Elephants in Thailand

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The elephant has been an important figure in Thai society and a significant symbol for many
centuries. It has a considerable amount of influences and impact on the Thai cultural system and the
whole nation, and the Thai elephant (Thai: , Chang Thai) is an official national symbol of
Thailand. The type of elephant that can be found in Thailand are the Indian elephant (Elephas
maximus indicus), a subspecies of the Asian elephant.
Contents
[hide]

1Habitat

2Relationship with people

3Cultural Significance
o

3.1Elephant in Thailand's official provincial seals

4Preservation and conflict

5See also

6References

Habitat[edit]
Thai elephants have slight differences from other races of Indian elephants; they are smaller, have
shorter front legs, and a thicker body than their Indian counterparts. [1] They areherbivores that
consume ripe bananas and tender leaves, bamboo, tree bark and fruits. [2] Because of their diet, their
natural habitats are located in tropical forests which are found in the northern and western part
of Thailand. Mae Hong Son, Chumpon, and the border near Burma (Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife
Sanctuary, Erawan Falls National Park, etc.), Petchabun range, Dangrek Range, and Peninsular
Thailand (Ranong, and Trang).[3]
Thailand used to contain 90% of green canopy regions; however, after the interference by the illegal
logging industry, it now contains less. This has a negative impact on the habitat of the
Thai elephants, resulting in the plummeting numbers of the animal, placing them on the endangered
species list.[4]

Relationship with people[edit]

Mohout on the back of the elephant towing the logs

In Thai society elephants have played a substantial role in manual labour, war combatants, royal
symbol, and the tourism industry. For thousands of years, elephants were captured and trained to be
a form of transportation and heavy labour. When logging in Thailand was still legal, they hauled
heavy logs through the terrains of the forest, which in turn gave many Thai people jobs. In recorded
Thai history, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai, Thais used to hunt
and trade elephants.[5]
Known for their strength and intelligence, elephants were used as war elephants since the days
of Alexander the Great.[6] They were referred to as a warm-blooded armoured-tank. Each elephant
has a distinctive personality, mostly male elephants that are aggressive yet tameable were selected
to be war elephants. They were trained with lightly pricked spear on their skin in order for them to
move forward. The training was conducted in a loud environment of shouting and drum sounds to
accustom them to the real warfare.

Elephant duel between Siam and Burma

Thai royals and elephants have established a relationship for thousands of years. The first recorded
Thai elephant was in the stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai. In this
inscription he mentioned himself being nineteen and said his elephant, Bekhpon, advanced their
attack on Khun Sam Chon to protect his father, while his fathers soldiers fled in fear. Chao Praya
Prabhongsawadee was the elephant of King Naresuan of Thailand that came out triumphant in
the elephant duel () between the King of Burma and King Naresuan during the war with the
Burmese. For a very long time, it was a law that when a white elephant was found and a tradition
that when an elephant with good build was found, it was to be presented as property to the King of
Thailand. Thais sacred and royal symbol was the white elephant (Chang Pueak or Chang Samkan).
They are not albinos but are genetically different. White elephants are not white, they are a dusky
pinkish grey. Phra Savet Adulyadej Pahon is a white elephant that belongs to Thailands King
Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Since the logging industry became illegal, elephants owners (mahouts) have to find other ways to
feed their elephants, most of them turning to the entertainment industry and tourism. [7] Most mahouts
took their elephants to Bangkok, roaming the streets with baskets of fruits for the tourists to buy and
feed the animal. Elephants now have to beg for food and perform tricks in exchange for money. This
however lowers the status of elephants from having a high cultural importance to mere commodities.

On June 17, 2010, the laws were passed for the elephant protection, making these acts illegal.
[8]
Elephants in the entertainment industry are trained to follow over forty commands; they can
kick soccer balls, participate in talent shows, and use their trunks to paint and lift objects and
sometimes people.

