Who protects our country?

Once Thai males reach their twentieth birthday, they are called to attend a military camp together with other people their age and draw lots to see if they are have to become a soldier or not. The boys pick out either red or black cards. A Red card means they need to join the military and a black cards means that they do not. Boys can also choose to volunteer without drawing lots. If you are chosen, you have to do military service for two years. Those who are chosen will be divided into either the army, the navy or the air force immediately after the draw.

Characteristic of Thai culture

· Thailand is an agricultural culture. Most of the rural Thai population are farmers.

· Thai culture is separated into a class system determined by economic status and social status.

· Thai society holds fast to its traditions and customs.

· Thai society is quite strict about some rules but conventions that are important in other cultures are not adhered to strictly in Thailand. For example, you will notice that Thai people are almost always late.

· Buddhism has a big influence on our behaviour and our way of life.

· We are a developing nation and many things are continually changing as there is a greater influence from the Western world.