MeinWiki - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Signs Of Dissent Within Thai Military As Protests Grow

2020-12-28T23:43:15Z

MistyKiley0:

By Chayut Setboonsarng and Matthew Tostevin BANGKOK, Dec 2 (Reuters) - In July, as thousands of Thais demanded the resignation of the government in one of the largest street demonstrations since a 2014 military coup, Army Sergeant Ekkachai Wangkaphan sided with the protesters. "Down with dictatorship," he wrote on Facebook under a news story about a jailed activist, a week before the protest. On the day of the protest, July 18, he shared a livestream and pictures with the hashtag of the Free Youth protest group. A few weeks later, he shared a photo of a protester carrying a placard saying "The country where you speak the truth and you go to jail." His superiors in the Royal Thai Army warned him to stop. But he had already made up his mind to quit and left the army in October. "When the protests escalated, orders to prohibit social media posts came in more often," Ekkachai, 33, told Reuters in an interview. "They want to nip it in the bud, but they can't." Social media is exposing discontent among some soldiers, police and civil servants after months of protests against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and the monarchy of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Although Thai soldiers have occasionally expressed sympathy for protesters in past bouts of political unrest, the rapid expansion of social media is making it difficult to contain. Reuters reviewed dozens of social media posts and messages on chat groups used by soldiers and police and found many expressing sympathy with protesters and anger or unease over the way those who oppose the government are being treated. Some posted about their loyalty to Thailand's institutions. It is impossible to establish how far disaffection reaches based on social media activity. But the posts have attracted the attention of authorities. "If you are posting things that are creating misunderstanding and provocation that would create instability, that is inappropriate," said Colonel Sirijan Ngathong, the army's deputy spokeswoman, adding that commanding officers were reviewing the social media activity of soldiers to prevent breaches of army rules. She did not respond to requests for comment on the case involving Ekkachai or whether surveillance had increased since protests escalated in July. Some posts appeared on the viral video-sharing app TikTok. One TikTok video, now removed, showed a soldier giving the three-fingered salute, a gesture of resistance featured in "The Hunger Games" film that Thailand´s student-led, anti-government protest movement adopted. "Keep up the struggle, Thai brothers and sisters," said the caption. The video´s author told Reuters that he is a serving professional soldier but asked that his name not be used. Some sections of the army have intensified their clampdown. A message posted by a coordinator in a private chat group used by officers in one artillery regiment, reviewed by Reuters, prohibited soldiers from joining protests or giving any political opinions on social media. "After finding political expressions that were not suitable, commanders are asked to consider and rectify accordingly and to explain the political situation correctly to troops," the message said. The army did not respond to a request for comment on the message. It is unclear if disaffection will affect the protests or the way the government responds to them. "While there is some disaffection within the armed forces, grumblings do not remain significant enough to constitute a significant faction," said Paul Chambers, a politics expert at Naresuan University in northern Thailand. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri declined to comment on disaffection among members of the security forces or civil service, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour đi thái lan] saying only that the country should be focused on dialogue between those with different views. PROTESTS SWELL Tens of thousands of people have protested in the streets of Thailand since July, calling for a new constitution and the removal of Prayuth, who led a military coup in 2014. Protesters have also demanded curbs on the powers of the king, until recently a taboo subject in a country where criticism of the monarchy is a crime. The army plays a pivotal role in Thailand, which has been ruled by serving or former military officers for more than two-thirds of the time since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. Thailand´s army has seized power 13 times since then and has on several occasions been involved in bloody crackdowns on protesters including in 1973, 1976, 1992 and [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour đi thái lan] 2010. Although many of the coups have had the broad support of the armed forces, cracks in the military have been exposed in the past. During a bloody 2010 crackdown on red-shirted anti-government protesters in Bangkok, some green-uniformed soldiers openly sympathized with the demonstrators, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] tipping off the group´s leaders ahead of a planned army operation. They were dubbed "watermelons" - green on the outside with red sympathies on the inside. That same year, rogue general Khattiya Sawasdipol - known as "Seh Daeng" or "Commander Red" - was assassinated after he came out in support of anti-government protesters, showing that displays of disloyalty in the Thai military can be dangerous. "Security forces, especially those who have to confront the protesters, are in a stressful position," said Kiranee Tammapiban-udom of government consultancy Maverick Consulting Group. They have to follow orders but at the same time are branded "servants of tyranny" by protesters, she said. One protest leader, Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, said he encouraged security forces to disobey orders. "Turn your backs to your commanders, the regime will collapse," he told Reuters. Another soldier who had also posted on social media said he was looking to defuse tension rather than escalate it. "Maybe it's time for the older generation to listen to the young," he said. "Asking Prayuth to quit and for changes to the constitution is not abolishing the monarchy." DRESS CODE: YELLOW Some Thai police and civil servants are also questioning their roles. Many have been ordered to join official displays of loyalty to the crown, such as lining royal motorcade routes wearing yellow shirts - the king's colour. Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen told Reuters such activities are part of police duty and that law enforcement was politically neutral. "Is this police work?" queried one police officer in an internal chat group, responding to a superior officer´s request in the group for participants to join a royal event. The superior officer responded in the chat group that he was passing on orders and that questions should be addressed to more senior levels. One document seen by Reuters, sent by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police to the Office of Police Strategy, a national body, requested "250 female police officers and 1,950 male along the route of the royal motorcade" for a funeral on Oct. 29 in Bangkok. "Dress code: yellow shirt with yellow collar. Long black pants, black shoes." Bangkok police spokesman Kissana said this was a normal police duty. "Basically, we are disguised as civilians," a female police officer in her late 20s from the Royal Thai Police told Reuters, asking to remain anonymous. "We´re told to wear yellow and shout 'Long live the king'." Protesters say police are easy to spot on such occasions because of their short haircuts. One 23-year-old civil servant [http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/sitesearch.do?querystring=complained complained] at being ordered to attend a seminar to praise the works of the Chakri dynasty, of which Vajiralongkorn is the 10th king. "I can't do much, so I donate to the protesters," she told Reuters. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and [http://browse.deviantart.com/?q=Matthew%20Tostevin Matthew Tostevin] in Bangkok Editing by Bill Rigby)

