Today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms will be presented in Thai, with subtitles in Arabic, Aulacese (Vietnamese), Chinese, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai

Welcome, harmonious viewers, to A Journey through Aesthetic Realms on Supreme Master Television. Today, we will visit the glorious Kingdom of Thailand, which is home to 64 million friendly citizens. The Thai people’s welcoming nature is well-reflected in the country’s charming nickname, “Land of Smiles.”

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand shares its borders with Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Stretching 1,600 kilometers north to south, this tropical nation is blessed with majestic mountains and forests in the north, lush plateaus to the northeast, the fertile Chao Phraya river valley at the center, and picturesque beaches to the south. The first Siamese or Thai state was formed in the 13th century.

By 1350, King U-Thong founded the capital city of Ayutthaya which became a booming international trade center for over 400 years. Nicknamed “Kao Muang,” or the City of Island, Ayutthaya was the meeting points of four rivers, and thus surrounded by waterways that carried caravan ships from China, Japan, India, Persia, Arab lands, as well as European nations. Wise rulers over time instituted a constructive system to encourage cultural and trade activities.

At the peak of its reign, the kingdom established ambassador exchanges and relationships with faraway nations such as France, Holland, Germany and Portugal. The famous ceremonial dance of golden and silver flowers performed today is a vivid depiction of the country’s abundance during this period. For centuries, the compassionate kings of Thailand have ruled according to the dharmic virtues of Buddhism.

Since the 13th century, a bell had been placed in front of the royal palace so that every citizen may strike it to express their opinions to the king. After Bangkok became the capital, a drum of justice was placed for the subjects to voice their petition several times a month. In 1932, a peaceful transition led the country into an era of constitutional monarchy when King Prajadhipok signed the historical legislation.

Since then, the monarch continues to be entrusted to manage state affairs for the benefit of the people. The monarchic kingdom is currently led by the beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who has been serving the country since 1946. As head of a population of 95% Theravada Buddhists and close to 5% Muslims, as well as a minority of Christians and Hindus, the highly respected king strongly upholds religious freedom and harmony. As a traditional Buddhist kingdom, a significant aspect of the Thai heritage has been crafted into its monastic as well as imperial architectures.

Wat Thais, or the Buddhist temples of Thailand adopt a customary structure consisting of two sections. The richly decorated Phutthawat area is dedicated to the Buddha; while the Sanghawat, which is the living quarters for monks, are comprised of small compartments designed for spiritual practice. The imperial architectures embody an extensive collection of Thai arts and craftsmanship. Since the Ayutthaya period, architects, artists and poets have been commissioned by the kings of each dynasty. To provide systematic training and preserve the intangible traditions, the Organization of the Ten Crafts was established.

By the time of King Rama V, the list of specialties expanded to 13 professions including drawing, paper-making, engraving, figure-making, modeling, plastering, lacquering, metal beating, turning, molding, wood-carving, sculpting, and carpentry. Depicting the ancient traditions and pride of the Thai people, the country’s flag was designed by the respected King Rama VI. This national symbol comprises of horizontal red and white stripes at the top and bottom with a wider blue band in the center.

The regal blue stripe represents the monarchy, while white is the color for Buddhism, and red indicates the vibrancy of the nation. Royal flags of yellow and blue, representing the King and the Queen respectively, with a symbol of choice in the middle, are often displayed concurrently with the national flag. With its golden flowers, the Ratchaphruek or Golden Shower Tree, is chosen as the national flower of Thailand. From February to May each year, the yellow blooms, which symbolize royalty, brighten the land with brilliant color.

Another symbol of Thailand is the regal Asian elephant. It plays an important role in folk culture, and these intelligent pachyderms are protected as royal animals. A nation of peace-loving citizens, Thailand has enjoyed stable economic growth over the past three decades. A member country of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand has signed free trade agreements with China, Australia, India and the United States. Putting great emphasis on agriculture, Thailand uses about half of her 27% of arable land for rice production, and exports 6.5 million tons of the nourishing grains annually, making it the world’s largest rice exporter.

Tourism also makes up a significant part of the economy, with lively cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. One of the popular attractions in Bangkok is the floating market. The century-old tradition of trading fruits and vegetables over small boats in canals is a truly unforgettable and fun experience. For adventure lovers, Chiang Mai in the north is a great destination featuring bamboo rafting, and tribal festivities and more.