Cultural Significance[edit]
Historically, elephants in Thailand are considered to be very important culturally. There are many
elephants references to art works, literature and national emblems. Since Thailand is
a Buddhist country, elephants are portrayed as sacred animals from their special symbolism in the
practice of Buddhism. Many art works in Thai royal palaces and temples have drawings
of elephants on the paintings on the walls. In 1917, Thailands official flag was a white elephant in
the middle of the scarlet background. White elephants in Thai society also represent wealth and
power because of their past association with the Thai royals. The royal Thai navy flag also bears the
symbol of white elephant. Manyprovinces in Thailand used to have elephants as part of their official
emblems as well. [9]

Elephant in Thailand's official provincial seals[edit]

Provincial seal

Province
in
Thailand

Description

Current province

Bangkok

Indra rides Erawan elephant

Chiang Rai

White elephant, cloud,

and Naga border

Chiang
Mai

White elephant standing in glass

palace

Tak
province

King Naresuan poured holy

water over the elephant's neck

Mae Hong
Son

Elephant plays in the water

Nakhon
Nayok

Elephant with ear of rice in its

trunk

Suphan
Buri

Elephant duel between

King Naresuan and Mingyi
Swa of Burma at Nhongsaraisub-district in 1592

Narathiwat

A sailboat's flag bear the symbol

of the elephant (Phra sri nara
raja kirinee) wearing elephant

ornament

Former province

Lan Chang
Province

Herd of elephant standing in a

large field

Preservation and conflict[edit]

The illegal logging industry destroyed a lot of major natural habitats, and the tourism industry treated
elephants poorly. This resulted in a shocking drop in the number of elephants in Thailand. A lot of
organizations were established to better the lives of the elephants. There are many local
conservation centres in Thailand which are located mostly where the animals are found the
most. Thai Elephant Conservation Center is the only organization that is government owned which is
located in Lampang, a province in northern Thailand.[10]There are many more private organizations
contributing to preserving this endangered species as well. These organizations generate revenue
by letting people experience elephants in their natural state. They also have a schedule of elephant
shows which are not harmful or too tiring for the elephants. [11]
Thailands tourism industry took baby elephants from when they are four years old. Their cuteness
factor is exploited for tourists to enjoy and they are disposed of when they become older.[12] These
baby elephants however were taken away from their mother from a very young age. They lack the
nutrients to stay healthy and most of them died. Elephant torturing is still present in Thailand. They
are forced to work extra hours in bad living conditions and with bad medical care. [13] Ivory trading is
illegal in Thailand, however there are still many underground movements that hunt elephants for
their precious ivory.

See also[edit]

Asian elephant

Ivory trade

Khan Kluay

White elephant

War elephant

References[edit]
1.

Jump up^

Elephants in Thailand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The elephant has been an important figure in Thai society and a significant symbol for many
centuries. It has a considerable amount of influences and impact on the Thai cultural system and the
whole nation, and the Thai elephant (Thai: , Chang Thai) is an official national symbol of
Thailand. The type of elephant that can be found in Thailand are the Indian elephant (Elephas
maximus indicus), a subspecies of the Asian elephant.
Contents
[hide]

1Habitat

2Relationship with people

3Cultural Significance
o

3.1Elephant in Thailand's official provincial seals

4Preservation and conflict

5See also

6References

Habitat[edit]
Thai elephants have slight differences from other races of Indian elephants; they are smaller, have
shorter front legs, and a thicker body than their Indian counterparts. [1] They areherbivores that
consume ripe bananas and tender leaves, bamboo, tree bark and fruits. [2] Because of their diet, their
natural habitats are located in tropical forests which are found in the northern and western part
of Thailand. Mae Hong Son, Chumpon, and the border near Burma (Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife
Sanctuary, Erawan Falls National Park, etc.), Petchabun range, Dangrek Range, and Peninsular
Thailand (Ranong, and Trang).[3]
Thailand used to contain 90% of green canopy regions; however, after the interference by the illegal
logging industry, it now contains less. This has a negative impact on the habitat of the
Thai elephants, resulting in the plummeting numbers of the animal, placing them on the endangered
species list.[4]

Relationship with people[edit]

Mohout on the back of the elephant towing the logs

In Thai society elephants have played a substantial role in manual labour, war combatants, royal
symbol, and the tourism industry. For thousands of years, elephants were captured and trained to be
a form of transportation and heavy labour. When logging in Thailand was still legal, they hauled
heavy logs through the terrains of the forest, which in turn gave many Thai people jobs. In recorded
Thai history, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai, Thais used to hunt
and trade elephants.[5]
Known for their strength and intelligence, elephants were used as war elephants since the days
of Alexander the Great.[6] They were referred to as a warm-blooded armoured-tank. Each elephant
has a distinctive personality, mostly male elephants that are aggressive yet tameable were selected
to be war elephants. They were trained with lightly pricked spear on their skin in order for them to
move forward. The training was conducted in a loud environment of shouting and drum sounds to
accustom them to the real warfare.

