User talk:Selfpolsci

“Thailand” =Thailand=

Sukhothai
The Sukhothai Era

By the 13th century, the Thais had begun to emerge as a dominant force in the region, slowly absorbing the weakened empires of the Mons and Khmers. By 1238, the first Thai kingdom, Sukhothai - called by its ruler "the dawn of happiness" - has been established. It is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great.

Ramkamhaeng was noted as an administrator, legislator and statesman. He is credited with the invention of the Thai script. The Sukhothai period saw the Thais, for the first time, developing a distinctive civilisation with their own administrative institutions, art and architecture. Sukhothai Buddha images, characterised by refined facial features, lineal fluidity, and harmony of form, are considered to be the most beautiful and the most original of Thai artistic expression.

In 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over gentile Sukhothai, and from a former vassal state, it usurped all administrative power, leaving Sukhothai a deserted kingdom.

Ayutthaya
The Ayutthaya Era

The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs whose position was enhanced by trappings of royalty reflective of a Khmer devaraja (god-king). Brahmins officiated side by side with Buddhist monks at state ceremonies - a legacy which remains in modern Bangkok.

The 16th century was marked by the first arrival of Europeans and by continual conflict with the Burmese.

In 1569, Ayutthaya fell to Burmese forces that thoroughly sacked and plundered the city, and forcibly removed much of Ayutthaya's population to Burma. The Siamese kingdom, however, was reconsolidated by King Naresuan the Great. Under this great king, Ayutthaya prospered and became the thriving metropolis as described by 17th Century European visitors.

Europeans were primarily attracted to Siam as a door to the China trade. Ayutthaya and her ports became entrepots for goods travelling between Europe, India and the East Indies, and China and Japan. The height of European presence in Ayutthaya, especially the French, was undoubtedly during the reign of King Narai, who ruled 1656 to 1688. It was through the presence of these Europeans during King Narai's reign that gave the West most of its early knowledge of Siam. Some Western visitors compared Ayutthaya to Venice and called it "the most beautiful city in the East."

In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. In their hurry to withdraw from the conquered capital, the Burmese killed, looted and set fire to the whole city, thereby expunging four centuries of Thai civilisation. But despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese didn't retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin gathered a small band of followers, broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.

Thonburi
The Thonburi Era

General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defence and withdrawal easier in case of renewed Burmese attack. He established his new capital at Thonburi.

The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya had led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.

Rattanakosin
The Rattanakosin Era

After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri dynasty, ruling from 1782-1809. His first action as king was to transfer his administrative headquarters across the river from Thonburi to Bangkok. There he set about to build his new palace according to the pattern of Ayutthaya. He assembled all surviving master craftsmen from the old city. The Grand Palace they built contained not only the residences of the king and the royal family, but also incorporated the government and judicial offices and, most importantly, the Royal Chapel where the revered Emerald Buddha was installed.

Rama I's successors, Rama II and Rama III, completed the consolidation of the Siamese kingdom and the revival of the arts and culture of Ayutthaya.

Rama II re-established relations with the West, suspended since the time of Narai, allowing the Portuguese to construct the first Western embassy in Bangkok. Rama III, ruled 1824-1851, continued to reopen Siam's doors to foreigners, successfully promoting trade with China. The ready availability of Chinese porcelain led him to decorate many of his temples, including Wat Arun, with porcelain fragments.

King Mongkut, Rama IV, who ruled 1851-1868, was the first Thai king to understand Western culture and technology, and his reign has been described as the "bridge spanning the new and the old."

Mongkut realised that traditional Thai values would not save his country from Western encroachment, and thus initiated the policy of modernisation that he believed would bring Siam in line with the West and reduce hostilities with foreigners.

Mongkut's son, Chulalongkorn, was only 15 when he ascended the throne. But he reigned over Siam as Rama V for 42 years - and transformed his country from a backward Asian land into a modern 20th century kingdom.

King Chulalongkorn's successor, Vajiravudh (1910-1925), was Oxford-educated and thoroughly Anglicised. His western-inspired reforms to modernise Siam considerably affected the structure of modern Thai society.

Prajadhipok (Rama VII) was personally concerned with improving the welfare of his subjects. He was aware of the rising demand for greater participation in government by a small foreign-educated faction, but felt that the Siamese were, on the whole not ready for democracy. In 1927, he publicly commented that the people must be first taught political consciousness before democracy could be effectively be introduced. However, a coup d'etat in 1932 ended the paternal but absolute rule of the king. the coup was staged by the People's Party, a military and civilian group masterminded by foreign-educated Thai, whose chief ideologist was Pridi Panomyong, a young lawyer trained in France.

The king accepted the provisional constitution by which he "ceased to rule but continued to reign." In December 1932, the king signed the Parliament Constitution which promised universal suffrage and general elections every four years. Upon the abdication of King Prajadhipok, Ananda Mahidol returned home to a tumultuous welcome in 1945. With his death just one year later, he was succeeded by his younger brother King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the present monarch.

"We will reign with dharma (righteousness), for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people," was the coronation pledge of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. True enough, the king provides the stability and continuity lacking in the turbulent cycle of Thai politics and a young democracy. Tirelessly touring the land with Queen Sirikit to inspect and improve the welfare of the people, the King inspires universal reverence. As a constitutional monarch, he maintains neutrality at times of crisis.

Songkran
Thailand's most celebrated festival is the Songkran Festival. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 and 10 days, depending on where you are in Thailand. The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit meaning the beginning of a new Solar Year, but nowadays Thailand celebrates the New Year on 31 December.

The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing. Songkran is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.

