The culture of Thailand is a unique blend of various influences that have evolved over time. Local customs, animist beliefs, Buddhist traditions, and regional ethnic and cultural practices have all played a role in shaping Thai culture. Thainess, which refers to the distinctive qualities that define the national identity of Thailand, is evident in the country's history, customs, and traditions. While Buddhism remains the dominant religion in Thailand with more than 40,000 temples, Islam, Christianity, and other faiths are also practiced.
Painted pottery bowls from the Ban Chiang archaeological site.
15th-16th century Sawankhalok stoneware with brown underglaze and pale blue glaze
15th-century Kalong ware glazed stoneware dish
17th-19th century Benjarong style ceramics from Ayutthaya.
Menora or Manora, sometimes shortened as Nora is traditional Siamese theatrical, musical, and acrobatic dance performance originated from the southern regions of Thailand. Having similar plots adopted from Jataka tales of Manohara, this kind of performance is related to the Lakhon chatri (ละครชาตรี), another Siamese arts performance originating from central Thailand. Over five hundred years old, Nora is performed in Thailand's local community centres and at temple fairs and cultural events, and is passed on through training by masters in homes, community organizations and educational institutions. In Malaysia, the practice of Menora has significantly declined since it has been banned by the government of Kelantan, which considers this kind of cultural performance as haram for being involved with polytheism.
Menora (dance)
Menora (dance)