Elephant duel between Siam and Burma

Thai royals and elephants have established a relationship for thousands of years. The first recorded
Thai elephant was in the stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai. In this
inscription he mentioned himself being nineteen and said his elephant, Bekhpon, advanced their
attack on Khun Sam Chon to protect his father, while his fathers soldiers fled in fear. Chao Praya
Prabhongsawadee was the elephant of King Naresuan of Thailand that came out triumphant in
the elephant duel () between the King of Burma and King Naresuan during the war with the
Burmese. For a very long time, it was a law that when a white elephant was found and a tradition
that when an elephant with good build was found, it was to be presented as property to the King of
Thailand. Thais sacred and royal symbol was the white elephant (Chang Pueak or Chang Samkan).
They are not albinos but are genetically different. White elephants are not white, they are a dusky
pinkish grey. Phra Savet Adulyadej Pahon is a white elephant that belongs to Thailands King
Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Since the logging industry became illegal, elephants owners (mahouts) have to find other ways to
feed their elephants, most of them turning to the entertainment industry and tourism. [7] Most mahouts
took their elephants to Bangkok, roaming the streets with baskets of fruits for the tourists to buy and
feed the animal. Elephants now have to beg for food and perform tricks in exchange for money. This
however lowers the status of elephants from having a high cultural importance to mere commodities.

On June 17, 2010, the laws were passed for the elephant protection, making these acts illegal.
[8]
Elephants in the entertainment industry are trained to follow over forty commands; they can
kick soccer balls, participate in talent shows, and use their trunks to paint and lift objects and
sometimes people.

Cultural Significance[edit]
Historically, elephants in Thailand are considered to be very important culturally. There are many
elephants references to art works, literature and national emblems. Since Thailand is
a Buddhist country, elephants are portrayed as sacred animals from their special symbolism in the
practice of Buddhism. Many art works in Thai royal palaces and temples have drawings
of elephants on the paintings on the walls. In 1917, Thailands official flag was a white elephant in
the middle of the scarlet background. White elephants in Thai society also represent wealth and
power because of their past association with the Thai royals. The royal Thai navy flag also bears the
symbol of white elephant. Manyprovinces in Thailand used to have elephants as part of their official
emblems as well. [9]

Elephant in Thailand's official provincial seals[edit]

Provincial seal

Province
in
Thailand

Description

Current province

Bangkok

Indra rides Erawan elephant

Chiang Rai

White elephant, cloud,

and Naga border

Chiang
Mai

White elephant standing in glass

palace

Tak
province

King Naresuan poured holy

water over the elephant's neck

Mae Hong
Son

Elephant plays in the water

Nakhon
Nayok

Elephant with ear of rice in its

trunk

Suphan
Buri

Elephant duel between

King Naresuan and Mingyi
Swa of Burma at Nhongsaraisub-district in 1592

Narathiwat

A sailboat's flag bear the symbol

of the elephant (Phra sri nara
raja kirinee) wearing elephant

ornament

Former province

Lan Chang
Province

Herd of elephant standing in a

large field

Preservation and conflict[edit]

The illegal logging industry destroyed a lot of major natural habitats, and the tourism industry treated
elephants poorly. This resulted in a shocking drop in the number of elephants in Thailand. A lot of
organizations were established to better the lives of the elephants. There are many local
conservation centres in Thailand which are located mostly where the animals are found the
most. Thai Elephant Conservation Center is the only organization that is government owned which is
located in Lampang, a province in northern Thailand.[10]There are many more private organizations
contributing to preserving this endangered species as well. These organizations generate revenue
by letting people experience elephants in their natural state. They also have a schedule of elephant
shows which are not harmful or too tiring for the elephants. [11]
Thailands tourism industry took baby elephants from when they are four years old. Their cuteness
factor is exploited for tourists to enjoy and they are disposed of when they become older.[12] These
baby elephants however were taken away from their mother from a very young age. They lack the
nutrients to stay healthy and most of them died. Elephant torturing is still present in Thailand. They
are forced to work extra hours in bad living conditions and with bad medical care. [13] Ivory trading is
illegal in Thailand, however there are still many underground movements that hunt elephants for
their precious ivory.

