Sustainablility in the Thai Way of Life

“Thainess”

What characterizes being Thai? Several features of the Thai character may be cited in response to the question.
The word “Thai” has its etymological root in “Tai” which connotes liberty and independence of body and soul.

In addition to this physical and spiritual freedom, the essence of being Thai can be found in:

Nation, Religion and Monarchy, which are the three pillars of our nation.

Cultural Characteristics such as the Thai language, customs and traditions, mannerisms, forms of worship, art, music and indigenous sports.

Thainess very often means living in harmony with one’s neighbours, as well as kindness and willingness to help friends in need.

Thainess is having a profound sense of gratitude, honesty, sincerity, commitment, generosity and respect for elders. All of which make up Thai Virtues.

Thainess is the harmonious blend of age-old cultures indigenous to the Suvarnaphum region; an area originally known as Siam before having its name changed to the present day, Thailand.

Sustainability in the Thai Way of Life

In perfect harmony with nature, the people of this fertile land have for centuries based their livelihood on agricultural production. Rice from the fields and fish from the waterways have thus been constant features of the Thai way of life.

With the influx of Western influences that began during the Ayudhya Period, the Siamese learned to selectively and smoothly integrate the ways of foreigners into their own customs.

From the ancient amalgam of native cultures to the infusion of Western influences, the way of life in Suvarnaphum, or Golden Land, has evolved into a multiplicity of cultures that have flourished in peaceful harmony.

Thailand’s participation in the 2010 World Expo will provide an opportunity for the country to present to the rest of the world the status of her development through a wide range of appealing exhibits and stage performances – the contents of which can be condensed into two keywords:

UNITY – reflecting the universal reverence of people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds for the three pillars of Thai society: Nation, Religion and Monarchy.

HARMONY – depicting the ability of Thais to live in harmony with nature and the environment, while at the same time engaging with the international community in economic and technological endeavours.

Three main exhibition halls have been planned: