| Thailand Travel Information: Thai
People
About sixty million of Thai population embraces four major
ethnic groups. Almost 80% are Thais; others are ethnic Chinese
8-12%, Malay 4-6%, and minority group 3-5%. The origin of Thai
people has been a problematic subject among the academics as
there are several theories given about Thai origin. Most widely
accepted theory is that Tai people migrated south from the
southern China due to the Mongol invasion in the 12th century in
to the mainland Southeast Asia. However, recent studies based on
archeological finds in Ban Chiang, Thailand argue that at least
about 4,000 years ago, there already had been Thais living in
this region and that they had developed their own culture. Until
today, conclusion about the Thai origin is still unreachable.
It is quite difficult to find the typical physiognomy or
physique as various ethnic groups like the Mons, Burmese, or
Khmers have assimilated to a degree that they are all similar in
appearance. What distinguishes Thai people into group is a
dialect. Different dialect is in accordance with the regional
division as well. There are four regional divisions with their
different dialects: Central Thais, Northern Thais, Northeastern
Thais, and Southern Thais.
Central Thais are the majority of total population,
speaking Central Thai language. This is the political, social,
and culturally dominant group, concentrating in the Chao Praya
River Basin. Political power, economy, culture, education, and
development are all centered in the central region. Central Thai
dialect is designated to be an official language and taught in
all public schools.
Northeastern Thais are the second-large ethnic group
in Thailand. They are called Thai-Lao who have close relation to
Lao people in the former Lan Xang Kingdom (Land of Million
Elephants), encompassing the area of Laos and most of Korat
Plateau (Northeastern region). They migrated across the Mekong
River and still retain their language and tradition under the
rule of semi-autonomous Lao princes until the early 20th century
before completely incorporated with Thai government. The region
considered to be relatively laid-back for its remoteness from
the central government. However, development programs have been
launched to improve living-condition of poor residents in the
region. Nowadays, most northeastern Thais accept the benefits of
Thai citizenship while remaining their distinct language and
tradition of Laotian ethnicity.
Northern Thais are another ethnic group whose culture
and language are distinct from the central ones. They called
themselves "Khon Muang", People of the region. It is
the northern Thais who founded the first major Thai kingdom,
Lanna Kingdom in the early 13th century before the rise of
Sukhothai. Northern Thais are proud of their language which is
closely related to one of the Shan in Burma. There are also
other northern dialects spoken by other ethnic groups such as
the Mons near Lamphun as well as the tribal languages of the
Karen, Hmong, Akha, Lahu, and Lisu. As other regions, central
Thai dialect is taught in all public schools, radio, and
television even if most of northern Thais still speak their own
dialect in daily life.
Southern Thais are characterized by their physiognomy
distinctly different from that of northern peoples- darker, with
larger eyes and rounder faces which represent the Thai-Malay
mixed characteristics. Southern culture was built up from
different Asian civilizations. Among the major ones were the
Indians, Buddhist Mons, Malay-Indonesians and Srivijayans, and
Khmers. All have influence typical southern culture represented
as food, architecture, performing arts and ceremonies. Southern
Thais speak more abbreviated language with shorten word and
quick rhythm. Even the residents of Bangkok have difficulty
understanding their patter.
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