Guide to Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the largest and most popular island in The Land Of Smiles also known as Thailand. Last year (2007 ) five million people visited this tropical holiday paradise, 820 km south of Bangkok.

What attract everyone is Thai peoples warm smile and hospitality. Everywhere you go their smiles will light up your day. It’s not without reason Thailand is The Land Of Smiles.
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Mae Salong

Mae Salong was settled by remnants of the former Nationalist (Kuomintang) Chinese Army 93rd Division who moved from Burma to Thai territory in 1961, after the Communist Party under Mao Zedong consolidated its hold on China. Originally a military base biding its time for an attack back, funding its arms purchases with opium production — notorious warlord Khun Sa lived a few kilometers away in Ban Hin Taek — in the 1970s the Thai government struck a deal with the renegades: the battle-hardened KMT would help them fight Thailand’s own Communist insurgents, and would be granted citizenship in exchange. As part of the integration process, opium production was successfully substituted with mountain produce like mushrooms and above all oolong tea, which is now Mae Salong’s main product.
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Thailand Travel Tips and Customs

After living in Bangkok for over a year I have learned many things about the Thai People that I wanted to share with other foreigners living or vacationing here should know. The first thing you have to accept is that eastern culture is different. The people in the east are less emotional and more polite and while they know westerners are different, they often are uncomfortable when we stray from their norms. The things I found to be important are listed below in order of importance:

Be Polite – Thai people hold being polite above all else. Their very language has politeness built into it. If you follow what is considered “common courtesy” you will be fine.

Thai King – The Thai People Love their King, King Rama IX. Never show any type of disrespect to him or the Royal family. The Thai people have a deep traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and the visitor should also show respect for the King and the Queen, and the Royal Children. When attending a public events where a member of the Royal Family is present, the best guide on how to behave is to watch the crowd and do as it does.

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Traveling Guide to Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the largest and most popular island in The Land Of Smiles also known as Thailand. Last year (2007) five million people visited this tropical holiday paradise, 670 km south of Bangkok.

What attract everyone is Thai peoples warm smile and hospitality. Everywhere you go their smiles will light up your day. It’s not without reason Thailand is The Land Of Smiles.

Another reason to visit Phuket is for the beaches and warm water where the tropical sun give you a tan all year round.

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