Entertainment
Though foreign forms of entertainment have infiltrated into modern Thailand, traditional Thai entertainments are still an integral part of the Thai lifestyle. From happy villagers singing bantering songs, a colorful temple fair, watching a game of takraw, to elegant, classical Thai dancing, traditional entertainments are the core of Thai social events, as witnessed at various festivities throughout the nation. Thai people embrace the notion of celebrating seriously. Indeed, Thais are known for their love of sanuk ('fun') and indulge in this passion with high-spirited enthusiasm and fervor.

Traditional Theater and Dance
Khon performances are considered the most elegant form of classical, traditional Thai dance. The royalized, all-male, masked dance is based on the Ramakien epic, as depicted by the murals in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Since the complete performance lasts many days, selected scenes can be viewed at the National Theater and the Royal Chalermkrung Theater in Bangkok and at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center up north.

The costumes and routines of traditional Thai dances come in many forms, depending upon the region the dance originated from. Most major cities offer khantoke dinner and the traditional Thai dance shows for tourists. The Lanna style khantoke dinners originated in Chiang Mai, where a single setting of small sampling of various Thai dishes are placed on a round tray.

Lakhons dances are solely performed a group of females in elaborate costumes, but are less formal than the Khon. These are usually seen at temples or sacred shrines, such as the Erawan Shrine, where devotees make merit by hiring the dancers to perform.

Commonly featured at temple fairs and on TVs, the most popular dance-drama is likay, where performers sing and act out local folklore tales in a comical, satirical way.

Though widespread in Malaysia and Indonesia, nang talung (shadow puppet) shows can only be seen in the South, particularly in Phattalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Modern Concerts, Exhibitions, and Performance Theaters
Practically all of Thailand's major, state-of-the-art concert and exhibition venues are located in Bangkok, with the exception of Kad Suan Kaew in Chiang Mai. Thailand Cultural Center has the country's best performance facilities and often attract international performance groups.

Exhibitions are displayed at a variety of venues throughout the country, from department stores to galleries/restaurants. Most first rated exhibitions are shown at the German Goethe-Institut and the French Alliance Francaise in Bangkok.

The 2 most well known venues for staging plays are the Bangkok Playhouse and the Patravadi Theater in Bangkok.

Movie Theaters
A plethora of international standard multiplexes are scattered throughout Bangkok, with some chains branching out into major cities upcountry. Theaters in major cities show films in both Thai and original soundtrack, be it English, Chinese or Japanese. Hollywood blockbusters have dominated the Thai market since the 1990s. Nowadays, movie theaters are equipped with state-of-the-art sound equipment and plush seating. Some theaters in Bangkok even have VIP theaters that offer large, comfortable seats and in-theater, personalized snack and drink services.

Mobile units still offer open-air screenings in many upcountry villages.

Nightlife Entertainment
The Thai music industry is comprised of international pop and rock music (mainly Western and Japanese), Thai pop, and the ever popular folk music. International rock stars regularly perform concerts for their Thai fans at Bangkok venues. Past performers include Westlife, Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, and Oasis.

Pubs, bars, and dance clubs (commonly called 'teque', short for discotheque) are integral factor of the Thai nightlife. Because Bangkok is teeming with these establishments, the trendy spots change quite often, depending on the whim of the night crowd. Rarely do new venues last for more than 6 months. Tapas (formerly Taurus) reigns as a popular venue with the longest history. The nightlife spots in Bangkok are concentrated in 3 particular areas: RCA, Patpong/Silom Road, and Ratchadapisek. The nightlife in upcountry towns is more sedated than in Bangkok, with the exception of Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Temple Fairs and Festivities
Thailand's many ethnic groups contribute to the diverse local festivities and religious events that occur year-round. Aside from the numerous public and religious holidays on the Thai calendar, the locals often have their own festivities that may be related to their unique tradition, seasonal produce promotion, or certain activities, such as boat racing and kite flying. Part (or even all) of these festive events are staged at the town's main temple. The temple fairs host an assortment of activities, from folk entertainment, contests, vendors, to local foods.

Most Thai festivals are celebrated nationwide. However, some cities are associated with hosting spectacular celebrations, such as Sukhothai and Loy Krathong and Chian.