See also[edit]

Asian elephant

Ivory trade

Khan Kluay

White elephant

War elephant

References[edit]
1.

Jump up^

Elephants in Thailand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The elephant has been an important figure in Thai society and a significant symbol for many
centuries. It has a considerable amount of influences and impact on the Thai cultural system and the
whole nation, and the Thai elephant (Thai: , Chang Thai) is an official national symbol of
Thailand. The type of elephant that can be found in Thailand are the Indian elephant (Elephas
maximus indicus), a subspecies of the Asian elephant.
Contents
[hide]

1Habitat

2Relationship with people

3Cultural Significance
o

3.1Elephant in Thailand's official provincial seals

4Preservation and conflict

5See also

6References

Habitat[edit]
Thai elephants have slight differences from other races of Indian elephants; they are smaller, have
shorter front legs, and a thicker body than their Indian counterparts. [1] They areherbivores that
consume ripe bananas and tender leaves, bamboo, tree bark and fruits. [2] Because of their diet, their
natural habitats are located in tropical forests which are found in the northern and western part
of Thailand. Mae Hong Son, Chumpon, and the border near Burma (Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife
Sanctuary, Erawan Falls National Park, etc.), Petchabun range, Dangrek Range, and Peninsular
Thailand (Ranong, and Trang).[3]
Thailand used to contain 90% of green canopy regions; however, after the interference by the illegal
logging industry, it now contains less. This has a negative impact on the habitat of the
Thai elephants, resulting in the plummeting numbers of the animal, placing them on the endangered
species list.[4]

Relationship with people[edit]

Mohout on the back of the elephant towing the logs

In Thai society elephants have played a substantial role in manual labour, war combatants, royal
symbol, and the tourism industry. For thousands of years, elephants were captured and trained to be
a form of transportation and heavy labour. When logging in Thailand was still legal, they hauled
heavy logs through the terrains of the forest, which in turn gave many Thai people jobs. In recorded
Thai history, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai, Thais used to hunt
and trade elephants.[5]
Known for their strength and intelligence, elephants were used as war elephants since the days
of Alexander the Great.[6] They were referred to as a warm-blooded armoured-tank. Each elephant
has a distinctive personality, mostly male elephants that are aggressive yet tameable were selected
to be war elephants. They were trained with lightly pricked spear on their skin in order for them to
move forward. The training was conducted in a loud environment of shouting and drum sounds to
accustom them to the real warfare.

Elephant duel between Siam and Burma

Thai royals and elephants have established a relationship for thousands of years. The first recorded
Thai elephant was in the stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai. In this
inscription he mentioned himself being nineteen and said his elephant, Bekhpon, advanced their
attack on Khun Sam Chon to protect his father, while his fathers soldiers fled in fear. Chao Praya
Prabhongsawadee was the elephant of King Naresuan of Thailand that came out triumphant in
the elephant duel () between the King of Burma and King Naresuan during the war with the
Burmese. For a very long time, it was a law that when a white elephant was found and a tradition
that when an elephant with good build was found, it was to be presented as property to the King of
Thailand. Thais sacred and royal symbol was the white elephant (Chang Pueak or Chang Samkan).
They are not albinos but are genetically different. White elephants are not white, they are a dusky
pinkish grey. Phra Savet Adulyadej Pahon is a white elephant that belongs to Thailands King
Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Since the logging industry became illegal, elephants owners (mahouts) have to find other ways to
feed their elephants, most of them turning to the entertainment industry and tourism. [7] Most mahouts
took their elephants to Bangkok, roaming the streets with baskets of fruits for the tourists to buy and
feed the animal. Elephants now have to beg for food and perform tricks in exchange for money. This
however lowers the status of elephants from having a high cultural importance to mere commodities.

