CULTURE
- Regarding religion, both are Buddhism dominant. However, Thailand's
Buddhism is more influenced by Hinduism and Islam, while Vietnam is
influenced by Chinese religions (Taoism and Confucianism). Thus, the
customs, architecture and costumes are vastly different. There is some
Hinduism-influenced Buddhism in Southern Vietnam tho. But most of
the time when a Vietnamese talks about Buddhism in the country, it is
Chinese-influenced.
- In terms of festivals: While both countries celebrate Lunar New Year,
the festivities are notably different. In Vietnam, Tết is the most
significant holiday, and traditions include family reunions, ancestor
veneration, and giving red envelopes to children. In Thailand, the
Songkran Festival, a traditional New Year’s Day, is particularly famous
for its water fights.
- Characteristic: Thai culture places great emphasis on respect for
authority, hierarchy and family values. Thais usually address their elders
and authority figures with honorific titles. Family is also highly valued,
and it is common for several generations to live together under one roof.
Vietnamese culture, on the other hand, places a high value on community
and hospitality. Vietnamese often show their hospitality by serving a
variety of dishes to their guests and making them feel welcome in their
home.
- Explain: This is the same to other cultural aspect as well, the general
feeling is that Vietnamese are closer to Chinese culture, the more North
you go, the closer it is. People from Northern Vietnam talk more loudly,
while people from the South is more hedonistic. And you'll see food that
are more Chinese-like in the North, and more Cambodian-like, Thai-like
in the South (more like South West, in the Mekong Delta,xSouth like
Vung Tau or HoChiMinh city is still not Thai-like).
EDUCATION
- The education system
+ In Thailand: PRE-SCHOOL ( children aged from 3 – 6 and is not
compulsory.). PRIMARY EDUCATION, begins at the age of 6, The
primary school system consists of 6 years or levels (Prathom 1-6)
SECONDARY SCHOOL: From the ages of 12-18, These 6 years are split
into lower ( from 12 to 15) and upper secondary education ( from 15 to
18) TERTIARY EDUCATION:
+ IN VIỆT NAM:
PRIMARY EDUCATION for children aged 6-11 years. This
level covers grades 1-5. SECONDARY SCHOOL General
secondary education is split up into 2 cycles: Lower
Secondary Education. Lower secondary education lasts for
4 years and covers grades 6-9. Upper Secondary
Education/High School Education. This level of education
lasts for 3 years and covers grades 10-12. TERTIARY
EDUCATION: Higher education in Vietnam is offered by the
public and private universities, junior colleges and
academic research institutes.
- In Vietnam, the education system is highly centralized, with a strong
emphasis on theory and academic achievement. On the other hand, In
Thailand, there is a greater emphasis on a well-rounded education that
goes beyond academic achievements. The curriculum in Thailand
incorporates a range of subjects, including arts, physical education, and
cultural studies, to nurture students’ creativity and personal development.
