History

Franco-Siam War (1893)-France, colonial ruler of most of Indochina, seized control of Laos from Siam in a sharp, bloody war.

Thai Military Coup (1933) --Army officers opposing the civilian prime minister's closing of the National Assembly (closed in order to stop a radical economic plan opposed by conservatives) staged a coup in June 1933 that forced Prime Minister Manopakorn, restored the National Assembly, and set up a new government that respected democratic procedures.

World War II--During the Second World War, while France was defeated and partially occupied by Germany in 1940, both Japan and her ally Thailand initiated border conflicts with the French colonial forces in Vietnam and Indochina.

Japanese Invasion of Thailand (1941)--Japan, while hoping that secret negotiations with the Thai government would result in the right to free movement of Japanese forces in Thailand, invaded Thailand on December 8, 1941. Japan's goal was access to invasion routes to British-ruled Burma and Malaya.

Thailand as a Member of the Axis Powers- (1941-1945)-Thailand and Japan formed an alliance December 21, 1941. On January 25, 1942, the Thai government declared war on the United States and the United Kingdom, thus becoming a member of the Axis Powers. The Thai ambassador to the United States refused to deliver the declaration of war and became a leader in Thailand's anti-Japanese resistance. Because of this, the United States did not declare war on Thailand

Korean War (1950-1953)--Thailand joined other members of the United Nations in fighting against North Korea and Communist China.

Thai Naval Rebellion (1951)--Also known as the Manhattan Rebellion of June 1951, this was the Royal Thai Navy's long-expected attempt to overthrow the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram.

Thai Communist Guerrilla War (1965-1982)--Low-intensity guerrilla war waged by the Thai Communist Party against the Thai government began in August, 1965. By 1977, approximately half the provinces in Thailand had a Communist guerrilla presence. A combination of government military offensives and an amnesty program caused the guerrilla movement to fail by 1982.

Significant figures

                    King of Thailand-King Bhumibol Adulyadej

 

                     

Chuan Leekpai (20th Prime Minister of Thailand1992-1995, 1997-2001)

Prime Minister- Yingluck Shinawatra's (2011)

Language and Currency

Currency-Thai Baht

Exchange rate-1.00 AUD = 32.0852 THB

ATM’s and Banks

ATM's and banks are pretty much everywhere in Thailand nowadays. Shopping areas have lots of them. What you may not realize is that some offshore banks are now charging Bt 200 for a withdrawal. Some banks in Thailand are Bangkok Bank, Siam City Bank, Kasikorn Bank.

Main languages are:

Thai, Chinese, Malay, Khmer, Mon, Karen, Miao

Traditional Thailand greetings

The Thai greeting referred to as the wai it consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The higher the hands are held in relation to the face and the lower the bow, the more respect or reverence the giver of the wai is showing.

The wai is traditionally observed upon entering formally a house. After the visit is over, the visitor asks for permission to leave and repeats the salutation made upon entering. The wai is also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologies.

Thailand greetings
Please- ga-ru-nah
No- châi
Yes- kráp
Thank You- kròp khum

Top 10 Destinations.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a city where one can find old and new, traditional and fashionable, all blended together in a harmonious way. Samut Prakan (29 km from Bangkok. Central of Thailand) has countless tourist attractions such as historical sites, old markets and indigenous lifestyles along the canals.

                                                                  Bangkok

Samut Songkhram (63 km from Bangkok in the central of Thailand) highlights King Rama II Memorial Park and Amphawa Floating Market. Those who love to experience the local lifestyles have many choices of home stay programmes to choose from.                                                               

                                                 King Rama ll Memorial Park

The old capital from 1350 to 1767, Ayutthaya (76 km from Bangkok in the central), is today visited chiefly as a historical site, especially the World Heritage Historic City of Ayutthaya and associated Historic Towns.

Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya                                          

Kanchanaburi (128 km from Bangkok in the central of Thailand), a good place for nature lovers, where they can raft down the stream watching enchanting scenery.                      

                                                 Raft - Houses, very popular in Kanchanaburi

Just 2 hours' drive from Bangkok is Pattaya (in the east of Thailand), the renowned recreation centre on the east coast. Its fine sand, blue sky and limpid sea are among many other good things that prove irresistible to tourists.                                 Pattaya Beach

Chiang Mai (697 km from Bangkok in the north of Thailand), provides visitors with a host of places of interest, such as, Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Bhubing Palace, etc.                                                                                             

                                          Chiang Mai Flower Festival                                                                                             

Chiang Rai (785 km  from Bangkok and in the north of Thailand), located at the northern tip of Thailand in the very heart of the Golden Triangle, gains fame from its scenic views, exotic hill tribes and exciting elephant-back riding tours.

  Mae Fa Luang Garden, Doi Tung, Chiang Rai

Lamphun (670 km north) is a town of beautiful women, bountiful orchards and ancient temples. Lampang (599 km from Bangkok in the north of Thailand) is the sole province in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used as a means of transportation.                                                         

                                              Horse-drawn Carriage, Lampang

Those who love diving may visit Krabi (814 km from Bangkok in the south of Thailand) to explore its Phi Phi, Lanta, and Hong Island Groups. Interesting attractions both on land and in the sea.

                                                                     Au Maya, Krabi

The offshore Surin Island (568 km from Bangkok in the south of Thailand) is stunning with abundant coral reefs and colourful fishes.                                                                         

                                                                               Surin island