The history of Thailand is that of an area of Southeast Asia, rather than of a single nation, and over the centuries numerous peoples have made their home in this region. The most recent were the Tai of Southern China, who migrated south in the first millennium AD, and from whom most Thais today are descended.
Prehistoric. Thailand was once regarded as a cultural backwater. In the Northeast of the country, however, archaeologists recently uncovered the earliest evidence of agriculture and metallurgy in Southeast Asia. Also among the finds were ceramic pots. some dating as far back as 3000 BC, that display a high level of artistic skill.
The earliest known powers in the region were the Dvaravati Kingdom(6th-11th centuries AD), the Sumatran based Srivijaya Empire(7th-13th centuries), and the Khmer Empire(9th-13th centuries) based at Angkor all of which were heavily influenced by Indian culture and religion.
The Lanna Kingdom in the North and the Sukhothai Kingdom, which imported Theravada Buddhism to Thailand, in the Central Plains grew in power from around the 12th century. Today, Thai schoolchildren are taught that Sukhothai marks the beginning of their history. Of all its kings, Ramkamhaeng(1279-98) stands out: part heroic myth, part historical figure.
Sukhothai was conquered by the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in the 14th century. All its height Ayutthaya controlled most of what is now Thailand, and the city of Ayutthaya saw the arrival of the first Europeans. The city was destroyed by the Burm 1767. Subsequently, a new city, Krung Thep(Bangkok), was built farther south, on the Chao Phraya River, and the Chakri dynasty founded. In the 19th century Kings Mongkut and Chulalongkorn modernized Thailand. During this period, Thailand resisted colonization by France and Britain.
A revolution in 1932 ended absolute monarchy, and in 1939 Phibun Songkram, formerly a soldier in the Thai army, changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand. There have been a number of coups since then, and a cycle of economic boom and bust in the 1980s and 90's, but Thailand remains relatively stable in comparison to neighboring countries.
Prehistoric Thailand
Hunter - Gatherers were already established in the area of modern - day Thailand by around 40,000 BC. They lived in semi-permanent settlements and made tools from wood and stone. Ancient seed husks found in caves in Northern Thailand have led to speculation that agriculture began to develop around 9000 BC. Rice was being cultivated around 3000 BC. Subsequently, in the area of Ban Chiang, elaborate pottery and bronze work began to be produced. This Bronze Age culture is believed by some historians to be the earliest in the world.
Ban Chiang Pottery
Pots found at Ban Chiang date from 3000 BC to AD 200. Until their discovery in 1966, this area of Southeast Asia was thought to have produced little of cultural merit in prehistoric times. These, and other finds, show that the indigenous peoples were capable of producing sophisticated, beautiful works of art.
Where to See Pre-Historic. Thailand
At Ban Chiang visitors can see burial sites and artifacts housed in the Ban Chiang National Museum. More Ban Chiang artifacts can be seen in the Bangkok National Museum. At Ban Kao there are burial sites and a museum, and cave paintings can be seen at Pha Taem and Phu Phrabat historical Park.
Saturday 21 July 2012
Monday 2 January 2012
12 MONTHS OF NATURAL BEAUTY IN THAILAND
January
The northern province of Chiang Mai is at its most beautiful in the cool season when the wild Himalayan cherry is in bloom all over the mountain. The trees shed their leaves and their pink flowers bloom in abundance around Doi San Pa Keia, Doi inthanon, Doi Kun Mae Yea, and Doi Ang Cang in Chiang Mai Province. During the cool season, Beung Bo Ra Phet in Nakorn Sawan attracts birdwatchers keen to see large numbers of migratory birds that arrive at this marshland. At this time of year Beung Bo Ra Phet is also filled with pink lotuses in bloom. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset.
February
In February, the beautiful Bretschneidera sinensic trees come into bloom at Doi Phukha, Nan Province. Due to habitat destruction, the trees are only found in China and Thailand. Also in February the roads from Dok Com Tai District to Jun District in Phayao is lined with Butea Monosperma trees in bloom. Known as the "flame of the forest". the trees line a 20 kilometre stretch of road. The road also leads onto Phu Chi Fah Mountain. The best viewing point is around the fifth kilometre.
