Caleb FrischknechtANTH 1010

Wed. 5:30

Final Presentation: Thailand

The lifestyle and choices in the Thai culture are traditionally based on Buddhist

beliefs. Tham dii, day dii “Live good and you will receive good”, is a term used

frequently in the Thai culture. Children are taught this and many other things when they

are barely old enough to walk. The Thai culture is transmitted from one generation to the

next with the expectation that it will be carried on for many generations to come.

However, many external and internal influences are causing the younger generation to

change and disregard the older traditions practiced by their elders. English is being taught

as the second language as more and more they adopt westernized practices and beliefs.

My informant, and good friend Damrongsak came to America to go to school and receive

a formal education, specifically in English. He recently graduated and is teaching an

English class at the Utah Valley University. Even though he has grasped the American

culture, he still holds on to his native roots, the norms and values that have been

engrained into his very being since early childhood.

Although Damrongsak no longer believes in the Buddhist religion, the majority of

his friends, family and people still do. It is not just a religion to the Thai people but more

of a way of life. Monks are highly respected by the people for the great sacrifice they

make and for devoting everything in their life to Buddhism. When a man or woman

chooses to become a monk, they have to give up all worldly wants and desires. They

shave their head and eyebrows, dress in the traditional Buddhist robes, and no longer

wear sandals or shoes in order to show true sacrifice. They go to bed and get up in the

morning at the same time everyday. They no longer choose when or what they will eat

but have to follow the strict code in order to show their devotion. It is not easy to be a

monk, but it is a position that is well respected by all the people. Many statues and relics

are created not only in Buddha’s image, but in the image of these monks as well. They

are found in homes, and on necklaces. Their teachings are portrayed through tattoos and

symbols painted on shops and houses. Incense is burned and prayers are said on a daily

basis to these images. The people have grown up learning these things and have passed

on the traditions and beliefs to their children.

Children born in the subculture are less likely to act on these traditions, due to the

fact that they are surrounded by people who speak English, and friends who are white

American. There are not as many Thai people in America and so it is harder for the newer

generations to grasp their true nationality. The good part about it is that they are adaptive

and can fit in with changes happening all around them. Unlike some cultures, the younger

Thai generation welcomes change and desire to be progressing instead of staying in their

old ways. The bad part is that more and more the beauty of the Thai culture is changing

and digressing as they try to adapt to more modern times.

One of the biggest influences that we see here in America is the Thai restaurants

that are growing in popularity. When Thai children are growing up they are forced to go

to school and receive an education. However, when they get older and become college

age, most parents cannot afford to pay for higher education which results in the younger

generation looking for entry-level jobs. Generally speaking, most Thai people live with

their families until they are in their mid twenties before they move out of the house,

sometimes longer than that. With the parents providing for the children they do not learn

to work until they are older and it is necessary that they get a job. Cooking and owning a

restaurant is one of the main forms of employment in Thailand, and therefore is one thing

that the subculture expounds upon here in America. America is the melting pot of many

cultures and religions of the world, and so foreign products and foods are welcomed by

many, providing more opportunity for the Thai subculture to open and maintain a

restaurant. This is great for those of us who love to eat Thai food, but unfortunately for

the Thai people it means a long life of cooking for years to come with little chance of a

retirement. Fortunately for my friend Damrongsak, his parents could afford to send him

to college here in Utah. He has adapted to the American culture and has altered his

traditional Thai lifestyle.

Here in Salt Lake, the small population of Thai people have easily adapted to the

American culture, changing work habits, languages, and even religion. Inside the home

some traditions remain intact but for the most part they change to progress.