Thailand has a diverse population, which has given the variety of culture and traditions. With an independent history going back more than 7 centuries, Thai have adopted many things from other cultures. It is usually a selective adoption on the basis that only those things that are in harmony with the Thai way of live are borrowed. Those borrowed notions, practices or objects are always adapted, modified and improved so much that they are hardly recognized as those original ones.
Long before Thai history, there were several ethnic groups in the region. For example Indian (a variety of different ethnic Indians), Khmer, Chinese, Mon and Ceylonese. So, It's not surprising that Thais have ben influenced by those groups. Especially Indian, in terms of cuisine Thais have developed this kind of art to suit their taste.
Talking of the Thai cuisine, some Thai dishes still use the same herbs or spices as Indian ones, especially some of the curry powder which is easily found in Thai cuisine. However, in Thailand we have a rich and fertile land for plants and so Thai people tend to use all fresh herbs and ingredients instead of dry spices, and this is one form of adaptation and modification by Thais. As a result, Thais have come up with thier own unique cuisine i.e. green and red curry.
However, there is also a Chinese influence in Thai cuisine. Soy sauce, Tofu (bean curd) and several types of noodle have been introduced to Thailand from Chinese who migrated here ages ago. Pad-Thai (Fried noodle) is a good example.
Next time, I'll write about "Life style of Thais connected with Thai cuisine"
