Resurgence of Chinese tea consumption as “High Culture” in contemporary Bangkok metropolis

Abstract

Chinese tea consumption is one of the outstanding Chinese cultures that has been handed down from ancient times to the present. In Thailand, Chinese tea consumption cannot be considered genuine Thai culture; however, it cannot be considered a passing trend that has come and gone either. With respect to Chinese tea, Bangkok has become a place known for having a variety of options for consumption of tea as “high culture” in the contemporary period. This dissertation is an attempt to make the argument that the development of Chinese tea consumption as “high culture” did not first occur in Bangkok in current times. In fact, Chinese tea consumption was introduced to Thai society, particularly among the elite, since at least the middle of the Ayutthaya period and flourished during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The resurgence of Chinese tea consumption as “high culture” in contemporary Bangkok shows some characteristics that are similar to those that existed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. For instance, publications regarding Chinese tea consumption, Chinese tea sets used for royal decorations, Chinese tea as an offering for monks and divine gods, the popularity of buying and selling Chinese tea sets as collectable items, and public spaces for people who love tea consumption to share their experiences. The difference between these two periods is the consumer. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn and earlier, the main consumers were the royal elite, the nobility, and high ranking officials; while during the contemporary period, the consumers are the upper middle class, the affluent, and intellectuals. This reflects a social change. Moreover, the acceptance of Chinese tea consumption as “high culture” in Thai society was different from the original Chinese tea culture that was influenced by the philosophy of Taoism; while the similarities in such consumption are, for instance, the medicinal value of tea and tea consumption as a symbol of civilization and friendship.