Cultural and Social Development
Religion in Asia
http://qed.princeton.edu/index.php/User:Student/Religions_in_Asia_c._1500
The map to the left is of the religion in Asia. There are seven different religions spread through out Asia which are Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Muslim, Shinto, Dooism, and Islamic. Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia all share a common religion which is Buddhism.
Changes in Thailand Over Time
In the figure one shows that in 1981 22% of people living in Thailand were living in extreme poverty, which is less than $1.25 a day. Today only .37 of Thailand's population is living in extreme poverty. Another change in Thailand is the amount of children 5 and under who are malnourished. In figure two it shows that in 1987 3.1% of children were malnourished but in 2006 only .7% of children are malnourished. The last change I chose is shown in figure 3. In 1995 the price for gas t the pump in Thailand was .34 cents per liter. Just like every where else in the world gas prices rose in Thailand and in 2006 the price per liter was .70. In many ways Thailand has made major advancements such as the lower rate of malnourished children and the lower rate of poverty.
Women's Status in Thailand
Thai women has make quiet the progress from the King Rama IV period (1851- 1968) to the modern day. According to Onozawa, during the King Rama IV era Thai women had one traditional role and purpose which was to master three management techniques: to manage self, sub ordinance, and properties (na). Women’s education was traditionally done at home and usually trained in only womanly work like cleaning, cooking, and sewing. In 1874 the first private school for women was opened but it consisted of mostly upper class children and very few commoners. By 1910 King Rama VI reigned and he made it clear that women needed to be educated since they are baring our children and educating them at home (Onozawa, na).
According to Costa, women now have equal access to higher education and more than half of college graduates each year are women (1997). Women are still not accepted into the police or military academies though. Thailand’s population is 63,430,000 with 50.49% of the population male and 49.51% women. Women make up 47% of Thai work force which is the highest in the Asia-Pacific region. Figure 1 compares the percentage of male and female labor force participation rate in Thailand beginning in 1980 to 2007. Women also have the right to own and operate their own business. The government requires employers to pay equal wages and benefits to both genders but there is still a significant gap between men and women wages. Also men are more likely to be hired over women (Costa, 1997). There is better public awareness of women’s issues now than before and there are many humanitarian organizations working towards women rights and empowerment in Thailand. Women have more rights now in Thailand than compared to when King Rama IV ruled but there are still many harmful and degrading issues that still exist.
Figure 1. (As presented on gapminder.org)
Domestic abuse still continues to be a very serious problem and occurs over all social classes. Most authorities do not enforce the laws against domestic abuse because they believe it is a private matter. Another issue is prostitution. It has existed in Thailand since before the 1800. Before slavery was abolished in 1800 men were allowed to buy women to become their wives of the third category which is basically a sex slave. In 1868 King Rama IV created the Sale of Wives by Husbands Act which forbidden the husband from selling his wife without the women’s consent (Onozawa, na). Slave wife began to disappear but with this new freedom women voluntarily enter prostitution to earn a living. Prostitution has only been illegal for the past 30 years in Thailand but according to Thailand Government Public Health Department there are still 75,000 prostitutes in Thailand. For many women prostitution is the only practical way to break out of their poverty (Pusurinkham, na). Thai government and its society loathes this industry but tolerates it because of it’s the foreign exchange. Women rights are more protected and respected now but they are still fighting for equality in society and hopeful one day will succeed.
