jjares reviewed History of Thailand: A Captivating Guide to the Thai People and Their History on + 3270 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It was surprising to learn that Thailand has not been stable since 1932. Bouncing from democratic to military governments must be confusing to the population. It was fascinating to learn Thailand's role in WW I and II. Signing an agreement with Japan (allowing them to use Thai airspace to attack Allies), had terrible consequences for the Thai people. It must be hard to find a middle-ground to rule in a country surrounded by communist influences and having sharply divided interests within the country. I learned a great deal from this book about Thailand's past and its troubled present.
Prior to reading this history, I was unaware of the turbulent activities going on in Thailand over the last 100 years. In fact, our family visited there three times in the mid-1980s and were totally unaware of the tensions. However, tourist dollars were needed and the country kept things safe for visitors. The Thai Buddhist temples are awe-inspiring. The Thai are justifiably proud of their modern, forward-moving country.
Prior to reading this history, I was unaware of the turbulent activities going on in Thailand over the last 100 years. In fact, our family visited there three times in the mid-1980s and were totally unaware of the tensions. However, tourist dollars were needed and the country kept things safe for visitors. The Thai Buddhist temples are awe-inspiring. The Thai are justifiably proud of their modern, forward-moving country.
