[Boripiomi]

It is very common to see performances of traditional
music and dancing in Thailand, and there are many
traditional festivals that are still popular, such as Loy
Kratong.But what do these things mean to people
these days? Do they help us to understand Thai
lifestyle, or has Thai lifestyle changed so much that
people don't care about traditional culture anymore?
And is it important to remember the traditional culture?
Why, or why not?

[boltondd]

Traditional culture gives people an identity. Without that identity, one becomes just another cipher, all to common these days!

[DownloadMan]

Most are important, without them they would have to make up excuses to get drunk for a few days

[Caursedus]

The old traditions are an excuse for a party. The purpose for the party seems to be a distant memory as Thai's are modernizing into a more western style culture.
I would say it is similar to Christmas in the west, Christmas many years ago was sole a Christian religious ceremony, now it is more a time of celebration for any religious or non religious person who wants to enjoy the atmosphere of a celebration, with the significance of events happening 2000 years ago much diminished, for the people celebrating.

[RokeIdeadioke]

All the Thais I know are all very proud of their culture, and, even here in the U.K., are always very ready and willing to enjoy some of it!
May it never expire.

[N95FzmMw]

I think that we have to admit, though, that Thailand has struggled in recent years to find a place for Thai traditions to some regard. Carabao's "Made in Thailand" video comes to mind as well as the push by the HRH The Queen to redevelop Thai handicrafts.

[N95FzmMw]

Good question. I have no idea as I'm from a country without monarchs. I just figured as many nice titles as possible would be safest.

[boltondd]

Good question. I have no idea as I'm from a country without monarchs. I just figured as many nice titles as possible would be safest.

For most monarchies HRH is used for both, Her Royal Highness and His Royal Highness. Both honorifics, as are, Her Majesty and His Majesty. Then you have honorifics such as Her Serene Highness (Majesty) and His Serene Highness, Imperial Majesty etc.

Haven't found anywhere where HRH is reserved only for the Queen in Thailand.

Mind you, the wife is not aware of any use of titles in Thailand. The King is "the King" and the Queen "the Queen". Which is pretty much how I would address QEII. In normal conversation I would refer to her as Queen Elizabeth, not HRH QE and her son would be Charlie.

[cemDrymnVem]

Traditional culture has developed over time to help people adjust to their environment and to live together harmoniously. It would be unwise to quickly abandon traditional practices without some deep thought into how they shape and affect society. It is true, some practices will have become largely irrellevant, but even they may be a great reminder of who people are and what has happened in the past, or a way of binding people.
I believe Thai culture is extremely rich - I hope most people see it as important in the present and future, as it may help society deal with modern life and continuw to live together peacefully.

[JackTimQSR]

I think that we have to admit, though, that Thailand has struggled in recent years to find a place for Thai traditions to some regard. Carabao's "Made in Thailand" video comes to mind as well as the push by the HRH The Queen to redevelop Thai handicrafts.

question: is that honorific (HRH) always used for the Queen, or does HM work as well?

[gechaheritt]

It seems a great deal of live shows are either traditional dance mixed with historical and cultural scenes or ladyboy shows. Of course these are geared toward tourists, but other than these or just live music, I have difficulty finding other live shows. Do native Thai people enjoy these types of shows?