Thailand - A Travel Guide With Links To Other Pages About Thailand

2020-12-28T22:19:06Z

MistyKiley0:

id="mod_20211806">Introduction The author of this page has visited the nation of Thailand on a number of occasions, not as a travel expert, but as a tourist, photographer and writer. During these visits many key attractions have been explored, and a photographic record maintained. On this page I include a resume of the key facts about this country, I briefly relate its geography and its history, I mention some of the important tourist attractions, and I write about the Thai people and culture. The page is first and foremost the Home Page to all my articles about Thailand, and therefore includes links to everything I have written. The articles include information about some of the major attractions, and some personal reflections on my many experiences in the country. All photos have been taken by the author during his visits to the country. N.B: Please note, all of my articles are best read on desktops and laptops The map of Thailand, its neighbouring nations and the coastline | SourceThe topography of Thailand. Note the mountain ranges in the north, and the two great river basins of Central Thailand - the Chao Phraya and the Mekong | Source The Geography and Climate of Thailand The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of the region of South-East Asia, known as Indochina, sharing borders with the nations of Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. The country, which covers an area of 513,000 sq km (198,000 sq miles), is comparable in size to Spain, larger than the State of California yet rather smaller than the State of Texas. The peninsula nature of South Thailand creates a very long coastline of more than 3,000 km (2,000 miles), and this has greatly benefited Thailand with advantages for international trade, as well as fisheries and tourism. Much of the land in the north and the extreme west is above 500 metres in height. The highest mountain is Doi Inthanon at 2,565 meters (8,415 ft). A smaller range of high hills runs north-south through the centre of the country dividing the land into two great river basins - the Chao Phraya in the west, and the Mekong in the east. Most of the land in these river basins is much lower lying, and this land provide Thailand with its fertile agricultural plains. The peninsular south of Thailand is bounded on the western side by the Andaman Sea and on the eastern side by the Gulf of Thailand, and is a region of lush forest, beautiful limestone karst scenery and coral islands. Just north of the equator but lying well within the Tropic of Cancer, and with temperatures varying between 19 and 38°C (66-100°F), Thailand's climate is generally hot and humid, but three seasons can be identified through most of the country - a 'hot' season from May to August, a 'rainy' season from September to October (in reality the weather is usually fine, but heavy monsoon rainstorms are quite common), and a 'cool' season from November to April (which is not much cooler, but it is much drier and this is therefore the most pleasant time to visit). Temperatures, in truth, show little seasonal variation in most regions of Thailand, but rainfall does. Elephant trekking is popular in the southern islands and the northern hills | Source The Regions of Thailand From the point of view of tourists, this country can be conveniently divided into four regions - the City of Bangkok, the northwest and the hill tribes, the Isaan region of the northeast and the beaches and islands to the south. The following sections contain brief descriptions of some of the major attractions, the geography and climate, the history and culture, which bring tourists to these parts of Thailand. The ruined city of Ayutthaya | Source Bangkok The capital city of Thailand features prominently in my articles, because whatever part of Thailand the tourist intends to visit, Bangkok will usually be on the itinerary somewhere along the line, as the arrival point into the country or the departure point to the rest of the world. And the majority of visitors to Thailand will at least spend a day or two in Bangkok before they head off to other parts. And what a place to spend a couple of days! Noisy, overpopulated, traffic-jammed, exotic and vibrant - Bangkok is a city unlike any other, and I like it. Perhaps not a place to spend a month, but for a few days, there are the most intricately decorated of temples, there's street markets where the city really comes to life, and there's great shopping and entertainments to cater for all tastes. And not far from the city is the ancient ruined Capital of Ayutthaya, and the beach at Pattaya is a day trip away. The Northwest and the Hilltribes For those who wish for a more adventurous or cultural vacation in Thailand, the northwest of the country offers a very different experience. The northwest is home to the ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Lanna, and the modern city of Chiang Mai - by all accounts a much more relaxed, less hectic, more beautiful city than Bangkok. But the main appeal for the tourists who head to the forested mountains, the deep valleys and cooler climate of the northwest is culture. Here there is the opportunity to live as a guest of the hill tribes of the region - distinct, indigenous tribes who to a large extent have preserved their traditional lifestyles, their own local language, colourful dress and farming techniques. This is authentic Thailand, and a visit to these parts can be a rewarding experience for many. To date I have not visited the northwest (hence no photos), but perhaps in the future? A giant Buddha statue which stands on a prominent hill in N.E Thailand | Source The Northeast The country between Bangkok and Laos to the north, and between Bangkok and Cambodia to the east, is the least touristy in the country. It is the most rural, and is generally speaking, the least affluent. Much of this land lies in a region known as 'Isaan', a culturally distinct area with its own dialect, cuisine and traditions. The main cities are Udon Thani and Khon Kaen. Not so many Western visitors travel to this area, unless they are backpackers who wish to see rural life in Thailand whilst passing through to Laos or Cambodia. But there are many little known sights, both ancient and modern, to attract in the region, and some of these are to be found in my pages, as I have been fortunate enough to spend a number of weeks in this part of the country as guest of a Thai family. The beautiful Phi Phi Islands | Source The Islands to the South The majority of tourists who come to Thailand flock to the south, to beach resorts such as Krabi and Khao Lak, and to the beautiful limestone karst islands. The most popular tourist destinations include the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket. And in the Andaman Sea there lies the famously exotic Phi Phi Islands as well as many others to choose from. Whatever your personal preference, there is an island or a resort for you - whether it be the family hotel and beach resort, the active water sports haven, the hippie mecca, or the peaceful and unspoilt natural paradise. Long-tail boats on the Phi Phi Islands | Source [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Bang-Pa In - once the Summer Palace in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya | Source History of Thailand The history of the Thai people before the 13th century is unfortunately not clear today. There were certainly Stone Age settlements in Thailand, whilst Bronze Age civilisation in Ban Chiang in northern Thailand has left many relics. But little else is known for certain. Over the next millennium, a series of migrations and invasions by various groups including southern Chinese and Burmese tribes took place, and during this period Indian settlers brought with them Hinduism and Buddhism. Many rival tribes and local cultures competed for influence and regional supremacy, but gradually two great kingdoms would develop - Lanna in the north west, and Sukhothai, a little further south. Lanna was a powerful state for hundreds of years, but by the 13th century, Sukhothai had established a period of extensive dominance, and during this time the distinctive Thai alphabet was established, and Buddhism became the state religion. But the borders of both Lanna and Sukhothai were far from secure and they were prone to constant incursions from neighbouring states. Lanna gradually declined after long periods of internal and external conflict, while Sukhothai's dominance was short-lived. The remains of the capital of Sukhothai which date from 1238 AD can still be seen today, and are regarded as the ruins of the first major city in Thailand. A powerful new kingdom was developing in the south, and this was soon to absorb Sukhothai into its boundaries. This kingdom was Ayutthaya, and its capital city was established in 1350. Ayutthaya soon spread its influence to incorporate much of modern day Thailand as well as parts of neighbouring Laos and Cambodia, and its emergence signalled the beginnings of a united Thailand, which survived largely without serious challenge for 400 years. During this time, Thailand prospered, and trade with the rest of the world including the great European powers began. However, in 1767 the capital of Ayutthaya fell under the assault of Burmese forces, and was almost completely destroyed, and theThais had to regroup and start again under King Rama I, the first ruler of the Chakri dynasty which still prevails to this day. They built a brand new capital 80 kilometres south in a region called Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Gradually this settlement developed across the river, and it was on the East bank that a great city later burgeoned to become modern day Bangkok. During the 19th century, many neighbouring states were colonised by the great powers of Britain and France, but Thailand, as a result of careful diplomacy by its rulers, remained independent and the country began to prosper once more. In 1932, the absolute monarchy which had ruled Thailand for so long came to an end with a bloodless coup by the military, but the King was very soon re-installed as a constitutional monarch. Throughout much of this history from about the 13th century, the name of 'Siam' was used for the region, gradually being adopted by both the indigenous people and by European traders as the official name of the country. But on 24th June 1939, the nation - the only one in south east Asia to remain forever free of European colonisation - officially changed its name to 'Thailand', which means 'Free Land'. Today Thailand remains proud of its claim never to have come under the control of a Western empire. Thailand - the Buddhist Nation | Source The Economy The economy is the second largest in S.E Asia, and Thailand's exports are of vital importance. Principal trade is in fish and agricultural foods - Thailand is one of the world's largest exporters of rice. Other major commodities include textiles and rubber, jewellery, computer goods and electrical appliances. This export market also means that despite its appeal as a vacation destination, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] Thailand relies on tourism for only 7% of its gross domestic product. One of the most famous of Thai traditions is the floating market - once the mainstay of trade on the canals, but now largely maintained as a tourist attraction | Source The Government Thailand has been a constitutional hereditary monarchy since 1932. The present Head of State is King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej*. As a constitutional monarch he takes no direct role in the day to day politics of the country, but remains a much revered and loved figure across all political divides. Following the ending of absolute monarchy, a series of military dictatorships alternated with civilian prime ministers in the mid to late 20th century, but gradually the country has been stabilising into democracy. Democracy is still not entirely secure, and rifts between the two major parties and between the urban and rural populations have led to sporadic civil disturbances and army interventions. It should however, be made clear that these actions are usually very short-lived and localised - it seems the army has no wish to dominate political affairs, and when such incidents have occurred, power has been quickly returned to civilian authorities. Essentially the country is peaceful. Today there is an elected Prime Minister as the head of a government which consists of two Houses of Parliament - a Senate and a House of Representatives. The judiciary is independent of government. * In 2016 the King, the longest reigning monarch in the world, died. Currently also, the country is once again under military rule, and yet remains essentially peaceful. A traditional Thai dancer. Thais are rightly proud of their culture, though it is a culture derived from many regional influences over the centuries of settlement | Source The Thai People - Ethnicity and Religion Approximately 65 million people live in Thailand, of which more than 80% can be described as ethnically Thai - the descendants of the peoples who have lived throughout the region or settled here over most of the past 2000 years. They all broadly speak the same language, though there are regional dialects and differences in vocabulary, most notably in the Isaan region of North East Thailand. Of the remaining 15 to 20% of the population, the majority are more recent Chinese arrivals, with smaller numbers of immigrants from other neighbouring countries, as well as Western settlers. Lastly there are the ethnically distinct hill tribes of the North West such as the Hmong and Karen - peoples who have never fully integrated into the Thai culture of the rest of the country. 