• 300 million followers

• Fourth largest religion in the world after Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. It originated in the sixth century BCE and founded by Siddhartha Gautma. Siddhartha renounced his royal rights and began a reform movement against what he saw as Hinduism’s formalities and indifference to inequality. He became a wandering philosopher, achieved “enlightenment,” and became “Buddha” or “one who has awaken.”

• By the time of his death in 483 BCE he had a large number of followers; over the course of 250 years his teachings became the basis of “Buddhism” – the written form of the teachings are called Tipitaka.

• There are three major schools of Buddhist thought around the world – the Southern School (Theravada), the Northern School (Mahayana) and the Tantric School (Vajrayana). The vast majority of Buddhists in Thailand are of the Theravada School. 38% are of Theravada, 56 are Mahayana and 6 are Vajrayana.

It came to Thailand from Indian monks and became entrenched in the culture between the 13th and 15th centuries.
• The main difference between Theravada and the other schools is how Buddha is viewed – it recognizes only one Buddha, the historic Buddha; it emphasizes his humanity and doesn’t consider him a deity; temples devoted to him are to celebrate his teachings; when people pray before the idols they aren’t necessarily worshipping him as a god but thanking him for his teachings. Mahayana views Buddha as more godlike than men while tantric focuses on earthly, human behavior.

• The scriptures of Theravada are written in ancient Pali. Further still Theravada B has two main divisions – exemplified by the style of monks: the Thammayut, who are associated with the monarchy and are considered more orthodox, and the Mahanikai, who are part of a school that meditated in seclusion in rural areas. Their rivalry is still political; and the Thammayut remain a minority in Thailand. Thammayut have red or brown robes and Mahaniki wear orange ones.

• Buddhism in Thailand is governed by the Triple Gems – Tiratana: one is the Buddha, his teachings (the dhamma), and the Buddhist community (sangha). Images of Buddha are everywhere, including palaces, temples, houses, homes, hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. The dhamma is recited in temples and during prayers but can be seen in Thai folktales, etc. The “sangha” are the monks who have shaved their heads and wear certain styles of robes. The Thai teachings are told in folktales, popular movies, and in Thai schools.

• All men are expected to join the sangha at some point, between the ages of 12 and 20; only those 20 years of age or older are ordained, but younger boys serve as apprentices. The period of service varies, but usually lasts a few months. It is a rite of passage; the ordination ceremony, called the buat phra, is marked over a period of a week.

• The sangha is hampered in achieving independent socio-political power because it receives recognition and patronage from the government; for example, the building of new royal palaces and buildings depends on the Sangha and the political authority.

• For example, in accordance with the Bhikku Sangha Act, the organization of the Sangha is organized by the state; eg the Supreme Patriarch is chosen by the King in consultation with the government;

• Brahmanism came to Thailand with Buddhism. Brahmanism is a very old form of Hinduism that worships deities of the Hindu pantheon, which consist of Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and literally millions of lesser gods (read more about the Hindu pantheonhere). It never really took hold as a separate religion in Thailand and it wasn’t meant to. Instead, it was blended into the whole spiritual worldview of the Thai people. The Thai people’s national symbol is actually Garuda, which is the steed of Vishnu. He is known to have flown to the moon and brought back soma, which is the drink of the gods, to be given to spiritual seekers on earth. Garuda is also the enemy of and protector from the naga, which is a serpent like creature that is sometimes believed to imprison people in samsara or suffering. This is quite interesting that the Thais picked their national symbol to be something that represents the attainment of spiritual mastery.

• The wai, or pressing your palms together at chest or nose level and bowing your head slightly, is a gesture that you will encounter almost immediately upon arrival in Thailand.
• An integral part of Thai etiquette, it denotes respect (or reverence when performed in front of a Buddha image), and can be used to express a hello, thank you, or goodbye.
• Start at :58 for this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRtsCuVqxtQ

• Foreigners are not expected to initiate the wai gesture, but it is an insult not to return the wai. If a wai is not offered to you, shake hands with men and smile and nod to women. A Thai businessperson may shake hands with a foreigner. Offer a wai only to a person of equal or greater status. Subordinates should offer a wai first.
• A wai is not used to greet children, servants, street vendors or laborers. Never return a wai to a child, waiter, clerk, etc. Smile in response. If you feel that you MUST wai these people only do so if they wai you first and then make your wai very generic i.e. palms to the chest and no bowing of your head.