During the afternoon of the 13th, Buddha images are bathed as part of the ceremony. Young people pour scented water into the hands of elders and parents as a mark of respect while seeking the blessing of the older people. In ancient days, old people were actually given a bath and clothed in new apparel presented by the young folks as a token of respect for the New Year.

Until recently Thailand was almost entirely an agricultural society and this has been a perfect time to take break from the business of earning a living. The rice harvest is in, and replanting has to await the coming of the rains.

It is an old belief that the Nagas or mythical serpents brought on rain by spouting water from the seas. The more they spouted, the more rain there would be. So, one might believe that the Songkran customs of throwing water is actually a rain-making idea, but it seems that the Thais don't really bother about way they celebrate Songkran - they just do it for having a great time!

Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong Festival There will be a full moon in Thailand on October 31st, the same day as Halloween. That night people all over Thailand will head to the rivers, canals, ponds, and even swimming pools to celebrate Loy Krathong. They will bring ornate handmade "Krathong" along and send them adrift. This visually spectacular event marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the main rice harvest and happens every year on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. The tide in the rivers is highest and the moon is at its brightest, creating a romantic setting ideal for lovers. Loy Krathong is one of the most recognized festivals in Thailand.

Prepare to join this beautiful traditional event by buying or making a "Krathong", the floating bowl shaped vessel usually make out of banana leaves. (The "Loy" in the name of the festival means to float). Krathong typically contain a candle, three incense sticks and a small coin set among flowers. People light the candles and incense, make a wish, and send their Krathong gently out into the water. Firecrackers and balloon-like lanterns released into the sky add to the spectacle.

As they launch their krathong, individuals take a moment to say a small or long prayer and make a wish. Everyone hopes that their candles keep burning into the night, symbolizing longevity and that their wishes will come true. Lovers hope that their krathongs float together. People sit and enjoy the spectacular sight of hundreds of Krathong on the water. Laughter and happiness is in the air.

Whether you choose to buy your own krathong or make it yourself, it should be environmentally friendly so avoid plastic and foam materials. The craftsmanship and care put into making these vessels by using banana leafs, fresh flowers, and water hyacinth is outstanding. I am personally stunned by the artistic skills Thais possess and they really take the chance to pour these skills into the creation of beautiful floats for Loy Krathong. Krathong come in all sizes, shapes, and magnitudes of brilliance. From the smallest to the biggest, each is wonderfully ornate.

The main cities in Thailand host a Loy Krathong Festival every year. In Central, Ayutthaya has an enormous Festival of Lights, which demonstrates local handicrafts and activities. In the North, the local people of Tak thread together their krathongs and launch them simultaneously on the Ping River so they appear as beautiful, sparkling chains. Chiang Mai also creates a mesmerizing sight, an unusual ritual of this northern capital's festival is the launching of Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is considered by locals to rid them of their troubles. Krathongs are also set adrift on the Ping River. In addition, there are various other forms of fun and a glamorous beauty pageant called "The Noppamas Queen" which stems from the Sukhothai period. In the East, Nakorn Ratchasima and Nakorn Phanom host dazzling events on the mighty Mekong River to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. Elaborately adorned boats, each containing assorted offerings, are set adrift on the river when night falls. Festivals are further enhanced with a colorful street procession and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy.

A commonly held belief is that as these vessels float away they take the owner's misfortunes and sins from the last year along with it making Thais feel free from worry and ready to start afresh. The Loy Krathong Festival began as a leisure time activity and was adapted into a Buddhist holiday at a later date.

The Emerald Bhuddha
The construction of the temple started when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) moved capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other temples it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the highly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.

The main building is the central bot, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Even though it is small in size it is the most important icon for Thai people. Legends hold that the statue originated in India, but it first surfaced in Chiang Rai, Thailand in 1434. It finally came to Bangkok when King Taksin fought with Laos and his general Chakri (the later King Rama I) brought it first to Thonburi. In 1784 it was moved to its current location.

The wall surrounding the temple area â€“ from the outside only a plain white wall â€“ is painted with scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana mythology, the Ramakian. Several statues in the temple area resemble figures from this story, most notably the giants (yak), five-meter high statues. Also originating from the Ramayana are the monkey kings and giants which surround the golden chedis.

The Temple also contains a model of Angkor Wat, added by King Nangklao (Rama III), as the Khmer empire of Cambodia and the Thais share cultural and religious roots.

Despite the hot weather most of the year in Bangkok, long pants are required to enter the wat. Short pants are not

The Death Railway Bridge
The world-famous railway bridge over the River Kwai is in Kanchanaburi province about 130 kms west of Bangkok. The bridge is well-known all over the world because almost half a century ago about 16,000 Allied POWs died while building the "Death Railway" to Burma. The prisoners were forced by the Imperial Japanese Army in the World War II to build a strategic railway through the disease ridden jungle and treacherous rivers of the province.

The railway was built with the strategic of Burma and other Asian countries to the west. The construction began on September 16, 1942 and the materials for the bridge were said to have been brought form Java and assembled here. It was estimated that the construction would take five years to link Thailand and Burma by rail, but the Japanese army forced the POWs to complete the 415-km railway in just 16 months but the bridge was in use for only 20 months before the Allies bombed it in 1945. Apart from the horrifying death toll of the POWs during the construnction, it is believed that about 100,000 coolies, many from Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Indonesia also lost their lives. After the end of World War II, the Allied forces placed the remains of the dead to rest in two war cemeteries near the site of the bridge. Every year during the first week of December, there is a light and sound presentation detailing the construction and the bombing of the historic railway bridge by the Allied forces. It is a popular event with Thai and foreign visitors. During the fair, a constant stream of visitors flow to Kanchanaburi.