95% of Thais belong to the Theravada School of the Buddhist faith, the expression of Buddhism most prevalent in Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] and most closely allied to the Buddha's original teachings. Other schools of Buddhism - Mahayana, and its more diverse variations including Vajrayana and Zen Buddhism - are predominant in the far east, in China, Japan and Vietnam, and also in the Dalai Lama's Tibet. In practice, the differences between the schools are not huge, and perhaps most obvious to tourists is the colour of the robes of the monks - unlike the maroon robes so familiarly worn by the Dalai Lama, Thai monks wear saffron orange-yellow or ochre-brown. The only other faith of significance in Thailand is Islam, which forms the majority religion in three extreme southern provinces. Sadly, as is so often the case in the world today, religious and cultural tensions have led to separatist movements here, and increasing incidents of violence. It should be stressed however, that these tensions rarely impinge upon the areas of the south which most tourists frequent. Consultation with a Buddhist monk | Source Source The Thai People - Culture and Etiquette A popular description for Thailand which the nation likes to encourage, is 'The Land of Smiles'. Although of course Thais can be as miserable as the rest of us, there is some small degree of truth to the nickname. Thai people do tend to have a relatively peaceful contented way of viewing the world, and they are usually not aggressive by nature. Customs and etiquette are observed but not usually fanatically so, as befits a pacific religion like Buddhism. For the traveller there are however, some aspects of Thai culture and etiquette which should be observed out of respect for the people. Any guide book will list the do's and don'ts of how to conduct oneself as a tourist on holiday in Thailand. The following list is a basic guide to key requirements: The wai is, for me, one of the most enchanting aspects of Thai culture. It is the greeting in which hands are held together prayer-like in front of the body, and it is so much more graceful than a handshake. Thais will, of course happily accept a handshake from a foreigner, but a wai will be especially appreciated. By tradition, the head - the top of the body - is considered sacred, and the feet - the lowest part of the body - are also considered the lowest in other respects. Therefore, one shouldn't really touch the head of a stranger, or sit with bare feet pointed towards another person. (Having said this, I haven't yet noticed any obvious distaste when Thais are confronted with such a sight). Speaking of the feet, one custom which appears to be almost universally observed is the removal of shoes when entering private houses. It also tends to be observed by locals in hotel rooms. Most importantly, it is definitely required upon entering the most sacred of the temple buildings. Religion is the institution on which Thai etiquette is most important. Monks, who are familiar figures on the streets in their orange robes, should be treated with some respect, and should not be touched by women - if a female wishes to offer gifts to a monk, the gift should placed in front, for the monk to pick up. If respect for religion is an obvious requirement, the necessity of respecting a king may not be so obvious. Yet in Thailand, photos of the King are everywhere, and he is revered. Anyone showing gross disrespect may find themselves in trouble. And when the national anthem is played, for example in cinemas, the public stand. Long-tail boat in the Andaman Sea. This photo was taken in the Phi Phi Islands, where rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving, are all options to try | SourceExotic hotel setting in Krabi. And if you don't want to swim in the pool, the Andaman Sea is just one mile away | Source Tourism No country in South Eastern Asia receives more tourists than Thailand, and with good reason. Great sandy beaches and coral islands, great historic and religious attractions, and distinctive modern culture, cuisine and night life, all mean that this country has plenty to offer. Coupled with this, Thailand is relatively safe and welcoming for the tourist with moderate attitudes and tolerance of foreign customs. Finally, the climate is tropical and the nature is exotic. Any time of the year can be a good time to visit, though the 'cool' season of December to February is the most popular and most expensive period of the year. Off peak is May to August when Thailand is quite humid. The people who travel are of all kinds: 1) For those who want comfort and relaxation, Thailand boasts some of the finest of hotels including luxury spa resorts in the south, and five star properties in Bangkok. 2) For those who want sun, sea and sand, Thailand's huge coastline and many islands offers everything one could hope for. 3) For those who want Asia on a budget, Thailand has a magnetic draw for backpackers and carefree teenagers, and lots of cheap rooms in which to deposit their rucksacks! 4) For those who want exotic, lively and sometimes dubious night life, Bangkok has it all - enough said! 5) For those who want culture in the raw, trekking vacations, and living as guests of a hill tribe family, there are now options readily available to the more adventurous traveller. "lat":13.661559,"lng":98.729789999999994,"zoom":4,"mapType":"HYBRID","markers":[],"moduleId":"20732583" Thailand - a Country to Visit and Enjoy Thailand means different things to different people. To some it means a lazy beach holiday on Phuket Island or snorkeling around the beautiful limestone islands of the south. To others it means cultural adventures and hill trekking among the tribes of the north west. And to yet others it means colourful temples, and exotic nightlife and world famous cuisine in bustling Bangkok. But to all who visit, Thailand should mean an enjoyable experience among friendly people - a richly memorable vacation. I hope that these pages of mine which are linked to here, help to provide a flavour of the country, the places to visit, and the experiences to enjoy. And above all, I hope that if you do choose to go there, you will enjoy your vacation to Thailand - the Land of Smiles. 'Land of Smiles' | Source References[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] All My Other Pages ... I have written articles on many subjects including science and history, politics and philosophy, film reviews and travel guides, as well as poems and stories. All can be accessed by clicking on my name at the top of this page Thai [ ][ ]by chasmac7 [ ][ ]by Paul Richard Kuehn11 I'd Love to Hear Your Comments. Thanks, Alun [ ] or [ ] and post using a HubPages Network account. 0 of 8192 characters used[# Post Comment]No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites. sendingAUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  7 years ago from Essex, UK Express10; Thanks so much. I very much appreciate your comments about both the text and the photos. It was a pleasure to introduce this country to readers and to hopefully encourage a few to visit and enjoy its varied attractions. Cheers Alun. H C Palting  7 years ago from East Coast This is a very informative and useful hub. I am happy that you mentioned the off peak seasons in addition to the culture and etiquette. The photos are also beautiful, I really like the one of Bang-Pa In and the boat in the Andaman Sea. It is also good to know that tourism only makes up a small portion of GDP. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Thanks Jools99; so pleased you liked the hub and my photos. Bangkok certainly is a city of extremes, and most tourists don't spend more than a few days in the capital, though there is a lot to see, both in the city and in the surrounding area. I like Bangkok, because the negatives (noise, traffic jams etc) for me are outweighed by the positives (attractions, colour, culture etc). But it makes a good contrast for tourists to combine two or three days in Bangkok with a week or two in one of the more peaceful parts of the country. Alun. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK mary615; my thanks for your nice comment and for the shares! I'm grateful. I wasn't aware of that in the Southern States. In Thailand it is certainly standard, even when there are no carpets on the floor, and in hotels the maids will take their shoes off when they enter a room to clean it. Alun. Jools Hogg  8 years ago from North-East UK Wonderful hub, loved all of your photos and there is so much information here. I have never visited Thailand because the thought of staying in Bangkok always put me off, this hub has given me a new perspective. Mary Hyatt  8 years ago from Florida Thailand is a country that I knew very little about, but thanks to your informational Hub, I feel like I certainly have learned more. We have a custom in the South (U.S.) that we remove our shoes before entering a house, too. You did a fine job on this Hub. I voted it UP, and till share. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Thanks AliciaC. I very much appreciate your visit and really nice comment. It's a pleasure to write about Thailand, and hopefully introduce a few more people to its potential as a tourist destination. Alun. Linda Crampton  8 years ago from British Columbia, Canada Thank you for all the wonderful and detailed information, Alun! Reading your hub was a lovely way to learn about Thailand. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Thank you so much Rema. It is [https://www.behance.net/search?content=projects&sort=appreciations&time=week&search=gratifying gratifying] to read your words. Thailand is certainly special to me, and I've been there six times. But I've been lucky enough in the past decade to visit many countries around the world (including India for a week), and I've not been disappointed by any. Each has its own beauty and attractions, which have made the visit an enriching experience. Thanks so much for sharing. Alun. Rema T V  8 years ago from Chennai, India Hi Alun, In addition to the detailed description about the history, geography and the culture of this beautiful country, you have created an interest in me to find out more about other countries of the world that are beautiful in their own ways. Thank you very much for this wonderful knowledge. Voted up and sharing all over. Cheers, Rema. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Pavlo; Thank you very much. I've always enjoyed my visits to Thailand, and photographing the country. So pleased you like the photos, and thanks for the votes! Alun. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK carol7777; I very much appreciate your visit and comment. Thanks loads. Thailand is a lovely country to visit, so I hope you get the opportunity one day. My gratitude for the votes too. Alun. Pavlo Badovskyi  8 years ago from Kyiv, Ukraine Wonderful hub! Pictures are amazing! Voted up! [ ]carol stanley  8 years ago from Arizona I knew little about Thailand..and Now I know a lot. What a great hub and filled with so much information. I love the photos. Great job in sharing all about this wonderful place. I would love to visit. Voting UP+++