• The wai may be made while sitting, walking, or standing.
• If you're not sure, you can wai basically any person who wais you first, except if this person is working for you or this person is a child. This means you needn't wai a maid or a hotel staff, for instance. It's not that they are "inferior", but they provide a service, you are the guest, and you are not even expected to thank them.
• In some cases (especially business situations) a Thai will offer a handshake to you instead of a wai. Simply returning the handshake is completely acceptable. If they do offer a wai the polite thing to do is to respond in kind. And don’t worry too much about getting the wai right. You’re not Thai and no one expects you to be able to wai properly. The fact that you attempted to wai back is enough to make the person who initiated the wai happy.

The Government has introduced various practices to encourage nationalism: one is the twice daily broadcast of the national anthem; whenever it’s played, pedestrians, commuters and students are required to stop or stand. It’s played at 8 am and 6 pm.

• Based on Buddhist beliefs, the head is the most valued part of the body while the feet are the lowest, symbolizing attachment to the ground, a cause of human suffering.
• Touching someone’s head is highly offensive, as is raising your feet or pointing them at people or religious objects.
• Most types of attire are tolerated in areas frequented by tourists. It is a good idea, however, to cover up when visiting temples and shrines. Those wearing sleeveless tops, short skirts, shorts, and flip flops may be denied entrance.
• It is not unusual to encounter signs prohibiting women from entering highly sacred places, such as temple libraries. Women who wish to worship do so outside the buildings.
• Do not put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone. Never put your arm over the back of the chair in which someone is sitting.
• A smile is often used for many different emotions. It may be an apology, a thank-you, a greeting, or to show embarrassment. Be aware: A Thai's smiling assurance does not mean you will in fact get what you want, when you want it. It simply reflects the Thai appreciation of harmony and their "never mind" attitude.

• Don't wave your hands about as you talk, giving Thais the impression that you are angry. Never pass anything with your left hand. Never point with your hand and never, never with one finger.
• Do not cross your legs in the presence of the elderly or monks.
• To beckon someone, extend your arm with the palm of your hand down and flutter your fingers up and down.
• Don’t Point
Pointing is a no-no in Thailand. Your Thai friends won’t take offence if you point when joking around, as they will understand that as a foreigner you may point instinctively. However, don’t point at monks or pictures of any of the Royal Family, and as a general rule don’t point at people to make reference to them. If you need to point (indicate) someone out, instead bend your hand downwards with your fingers leaning toward the floor and your palm facing upward.
Ducking Down When Walking Between Two People
• You’ll see many Thais perform a slight duck down when they pass in front of two people engaged in conversation. It’s a polite (if token) gesture of respect – to say that they’re acknowledging the interruption. The same applies if you walk past a person and block out their vision for a split second.
• This is a fairly brief overview, and there is a plethora of other customs and traditions out there. There are also likely to be slightly different versions of the things I have mentioned. So please feel free to share your knowledge in the comments section.
• To attract a waiter, wave quietly with your palm down or say "Nong" (brother or sister). Never snap your fingers or raise your voice to attract a waiter.

• Thai food is eaten with a fork and a tablespoon rather than with chopsticks. The spoon is held in the right hand and the bottom of the fork pushes the food into the spoon. Finishing everything indicates that you are still hungry.
• Never leave rice on your plate as it is considered wasteful. The words for food and rice are the same. Rice has an almost mystical significance in addition to its humdrum 'daily bread' function.
• Never take the last bite from the serving bowl.
• Wait to be asked before taking a second helping.
• Do not lick your fingers.
• Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating, to show you are full.

In the Rattanakosin Kingdom, Mak (Mario Maurer) leaves his pregnant wife Nak (Davika Hoorne) to join the war and meets four soldiers who become his best friends. During this time, his wife Nak struggles to give birth to their baby.
When the war ends, Mak invites his friends to visit Phra Khanong and meet his beautiful wife Nak. Meanwhile, rumors fly around town that Nak is a ghost. His four friends and villagers trying to tell Mak that his wife is already dead.

33 million https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9xbj_UK1pc

In contrast, top films adjusted for inflation: Gone with the Wind, followed by Star Wars. Not adjusted: Avatar, Titanic, the Avengers

Song:
http://deungdutjai.com/2014/01/28/noywhatcharawalee/

WhatChaRaWaLee (Thai: วัชราวลี) is a Thai retro soul-pop band.

On iTunes -> it's http://www.hotmusiccharts.com/th/itunes

Girls Generation, Mr. Mr. (K-Pop group)

Rak Sut Rit: In this romantic comedy Ittirit (James Jirayu) is a bad boy to everyone around him. He doesn't like to listen to people and doesn't like school but when a young teacher (Punch) enters his life she tries to teach him a lesson about life and love...