0 BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT THAILAND

“Land of the Free”, words I remember about Thailand. Some may think of the United States because of the Star-Spangled Banner, the American national anthem which we normally heard in the Philippines because of their influence – Americanization per se. But then since I always love the world history, I am always profound on remembering descriptive names of Asian countries.

Nearly 95% of Thailand's population is Buddhist. Buddha is the enlighten one, is a very nature of Buddhism.

Being the only country in South East Asian region who have escaped with the colonial rule, Thailand has the right to claim as the only land that have the freedom. Now after months of waiting I finally got to see it myself and the chance to intersperse their rich culture, religion, society, and eventually politics.

Formerly known as Siam – Thailand is at the heart of Indochina-peninsula in Southeast Asia. Myanmar in the West and North part, Lao P.D.R in the North – Northeast part, Cambodia in the Southeast, and Malaysia in the South. The total area of 198,000 sq mi and make it as the 51st largest country. Wondering if it's a landlocked? Maybe because it is bordered by countries in four directions but nope, in fact Gulf of Thailand houses the coral reefs that are suitable for diving locations and the warmth water that attracts many foreign tourists and locals alike.

This is Wat Pho, Buddhist Temple in Phra Nakhon district, adjacent to the Grande Temple.

Climate is like in the Philippines, the wet and the dry, so it is best describe as tropical and humid in majority all over the year.

The country is a constitutional monarchy led by the present king – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of Chakri Dynasty and the longest ruling Thai monarch that reigned for more than half a century. That's why when you get there don’t be surprise with the King’s image hanged everywhere and their flag with a yellow banner wobble on the streets. Such an unparalleled character for the love of the country and perhaps their King. Please don’t get me wrong, but when I was there, I kept on thinking why everyone honored him like the God. In fact, I saw women with the King’s image hooked on their necklace. I was comparing, honestly, do they praise him like how I admire the Pope as Catholic? If would assume yes. If so, then they really have this so much admiration and respect.

Busy street in downtown Bangkok.

The image of  their King and Queen that is visible to anywhere in Thailand.

Thai is the official language, in writing and speaking. English is widely understood in downtown Bangkok most specially in hotels, restaurant, and other major tourist destinations. Don't worry with the Thai alphabet, they have translations in Thai-English on some of the road and street signs. Their currency is called "baht", as of this writing the current conversion of 1 THB is 1.36 PHP.

The ever-famous Thailand ubiquitous Tuk-Tuk. An icon. 

Thai Basic Words:

Hello - Sawa dee

Thank You (if you're a male) - Kob Khun Krap / (if you're a female) - Kob Khun Ka.

--basically, women say "ka" at the end of the sentence, while men "krap".

How are you? - Khun sabai di mai?

You're welcome - Yin dee krap / ka

I love you - prm/chan rak khun

Thai Numbers:

1 - neung

2 - song

3 - sam

4 - si

5 - ha

6 - hok

7 - chet

8 - pet

9 - kao

10 - sip

I'll be posting soon about my trip to Thailand - Where to go, what to do, and itineraries.