Most of Thailand's 64 million people live in the countryside or in rural villages where they earn a living in agriculture, predominantly rice farming. But because of its growing wealth and opportunities, rural youth populations are -- like everywhere -- migrating to the city. Most estimates put Bangkok's population well past the 10 million mark as a result of this rural influx. The population in the capital is divided between wealthy Thais, often of Chinese ancestry, who are educated and hold formidable positions, and mostly uneducated workers who came from the rural hinterland (termed "upcountry" by Thais). These migrants speak Thai dialects and many inhabit the city's numerous slums. Hierarchy, or class, is an important distinction to Thais, who, like many of the region's nations, inherited a loose version of India's caste system. When a Thai meets someone, he or she can instantly size that person up, and depending on that individual's social status, will treat the person accordingly. Interestingly, as a foreigner, you are automatically awarded a position of stature, regardless of your social standing back home, just as long you don't flout Thai etiquette.
So, who exactly are the Thai people? It's hard to say. There really are no historically "ethnic" Thais. Today's Thais (about 75% of the population) emerged from waves of various immigrants going back around 10 centuries. "A Look at the Past," below, explains these waves in greater detail, but by and large the main bloodline is infused with indigenous people from the Bronze Age, southern Chinese tribes, Mons from Myanmar (Burma), Khmers from Cambodia, Malays, Arabs, and Europeans, plus more recent immigrants from China, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Central Thailand is a true melting pot; however, southern Thais have a closer ancestral affinity with Malays, while Thais in the north are more closely related to the Chinese hill-tribes and Burmese. In the northeast province of Isan, Laotian influence prevails. The remaining 25% are divided between Chinese (14%) and Indians, Malays, Karens, Khmer, and Mons (11%).
The Thai people are generally warm and welcoming. Locals delight in any foreigner who takes an interest in their heritage, learns a little bit of the language, eats Thai food, and follows Thai customs. Above all, the Thai people have an incredible sense of humor -- a light-hearted spirit and a hearty chuckle go a long way toward making friends.
