a traditional Thai house built of timber and on stilts.

Many Thai people people live in large cities such as the capital, Bangkok. In the cities the houses and apartments are made of wood, bricks, cement and tiles.

There are government apartment buildings for the people who cannot afford their own housing. These are usually two or three-roomed flats with a small kitchen and bathroom.

However, most Thai people live in rural areas. They farm the land and live in villages along the rivers.

In some fishing villages, bamboo and wooden houses are built on stilts over the water.
photo © [2007] Jupiterimages Corporation

 Many people live in traditional two-roomed farmhouses, with walls made of straw, palm leaves or wood. The floors are made of clay, and the roofs are made of tiles, woven palm leaves or straw. In the mountain villages, traditional houses are made of wood and raised on stilts to protect the people from rain and wild animals. Few villages have electricity.

 Families work together to plant and harvest their crops, and to raise their animals.They grow rice, maize, fruit such as bananas, and vegetables such as corn. They keep chickens, pigs and ducks. Village people share tools and equipment.

 Any extra food produced is sold at a local market, where clothing, cooking oil and utensils can be bought. Handicrafts are also made and sold at the markets.

Some of the village men work as builders and carpenters, and others travel to factories nearby or work on plantations which grow rubber, tea or coffee.

The village people share religious and cultural celebrations, gathering together for weddings and festivals at the local temple.

 There are few cars in the villages, so most people travel by bicycle. Public transport buses link most of the villages to each other and to the towns and cities.The buses are crowded and slow

Many people have moved from their villages and farms to the cities to find work. Work is to be found in offices, shops, on the public transport systems and in tourist-related positions, such as tour guides, drivers and hotel employees. Many people also work in factories or as street traders and on building sites as construction workers.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
Thomas, R. & Sydenham, S. Thailand [Online] www.kidcyber.com.au (2008)

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updated November 2008 © kidcyber