Resources
Costa, L.. (1997, Month. Day ). In Exploring History of Women's Education and Activism in Thailand. (chap. Volume 1 Number 2Exploring History of Women's Education and Activism in Thailand) Retrieved Mar. 6, 2013, from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~seassa/explorations/v1n2/art4/v1n2-art4.html
Onozawa, N.. (Year, Month. Day ). In Thai Women: Changing Status and Roles During the Thai Modernization. Retrieved Mar. 5, 2013, from http://www.tsukuba-g.ac.jp/library/kiyou/99/10.ONOZAWA.pdf
Pusurinkham, S.. (Year, Month. Day ). In A Globe of Witnesses. Retrieved Mar. 8, 2013, from http://www.thewitness.org/agw/pusurinkham.121901.html
According to Costa, women now have equal access to higher education and more than half of college graduates each year are women (1997). Women are still not accepted into the police or military academies though. Thailand’s population is 63,430,000 with 50.49% of the population male and 49.51% women. Women make up 47% of Thai work force which is the highest in the Asia-Pacific region. Figure 1 compares the percentage of male and female labor force participation rate in Thailand beginning in 1980 to 2007. Women also have the right to own and operate their own business. The government requires employers to pay equal wages and benefits to both genders but there is still a significant gap between men and women wages. Also men are more likely to be hired over women (Costa, 1997). There is better public awareness of women’s issues now than before and there are many humanitarian organizations working towards women rights and empowerment in Thailand. Women have more rights now in Thailand than compared to when King Rama IV ruled but there are still many harmful and degrading issues that still exist.
Figure 1. (As presented on gapminder.org)
Domestic abuse still continues to be a very serious problem and occurs over all social classes. Most authorities do not enforce the laws against domestic abuse because they believe it is a private matter. Another issue is prostitution. It has existed in Thailand since before the 1800. Before slavery was abolished in 1800 men were allowed to buy women to become their wives of the third category which is basically a sex slave. In 1868 King Rama IV created the Sale of Wives by Husbands Act which forbidden the husband from selling his wife without the women’s consent (Onozawa, na). Slave wife began to disappear but with this new freedom women voluntarily enter prostitution to earn a living. Prostitution has only been illegal for the past 30 years in Thailand but according to Thailand Government Public Health Department there are still 75,000 prostitutes in Thailand. For many women prostitution is the only practical way to break out of their poverty (Pusurinkham, na). Thai government and its society loathes this industry but tolerates it because of it’s the foreign exchange. Women rights are more protected and respected now but they are still fighting for equality in society and hopeful one day will succeed.
Resources
Costa, L.. (1997, Month. Day ). In Exploring History of Women's Education and Activism in Thailand. (chap. Volume 1 Number 2Exploring History of Women's Education and Activism in Thailand) Retrieved Mar. 6, 2013, from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~seassa/explorations/v1n2/art4/v1n2-art4.html
Onozawa, N.. (Year, Month. Day ). In Thai Women: Changing Status and Roles During the Thai Modernization. Retrieved Mar. 5, 2013, from http://www.tsukuba-g.ac.jp/library/kiyou/99/10.ONOZAWA.pdf
Pusurinkham, S.. (Year, Month. Day ). In A Globe of Witnesses. Retrieved Mar. 8, 2013, from http://www.thewitness.org/agw/pusurinkham.121901.html
Religion in Thailand
(www.world-religion.org)
This is a map of the major world religions with an indicator pointing to Thailand’s location.
In Thailand 94% of the population is Theravada Buddhists while 5% is Muslim and 1% is Christian. Theravada Buddhism is one of the three major sects of Buddhism (Jones, 1979). It began in the 4th century B.C.E in the Buddhist communities in India and became prominent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia including Thailand which now some people call it the southern Buddhism. Today there are over 100 million practicing Theravada Buddhists worldwide. Just within the last century the West has begun to take notice of Theravada unique religion.
Religion plays an important and essential role of Thai society. Buddhism has molded Thai family moral force and created loving, individualistic, and tolerant people. Although there is absolute freedom in Thailand to practice any religion you choose the majority of the population is Theravada Buddhists. In Thailand there is no official state religion which means the citizens are guaranteed religious freedom but the king is required by law to be Buddhist (Chuah, 2010). Buddhism has for centuries been main influence in Thai cultural development along with Thailand’s classical art such as architecture, sculpture and paintings. Buddhism colors are found all over Thailand.
