Coming from a country that doesn't have a monarchy, I was struck by the love and respect that the Thai people have for their King. I noticed, while looking out from my bus, taxis windows decorated with stickers that read "We love our King."
Another striking difference between Korea and Thailand was the absence of mountains. "Thailand is a country of water, not mountains," Noh said. During my stay there, there was no sight of mountains, which are commonplace in the Korean landscape.
The conference that I attended took place at the Chulalongkorn University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Our guide called it the "Seoul National University" of Thailand.
Because I have a lot of interest in young people, I took some time by myself to look around the campus and watch how Thai students spend their lunch time. I was very impressed with their uniforms, a reminder of how Korean university dressed in the 1970s. They campus was with filled with students in white and navy blue, actively engaging in conversations at the cafeteria. Korean culture seemed to have a presence in campus life. I noticed an announcement about a Korean food event on campus with 'bibipbab' or mixed Korean rice as its main theme.
I had a chance to talk to a few students at Chulalongkorn, and they came off as intelligent and polite. Their excellent command of English was very impressive.
Highlights
The highlight of our city tour was the Grand Palace complex, established in 1782. It extensive grounds consist of royal residence and throne halls, a number of government offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Emerald Buddha monastery is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand where people come to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and his teachings.
The Baiyoke Sky Hotel, standing at 88-stories, is the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia and the seventh-tallest all-hotel structure in the world. It offers an impeccable of the capital and a delicious buffet.
Thailand is famous for its seafood. We had a chance to have some great seafood dishes at the Royal Dragon, the world's largest restaurant by Guinness Book of Record in 1992. It serves more than 1,000 Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Western-style dishes. It grounds are so extensive, the waiters serve on roller-blades.