Overview Thailand

       Thailand is a remarkable and striking country. If you are looking for a distinctive experience, Thailand won’t dissatisfy you. Million visitors have discovered this fact and many are lured to come back and visit Thailand again and again. It is the fact that as time has gone by, many ancient things have disappeared. But new and exciting things have always come along to replace them. Thailand always has something new to discover and to explore.
       Thailand has a long history that can be traced back for more than 700 years. There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Thailand than in any other South-East Asian country, so if you are interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. During the centuries, Thailand has fashioned its own unique identity and presented to the world in its own distinctive ways: through culture and traditions, arts and architecture, in the people’s ways of life, all of which have met with praise and admiration in the eyes of international travelers. Throughout those years, the country has shown its ability to absorb foreign influence without losing its identity.

       Some would say Thailand is a country in transition. This is a definitely truth, as Thailand has admirably demonstrated its ability to adapt to the new world order. Traditionally, Thailand is an agricultural country but from the mid-1980s, the country rapidly transformed into an agro-industrial economy. Foreign direct investment has poured into Thailand ever since, bringing about the modernization of Thai society. Thailand in the 1990s has continued to develop, in tune with the trend of globalization. Visitors can expect to find everything necessary for a modern global lifestyle.
       Concern for the environment is growing in Thailand. The concept of eco-tourism has been introduced for those who want to get close to nature and learn more about Thai culture and traditions. It is not just the concept, but the fact of the country’s rich natural and cultural resources that enables Thailand to offer the eco-tourism experience.
       Although Thailand is fully adjusted to modern international society, Thai people have succeeded in retaining their national identity in many ways. The two most important elements that bring uniqueness to Thailand are the people’s undisputed adherence to the monarchy and their strong faith in Buddhism.
       The present ruler, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history with 60 years on the throne, is one of the most revered kings of modern times. The unprecedented outpouring of public pride and personal affection witnessed at celebrations for His Majesty’s 72nd birth anniversary in 1999 were ample demonstration of the respect and adoration that the Thai people have for their king.
       Buddhism also played an important role when the country was plunged into economic recession in mid-1997. Many were able to draw strength and calmness from Buddhism in coping with the hardships. All visitors can witness and learn about these concepts for themselves from a trip to the Kingdom of Thailand. And if your curiosity tempts you to explore beyond Thailand, to the countries of the Mekong basin, be they Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam, there is no better place to start than Thailand. Through the strong efforts of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand has been promoted as the gateway to Indochina, dubbed as the last frontier of Asian travel.


         More about Thailand

         Thailand History