Thailand 'the country of the smile' is a country that has not colonized is in the region.

The neighboring countries of Thailand, named Myanmar (Birma) - Laos and Cambodia, on the other hand have been colonized. Thailand always tried to keep foreign influences away, think of the European Imperialism midway 1800. European powers like England wanted to make a colony of Thailand.

To avoid colonization by the European powers Siam (old name for Thailand) modernized around 1900. The present king of that time was, king Mongkut, he laid the foundation for modernisation. Mail, railroads, civil servants devices, education systems and police powers where made by western example. The basis for the modern Thailand were made. His successor, his son Chulalongkorn, went forward whit this trend and tried to western Thailand more.

The immediate successors of Chulalongkorn were less able and wise then him. During the government of Prajadhipok dissatisfaction grew from the Thaïs population, with as consequence that men became in uprising during the crisis around the year 1930.There were fights and finally the king renounced the king that he distance the crown.

Here period of two dictators came: Pridi Panomyong and Phibul Songkram.

The last, Phibul, had ties with the West and also was interested in that. He was under the impression of democratic governments form and brave political discussions on, skilled laws from territory of working conditions and recognized the conference of unions. Later he also became discharged.

Until now there been different kings whit western operate. In the following Thailand was forced to join itself to a number of European countries, at time of the Second world War and the war in Vietnam.

Thailand had instant contact with western influences. Because of this Thailand became more western. There is contemporary broad network of roads, just like the Netherlands they have a monarchy.

Yet Thailand protects its country and preservation its traditions and belief.

Thailand - the population and religion

Population in Thailand has its own belief has and traditions. These 64 million inhabitants have a diversity at convictions, this all is coming from the Buddhism. The religious life in Thailand is mixture of:
-Buddhism
-Animism
-Cult of saints and Hindu gods

The Buddhism presses a large stamp on the Thaïs society. It arise 2500 years ago, but before this attached value where already made to karma and the transmigration of the soul. 'The unselfish be, is the (most important) form of virtue and leads to a good karma.'