Thai art and culture has been heavily influenced by Buddhist and Hindu traditions brought from India and other neighboring countries a few thousand years ago. Over the years, however, Thai artists and artisans adapted these traditional ideas and art forms, and by the mid-thirteenth century, a unique Thai style had emerged.

Two main forces have driven development of the arts in Thailand. The Buddhist religion has provided the principal in orations and theme for the artists, and the kings have provided the patronage for the arts, providing funds for the erection of temples and other religious buildings as acts of merit or in memory of a special event such as a victory in war.

Artists have been guided by the style or aesthetic particular to their period, and have completed their works as acts of merit, not for individual recognition.

Please consider how you can contribute to this important work.