Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country
Thai people are noticeably proud of their culture and heritage, and if you happen to get onto the subject of history while in conversation with Thai people, mention this little gem of a fact for instant nods and big smiles.
During the so called ‘Age of Empires’ in the 19th Century, when European nations went rampaging across the globe on a path of domination, Thailand’s strategic location acted as a buffer between France’s Indochina and the Burmese and Indian colonies of Britain to ensure Thailand was never subjected to a full-on military invasion. The independence of Thailand was also down to the excellent governance by the much beloved King Rama V, who ceded small amounts of land to ensure peace with the European powers. King Rama V is also revered as it was under his authority that slavery was abolished in Thailand, and his portrait can be seen in many shops, restaurants and homes.