Thailand

Welcome to the Land of Smiles
Thailand Presentation
Jenny Sorensen, Annya Becerra, Tina Hill, Stephanie Stephan, Mitch Clark, Jaro Melgr
Thailand: The Land of Smiles
Agenda
Places in Thailand
Current Events
Business and Economics
Politics and Government
Food and Culture
The Church in Thailand
Map of Thailand

Places to visit in Bangkok

The Grand Palace in Bangkok Bangkok Parliament Building
Temple of Dawn
Chulalongkorn
Two huge
elephants
carrying seats
form a
triumphal arch.
It was built in
honour of the
late
Chulalongkorn,
king of Siam,
who visited
Europe in 1897.
Ching Mai
Ching Mai is a
center for crafts
including
silverwork,
weaving,
porcelain, and
woodcarving.
Things to see in Ching Mai
Sacred Burial Ground
Elephant Rides
The Kings
summer
home
For the Traveler
Thailand has
beautiful
beaches,
artwork, and
a unique
heritage.
Current Events
In November, at least 61 people died in floods that
swept 10 provinces in southern Thailand due to the
heaviest rains in 12 years
Over 1.5M tourists expected to visit during the
Songkran Festival, the countrys traditional new year
from March 31-April 2

Current Events
Two wives of the late Gen. Sunthorn are waging a
legal battle over his amassed fortune of over 4 billion
baht. The General ordered investigations into the
private assets of 10 leading politicians deemed to be
"unusually wealthy" after staging a coup against the
Chatichai government in 1991.

Current Events
The US National Transportation
Safety Board said on Thursday it
has so far found "no evidence"
that a bomb was responsible for
the destruction of a Thai Airways
737 on March 3, which exploded
on the tarmac shortly before the
Thai prime minister was due to
board.

Thai censors ban "Anna and The King"
Thai censors banned 20th
Century Fox's new version of
"Anna and the King" from
cinemas for its irreverent and
historically inaccurate portrayal
of the country's beloved
monarchy.
In 1833 Thailand and the United States signed a
Treaty of Amity and Commerce, the first American
treaty with an Asian nation.
During the 51 years of the current Kings reign,
Thailand has enjoyed enviable economic growth.
Thailands agrarian base and dynamic private sector
form a bedrock for its economy
Thailand boasts a complex export-led economy which
embraces the latest technologies and includes
tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, minerals and
communications

Business & Economics
One of the fastest-growing economies in the world
Seeks investment and trade from all countries by
encouraging foreign direct investment as a means of
promoting economic development, employment, and
technology transfer
More than 500 U.S. firms are currently operating in
Thailand
Agriculture is the primary means of employment, but
industry, commerce, and services account for 80% of
the GDP
Thailands economy faced a sudden drop in exports
from 23% in 1995 to -0.2% in 1996
Economic problems led to speculative attack on the
baht, and the floatation of the baht in July 1996 saw
an over 100% evaluation of the currency
On August 20, 1997, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) assisted Thailand by granting a US$ 17.2 billion
package
Recovery is on track but it remains fragile
The social impacts of the crisis are still felt
Exports remain the main driver of growth
While public debt has increased, and will pose
challenges in the future, it is manageable
After a sharp contraction in 1998, real GDP is
estimated to have grown by 4.2% in 1999 and is
expected to grow by 4-5% in 2000
Exchange Rates
1 DMark=20.78796 THB
1 FFranc=6.198118 THB
1 U.K. =63.99780 THB
1 US $=43.53000 THB
1 Yen=0.364055 THB
*THB=Thai Baht
Last Trade: Mar 09
Business Dos
Address Thais by their professional title or a courtesy title
followed by their first name
Dress ProfessionallyThais will judge your social standing by
what you are wearing
Make comments about Thai landmarks, restaurants, and politics
and the royal family (but only if they are positive and you know
what you are talking about)
Shake a mans hand the first time you meet him, smile at a
woman the first time you meet her
Use the wai upon meeting and departing (responddont
initiate)
Proper way to sit is kneeling with your legs under you facing the
person of honor

Business Donts
Dont point the sole of your foot at another person
Never touch anyone (even children) on the head
Avoid wearing black outside of formal occasionsthis color is
primarily used for funerals
Do not ever discuss the The King and I
Avoid accessory topics (such as art and music) in order to spare
loss of face if the Thai person does not know about those things
Do not express annoyance at personal questions asked of you,
this is how Thais determine what level of respect you should be
shown
Where are you going?Down the street. This question is
likened to our How are you doing?

Government & Politics
The only country in Southeast Asia never colonized,
Thailand was known for centuries as Siam
Prior to 1932, Thailands political history may be
summarized into three chronological kingdoms:
The Kingdom of Sukhothai (1257-1378)
The Ayutthaya Kingdom(1300-1400s)
The Rattanakosin Kingdom (1767-present)
Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa
Chulaloke, or Rama I, on April 6, 1782

Chakri Dynasty
The Line of Monarchs from Rama I:
Phra Buddha Loetla Naphalai, Rama II
Phra Nang Klao, Rama III
King Mongkut, Rama IV
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V
King Vajiravudh, Rama VI
King Prachadhipok, Rama VII
King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII
King Bhumibol Aulyadej, Rama IX, the present monarch.
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty
Born in December 1927, in
Cambridge, Massachusetts USA,
where his father, Prince Mahidol of
Songkhla was studying medicine at
Harvard University.
Ascended the throne in 1946.
The longest reigning Thai monarch.

Political Transformation
24 June 1932: Bloodless coup demanding
changing Thailand from absolute to constitutional
monarchy.
10 December 1932: King Prajadhipok signed
Thailand's first constitution, ending 800 years of
Thailands absolute monarchy.
25 November 1996: Elections name General
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as Thailands 22
nd
Prime
Minister.

The Thai Government
Prime Minister
Head of Government
National
Assembly
Senate House of
Representatives
N.A.P N.A.P D.P. D.P.
N.A.P. = New Arspiration Party
D.P. = Democratic Party
King
Head of State
Latter-Day-Saints in Thailand
Thailand enjoys religious freedom
Members: 10,800
In 1854, President Brigham Young sent first
missionary to Thailand, then known as Siam
Thailand District was organized in 1966
November 2,1966 President Gordon B. Hinckley
dedicated Thailand for the preaching of the gospel
In 1973, Thailand became its own mission
In 1995, the Bangkok Stake (diocese) was created

Thailands Culture
Thailand is often called the "land of smiles", you will
see more smiling people here than anywhere else in
the world.
The official language is Thai, but English is widely
spoken in all major tourist locations
Thai people are friendly and tolerant.
Thai Food
Spices
Common Ingredients are ginger, garlic, chili, pepper, lemon
grass and basil leaves
Fruit
Thailand is a paradise for tropical fruits. At any time during the
year dozens of fruits are found at market. These include
durian, rambutan, magosteen, longans, lychee, and langsat.
Salads
Frequently is the main course. Commonly topped with peanuts,
various shredded leaves and strips of chilli. A popular dish is
Thai beef salad: thin strips of beef are mixed with coriander,
soy, lime juice and black pepper. Then cooked with onions and
chillis. Served with lettuce and leaves.
Dos and Donts
Keep your feet on the ground
Smile and enjoy the hospitality
of your hosts.
If you are introduced to a Thai
and that person Wias to you
then you should return the Wai.
Womens legs and shoulders
should be cover before
entering a Buddhist temple.

No Public displays of
affection
Avoid touching people on
their head
Do not point the sole of your
foot at another person
Please do not wear shorts in
the temples


Thailand

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Welcome to the Land of Smiles

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