9 Thailand Nightclubs You Can 39;t Get Enough Of

2020-12-28T20:53:52Z

MistyKiley0:

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for pleasure-loving tourists and visitors from around the world. With its capital Bangkok being the main centre of most buzz and activity, Phuket and Pattaya also boast of some of the popular clubs in the country. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Although the Nightlife in Thailand is beyond clubbing and drinking, the visiting tourists from prefer checking out its bars and clubs for a relaxed evening. The concentration of nightclubs in the Sukhumvit and the very recently developed RCW areas of Bangkok offer a wide range of options for all kinds of visitors to the city. In no random order of preference, the top 9 nightclubs to visit in Thailand are: Onyx, Bangkok: With EDM taking over the world by storm, this newly popular club accommodates 2000 people and is fast becoming the most popular among clubbers in Bangkok. Located at the new party central of the [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=city-Royal,creativecommons city-Royal] City Avenue, this is the only club in [https://www.rewards-insiders.marriott.com/search.jspa?q=Bangkok Bangkok] to be featured in the DJ Mag's list of Best Clubs in the World. Insanity, Sukhumvit, Bangkok: The brand new location of this popular club on Sukhumvit Soi 11 is home to EDM along with old school Hip Hop and House music. Open seven nights a week, they acter to over 1000 guests on a weekday to about 1500 on weekends at their premises. With setup and ambiance similar to international standards and at par with the clubs of Las Vegas or Ibiza, Insanity is one of the largest in the city. Illuzion, Phuket: One of the most happening clubs in Phuket, Illuzion has separate rooms for EDM, Tech House, and Hip Hop music. This club accommodates 5000 standing people with over 300 VIP tables and renders an experience unparalleled by any other club in Phuket. White Room, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] Phuket: The most sophisticated night cub of Phuket is located along the famous Bangla Road in Patong and is known for its niche clientele, expensive pours and top artists playing a good mix of R&B, Hip Hop and House music. With a lot of emphasis on appropriate dressing for the club, this venue might turn people back off its doors if found otherwise. Although the focus on exclusivity and sophistication filters the crowd, the club is almost always close to full capacity because of its elite crowd and awesome music. Horizon Bar, Hilton Pattaya: Located at the 34th floor of the Hilton Pattaya at beach Road in south, this amazing lounge is popular among tourists for a casual drink or two. Featuring an indoor and an outdoors section, this popular nightspot is also frequented by many to witness sunset across the Pattaya skyline with special Buy 1 Get 1 offer on selected drinks. Planet Earth Beach Club, Soi 16, Jomtien Beach Road, Pattaya: Recreating the essence of the beach parties of Ibiza, this club is one of the most popular places to visit by water bodies. This club is only open during the tourist season and is on till wee hours of the morning. Infinity Club, Chiang Mai: The most modern and chic club In Chiang Mai, is located at Soi6, just off the main Niman Road stretch. Frequented by the upmarket tourists and visiting Thai people, this club plays EDM and hosts many international Dj over special weekend gigs. This club gets really crowded on weekends and you are suggested to arrive early to avoid searching for [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] a table to keep your glass of drink. Boogie Bar, Ao Nang, Krabi: This seventies style bar tucked away a few steps off the beach road and is frequented by tourists with high spending capacity. Serving only alcohol and no food, this bar is known for its live acts and performances of pop and rock tracks from the late sixties till date. Phi Phi Reggae Bar, Koh Phi Phi Don: Located at the main urban centre of Phi Phi, the Tonsai Village, and Phi Phi bar features music and entertainment under one roof with a Thai kickboxing arena at its centre surrounding the 5 bars under its umbrella. Visitors here can watch a match or two sipping their cocktail and are often invited by the management to try their own luck in the ring, albeit a friendly one. The [ ] is one of its primary USP to attract tourists into the country. With relatively cheaper alcohol and gate admissions from other major party destinations of the world.

