The Culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Other influences have included Brahmanism, conflict and trade with Southeast Asian neighbors such as Laos and Myanmar, and repeated influxes of Chinese immigrants.

Culture of Thailand - Arts
Thai visual art was traditionally primarily Buddhist. Thai Buddha images from different periods have several distinctive styles. Contemporary Thai art often combines traditional Thai elements with modern techniques.

Literature in Thailand is heavily influenced by Indian culture. The most notable works of Thai literature are a version of the Ramayana called the Ramakien, written in part by Kings Rama I and Rama II, and the poetry of Sunthorn Phu.

There is no tradition of spoken drama in Thailand, the role instead being filled by Thai dance. This is divided into three categories- khon, lakhon and likay- khon being the most elaborate and likay the most populist. Nang drama, a form of shadow play, is found in the south. The music of Thailand includes classical and folk music traditions as well as string or pop music.

Thailand is primarily a Theravada Buddhist country, with minorities of Muslims, Christians, Mahayana Buddhists, and other religions. Thai Theravada Buddhism is divided into two main orders, the Thammayut Nikaya and the Maha Nikaya. All Thai Buddhists are under the legal authority of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, currently Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera. A recent reformist group, Santi Asoke, is legally forbidden to describe itself as Buddhist.