In Theravada Buddhism there are four very scared places which should be seed and visited by a person of devotion. All four places are different places where Buddha experienced life events. The first one is Lumbini Grove in Nepal which is the place of Lord Buddha’s Birth. The second place is Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, this is the place Buddha achieved his Enlightenment. The third place is Deer Park in Sarnath, India which is the place of Buddha’s first discourse. The last place is Sala Grove in Kusinara, India, this is the place of Buddha’s passing away (Preuss, n.d.). There is a scared temple named That Phanom in the northeastern part of Thailand. This is scared to many Buddhists because Buddha made a pilgrimage to this hill top.
Religion plays an important and essential role of Thai society. Buddhism has molded Thai family moral force and created loving, individualistic, and tolerant people. Although there is absolute freedom in Thailand to practice any religion you choose the majority of the population is Theravada Buddhists. In Thailand there is no official state religion which means the citizens are guaranteed religious freedom but the king is required by law to be Buddhist (Chuah, 2010). Buddhism has for centuries been main influence in Thai cultural development along with Thailand’s classical art such as architecture, sculpture and paintings. Buddhism colors are found all over Thailand.
In Theravada Buddhism there are four very scared places which should be seed and visited by a person of devotion. All four places are different places where Buddha experienced life events. The first one is Lumbini Grove in Nepal which is the place of Lord Buddha’s Birth. The second place is Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, this is the place Buddha achieved his Enlightenment. The third place is Deer Park in Sarnath, India which is the place of Buddha’s first discourse. The last place is Sala Grove in Kusinara, India, this is the place of Buddha’s passing away (Preuss, n.d.). There is a scared temple named That Phanom in the northeastern part of Thailand. This is scared to many Buddhists because Buddha made a pilgrimage to this hill top.
(http://letworldknow.blogspot.com/2012/05/lumbini-birthplace-of-lord-buddha.html) (http://www.nichiren-shu.org.uk/india.html) This is an image of Lumbini in Nepal of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This is an image of Kushinagar in India which is where Buddha’s entered into Nirvana.
References
:: Spread of Buddhism ::. (n.d.). :: Buddhist Society UK :: Buddhism, Dharma talks, Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, Meditation, Buddhist Library, Buddhist Teachings. Retrieved March 19, 2013, from http://www.thebuddhistsociety.org/resources/Spread.html
Chuah, O. A. (2010). Conflicts and Peace Initiatives between Minority Muslims and Thai Buddhists. Journal of Religion, Conflict, and Peace, 3(2). Retrieved from http://religionconflictpeace.org/volume-3-issue-2-spring-2010/conflicts-and-peace-initiatives-between-minority-muslims-and-thai
Jones, R. H. (1979). Theravada Buddhism and Morality. Oxford Journals, 47(3). Retrieved from http://jaar.oxfordjournals.org/content/XLVII/3/371.abstract
Pruess, J. B. (n.d.). Buddhist Pilgrimage to Northeastern Thailand. Siamese Heritage Protection Program. Retrieved March 23, 2013, from http://www.siamese-heritage.org/jsspdf/1971/JSS_064_1i_Pruess_MeritSeekingInPublicBuddhistPilgrimasgeInNEThailand.pdf
Theravada Buddhism: Sri Lankan, Burma, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao, Bangladesh. (2008). BuddhaNet - Worldwide Buddhist Information and Education Network. Retrieved March 22, 2013, from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/theravada.htm
References
:: Spread of Buddhism ::. (n.d.). :: Buddhist Society UK :: Buddhism, Dharma talks, Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, Meditation, Buddhist Library, Buddhist Teachings. Retrieved March 19, 2013, from http://www.thebuddhistsociety.org/resources/Spread.html
Chuah, O. A. (2010). Conflicts and Peace Initiatives between Minority Muslims and Thai Buddhists. Journal of Religion, Conflict, and Peace, 3(2). Retrieved from http://religionconflictpeace.org/volume-3-issue-2-spring-2010/conflicts-and-peace-initiatives-between-minority-muslims-and-thai
Jones, R. H. (1979). Theravada Buddhism and Morality. Oxford Journals, 47(3). Retrieved from http://jaar.oxfordjournals.org/content/XLVII/3/371.abstract
Pruess, J. B. (n.d.). Buddhist Pilgrimage to Northeastern Thailand. Siamese Heritage Protection Program. Retrieved March 23, 2013, from http://www.siamese-heritage.org/jsspdf/1971/JSS_064_1i_Pruess_MeritSeekingInPublicBuddhistPilgrimasgeInNEThailand.pdf
Theravada Buddhism: Sri Lankan, Burma, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao, Bangladesh. (2008). BuddhaNet - Worldwide Buddhist Information and Education Network. Retrieved March 22, 2013, from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/theravada.htm
Cultural Diversity
In Thailand the country is separated into four regions central, northern, northeaster, southern regions. Each area has a varied of language and cultural diversity. Thailand has created a National Security Policy which partly involves promoting the understanding between people of different religion and culture for human rights and cultural diversity (2011). There Prime Minister stated that ethnic languages are not only a powerful tool but also a step toward accomplishing a nation’s goals (Na, 2010).
