Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [1]
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FAST FACTS
Area: 514,000 sq km
Border countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma)
Population: 65,493,296
Inflation: 2.2%
GDP per capita: US$8000
Religion: 95% Buddhist
Literacy: 92.6%
Original name: Siam
Number of coups d’état since 1932: 18
Number of 7-Elevens: currently 3912
Highest Point: Doi Inthanon 2565m
Rice exports: 10.02 million tonnes in 2008 (number-one rice exporter in the world)
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After a great deal of political wrangling, a tenuous new coalition was formed in December, led by Oxford-educated Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and Thailand’s fifth prime minister of 2008. Although Abhisit’s appointment ushered a brief period of relative stability, violent protests in early 2009 by red-shirted Thaksin supporters in Bangkok and Pattaya showed that, although still in exile, the former Prime Minister remains the single most influential and polarising figure in Thai politics.
But perhaps the largest elephant of all is the impending but unspoken reality of a Thailand without its current monarch. Thailand’s king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the world’s longest-serving head of state and a figure literally worshipped by the vast majority of Thais for more than 60 years. The king is in his eighth decade now and his health has been failing. It remains to be seen how the Thais will adapt to life without a ruler whose reign most have lived their entire lives under. For certain, the grief felt by Thais will be profound, and the lack of the king’s relatively stabilising influence on domestic politics, and the contentious issue of royal succession will have profound implications on Thailand’s near future.
Yet, despite the seemingly endless cycle of crises, Thailand continues to progress towards a modern, wealthy society. Bangkok’s infrastructure continues to improve, with ambitious plans to expand both the Metro and Skytrain, and the long-awaited airport link scheduled to begin operations in 2009. Elsewhere in the country, virtually all of the communities devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami have fully recovered. Road links to distant parts of the country are improving, and an abundance of cheap domestic flights makes it easier than ever for those who wish to get off the beaten track.
Political crises have also done little to alter what makes the country arguably the most diverse and rewarding destination in Southeast Asia. A friendly and tolerant population and a solid infrastructure make Thailand an approachable destination for first-time travellers, while destinations and activities ranging from tropical beaches to cooking courses will appeal to even the most jaded traveller.
Throughout Thailand’s lengthy and often rocky experiment with democracy, the Thai people’s ability to ignore elephants has been a constant factor. But until issues such as class division, Thaksin Shinawatra’s polarising influence on politics, and royal succession are acknowledged and dealt with, political instability is bound to define Thailand’s future, as well as its past.
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Getting Started
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WHEN TO GO
COSTS & MONEY
TRAVEL LITERATURE
INTERNET RESOURCES
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Most people find travel in Thailand to be relatively easy and economical. Of course, a little preparation will go a long way towards making your trip hassle-free and fun.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit most of Thailand is between November and February, because it rains the least and it is not too hot. This period is also Thailand’s main season for festivals, like Loi Krathong and Songkran.
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See Climate Charts (Click here) for more information.
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If you plan to focus on the northern