Family Matters in Thailand
In Thai culture, family is paramount and almost always takes precedence in people’s lives. Compared to Western countries, there is a strong emphasis on extended family connections in Thailand. It is quite common for extended family members to reside near one another, as many Thais maintain a deep bond with their ancestral villages.
Interestingly, the Thai language lacks a specific term for “cousin,” leading people to refer to their cousins as “brothers” or “sisters” instead. This reflects the close and affectionate relationships shared among family members. In many cases, children are raised by extended family members, such as grandparents or other relatives, if their parents are required to work in distant locations. This underscores the tight-knit and supportive nature of Thai families, where members often come together to provide care and support for one another.