One cultural found in Thailand that has had a recent revival is the ethnic Lao of northeastern Thailand. A well-known musician in Thailand has roots in Lao musical traditions. Lao food is also enjoyed all over Thailand. Prior to this, the Thai government saw the Lao people as a threat and banned their language from schools along with many other things to diminish their culture (Syed, 2010). Recently the government has approved the right for children’s native tongue to be include in the school curriculum. In the past children all over Thailand were encouraged to lose their local dialect but now local dialect is valued as a part of the regions identity
One province commonly visited by tourist is Chiang Mai which is just outside of Bangkok. This region has three dominant religions in which are practiced by the locals Buddhist, Christianity, and Islam. In Chiang Mai all three religions work and live together in the communities without discrimination. One way Thailand is trying to preserve cultural diversity is by wanting to join the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. By joining this convention it would support and funding to help preserve the endangered cultures in Thailand (Syed, 2010). Thailand has come a long way with accepting cultural diversity and in recent years is the time when people have been more understanding of other cultures and more accepting.
References
Human rights and cultural diversity. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.mfa.go.th/humanrights/implementation-of-un-resolutions/125-human-rights-and-cultural-diversity
Inside Thailand -- Thai Government Protects and Promotes Cultural Diversity. (2010). Retrieved from http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=5351&a=2
Syed, J., & Özbilgin, M. (2010). Managing cultural diversity in Asia: A research companion. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
One cultural found in Thailand that has had a recent revival is the ethnic Lao of northeastern Thailand. A well-known musician in Thailand has roots in Lao musical traditions. Lao food is also enjoyed all over Thailand. Prior to this, the Thai government saw the Lao people as a threat and banned their language from schools along with many other things to diminish their culture (Syed, 2010). Recently the government has approved the right for children’s native tongue to be include in the school curriculum. In the past children all over Thailand were encouraged to lose their local dialect but now local dialect is valued as a part of the regions identity
One province commonly visited by tourist is Chiang Mai which is just outside of Bangkok. This region has three dominant religions in which are practiced by the locals Buddhist, Christianity, and Islam. In Chiang Mai all three religions work and live together in the communities without discrimination. One way Thailand is trying to preserve cultural diversity is by wanting to join the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. By joining this convention it would support and funding to help preserve the endangered cultures in Thailand (Syed, 2010). Thailand has come a long way with accepting cultural diversity and in recent years is the time when people have been more understanding of other cultures and more accepting.
References
Human rights and cultural diversity. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.mfa.go.th/humanrights/implementation-of-un-resolutions/125-human-rights-and-cultural-diversity
Inside Thailand -- Thai Government Protects and Promotes Cultural Diversity. (2010). Retrieved from http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=5351&a=2
Syed, J., & Özbilgin, M. (2010). Managing cultural diversity in Asia: A research companion. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Additional Resources
http://thailandculturecustomguide.org This is a valuable website because it provides a deeper look into Thailand's customs and rituals.
http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/thai_cultures/index.html This is another important resource because if offers insight of Thai court, traditional, and linguistic culture. This resource also describes in detail the explanation of each element and the source of its origins.
http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/thai_cultures/index.html This is another important resource because if offers insight of Thai court, traditional, and linguistic culture. This resource also describes in detail the explanation of each element and the source of its origins.
