Thai Student Association of The Pennsylvania State University proudly presents our annual cultural event, Thai Night 2006. This year, we are presenting our rich and unique culture under the theme, Chao Phraya – The River of Life.

Since ancient time Thai people have settled down in areas along the banks of rivers. The significance of these waterways is great as they have provided the livelihood of the people, have been a ready source of communication in ancient times, and have led to the birth of civilization. It also played and is still playing a major role in how Thai people make their living, based on the use of river-plying vessels.  One of the most important river basins in Thai history are those of the Chao Phraya River.

Running from north to south for 225 miles from the central plains to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand, Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand. Its low alluvial river plain marks the mainland of the country.

Beginning with the Ayutthaya Period, Phra Chao U-thong chose to settle in an area surrounded by no less than three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi. The land gradually evolved into one of the world's great metropolises. As the Chao Phraya was the main route to the sea, trade and commerce with abroad was greatly facilitated. The kingdom was ruled by strong and wise monarchs and Ayutthaya became prosperous and well-known as a nation with close bond to both the river, which gave it immense fertility, and to the sea which provided it with a huge advantage in trading with the international community.

Bangkok had been a community since the time of Ayutthaya acting as a front-line point to receive foreign ships while their masters awaited for permission from the capital to proceed up-river. Here King Tak Sin founded his Thonburi Kingdom. The present Thai capital city, Krung Rattanakosin, is located on the left bank of the Chao Phraya, the great River of Kingdom.

Because of the close tie to water through the ages, belief and faith, traditions and rituals of the Thais are inevitably linked to rivers and streams virtually from birth to death. The criss-crossing canals of Bangkok gave the city the distinction of being the Venice of the East. It has also been known as City of Water.

Thai cuisine is deeply rooted in home-grown ingredients, vegetables and swimming creatures easily caught from the rivers. Farming and waterways form a major factor in nourishing and nurturing the people.

Folk-plays and traditional rites still existing today clearly reflect the indispensable bond between the Thais and the fields, rivers and streams and the national religion, Buddhism. Virtually every month of the year sees the holding of traditional activities of the villagers and farmers which demonstrate these relationships, events such as Songkran, Chak Phra, boat races, the stunning illuminated boats procession at the end of the Buddhist Rain Retreats. There are also boat-song and Sakawa verse presentations and, of course, the delightful Loi Krathong.

The traditions have helps to foster a close, caring and helpful society friendly to nature and the environment. The life of the Thais is underscored by their devotion to religion friendly to nature and the environment which has guided them in the preservation of all the rich cultural heritage of today.

For overview of Thai Night 2006 performaces.
For information about Thai food served in Thai Night 2006.

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