On June 17, 2010, the laws were passed for the elephant protection, making these acts illegal.
[8]
Elephants in the entertainment industry are trained to follow over forty commands; they can
kick soccer balls, participate in talent shows, and use their trunks to paint and lift objects and
sometimes people.

Cultural Significance[edit]
Historically, elephants in Thailand are considered to be very important culturally. There are many
elephants references to art works, literature and national emblems. Since Thailand is
a Buddhist country, elephants are portrayed as sacred animals from their special symbolism in the
practice of Buddhism. Many art works in Thai royal palaces and temples have drawings
of elephants on the paintings on the walls. In 1917, Thailands official flag was a white elephant in
the middle of the scarlet background. White elephants in Thai society also represent wealth and
power because of their past association with the Thai royals. The royal Thai navy flag also bears the
symbol of white elephant. Manyprovinces in Thailand used to have elephants as part of their official
emblems as well. [9]

Elephant in Thailand's official provincial seals[edit]

Provincial seal

Province
in
Thailand

Description

Current province

Bangkok

Indra rides Erawan elephant

Chiang Rai

White elephant, cloud,

and Naga border

Chiang
Mai

White elephant standing in glass

palace

Tak
province

King Naresuan poured holy

water over the elephant's neck

Mae Hong
Son

Elephant plays in the water

Nakhon
Nayok

Elephant with ear of rice in its

trunk

Suphan
Buri

Elephant duel between

King Naresuan and Mingyi
Swa of Burma at Nhongsaraisub-district in 1592

Narathiwat

A sailboat's flag bear the symbol

of the elephant (Phra sri nara
raja kirinee) wearing elephant

ornament

Former province

Lan Chang
Province

Herd of elephant standing in a

large field

Preservation and conflict[edit]

The illegal logging industry destroyed a lot of major natural habitats, and the tourism industry treated
elephants poorly. This resulted in a shocking drop in the number of elephants in Thailand. A lot of
organizations were established to better the lives of the elephants. There are many local
conservation centres in Thailand which are located mostly where the animals are found the
most. Thai Elephant Conservation Center is the only organization that is government owned which is
located in Lampang, a province in northern Thailand.[10]There are many more private organizations
contributing to preserving this endangered species as well. These organizations generate revenue
by letting people experience elephants in their natural state. They also have a schedule of elephant
shows which are not harmful or too tiring for the elephants. [11]
Thailands tourism industry took baby elephants from when they are four years old. Their cuteness
factor is exploited for tourists to enjoy and they are disposed of when they become older.[12] These
baby elephants however were taken away from their mother from a very young age. They lack the
nutrients to stay healthy and most of them died. Elephant torturing is still present in Thailand. They
are forced to work extra hours in bad living conditions and with bad medical care. [13] Ivory trading is
illegal in Thailand, however there are still many underground movements that hunt elephants for
their precious ivory.

See also[edit]

Asian elephant

Ivory trade

Khan Kluay

White elephant

War elephant

References[edit]
1.

Jump up^

Cassia fistula
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Canafistula" redirects here. This can also refer to Albizia inundata (Maloxo).
This article contains special characters.Without
proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or
other symbols.

Raintree

Golden shower tree in bloom

Conservation status
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Plantae

(unranked):

Angiosperms

(unranked):

Eudicots

(unranked):

Rosids

Order:

Fabales

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Cassia

Species:

C. fistula
Binomial name
Cassia fistula
L.

Synonyms[1]

Bactyrilobium fistula Willd.

Cassia bonplandiana DC.

Cassia excelsa Kunth

Cassia fistuloides Collad.

Cassia rhombifolia Roxb.

Cathartocarpus excelsus G.Don

Cathartocarpus fistula Pers.