Cuisine
Kin Koaw!
(literal translation “to eat rice” as in “Let’s eat”)
(courtesy of http://www.thai-recipes-today.com/thai-food.html )
Thai cuisine has helped create tradition, culture and practice within the Thai communities. Like much of the world Thai people like to share and enjoy their meals with friends and family. It is customary to include a dish of soup called Tom which is a clear soup with meat and vegetables, next is a dish a stir fry called Pas and than a dish of curry called Kaeng/Traditionally a large pot of steamed rice will be prepared ahead of time. The most traditional type of food that has been part of Thai cuisine for centuries which is a dish of dips which is mostly made of shrimp paste, chilies, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. (Nam Prik). The image to the left is of Nam Prik. Authentic Thai food is very popular among Thais and has become part of life integrating Buddhism, traditions and culture. Most of the produces used in Thai cuisine is locally grown using no pesticides.
Popular Dish
(Courtesy of http://www.thai-recipes-today.com/ )
Hot and Sour Prawns Soup
tom yum goong
Preparation: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Spicy Level: mild
Served 2
Ingredients:
Uncooked medium sized prawns removed shell and deveined, leave tail intact 250 g
Tomato medium size quartered 2 wholes
Oyster mushroom washed ½ cup (optional)
Thai red chilies smashed ½ tsp (optional)
Lemongrass sliced 2 stalks
Galangal sliced ½ cup
Shallots gently smashed 2 tbsp
Kaffir lime leaves torn half 4-6 leaves
Full cream milk 1 cup
Chicken stock 2 cups
Coriander leaves ¼ cup
Seasoning:
Fish sauce 1 tbsp
Salt 1 tsp
Lime juice 4 tbsp
Thai roasted chili paste 1 ½ tbsp (increase for a stronger flavor!)
Let's get started!
How to make:
Step 1 – Making the soup
Bring chicken stock to a rapid boil, then add "krueng tom yum"; galangal, lemongrass, shallot, crushed Thai red chili, and kaffir lime leaves. Let the tom yum ingredients discharge the aromatic flavors for a few minutes.
Season with fish sauce, chili paste, salt and lime juice.
Over the rapid boiling, add prawns until slightly cooked approximately a few minutes, and then add mushroom.
Turn the heat off and pour milk with some coriander leaves.
Sprinkle some coriander leaves.
Serve hot and enjoy!
tom yum goong
Preparation: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Spicy Level: mild
Served 2
Ingredients:
Uncooked medium sized prawns removed shell and deveined, leave tail intact 250 g
Tomato medium size quartered 2 wholes
Oyster mushroom washed ½ cup (optional)
Thai red chilies smashed ½ tsp (optional)
Lemongrass sliced 2 stalks
Galangal sliced ½ cup
Shallots gently smashed 2 tbsp
Kaffir lime leaves torn half 4-6 leaves
Full cream milk 1 cup
Chicken stock 2 cups
Coriander leaves ¼ cup
Seasoning:
Fish sauce 1 tbsp
Salt 1 tsp
Lime juice 4 tbsp
Thai roasted chili paste 1 ½ tbsp (increase for a stronger flavor!)
Let's get started!
How to make:
Step 1 – Making the soup
Bring chicken stock to a rapid boil, then add "krueng tom yum"; galangal, lemongrass, shallot, crushed Thai red chili, and kaffir lime leaves. Let the tom yum ingredients discharge the aromatic flavors for a few minutes.
Season with fish sauce, chili paste, salt and lime juice.
Over the rapid boiling, add prawns until slightly cooked approximately a few minutes, and then add mushroom.
Turn the heat off and pour milk with some coriander leaves.
Sprinkle some coriander leaves.
Serve hot and enjoy!