Retire in Thailand
March
Hong Island is one of the largest islands in Krabi Province. The beach here curves in a semi-circle and has a backdrop of verdant forest. Every year in March, vast shoals of fish swarm together here in an amazing natural spectacle. The best times to see the fish are 10.00-11.00 am. and 02.00-04.00 pm. in the waters off the northern side of the island. Surin island in Phang Nga Province is one of the best locations in Thailand to see coral life. This is also renowed as the place to dive and watch cartoon fish and the rarest sea turtles. The best place to see cartoon fish is at Khao Kad canal while sea turtles can be seen at Toh Rin La Island. Nearby James Bond island is regarded as the greatest location to see stingray.
retire in thailand
April
During the hot season, when the waters of the mighty Mekong river recede, rocks in the riverbed are exposed. The beautiful sight is best seen at Ban Song Kom, Pho Sai District, Unbon Ratchathani Province, a small community on the banks of the Mekong River. It is the place where the river flows past the Phu Phan mountain range and where the level of the Mekong river drops dramatically. Here there appears a white, sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, and a narrow channel in the Mekong River, just fifty-six metres wide, a vast expanse of exposed stone fields, and a huge hollow in the sandstone at Sam Pan Boke.
May
As the rainy season gets underway in May, Eulophia flava, a species of orchid bloom at Nam Nhaw forest in Phetburi. Eulophia flava which can grow over two metres and the flowers are bright yellow. The best viewing point is at Khum Khao
June
In June, visitors can see the most beautiful verdant green grassland in Thailand at Thung Salangluang, Phetchabun Province. During the rainy, the fields are also full of Curcuma parviflora in bloom. Thung Salanglaung can be explored on a bike trail. The best viewing point is at Nang Pra Ya field. At Phu Luang in Loei Province, June is also the best time for plants in flower. At the pine forest, there is this area called "Pak Dum" which is one-hour walk, and where you can see Caulokaemferia Violacea blossoms all over the forest. The best time to see them is from the middle of June until middle of July.
July
Visit Phu Hin Rong Klar and Man Daeng waterfall in Phitsanulok Province during July and you'll see beautiful Habenaria rhodocheila orchids and Begonia in bloom around the fifth level of the water fall.
August
Phu Soi Dow Mountain in Udtaradit Province is noted for its beauty especially during rainy season. Enjoy a four hour trek and you will be rewarded with a sight of beautiful fields of Murdannia gigatia in bloom in the middle of pine forest. The best viewing point is around Phu Soi Doa camp.
September
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain is a place of great beauty and the habitat of many rare species of animal and plant. During the rainy season when the land is wet and there is a cool breeze and mist, mosses and ferns flourish on the trees in the forest. It is also the place to see many species of birds.
October
In October, colour comes to Pha Tam National Park in Ubon Ratchathani. The park becomes covered by Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis, Dipterocarpus obtusifollus in flower. The flowers mainly grow in the Trai Thong waterfall area. The park is also a wildlife habitat for Siamese hare, barking deer, civet, palm civet, wild pig and serow.
November
In Mae Hong Son Province, every November in an area called Mae Au Kor, thousands of Thais come to enjoy the blooming of vast fields of Mexican sunflowers.
Khun Youm District is the most beautiful area to see the flowers known locally as bua tong. Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son on Highway 108 and you see golden flowers blooming along both sides of the road and over the rolling Hills.
December
Every cool season, Phu Kradung National Park in Loei Province attracts thousands of visitors who come to climb the mountain. It is also the time to see the maple leaves turn to red. The best season view point is around the cave at Pa Nam Pah waterfall and Kun Phong waterfall.
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>
The northern province of Chiang Mai is at its most beautiful in the cool season when the wild Himalayan cherry is in bloom all over the mountain. The trees shed their leaves and their pink flowers bloom in abundance around Doi San Pa Keia, Doi inthanon, Doi Kun Mae Yea, and Doi Ang Cang in Chiang Mai Province. During the cool season, Beung Bo Ra Phet in Nakorn Sawan attracts birdwatchers keen to see large numbers of migratory birds that arrive at this marshland. At this time of year Beung Bo Ra Phet is also filled with pink lotuses in bloom. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset.
