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 Thailand
or Siam as it was called until 1939, has never been colonized by a
foreign power, while all of its South East Asian neighbours have under-gone
European imperialism, or more recently, ideological domination by
communism - which originated in Europe.
At one time or another, true, it has suffered
periodic invasions on the part of Burmese and the Khmers and was briefly
occupied by the Japanese in WW II, but the Kingdom was never externally
controlled long enough to dampen the Thai serious individualism.
Although the Thais are often depicted as
Fun-Loving, Happy-go-Lucky folk, they are also very strong-minded
and have struggled for centuries to preserve their independence and
spirit.
 This
is not to say that Thailand has much to interest the traveller : historic,
culture, lively art, exotic islands, nightlife a tradition of friendliness
and hospitality to strangers. Travel in this tropical country is fairly
comfortable and down-to-earth, rail, bus and air travel network is
extensive and every place worth visiting.
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