Southeast Asia-style rodeo, complete with colourful parades, games of skill and mock battles in which elephants decked out in full regalia bear spear waving warriors in simulated combat.
Thai Cuisine
 
Meals in Thailand are more or less continuous with snacks bought from street vendors only setting the stage for dinners that include a variety of tastes. Thai dishes can be pungent and spicy,lots of garlic and chillies, almost all Thai food is cooked with fresh ingredients, vegetables, poultry, pork, beef and seafood, plenty of line juice, lemon grass and coriander are added to give the food a characteristic flavour. Thai food has become famous all over the world.