According to the last census, roughly 95 percent of the population adheres to the Theravada variety of Buddhism, the most popular religion of Thailand. Yeah, welcome to real Thailand. The “wai,” or the traditional Thai greeting is done by putting your hands together, in front of your chest, and bowing your head a bit. Culture and Identity Thailand is often looked at as a country that doesn’t have a large variety of ethnic groups, however, there are 75 distinct ethnicities in the country with the Central Tai being the most dominant, having a population of just over a third of the country. Artwork is influenced greatly by Buddha. Women are not allowed to touch monks either Touching the head of a Thai is very bad. Thailand's Hindu population totals in the thousands, yet is less than 1% of the national population. Muslims compose about 4 percent of the population. The locals wear ghastly colourful masks with an unusual looking nose. Visitors to the Kingdom may notice that Thai people seem to wear a sea of similar colors. It is a mix of Buddhist and Animist beliefs. Thai weddings are by Buddhist traditions. 94.6% of Thailand are Buddhist. (Based on a true story) Snakes in the Beliefs of Thai People. This Thailand religion is the remaining influence of the Khmer Empire and many Hindu deities form the namesakes of some of Thailand's most well-known places. Religion takes an important role in Thailand, most Thai people live their lives according to their religions. Thailand is the largest Buddhist country in the world, and approximately 93.6 percent of the population practice the religion. It combines local handicraft, religious traditions, and a vibrant party atmosphere. Here are 10 traditions only locals in Thailand can understand, that will help you fit right in. This festival happens on the 6 th full moon of the lunar calendar. They believe that many invisible things exist around us. The King is especially beloved for his six decades of public service and humble demeanor. The indigenous people of Thailand, like most early cultures in Asia were Animists. Different day, different color. Hinduism was the religion of the Khmer that dominated Thailand prior to Buddhism arriving from Burma. The remainder are other. Thailand is a Buddhist country, but it also has freedom for people who are not Buddhist and can belief and practice their religions freely (Religion, n.d.). Although Thai people are very forgiving of infractions, particularly when committed by farang (foreigners), observing these basic dos and don'ts will keep them smiling. One of the things most foreigners visiting Thailand for the first time notice is monks wearing yellow robes. And there are many temples all around Thailand. Thailand is a country that is steeped in tradition, from religion and spirituality to the foods served on its people’s table to the direction in which one points one’s feet. Although Thailand guarantees freedom of religion, and many religions are represented in the country, 95 percent of the population is Theravada Buddhist. On Wednesdays, we wear pink. Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” -- but the famous Thai smile has many meanings. A review of Thailand’s history will reveal the reasons for the influences on Buddhism in Thailand. There is also a small number of Christians in Thailand. Almost all the Buddhists in Thailand, identify as Theravada Buddhists. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and the royal family is revered throughout the country. Thailand is a very ethnically, culturally and religiously homogenous nation. In Thailand, green is actually worn on Wednesdays. 4.6% are Muslim. Thai people have many beliefs and taboos. Joy said it is a lucky sign, but I thought it was a nightmare! Some of the most common beliefs are about spirits, dreams, big trees and snakes. 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