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Thailand
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 Thailand
is an amazing and exotic country. If you are looking for a
unique experience, Thailand won’t disappoint you. Millions
of visitors have discovered this fact and many are lured back
again and again. It’s true that as time’s gone by, many old
and ancient things have disappeared. But new and exciting
things have always come along to replace them. Thailand always
has something new to discover, a strange place to explore.
Variety
is indeed the spice of life in Thailand. Bangkok, the capital
city, can puzzle visitors with its chaotic pace of life. But
a short drive away, the tranquil charm of rural towns awaits.
From the golden spires of temples to the majestic ruins of
ancient capitals, from the capital’s high-rise edifices to
the simple houses of country villagers, there is no shortage
of choice. Thailand’s miraculous combination of respect for
the past with zest for the new and a joy in today’s pleasures
guarantees visitors the most enjoyable travel experience
 Thailand
has a long history that can be traced back almost 800 years.
During the centuries, Thailand has fashioned its own unique
identity and presented it 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. This is the natural
wonder of the people of Thailand, from the past to the present,
and onward to the future.
Some
would say Thailand is a country in transition. That’s definitely
true, 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.
 But
if you are looking for something exotic, would like to experience
the charm of the Orient, plenty of things await in Thailand.
Whether you are enthusiastic for arts and culture, nature,
sports, entertainment, shopping, or whatever, Thailand has
plenty to offer.
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.
Indeed, it’s 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 attuned 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. Outsiders may find it
difficult to comprehend such unbending faith, but it seems
that almost all Thais have inherited this in their blood,
from generation to generation. It’s still as true today as
it was centuries ago.
 The
present ruler, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest-reigning
monarch in Thai history with more than 50 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.
Today,
travel from Thailand to the major destinations in Indochina
is a lot more convenient with the modernization of infrastructure,
and convenient air transportation and overland travel.
It
can be a rewarding travel experience for the visitor to explore
the exoticism that Thailand and Indochina have to offer, the
region where the wonders of nature never cease.
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