More Details About The Beaches Of Thailand

2020-12-28T20:20:55Z

MistyKiley0:

Thailand is undeniably among the most excellent beach [http://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=destinations destinations] in the world, predominantly thanks to the stunning tropical islands in the south of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] and the Andaman Sea. Most difficult is the challenging task of selecting out the best beaches in Thailand. This article has been penned down to slender it down to a few. There are many in the check list for the absolute must-see shorelines in the Land of Smiles. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); The nightlife is centred around the famous Bangla Road however there are quiet parts of town. Virtually, the definition of the typical tropical paradise, their warm white sands, apparent and calm seas, nodding palms and cooling sea breezes are on almost everyone's bucket lists. Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its extensive variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play. By night the town has a lively nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars and night clubs. Visitors who are on tenterhooks for a glimpse into the exotic East [ Thailand Beach] might not find it here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full pleasure of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of 'mai pen rai' - which translates roughly to as if it doesn't matter or not to worry and be happy. There are currently many hotels that has been set up near the Patong Beach. Another is the Kata Beach which is a pleasant bay, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach as it entices and trinkets many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Visitors will unearth an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir stalls and mini-marts to name-brand fashion stores. The area also has an inspiring range of dining options, from budget street food to some of the finest restaurants in Phuket. Very popular with families, Kata is an all-round the most wanted due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not strident nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers. The Kata Beach in Thailand is mainly split into two focal areas: one is the Kata Centre, which is at the northern end, close to Karon, and the other one is the Kata South - home to several resorts. Freedom Beach in Phuket is a kind of beach in Thailand which is a 300-metre-long strip of white sand near Patong. The beach is set in a splendid bay dotted with granite rocks and delimited by hills covered by a thick jungle. Its restrictedness comes from its rather challenging accessibility, but it is well worth the effort. The shallow waters at both ends of the beach are home to excellent underwater life.There are as such no jet-skis or noisy maritime leisure activities at Freedom Beach - the only audible engines are those of the long-tail boats in the distance. Apart from taking a sunbath, you can take pleasure in beach soccer (2 mini-goals are available), beach volleyball, and snorkelling in the area. The author has vast experience in writing transportation, travel, Phuket Travel Company, Phuket Tours, Thailand tours, Phuket hotels, transportation in Phuket, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] Phuket airport to Patong, Phuket to Krabi, Phuket attractions, activities in Phuket, Phuket to Phi Phi, Thailand Beaches, Kata beach Phuket, Places to visit in Phuket, Places to visit in Krabi, Phuket Nightlife, Krabi Nightlife, transport company Thailand, transport company Phuket, Travel Agent Phuket, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tua du lịch thái lan] Phuket Travel Company, Islands near Phuket, Best things to do in Phuket, Best things to do in Krabi. The author has written numerous content on these topics on a regular basis. Visit for more information [ ]

How Much For A Tattoo In Thailand - A Guide For Tattoo Lovers

2020-12-28T13:51:33Z

MistyKiley0:

Thailand is considered one of the most visited tourist spots for travel goers around the world. People from all over the world like to visit the top locations of Thailand as like Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai and so on. Nowadays, Thailand has got another reason to become well-known on the map, and it is for tattooing. Several tattoo parlours have been established in Thailand [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tua du lịch thái lan] that attracts tourists. Not only these shops have experienced and skilled artists, but they also maintain the utmost level of hygiene standards. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Apart from the experienced artists and the safety measures, another important reason that why the tattoo studios have become too popular among the visitors is the price. Almost all these shops provide an affordable rate for their [http://www.newsweek.com/search/site/services services]. However, several factors affect the price of tattooing. Read below to know more- 1. The Experience of the Artist : The price of this body art differs due to the experience level of the artist. The price depends on how much the tattoo artist is experienced. The more experienced the artist is, the better will be the work. Hence, if you want to do a body design that will provide you will a lifetime experience, you can opt for professionals who are experienced in Phuket Thailand tattoo art. 2. The Tattoo Position : The position where you are doing the ink art is also an important factor for doing the tattoo. If you want to do the body art that is less painful, the price will be lesser as compared to the one that is done on the area that is much more painful. As the skilled artist will have to put much effort and time on doing the tattoo on the painful area, he will be charging more money than the other parts on the body. 3. The Colour of the Tattoo : The colour of the art is also an important factor that determines the price of the ink art. If you are doing a single coloured tattoo, you will be charged less as [http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/results.aspx?searchwords=compared compared] to the colourful one. If you are doing the tattoo for the first time and want to save money, you can opt for the black and white designs. The quotes and portrait tattoos look great on black and grey ink. 4. The Payment Mode : Some of the tattoo shops charge hourly, whereas some parlours fix a particular rate for the overall tattoo design. Whenever you are going to do the tattoo, you must ask the artist about the method of tattooing. If you are doing a small tattoo, the hourly charge is beneficial; however, when you are doing a larger design, you can go for [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan] the overall rate. Before you are going to do the tattoo, you must consult and discuss your expectations & requirement with the artist. The professional will know about your design requirement and will tell you the exact design that will suit your personality. If you want to know [ how much for a tattoo in Thailand] , browse the several websites first to know more in details. Rosenan Chantam is a reputed author and he writes various articles on tattoos and fashion. He suggests the readers to visit [ ] for the best experience.