Phuket in southern Thailand has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and mangrove habitats. Here, visitors can take an awe-inspiring canoe tour to fairytale-like coastal lime caves and admire nature’s miraculous formations. In addition, famous temples throughout the country are visited annually by devoted pilgrims. A Journey through Aesthetic Realms will continue our feature on Thailand after these informative messages. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television.

Welcome back to A Journey through Aesthetic Realms on Supreme Master Television for today’s visit to the beautiful Kingdom of Thailand. Thailand’s rich cultural heritage is well-preserved and promoted throughout the country. The royal court has always been an ardent sponsor of literature, music and dance. King Rama I and King Rama II contributed to the writing of the renowned “Ramakien,” the Thai version of a Hindu epic.

King Rama VII and the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej are composers of jazz music. Traditional music styles, including “piphat,” “khruang sai” and “mahori,” as well as “luk thung,” meaning country music, and “mor lam” meaning folk music, are also widely appreciated by the Thai citizens.

The beautiful art of Thai dance is renowned around the world. With elaborate costumes and graceful movements, dancers enthrall viewers with their traditional performances. The two major forms of Thai classical dance drama, “khon” and “lakon nai” have been mostly comprised of court dances until the emergence of “likay,” a version derived for commoners. Another popular form of folk dance is “fawn,” which originated in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. In addition, many other distinct styles of folk dances are practiced as regional favorites.

Aside from the arts, Thai people also maintain their cultural tradition of respect for elders and warm hospitality towards guests. Thailand is known as one of the friendliest places in the world due to the cordial reception given to visitors and smiling faces. The most common greeting between Thais is the “wai,” which is a slight bow with the hands joined together, and it is first offered by the younger of the two people meeting.

Endowed with abundant natural resources, Thai people show their gratitude for such divine blessings through large traditional festivals. From April 13th to 15th each year of the solar calendar, the Thai New Year or the Songkran Festival is observed. During these three days, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, do charitable works, and splash water at each other for good luck, fun, and with the hopes for plentiful rain in the coming year. During the hot month of April, small streams dry up, threatening the lives of aquatic inhabitants.

Compassionate Thais try to rescue the fish and release them into large rivers or canals. Songkran is also an occasion when Thai people pay special respect to their parents and elders, who are models of wisdom. They help bathe them, pour scented water into their palms and ask for their blessings. For this reason, the 13th and 14th of April are declared National Senior Citizens Day and Family Day, respectively. Loy Krathong is the most romantic festival in Thailand that is steeped in the country’s history for over 700 years.

On the 12th full moon of the lunar calendar, people float lanterns, candles, incense, floral crafts, and sculptures in beautifully adorned miniature vessels on rivers, lakes and other water surfaces, as a symbolic gesture to cleanse up negative influences and welcome new beginnings in life. On this occasion, people pay homage to Lord Buddha, the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and express their thanks to the goddess of water. It is also a time to remember their ancestors and far away relatives. During Loy Krathong, the atmosphere is filled with happiness and peace. Fireworks are lit and sweet melodies are sung. It is a truly a magnificent sight to see thousands of twinkling lights bobbing over stretches of water under the luminous full moon.

In everyday life as well as on special occasions, the gentle people of Thailand manifest their ancient beliefs through their humble demeanor and happy living. As part of her world lecture tour in 1993, Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to Thailand to impart her words of wisdom. She lovingly expressed her sincere wishes to the kind-hearted Thai people.

I feel so touched by the spirit of brotherhood and nobility of the people of Thailand. When you come to Thailand, you cannot help but also feel yourself very noble, very graceful.

Thai people are so beautiful and open.

I said to the Buddhas of the ten directions, “Please bless your country, bless the people of Thailand because they are so noble, they are so pure, and so sincere.” And this prayer came from my very heart. I wish your country more prosperity, more noble and more enlightened.

With caring citizens and wise sovereigns, the glorious Kingdom of Thailand continues to enjoy its long history of prosperity and harmony.

Thank you for being with us today for A Journey through Aesthetic Realms on Supreme Master Television. Up next is Vegetarianism: The Noble Way of Living, after Noteworthy News. May truth, virtue and beauty be ever present in your life.