[NumsAmenniams]

Good topic starter!

Here is my opinion.

If you are really talking about Thai/Thai then there is hardly any places in Thailand which can truly be called Real Thailand. I personally disagree that Isarn is the Real Thai/Thailand because there is too much of a Laotian influence. This region has also been influenced heavily by Cambodia; Korat, Surin, Sisaket, Surin etc.... Nong Khai etc... = Vietnam. Even Ubol has a strong French/Laotian influence. Udon and Korat these days still have an American feel to the place.

So, thats Isarn out the window!

Next, we have the south of Thailand. This is perhaps the least Thai/Thai region of Thailand. Islam doesnt conotate as real Thai.

Thats the south out the window!

Howabout the north!?? No way, the region is Lanna in origin which is derived more from Burma than Thai. Then even have their own form of written language which is completely different to Thai. As for the hill-tribes, they originate from as far as Tibet.

Thats the north out the widow!

Howabout Bangkok? Must be joking, the population of the capital is now estimated to be more than 75% Thai-Chinese.

Thats the capital out the window.

Howabout the central region. Now you are getting serious. The major towns - NO. They have far too much Chinese influence. Pathumthani? No, their folks are of Mon/Burmese origin. Kanchanaburi? No, again Burmese.

Howabout Ayuthaya? Now we are getting closer! Closest, yet - though tainted a little by the high Muslim population.

The closest to the real Thailand is central Thailand. Even my province of Suphanburi has to be right up there (not the town though). Others? Nonthaburi, Lopburi, Singburi, etc..... But still these provinces still have huge Thai-Chinese popluation even in the rural areas.

I once had this conversation with my Thai friends. At the end of the day, we decided that Phetchaburi was the most Thai Thai province in Thailand.

Perhaps another thread ought to opened soon. What is Real Thai Thai?