Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [22]
1979 After three years of military rule, elections and parliament restored.
1980–88 Prem Tinsulanonda’s government works to undermine the communist insurgent movement and eventually ends it with a political solution.
1988 Chatichai Choonhavan becomes first elected PM since 1976; trade opens with Indochina.
1991–92 General Suchinda attempts to seize power; King Bhumibol intervenes to halt civil turmoil surrounding ‘Black May’ protests.
1995 First internet service for the Thai public offered by state enterprises.
1997 Thailand reels under impact of Asian economic crisis; passage of ‘people’s constitution’.
2001 Telecommunications tycoon, Thaksin Shinawatra, is elected prime minister.
2003 False media reports that a Thai actress accused Cambodia of stealing the Angkor Wat complex from Thailand spurs angry crowds in Phnom Penh; the Thai embassy is burned.
2004 Renewed insurgent violence in the Deep South. A devastating tsunami hits Thailand’s Andaman Coast, killing 5000 and damaging tourism and fishing industries.
2006 The nation celebrates King Bhumibol’s 60th year on the throne. Demonstrations against Thaksin Shinawatra are followed by the September coup ending his government.
2007 Democratic elections return civilian rule to Thailand in December, Samak is announced as Prime Minister the following month.
2008 A nation in crisis: anti-government demonstrations; dispute with Cambodia over the Phra Wihan temple; the closing of Bangkok’s two main airports due to demonstrators; the global economic recession.
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Thailand & You Making the most of your trip
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
THE CULTURE
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
THE ENVIRONMENT
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
It is easy to love Thailand: the pace of life is unhurried, the people are generally friendly and the pressures on the short-term visitor are relatively few. A smile goes a long way, chitchat is more important than a to-do list and doling out compliments is a national sport.
That doesn’t mean that every Thai is a cheery Pollyanna. So many foreigners pass through the country completely oblivious of the culture and customs that many Thais in the tourism industry suffer from ‘foreigner fatigue’. Further complicating matters is that tourism is a relatively lucrative industry attracting sound business people as well as fast operators and con artists. Handicapped by language and culture, many visitors have a hard time spotting the genuine sweethearts from the shysters.
Knowing a little bit more about this place will make you a smarter traveller and a better guest. Emanate a sense of warmth and happiness and the Thais will instinctively respond in kind. Know how to behave politely in public and you’ll coax a smile from the disapproving schoolmarms. Learn some of the language and you’ll become a fast friend with everyone from the noodle vendor to the taxi driver.
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THE CULTURE
Thais are generally tolerant of most kinds of behaviour and assume that the majority of foreigners know nothing about their country. When you do exhibit the slightest bit of etiquette mastery, Thais will beam with gratitude. For information on how to understand Thai culture as a whole, Click here.
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www.responsible-travel.org offers common-sense advice on how to travel with a conscience.
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Monarchy Etiquette
If you do nothing else, remember to treat the monarchy and the religion (which are often viewed as interconnected) with extreme deference. Thais regard any image of the king and the royal family with religious devotion. Money, which bears images of the king, is never stepped on (in the case of a dropped bill) or kept in one’s shoe.
In addition, avoid criticising or disparaging the royal family. Thais are very guarded about discussing negative aspects of the monarchy for fear of offending someone or worse, being charged for lese-majesty, which carries a jail sentence.
It’s also considered a grave insult to Thai