Cathartocarpus
fistuloides (Collad.) G.Don

Cathartocarpus
rhombifolius G.Don

Cassia fistula, known as the golden rain tree and by other names, is a flowering plant in the
family Fabaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast
Asia. It ranges from southern Pakistan eastward throughout India toMyanmar and Thailand and
south to Sri Lanka. In ancient Tamil literature, it is called (kondrai) and is closely
associated with the Mullai (forest) region of Sangam landscape. It is the national tree of Thailand,
and its flower is Thailand's national flower. It is also the state flower of Kerala in India and of
immense importance amongst the Malayali population. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also
used in herbal medicine.
Contents
[hide]

1Description

2Cultivation

3Pollinators and seed dispersal

4Medical use

5Culture

6Vernacular names

7References

8External links

Description[edit]

Cassia fistula flower detail

Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower tree / Konnappoo) inside forest in eastern parts of Kerala state in India

The golden shower tree is a medium-sized tree, growing to 1020 m (3366 ft) tall with fast growth.
The leaves are deciduous, 1560 cm (5.923.6 in) long, and pinnate with three to eight pairs of
leaflets, each leaflet 721 cm (2.88.3 in) long and 49 cm (1.63.5 in) broad. The flowers are
produced in pendulous racemes 2040 cm (7.915.7 in) long, each flower 47 cm (1.62.8 in)
diameter with five yellow petals of equal size and shape. The fruit is a legume, 3060 cm (1224 in)
long and 1.52.5 centimetres (0.590.98 in) broad, with a pungent odor and containing
severalseeds. The tree has strong and very durable wood, and has been used to construct "Ahala
Kanuwa", a place at Adams Peak, Sri Lanka, which is made of Cassia fistula (ahala, ehela,
oraehaela, in Sinhala [2]) heartwood.

Cultivation[edit]

A flower in Chandigarh, India

Cassia fistula from Bangalore

Cassia fistula is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. It blooms in
late spring. Flowering is profuse, with trees being covered with yellow flowers, many times with
almost no leaf being seen. It will grow well in dry climates. Growth for this tree is best in full sun on
well-drained soil; it is relatively drought-tolerant and slightly salt-tolerant. It will tolerate light brief
frost, but can get damaged if the cold persists. It can be subject to mildew or leaf spot, especially
during the second half of the growing season. The tree will bloom better where there is pronounced
difference between summer and winter temperatures.[3]

Pollinators and seed dispersal[edit]

Various species of bees and butterflies are known to be pollinators of Cassia fistula flowers,
especially carpenter bees (Xylocopa sp.).[4] In 1911, Robert Scott Troup conducted an experiment to
determine how the seeds of C. fistula are dispersed. He found that golden jackalsfeed on the fruits
and help in seed dispersal.[5]

Medical use[edit]

Leaves in Hyderabad, Telangana,India

In Ayurvedic medicine, the golden shower tree is known as aragvadha, meaning "disease killer". The
fruit pulp is considered a purgative,[6][7]and self-medication or any use without medical supervision is
strongly advised against in Ayurvedic texts. Though it has been used inherbalism for millennia, little
research has been conducted in modern times.

Culture[edit]

Fruit

The golden shower tree is the state flower of Kerala in India. The flowers are of ritual importance in
the Vishu festival of Kerala, and the tree was depicted on a 20-rupees stamp. The golden rain tree is
the national flower of Thailand; its yellow flowers symbolize Thai royalty. A 20062007 flower
festival, the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, was named after the tree, which is known in Thai as
Ratchaphruek (Thai: ) and the blossoms commonly referred to as dok khuen (Thai:
). C. fistula is also featured on a 2003 joint Canadian-Thai design for a 48-cent stamp, part of a
series featuring national emblems.[3] Cassia acutifolia, the pudding-pipe tree, furnishes the cassia
pods of commerce.[8]

Vernacular names[edit]

Amalts inflorescences, Kolkata,West Bengal, India

Being so conspicuous and widely planted, this tree has a number of common names. In English, it is
known as the golden shower,[9]purging cassia,[10] Indian laburnum or golden shower cassia. It is
known in Spanish-speaking countries as caa fistula.
Names from its native range and surrounding regions include:[11]

Arabic: khir shambar ()

Assamese: xonaru ()

Bengali: sonalu (), sonal (), bandar lathi ( ), amaltas

Burmese: ngu wah (

Chinese: b l (: Taiwan), l chng sh (sausage tree, )

