Prologue |21
Ways of Life
Thai People of Four Regions
Thai people’s ways of life are similar and different dependent on each of their regions. Several
factors including environment, ethnicity, beliefs, religion and tradition in that region are mixed and lead
to their ways of life and identity that significantly indicate value and the pattern of their lifestyles.
Northern Region of Thailand formerly known as Lanna Kingdom has unique livelihoods in terms
of spoken language, written scripts, culture and tradition. With its temperature cooler than other regions,
the Northern people’s ways of life are soft and neat, obviously seen from their soft sweet dialects and
delicate traditions and indigenous performances like the festive events of Poi Luang, Yi Peng, Floating
Lanterns, Nail-covered Dance, Ngiao Dance, Klong Sabud Chai ( Lanna Encouraging Drum). The Northern
people also have strong faith in Buddhism, and a primitive belief in spirits as evident in the prolonging
ceremony.