February
In February, the beautiful Bretschneidera sinensic trees come into bloom at Doi Phukha, Nan Province. Due to habitat destruction, the trees are only found in China and Thailand. Also in February the roads from Dok Com Tai District to Jun District in Phayao is lined with Butea Monosperma trees in bloom. Known as the "flame of the forest". the trees line a 20 kilometre stretch of road. The road also leads onto Phu Chi Fah Mountain. The best viewing point is around the fifth kilometre.
Retire in Thailand
March
Hong Island is one of the largest islands in Krabi Province. The beach here curves in a semi-circle and has a backdrop of verdant forest. Every year in March, vast shoals of fish swarm together here in an amazing natural spectacle. The best times to see the fish are 10.00-11.00 am. and 02.00-04.00 pm. in the waters off the northern side of the island. Surin island in Phang Nga Province is one of the best locations in Thailand to see coral life. This is also renowed as the place to dive and watch cartoon fish and the rarest sea turtles. The best place to see cartoon fish is at Khao Kad canal while sea turtles can be seen at Toh Rin La Island. Nearby James Bond island is regarded as the greatest location to see stingray.
retire in thailand
April
During the hot season, when the waters of the mighty Mekong river recede, rocks in the riverbed are exposed. The beautiful sight is best seen at Ban Song Kom, Pho Sai District, Unbon Ratchathani Province, a small community on the banks of the Mekong River. It is the place where the river flows past the Phu Phan mountain range and where the level of the Mekong river drops dramatically. Here there appears a white, sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, and a narrow channel in the Mekong River, just fifty-six metres wide, a vast expanse of exposed stone fields, and a huge hollow in the sandstone at Sam Pan Boke.
May
As the rainy season gets underway in May, Eulophia flava, a species of orchid bloom at Nam Nhaw forest in Phetburi. Eulophia flava which can grow over two metres and the flowers are bright yellow. The best viewing point is at Khum Khao
June
In June, visitors can see the most beautiful verdant green grassland in Thailand at Thung Salangluang, Phetchabun Province. During the rainy, the fields are also full of Curcuma parviflora in bloom. Thung Salanglaung can be explored on a bike trail. The best viewing point is at Nang Pra Ya field. At Phu Luang in Loei Province, June is also the best time for plants in flower. At the pine forest, there is this area called "Pak Dum" which is one-hour walk, and where you can see Caulokaemferia Violacea blossoms all over the forest. The best time to see them is from the middle of June until middle of July.
July
Visit Phu Hin Rong Klar and Man Daeng waterfall in Phitsanulok Province during July and you'll see beautiful Habenaria rhodocheila orchids and Begonia in bloom around the fifth level of the water fall.
August
Phu Soi Dow Mountain in Udtaradit Province is noted for its beauty especially during rainy season. Enjoy a four hour trek and you will be rewarded with a sight of beautiful fields of Murdannia gigatia in bloom in the middle of pine forest. The best viewing point is around Phu Soi Doa camp.
September
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain is a place of great beauty and the habitat of many rare species of animal and plant. During the rainy season when the land is wet and there is a cool breeze and mist, mosses and ferns flourish on the trees in the forest. It is also the place to see many species of birds.
October
In October, colour comes to Pha Tam National Park in Ubon Ratchathani. The park becomes covered by Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis, Dipterocarpus obtusifollus in flower. The flowers mainly grow in the Trai Thong waterfall area. The park is also a wildlife habitat for Siamese hare, barking deer, civet, palm civet, wild pig and serow.
November
In Mae Hong Son Province, every November in an area called Mae Au Kor, thousands of Thais come to enjoy the blooming of vast fields of Mexican sunflowers.
Khun Youm District is the most beautiful area to see the flowers known locally as bua tong. Travel from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son on Highway 108 and you see golden flowers blooming along both sides of the road and over the rolling Hills.
December
Every cool season, Phu Kradung National Park in Loei Province attracts thousands of visitors who come to climb the mountain. It is also the time to see the maple leaves turn to red. The best season view point is around the cave at Pa Nam Pah waterfall and Kun Phong waterfall.
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