Gujarati: garmalo ()

Hindi: amalts (), bendra

lathi (or bandarlauri), dhanbaher (or dhanbohar), girimaloah

Indonesian: tengguli

Japanese: nanban saikachi ( , Kanji:

Javanese: trengguli ()

Khmer: reachapreuk (

- rajavriksha /
/ )

Korean: hwang-geum kasia ( )

Kannada: kakke (

Lao: khoun ()

Marathi: bahava ( )

Malayalam: kanikkonna (or kani konna

), Vishu konna (
)
alsoOphirpponnu ( ) or Karnikaram ( ) and Konnappoo (
).

Malay: kayu raja ()

Meitei (Manipuri): chahui

Nepali: rajbriksya ( ), amaltash

Odia: sunari ( )

Punjabi: amalatsa ( )

Sanskrit: aragvadha ( ), chaturangula, kritamala, suvarnaka

Sinhalese: aehaela, (or ahalla), ehela

Tamil: konrai (
)

Telugu: raela (
)

Thai: rachapruek ( ), khun ( ), dok khuen ()

Ur

Sala (architecture)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Sala Thai)

Freshly renovated sala in Wat Rajbopit, Bangkok

A sala (Thai: Thai pronunciation: [sla]; Khmer: Khmer pronunciation: [sali]), also known
as a sala Thai, is an open pavilion, used as a meeting place and to protect people from sun and
rain. Most are open on all four sides. They are found throughout Thailand inBuddhist temple areas,
or Wats, although they can also be located in other places. A person who builds a sala at a temple or
in a public place gains religious merit. A sala located in a temple is called a salawat ( ). Some
temples have large salas where laity can hear sermons or receive religious instructions. These are
called sala kan parian ( ), meaning pavilion where monks learn for the Parian
examination. The city halls or offices of the province governors are called sala wa kan ( ,
literally meaning a government pavilion) or sala klang changwat ( , literally meaning
a provincial main pavilion).

In Thailand, they have many purposes similar to the roadside pavilions of Asoka. In rural areas,
travelers can use them to rest and reflect. These salas are called sala asai. One at the roadside is
a sala rim thanon ( ) and may be used as a bus stop. If on a riverbank or canal at a
landing-place for watercraft, they are called sala tha nam ( water pier pavilions).

Etymology[edit]
Sala is most likely of Indic language origin. It can either come from Sanskrit (IAST: l),
cognate of Hindi , meaning hall, large room or shed.[1] Another view is that the word comes from
a root meaning thatch, thatched roof, lean-to or shed.[2] It forms part of the name of Makkhali Gosala,
an ascetic teacher of ancient India said to have been born in a cowshed.

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Thailand Guide
A Look at Thai Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
Welcome to our guide to Thailand. This is useful for anyone researching Thai culture, customs, manners,
etiquette, values and wanting to understand the people better. You may be going to Thailand on business,
for a visit or even hosting Thai colleagues or clients in your own country. Remember this is only a very
basic level introduction and is not meant to stereotype all Thais you may meet!

Facts and Statistics

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma
Capital: Bangkok
Climate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast
monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid
Population: 67,741,401 (2014 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)
Government: constitutional monarchy

Languages in Thailand
The Thai language is comprised of 44 consonants, 32 vowels and five tones in Thai pronunciation, along
with a script that has Indian origins. The Thai language, belonging to the Tai family, is the main language
in Thailand although there are several regional dialects as well. Other languages spoken in Thailand are
Chinese, Lao, Malay and Mon-Khmer, while English use is becoming more prevalent in government and
commerce. English is also being taught as a second language in secondary school and universities,
which enables the English speaking visitor in Thailand to have little trouble conversing.

Thai Society & Culture

The Wai

The wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol.

Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching
the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the standard form.
The wai is both a sign of respect as well as a greeting. Respect and courtesy are demonstrated

by the height at which the hands are held and how low the head comes down to meet the thumbs of both
hands.

The wai may be made while sitting, walking, or standing.

The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai.

The senior person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their
chest.

If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the junior person
will stoop or bow their head while making the wai.

If there is a great social distance between two people, the wai will not be returned.

