THAILAND LAND OF SMILES

Geography History Government Religion Arts & Culture Transportation Nature Food Thailand

Kingdom of Thailand, Land of the Free, formerly known as Siam until 1939 Only Southeast Asian state to avoid European colonial rule 90% Buddhist Capital: Bangkok population: 67,741,401 Official Language: Thai Currency: Baht Motto: Nation, Religions, King FAST FACTS

GEOGRAPHY

Northern Mountains

Southern Beaches

HISTORY Around 2000 B.C. people built settlements in the hillsides of Thailand. The first one is thought to be Ben Chiang. 12th-century known as Siam until 1939, but the Thai people call themselves Mueang Thai. Indianised kingdoms and Thai states fought each other and were under constant threat from the Khmers, Burma and Vietnam. 14th 18th centuries capitol Ayutthaya, King Uthong (ruled 1351-69), made two important contributions: Theravada Buddhism as the official religion and the Dharmaśāstra, a legal code. 1769 General/King Taksin managed to reunite the Thai kingdom from his new capital of Thonburi. After a coup d'état removing Taksin, General Chakri (later becoming Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty).founded the new capital city Rattanakosin Island. (settlements on both banks were commonly called Bangkok) In the 1790s, Burma was defeated and driven out of Siam. Lanna also became free of Burmese occupation, but was reduced to the Kingdom of Chiangmai: the king of the new dynasty was installed as a tributary ruler of the Chakri monarch. 19th and early 20th centuries, only Southeast Asian state to avoid European colonial rule.

Ayutthaya

20 th Century History Revolution of 1932 transformed the Government of Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy with prime minister. Thailand endured 60 years of military rule. In 1941, Thailand invaded French Indochina, French-Thai War. In World War II, Thailand and Japan signed a military alliance. US considered Thailand to be a puppet of Japan and refused to declare war. When the allies were victorious, US blocked British efforts to impose a punitive peace. U.S. has close relations with Thailand as a protector from communism and important base for the US Air Force during the Vietnam War (1965 75). Guerrillas from the Communist Party of Thailand operated inside the country from the early 1960s up to 1987, never posed a serious threat to the state. 1992 democratic rule restored; 2014 Thai coup d- état

A revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. The king - leader of the country. The prime minister picked from among members of the House of Representatives, but appointed by the king. Government

Constitutional Monarchy King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, 9th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, reigned since 1946 - world's longest-serving head of state and the country's longest-reigning monarch (69 years)

Politics: Royal Family

Princess Phra Thep Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, "Phra Thep", "princess angel" Her title in Thai female equivalent of the title held by her brother, Crown Prince ]. Thai constitution was altered in 1974 to allow for female succession, thus making her eligible for the throne. Her interest in foreign cultures, technology, conservation and education; academic and research institutions in Thailand granted permission to use her name as well as flora and fauna.

Grand Palace

Emerald Buddha

Grand Palace

Religion 90% Buddhist Spirit of charity, humility, education

Chiang Mai Wat Chedi Luang

Chiang Mai Inthakin Sai Khan Dok City Pillar

Loi Krathong

Buddhism

Tai Chi

Spirit House

Arts & Culture

Thai Puppet Theatre

Woodcarving

Chiang Rai - Contemporary Temples Black Temple- Thawan Duchanee White Temple- Chalermchai

Gems & Lacquer

Jim Thompson

Thai Silk

Impact of a Musical Musical King and I about Anna Leonowens, British governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in early 1860s hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country "Siam Royals 1875 George Eastman House via Getty" by M. Iagor - Catalogued here. Actual copy taken from here. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/file:siamroyals1875georgeeastmanhousevia Getty.jpg#/media/File:SiamRoyals1875GeorgeEastmanHouseviaGetty.jpg

Chiang Mai - Dance

Music

Traditional Thai Music http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=traditi onal+thai+music+youtube&view=detail&mid= 889933FAA62B9BA337AA889933FAA62B9BA3 37AA&FORM=VIRE6

Hill Tribes

Hill Tribe Weavers

In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is a major transportation artery, with ferries, water taxis and long-tailed boats. Transportation

Bangkok: Venice of the East with 83 canals & Floating Markets

Royal Transportation

Elephant

Bicycles & Motorcycles

Tuk-tuk

Airplanes

Nature

Monkeys

Elephants

Tsunami 2004

Flowers

Chiang Rai orchids & lotus

Thai Food Influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures - spicy Common dishes include hot chilies, lemongrass, basil, ginger, and coconut milk.

Street Markets

Thai Cooking

Elephant Farewell

Thailand Land of Smiles