HISTORICALLY SPEAKING THAILAND PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Locate Thailand on a map. What continent is it on? What is the capital city of Thailand?

2. Central Thai is the official language and is used in magazines, schools and newspapers. Learn to write a word or say hello in this language.

3. Temples in Thailand are called wats. Wat Rarun is one of the largest temples in Bangkok. Choose one of Thailand's landmarks, parks, or common sights to learn more about. Some examples include: Chiang Mai Zoo, Grand palace, Khao yai National Park, KO Samui, National Museum OR color a picture, create a diorama or model of one of the buildings located in Thailand.

4. In Thailand, kites are not just for children. One of the popular events is the International Kite Flying Festival. Research a festival celebrated in Thailand. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of one of these events OR learn why they celebrated the holiday. For extra fun, you can create a drawing, or art project, or food representing the festival. Some examples of celebrations are the Songkran, Loi Krathong, Kings's Day, New Year's Day, and the Food and Fruits Fair.

5. Thai food has a tendency to be spicy with a blend of sweet and sour tastes. Seafood is readily available in Thailand and can be found at local markets and floating markets. Find out other foods they make or enjoy. Try some Thailand food or research more about the ingredients in the foods prepared there. For extra, find out what a floating market is. Some examples are: Mango sticky rice, corn fritter, satay, spring rolls, coconut custard, bananas in syrup and Thai fried noodles.

6. Daily clothing is created from cotton and silk is used for special occasions. Women's traditional clothing is called a prasin. It is a sarong skirt paired with a short jacket or sash. Draw a picture of the clothing, view clothing, try on clothing or create an accessory or piece of clothing resembling the Thailand clothing. Examples of clothing are located in the manual.

7. When a child is born in Thailand, the family purchases the child a fish or bird according to their age, plus one for good luck. They are sprinkled with blessed water and released out into nature. Research your Thailand animal sign according to your birth date. Does the meaning reflect your personality?

8. Thailand has many traditional toys and games. One of the popular sports practiced in Thailand is kite fighting, tennis, takraw, [gymnastics] and Muay Thai, [kickboxing]. Some other games or sports are black frog red frog, Gao gae, Old maid, and slap card. Learn about other pastimes or toys in Thailand OR Play a game they might play in Thailand.

9. The Ramayana, is a popular tale that is performed by dancers. The Thailand khon dance is performed with masks and elaborate costumes; Nang, shadow plays, cutout shapes moved in front a light to create shadows; Hun, a puppet theater; fingernail dance, butterfly dance, and the scarf dance. Complete one of the following: Create your own song, sing a traditional song, make masks, puppets, or perform a play using shadow puppets, read a traditional story or myth from the Thailand culture.

10. The elephant is an important part of Thailand's culture. Long ago, elephants in Thailand were used in battles and to transport items. Today, they are used for entertainment. There are a variety of animals and plants in Thailand due to the diverse landscapes. Choose three animals that reside in Thailand to learn more about. Examples are: tigers. leopards, rhino, Himalayan black bears, gibbons, Siamese cat, Asian elephant, parrots, storks, hawks, Asian tapir, and water buffalo.

11. The music is a blend of the different cultures that reside in Thailand. Try to sing a Thailand song, dance or listen to music, or learn more about a musical instrument played in Thailand. Examples include: jakhae (guitar), khwang (gong), khaen, (bamboo pipes), and glawng (drums).

12. The most known handicraft is silk making and lacquerware. Creating handmade crafts are an important part of the Thailand culture. Choose one handicraft to learn more about or create a craft of your own representing Thailand. Common handicrafts: Embroidery, jewelry making, basketry, sculpture, painting, silver and metal work, pottery, wood carving, and hand painted umbrellas.

13. Wade into the turquoise sea or walk on the sandy beaches. Thailand has several islands off the shores. Among the landscapes to explore are the mountains, beaches, rice fields, plains, and rain forests. Pretend you are exploring the different areas in Thailand. What would you pack for your visit? Choose an area and talk about activities you could enjoy there, OR create a diorama, OR draw a picture, OR create a craft.

14. The people of the hills live in villages and farm on their land. Their traditional clothing ranges from batik cloth, woven cloth, and elaborate embroidery patterns depicted on the clothing. The Karen tribe is known for the long neck women where they wear several brass rings around their neck. In addition, each group has a unique head dress and hats. Learn more about a culture or clothing from a cultural group or area in Thailand. Examples include: Meo, Yao, Mien, Lahu, Musur, Lisu, and Lawa.