Buddhism in Thailand

Thailand is a stronghold of Buddhism.

Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every
person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in
previous lives.

Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love
bring happiness and well-being.

The true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as 'nirvana',
an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is
completely at one with his surroundings.

Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population.

Hierarchical Society

Thais respect hierarchical relationships.

Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other.

Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates.

When Thais meet a stranger, they will immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they
know how you should be treated.

This is often done by asking what might be seen as very personal questions in other cultures.

Status can be determined by clothing and general appearance, age, job, education, family name,
and social connections.

Thai Family Values

The family is the cornerstone of Thai society.

Family life is often more closely knit than in western cultures.

The Thai family is a form of hierarchy with the parents at the top.

Children are taught to honour their parents.

Thai Demeanour

Thais place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect,
genial demeanour and self-control in order to maintain harmonious relations.

Many of their rules of etiquette are by-products of the Buddhist religion.

It is a non-confrontational society, in which public dispute or criticism is to be avoided at all costs.

To be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause
violence and tragedy.

Openly criticizing a person is a form of violence as it hurts the person and is viewed as a
conscious attempt to offend the person being rebuked

Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations and look for compromises
in difficult situations.

If two parties disagree, one will need to have an outlet to retreat without losing face.

Etiquette & Customs in Thailand

Meeting Etiquette

The wai (as mentioned above) is the traditional form of greeting, given by the person of lower
status to the person of higher status.

Thais generally use first rather than surnames, with the honorific title Khun before the name.
Khun is an all- purpose form of address that is appropriate for both men and women

In general, wait for your host and hostess to introduce you to the other guests. This allows
everyone to understand your status relative to their own, and thus know who performs the wai and how
low the head should be bowed.

Gift Giving Etiquette

If invited to a Thai's home, a gift is not expected, although it will be appreciated.

Gifts should be wrapped attractively, since appearance matters. Bows and ribbons add to the
sense of festivity.

Appropriate gifts are flowers, good quality chocolates or fruit.

Do not give marigolds or carnations, as they are associated with funerals.

Try to avoid wrapping a gift in green, black or blue as these are used at funerals and in mourning.

Gold and yellow are considered royal colours, so they make good wrapping paper.

Only use red wrapping paper if giving a gift to a Chinese Thai.

Gifts are not opened when received.

Money is the usual gift for weddings and ordination parties.

Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a Thai's house:

Arrive close to the appointed time, although being a few minutes late will not cause offence.

Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours before entering the house.

Ask another guest to confirm the dress code.

Step over the threshold rather than on it. This is an old custom that may be dying out with younger
Thais, but erring on the side of conservatism is always a good idea.

Table manners

A fork and spoon are the usual eating utensils. However, noodles are often eaten with chopsticks.

The spoon is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. The fork is used to guide food on to the
spoon. Sticky rice, a northern Thai delicacy, is often eaten with the fingers of the right hand.

Most meals are served as buffets or with serving platters in the centre of the table family- style.

You may begin eating as soon as you are served.

Leave a little food on your plate after you have eaten to show that you are full. 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.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication

Thais prefer doing business with people they respect.

Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings.

Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious
relationships necessary within business.

Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal
communication.

Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered.

It is difficult for most Thais to say no, so you must be cognizant of their non- verbal
communication.

Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these will be believed over your words.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.

It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials so that
Thais know the relative status of the people attending the meeting and can plan properly.

You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting.

Although most Thais will try to be on time, punctuality is a personal trait.

Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your
position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested.

Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and
position in the group.

Written material should be available in both English and Thai.

You must be patient.

Dress Etiquette

Business attire is conservative.

Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.

Women should wear conservative business suits or dresses. Women need not wear hosiery.

Since Thai's judge you on your clothing and accessories, ensure that your shoes are always
highly polished.

Business Cards

Business cards are given out after the initial handshake and greeting. In theory, you should give
your card to the most senior person first. . It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated
into Thai.

Using your right hand, deliver your business card so the Thai side faces the recipient.

Look at a business card for a few seconds before placing it on the table or in a business card
case. As in most Asian countries, it is polite to make some comment about the card, even if it is only to
acknowledge the address.