A Fisherman Working For £500-a-month Has Stumbled Across What Is Possibly The World s Biggest Blob Of Ambergris - Worth £2

2020-12-28T11:45:46Z

MistyKiley0: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „A fisherman working for £500-a-month has stumbled across what is possibly the world's biggest blob of Ambergris - worth £2.4 million. Ambergris - or whale…“

A fisherman working for £500-a-month has stumbled across what is possibly the world's biggest blob of Ambergris - worth £2.4 million. Ambergris - or whale vomit - is considered a sea treasure and floating gold because of an [http://wideinfo.org/?s=odourless odourless] [/news/alcohol/index.html alcohol] that is extracted to make a perfume's scent last longer. Naris Suwannasang, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] 60, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tua du lịch thái lan] saw several pale rock-like pale lumps washed up on a beach when he was walking by the sea in Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern [/news/thailand/index.html Thailand]. He called his cousins to help him take the items home, where they started examining the unusual discovery. To their astonishment, the large rocks appeared to resemble ambergris, a rare secretion from whales which is used as an expensive ingredient in perfume production - such as Chanel No5 - to make its scent last for longer. The family tested the surface by burning it with a lighter, causing it to melt instantly while giving off a musky smell, giving them further confirmation of their find. <div class="art-ins mol-factbox news floatRHS" data-version="2" id="mol-2e141bb0-331d-11eb-94b9-ed9a4e283b5f" website fisherman finds 'the world's biggest' blob of whale vomit

Thailand - A Travel Guide With Links To Other Pages About Thailand

2020-12-28T10:10:37Z

MistyKiley0: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „id="mod_20211806">Introduction The author of this page has visited the nation of Thailand on a number of occasions, not as a travel expert, but as a tourist…“

