Thailand Literature

is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by an European country. In fact, in the Thai language, the name of the country is Prathet Thai which means "land of the free."

One of the most impressive sights in Thailand has to be the 15-foot-tall golden statue of ___.

Most Thai people have two names

Originally lived in southwest China and migrated into the main part of Southeast Asia over many centuries.

The first mention of their existence in the region is a ____ inscription at Angkor Wat, which refers to syam or "dark brown" people as being vassals of the Khmer monarch.

In 1238 a Tai chieftain declared his independence from ___.

Established a ___ at Sukhothai in the broad valley of the Mae Nam River in the heart of modern day Thailand.

The kingdom of ___ became very powerful in the 14th & 15th centuries, so much so that it was able to defeat the kingdom of Angkor in 1431 thereby causing its decline.

Over the centuries there were a number of conflicts with the ____ which came to a head in 1767 when the ____ invaded Ayutthaya and totally destroyed it.

During the ___ it was the European powers, rather than Thailand's traditional enemies, that posed the greatest threat to the kingdom's survival.

In the early decades of the _____, Thailand's political system, armed forces and economy underwent drastic changes. Many wealthy Thais studied overseas and a small, Western educated elite with less traditional ideas emerged.

Politics has been dominated by rival military cliques headed by powerful generals. These cliques have caused frequent coups d'etat and have imposed prolonged periods of martial law on the country.

Used to be a quaint and quiet fishing village. But today it is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand and in the world.

This beautiful mountainous Thai city is set on the border of Myanmar and Laos.

Welcomes travellers with a countryside charm.

______ have all played a role in shaping Thai culture.

Reasons why Thailand Is Called The Land of Smiles

The largest religion in Thailand, practiced by over 94% of the population

Practice Tai folk religions.

It is influenced primarily by

4.6%

___ body of writings of the Thai (Siamese) people, historically fostered by the kings, who themselves often produced outstanding literary works.

is a multi-talented Thai author and composer who is a citizen of Thailand and the United States. The author's literary works span several genres, including fantasy science fiction, and horror

is a Thai novelist and short story author who is often praised for her lyrical writing style. While she spent most of her life in Bangkok, she also studied in Australia.