|
Every year, thousands of people from all over the
world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different
skills and with the hope of contributing to their new society. You may be
reading this website because you are hosting a Thai family as part of
the HOST Program, learning about Thai newcomers in school or working
with Thai people who have recently settled in Canada. Whatever the reason
for your interest, this website will introduce you to Thai culture and
help you understand what life was like for Thai people before they came
to Canada.
Canadian culture will seem strange to Thais in
many ways, but there are also similarities between Canada and Thailand.
Thais will have many of the same questions that you might have if you
moved to a new city or town. For instance, they will wonder where they
will find a job, which schools their children should attend and what
their new community will be like. You can help newcomers from Thailand
by answering their questions. Not only can you help them adjust to life
in Canada, you will also discover that you can learn a great deal from
your new friends.
Although this cultural profile provides insight
into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs
described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from
Thailand.
|
Summary Fact Sheet |
|
| Official Name |
Kingdom of Thailand |
| Capital |
Bangkok |
| Type of Government |
Constitutional Monarchy |
| Population |
67 million |
| Area |
514,000 sq. km |
| Major Ethnic Groups |
Thai, Chinese, Laotian, Malay, Khmer |
| Languages |
Thai, English, Chinese (Tio-Chiu dialect),
regional dialects |
| Religions |
Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism |
| Unit of Currency |
Baht |
| National Flag |
Five horizontal bands of red, white, dark blue,
white and red |
| |
|
Did you know? |
|
Prasert Krachodnok, who emigrated from Thailand to
Canada in 1996, has won several gold medals in ice sculpting at Canada's
winter festivals. He also creates sculptures with chocolate, soap, butter
and Styrofoam.
|
|
|
Did you know? |
|
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the present king of Thailand,
was born in 1927. He studied engineering in Switzerland and speaks English
and French fluently. He is a skilled jazz saxophonist and won a gold medal
at the Asian games as a yachtsman.
|
|
|