id="mod_20211806">Introduction The author of this page has visited the nation of Thailand on a number of occasions, not as a travel expert, but as a tourist, photographer and writer. During these visits many key attractions have been explored, and a photographic record maintained. On this page I include a resume of the key facts about this country, I briefly relate its geography and its history, I mention some of the important tourist attractions, and I write about the Thai people and culture. The page is first and foremost the Home Page to all my articles about Thailand, and therefore includes links to everything I have written. The articles include information about some of the major [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour đi thái lan] attractions, and some personal reflections on my many experiences in the country. All photos have been taken by the author during his visits to the country. N.B: Please note, all of my articles are best read on desktops and laptops The map of Thailand, its neighbouring nations and the coastline | SourceThe topography of Thailand. Note the mountain ranges in the north, and the two great river basins of Central Thailand - the Chao Phraya and the Mekong | Source The Geography and Climate of Thailand The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of the region of South-East Asia, known as Indochina, sharing borders with the nations of Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. The country, which covers an area of 513,000 sq km (198,000 sq miles), is comparable in size to Spain, larger than the State of California yet rather smaller than the State of Texas. The peninsula nature of South Thailand creates a very long coastline of more than 3,000 km (2,000 miles), and this has greatly benefited Thailand with advantages for international trade, as well as fisheries and tourism. Much of the land in the north and the extreme west is above 500 metres in height. The highest mountain is Doi Inthanon at 2,565 meters (8,415 ft). A smaller range of high hills runs north-south through the centre of the country dividing the land into two great river basins - the Chao Phraya in the west, and the Mekong in the east. Most of the land in these river basins is much lower lying, and this land provide Thailand with its fertile agricultural plains. The peninsular south of Thailand is bounded on the western side by the Andaman Sea and on the eastern side by the Gulf of Thailand, and is a region of lush forest, beautiful limestone karst scenery and coral islands. Just north of the equator but lying well within the Tropic of Cancer, and with temperatures varying between 19 and 38°C (66-100°F), Thailand's climate is generally hot and humid, but three seasons can be identified through most of the country - a 'hot' season from May to August, a 'rainy' season from September to October (in reality the weather is usually fine, but heavy monsoon rainstorms are quite common), and a 'cool' season from November to April (which is not much cooler, but it is much drier and this is therefore the most pleasant time to visit). Temperatures, in truth, show little seasonal variation in most regions of Thailand, but rainfall does. Elephant trekking is popular in the southern islands and the northern hills | Source The Regions of Thailand From the point of view of tourists, this country can be conveniently divided into four regions - the City of Bangkok, the northwest and the hill tribes, the Isaan region of the northeast and the beaches and islands to the south. The following sections contain brief descriptions of some of the major attractions, the geography and climate, the history and culture, which bring tourists to these parts of Thailand. The ruined city of Ayutthaya | Source Bangkok The capital city of Thailand features prominently in my articles, because whatever part of Thailand the tourist intends to visit, Bangkok will usually be on the itinerary somewhere along the line, as the arrival point into the country or the departure point to the rest of the world. And the majority of visitors to Thailand will at least spend a day or two in Bangkok before they head off to other parts. And what a place to spend a couple of days! Noisy, overpopulated, traffic-jammed, exotic and vibrant - Bangkok is a city unlike any other, and I like it. Perhaps not a place to spend a month, but for [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] a few days, there are the most intricately decorated of temples, there's street markets where the city really comes to life, and there's great shopping and entertainments to cater for all tastes. And not far from the city is the ancient ruined Capital of Ayutthaya, and the beach at Pattaya is a day trip away. The Northwest and the Hilltribes For those who wish for a more adventurous or cultural vacation in Thailand, the northwest of the country offers a very different experience. The northwest is home to the ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Lanna, and the modern city of Chiang Mai - by all accounts a much more relaxed, less hectic, more beautiful city than Bangkok. But the main appeal for the tourists who head to the forested mountains, the deep valleys and cooler climate of the northwest is culture. Here there is the opportunity to live as a guest of the hill tribes of the region - distinct, indigenous tribes who to a large extent have preserved their traditional lifestyles, their own local language, colourful dress and farming techniques. This is authentic Thailand, and a visit to these parts can be a rewarding experience for many. To date I have not visited the northwest (hence no photos), but perhaps in the future? A giant Buddha statue which stands on a prominent hill in N.E Thailand | Source The Northeast The country between Bangkok and Laos to the north, and between Bangkok and Cambodia to the east, is the least touristy in the country. It is the most rural, and is generally speaking, the least affluent. Much of this land lies in a region known as 'Isaan', a culturally distinct area with its own dialect, cuisine and traditions. The main cities are Udon Thani and Khon Kaen. Not so many Western visitors travel to this area, unless they are backpackers who wish to see rural life in Thailand whilst passing through to Laos or Cambodia. But there are many little known sights, both ancient and modern, to attract in the region, and some of these are to be found in my pages, as I have been fortunate enough to spend a number of weeks in this part of the country as guest of a Thai family. The beautiful Phi Phi Islands | Source The Islands to the South The majority of tourists who come to Thailand flock to the south, to beach resorts such as Krabi and Khao Lak, and to the beautiful limestone karst islands. The most popular tourist destinations include the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket. And in the Andaman Sea there lies the famously exotic Phi Phi Islands as well as many others to choose from. Whatever your personal preference, there is an island or a resort for you - whether it be the family hotel and beach resort, the active water sports haven, the hippie mecca, or the peaceful and unspoilt natural paradise. Long-tail boats on the Phi Phi Islands | Source [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Bang-Pa In - once the Summer Palace in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya | Source History of Thailand The history of the Thai people before the 13th century is unfortunately not clear today. There were certainly Stone Age settlements in Thailand, whilst Bronze Age civilisation in Ban Chiang in northern Thailand has left many relics. But little else is known for certain. Over the next millennium, a series of migrations and invasions by various groups including southern Chinese and Burmese tribes took place, and during this period Indian settlers brought with them Hinduism and Buddhism. Many rival tribes and local cultures competed for influence and regional supremacy, but gradually two great kingdoms would develop - Lanna in the north west, and Sukhothai, a little further south. Lanna was a powerful state for hundreds of years, but by the 13th century, Sukhothai had established a period of extensive dominance, and during this time the distinctive Thai alphabet was established, and Buddhism became the state religion. But the borders of both Lanna and Sukhothai were far from secure and they were prone to constant incursions from neighbouring states. Lanna gradually declined after long periods of internal and external conflict, while Sukhothai's dominance was short-lived. The remains of the capital of Sukhothai which date from 1238 AD can still be seen today, and are regarded as the ruins of the first major city in Thailand. A powerful new kingdom was developing in the south, and this was soon to absorb Sukhothai into its boundaries. This kingdom was Ayutthaya, and its capital city was established in 1350. Ayutthaya soon spread its influence to incorporate much of modern day Thailand as well as parts of neighbouring Laos and Cambodia, and its emergence signalled the beginnings of a united Thailand, which survived largely without serious challenge for 400 years. During this time, Thailand prospered, and trade with the rest of the world including the great European powers began. However, in 1767 the capital of Ayutthaya fell under the assault of Burmese forces, and was almost completely destroyed, and theThais had to regroup and start again under King Rama I, the first ruler of the Chakri dynasty which still prevails to this day. They built a brand new capital 80 kilometres south in a region called Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Gradually this settlement developed across the river, and it was on the East bank that a great city later burgeoned to become modern day Bangkok. During the 19th century, many neighbouring states were colonised by the great powers of Britain and France, but Thailand, as a result of careful diplomacy by its rulers, remained independent and the country began to prosper once more. In 1932, the absolute monarchy which had ruled Thailand for so long came to an end with a bloodless coup by the military, but the King was very soon re-installed as a constitutional monarch. Throughout much of this history from about the 13th century, the name of 'Siam' was used for the region, gradually being adopted by both the indigenous people and by European traders as the official name of the country. But on 24th June 1939, the nation - the only one in south east Asia to remain forever free of European colonisation - officially changed its name to 'Thailand', which means 'Free Land'. Today Thailand remains proud of its claim never to have come under the control of a Western empire. Thailand - the Buddhist Nation | Source The Economy The economy is the second largest in S.E Asia, and Thailand's exports are of vital importance. Principal trade is in fish and agricultural foods - Thailand is one of the world's largest exporters of rice. Other major commodities include textiles and rubber, jewellery, computer goods and electrical appliances. This export market also means that despite its appeal as a vacation destination, Thailand relies on tourism for only 7% of its gross domestic product. One of the most famous of Thai traditions is the floating market - once the mainstay of trade on the canals, but now largely maintained as a tourist attraction | Source The Government Thailand has been a constitutional hereditary monarchy since 1932. The present Head of State is King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej*. As a constitutional monarch he takes no direct role in the day to day politics of the country, but remains a much revered and loved figure across all political divides. Following the ending of absolute monarchy, a series of military dictatorships alternated with civilian prime ministers in the mid to late 20th century, but gradually the country has been stabilising into democracy. Democracy is still not entirely secure, and rifts between the two major parties and between the urban and rural populations have led to sporadic civil disturbances and army interventions. It should however, be made clear that these actions are usually very short-lived and localised - it seems the army has no wish to dominate political affairs, and when such incidents have occurred, power has been quickly returned to civilian authorities. Essentially the country is peaceful. Today there is an elected Prime Minister as the head of a government which consists of two Houses of Parliament - a Senate and a House of Representatives. The judiciary is independent of government. * In 2016 the King, the longest reigning monarch in the world, died. Currently also, the country is once again under military rule, [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour thái lan giá rẻ] and yet remains essentially peaceful. A traditional Thai dancer. Thais are rightly proud of their culture, though it is a culture derived from many regional influences over the centuries of settlement | Source The Thai People - Ethnicity and Religion Approximately 65 million people live in Thailand, of which more than 80% can be described as ethnically Thai - the descendants of the peoples who have lived throughout the region or settled here over most of the past 2000 years. They all broadly speak the same language, though there are regional dialects and differences in vocabulary, most notably in the Isaan region of North East Thailand. Of the remaining 15 to 20% of the population, the majority are more recent Chinese arrivals, with smaller numbers of immigrants from other neighbouring countries, as well as Western settlers. Lastly there are the ethnically distinct hill tribes of the North West such as the Hmong and Karen - peoples who have never fully integrated into the Thai culture of the rest of the country. 