Thailand's culture is about more than music and paintings. It arises from a complex system of mutual respect and politeness that binds the country's people together

whether in terms of age, status or wealth Thai culture evolves largely around Buddhism and respect for seniority, However, monks receive absolute deference and it is common to see healthy young monks sitting on buses while elderly passengers stand.

With seniority established, the older person may address the younger as nong, and the younger person may address the older as pii.

Seniority has different forms: younger people respect elders, the poor look up to the rich, and common citizens defer to politicians and high ranking military personnel. Seniority in years is sometimes unclear, so Thais often ask a person’s age.