Thailand is the 'Land of Smiles' — hospitality and respect are foundational values. The wai greeting (palms pressed together with a bow) is universal. Religion: 95% of Thais practice Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism shapes daily life — monks in saffron robes collect alms each morning, every Thai man is expected to ordain temporarily, and wats (temples) are the heart of every community. There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand. Festivals: Songkran (Thai New Year, April 13-15 — water fights nationwide), Loy Krathong (November full moon — releasing lotus-shaped floats on water), Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival), Phi Ta Khon (Dan Sai ghost festival), Vegetarian Festival (Phuket, October). Arts: classical Thai dance (khon), shadow puppetry (nang yai), Muay Thai (national sport), traditional silk weaving (Jim Thompson), wood carving, lacquerware. The Thai film industry has grown internationally (Apichatpong Weerasethakul won Cannes Palme d'Or 2010). Music: luk thung country, mor lam Isan folk, modern T-pop. Royalty: the Thai monarchy is deeply revered — lèse-majesté laws are strict. The royal family's image appears in homes, offices and public spaces.