95% of Thais belong to the Theravada School of the Buddhist faith, the expression of Buddhism most prevalent in Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and most closely allied to the Buddha's original teachings. Other schools of Buddhism - Mahayana, and its more diverse variations including Vajrayana and Zen Buddhism - are predominant in the far east, in China, Japan and Vietnam, and also in the Dalai Lama's Tibet. In practice, the differences between the schools are not huge, and perhaps most obvious to tourists is the colour of the robes of the monks - unlike the maroon robes so familiarly worn by the Dalai Lama, Thai monks wear saffron orange-yellow or ochre-brown. The only other faith of significance in Thailand is Islam, which forms the majority religion in three extreme southern provinces. Sadly, as is so often the case in the world today, religious and cultural tensions have led to separatist movements here, and increasing incidents of violence. It should be stressed however, that these tensions rarely impinge upon the areas of the south which most tourists frequent. Consultation with a Buddhist monk | Source Source The Thai People - Culture and Etiquette A popular description for Thailand which the nation likes to encourage, is 'The Land of Smiles'. Although of course Thais can be as miserable as the rest of us, there is some small degree of truth to the nickname. Thai people do tend to have a relatively peaceful contented way of viewing the world, and they are usually not aggressive by nature. Customs and etiquette are observed but not usually fanatically so, as befits a pacific religion like Buddhism. For the traveller there are however, some aspects of Thai culture and etiquette which should be observed out of respect for the people. Any guide book will list the do's and don'ts of how to conduct oneself as a tourist on holiday in Thailand. The following list is a basic guide to key requirements: The wai is, for me, one of the most enchanting aspects of Thai culture. It is the greeting in which hands are held together prayer-like in front of the body, and it is so much more graceful than a handshake. Thais will, of course happily accept a handshake from a foreigner, but a wai will be especially appreciated. By tradition, the head - the top of the body - is considered sacred, and the feet - the lowest part of the body - are also considered the lowest in other respects. Therefore, one shouldn't really touch the head of a stranger, or sit with bare feet pointed towards another person. (Having said this, I haven't yet noticed any obvious distaste when Thais are confronted with such a sight). Speaking of the feet, one custom which appears to be almost universally observed is the removal of shoes when entering private houses. It also tends to be observed by locals in hotel rooms. Most importantly, it is definitely required upon entering the most sacred of the temple buildings. Religion is the institution on which Thai etiquette is most important. Monks, who are familiar figures on the streets in their orange robes, should be treated with some respect, and should not be touched by women - if a female wishes to offer gifts to a monk, the gift should placed in front, for the monk to pick up. If respect for religion is an obvious requirement, the necessity of respecting a king may not be so obvious. Yet in Thailand, photos of the King are everywhere, and he is revered. Anyone showing gross disrespect may find themselves in trouble. And when the national anthem is played, for example in cinemas, the public stand. Long-tail boat in the [http://www.glamour.de/content/search/?SearchText=Andaman Andaman] Sea. This photo was taken in the Phi Phi Islands, where rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving, are all options to try | SourceExotic hotel setting in Krabi. And if you don't want to swim in the pool, the Andaman Sea is just one mile away | Source Tourism No country in South Eastern Asia receives more tourists than Thailand, and with good reason. Great sandy beaches and coral islands, great historic and religious attractions, and distinctive modern culture, cuisine and night life, all mean that this country has plenty to offer. Coupled with this, Thailand is relatively safe and welcoming for the tourist with moderate attitudes and tolerance of foreign customs. Finally, the climate is tropical and the nature is exotic. Any time of the year can be a good time to visit, though the 'cool' season of December to February is the most popular and most expensive period of the year. Off peak is May to August when Thailand is quite humid. The people who travel are of all kinds: 1) For those who want comfort and relaxation, Thailand boasts some of the finest of hotels including luxury spa resorts in the south, and five star properties in Bangkok. 2) For those who want sun, sea and sand, Thailand's huge coastline and many islands offers everything one could hope for. 3) For those who want Asia on a budget, Thailand has a magnetic draw for backpackers and carefree teenagers, and lots of cheap rooms in which to deposit their rucksacks! 4) For those who want exotic, lively and sometimes dubious night life, [https://www.gov.uk/search?q=Bangkok Bangkok] has it all - enough said! 5) For those who want culture in the raw, trekking vacations, and living as guests of a hill tribe family, there are now options readily available to the more adventurous traveller. "lat":13.661559,"lng":98.729789999999994,"zoom":4,"mapType":"HYBRID","markers":[],"moduleId":"20732583" Thailand - a Country to Visit and Enjoy Thailand means different things to different people. To some it means a lazy beach holiday on Phuket Island or snorkeling around the beautiful limestone islands of the south. To others it means cultural adventures and hill trekking among the tribes of the north west. And to yet others it means colourful temples, and exotic nightlife and world famous cuisine in bustling Bangkok. But to all who visit, Thailand should mean an enjoyable experience among friendly people - a richly memorable vacation. I hope that these pages of mine which are linked to here, help to provide a flavour of the country, the places to visit, and the experiences to enjoy. And above all, I hope that if you do choose to go there, you will enjoy your vacation to Thailand - the Land of Smiles. 'Land of Smiles' | Source References[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] All My Other Pages ... I have written articles on many subjects including science and history, politics and philosophy, film reviews and travel guides, as well as poems and stories. All can be accessed by clicking on my name at the top of this page Thai [ ][ ]by chasmac7 [ ][ ]by Paul Richard Kuehn11 I'd Love to Hear Your Comments. Thanks, Alun [ ] or [ ] and post using a HubPages Network account. 0 of 8192 characters used[# Post Comment]No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites. sendingAUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  7 years ago from Essex, UK Express10; Thanks so much. I very much appreciate your comments about both the text and the photos. It was a pleasure to introduce this country to readers and to hopefully encourage a few to visit and enjoy its varied attractions. Cheers Alun. H C Palting  7 years ago from East Coast This is a very informative and useful hub. I am happy that you mentioned the off peak seasons in addition to the culture and etiquette. The photos are also beautiful, I really like the one of Bang-Pa In and the boat in the Andaman Sea. It is also good to know that tourism only makes up a small portion of GDP. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Thanks Jools99; so pleased you liked the hub and my photos. Bangkok certainly is a city of extremes, and most tourists don't spend more than a few days in the capital, though there is a lot to see, both in the city and in the surrounding area. I like Bangkok, because the negatives (noise, traffic jams etc) for me are outweighed by the positives (attractions, colour, culture etc). But it makes a good contrast for tourists to combine two or three days in Bangkok with a week or two in one of the more peaceful parts of the country. Alun. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK mary615; my thanks for your nice comment and for the shares! I'm grateful. I wasn't aware of that in the Southern States. In Thailand it is certainly standard, even when there are no carpets on the floor, and in hotels the maids will take their shoes off when they enter a room to clean it. Alun. Jools Hogg  8 years ago from North-East UK Wonderful hub, loved all of your photos and there is so much information here. I have never visited Thailand because the thought of staying in Bangkok always put me off, this hub has given me a new perspective. Mary Hyatt  8 years ago from Florida Thailand is a country that I knew very little about, but thanks to your informational Hub, I feel like I certainly have learned more. We have a custom in the South (U.S.) that we remove our shoes before entering a house, too. You did a fine job on this Hub. I voted it UP, and till share. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Thanks AliciaC. I very much appreciate your visit and really nice comment. It's a pleasure to write about Thailand, and hopefully introduce a few more people to its potential as a tourist destination. Alun. Linda Crampton  8 years ago from British Columbia, Canada Thank you for all the wonderful and detailed information, Alun! Reading your hub was a lovely way to learn about Thailand. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Thank you so much Rema. It is gratifying to read your words. Thailand is certainly special to me, and I've been there six times. But I've been lucky enough in the past decade to visit many countries around the world (including India for a week), and I've not been disappointed by any. Each has its own beauty and attractions, which have made the visit an enriching experience. Thanks so much for sharing. Alun. Rema T V  8 years ago from Chennai, India Hi Alun, In addition to the detailed description about the history, geography and the culture of this beautiful country, you have created an interest in me to find out more about other countries of the world that are beautiful in their own ways. Thank you very much for this wonderful knowledge. Voted up and sharing all over. Cheers, Rema. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK Pavlo; Thank you very much. I've always enjoyed my visits to Thailand, and photographing the country. So pleased you like the photos, and thanks for the votes! Alun. AUTHORGreensleeves Hubs  8 years ago from Essex, UK carol7777; I very much appreciate your visit and comment. Thanks loads. Thailand is a lovely country to visit, so I hope you get the opportunity one day. My gratitude for the votes too. Alun. Pavlo Badovskyi  8 years ago from Kyiv, Ukraine Wonderful hub! Pictures are amazing! Voted up! [ ]carol stanley  8 years ago from Arizona I knew little about Thailand..and Now I know a lot. What a great hub and filled with so much information. I love the photos. Great job in sharing all about this wonderful place. I would love to visit. Voting UP+++

Benutzer:MistyKiley0

2020-12-28T10:08:51Z

MistyKiley0: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „Hi! My name is Misty and I'm a 29 years old girl from Australia. My web site [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-n…“

Hi! My name is Misty and I'm a 29 years old girl from Australia. My web site [https://www.kynghidongduong.vn/tours/tour-thai-lan-bangkok-pattaya-5-ngay.html tour đi thái lan]