Economical successes

Economical Successes

As we all know, Southeast Asia is in an economic crisis and is recovering slowly right now. Although Thailand have been badly hit by the crisis two years ago, its economy have overall improved tremendously over the years. Thailand is a very advanced country now with a developed capital, Bangkok. Bangkok is ranked the 26th best city in the world, we can see from this that the successes of Thailand in the economy is very great. The main contributors to Thailand's economy is agriculture and tourism. Thai rice is very famous because of its high quality, this have brought a lot of revenue for Thailand. Besides this, other crops also contributed to Thailand's economy. The rice is exported to many countries including Singapore. Although Thai's currency, the Baht, have weakened a lot in the crisis, it is still a very strong currency. As for tourism, I am sure many Singaporeans have gone to Thailand before for a vacation or something. Tourism also contributes to a large amount of Thailand's revenue. Thailand is expected to attract 8.8 million tourists this year, raking in about 7.5 billion in earnings. Currently, computer and computer parts export are the biggest revenue earners for Thailand now, that is followed by tourism. Thailand is also very rich in natural resources like tin, rubber, timber, etc. Thailand is the world's second largest producer of tungsten and the third largest in production of tin. From the past, the exports of these resources is a success to Thailand's economy. The communications of Thailand is definitely a success as Thailand has access to many airlines and waterways. The existence of radio and TV stations also tells us so.

Social Successes

Since founding in 1238, Thailand have developed its own culture, food and arts. The more famous ones are Thai traditional dances, Thai kickboxing and the Thai cuisine are very famous throughout the world. The success of the king have made the people respect the king, this is also a success. The people do not have any disputes as they are sure they are under good leadership for over 50 years. The Thai national religion is Buddhism, the Thais are very devoted Buddhists. The culture also have very close relationship with their religion, the Thais also celebrate festivals with religious ceremonies. The religion had made the Thais more united and that is why Thais have little disputes over religion. The health system in Thailand have also improved tremendously. Thailand now has access to modern medical care. ]

Political Successes

Thailand is governed by constitutional monarchy. The leader of the country is the king.

On December 10, 1932, a new constitution was formed. This is the present constitutional monarchy of Thailand. The new constitution had six principles of the People's Party. They were:

* Freedom and equality for all people

*Internal peace and order

*Economic well-being for everyone

*Provision of education

*Protecting principles of liberty

*Protecting national independence politically, judicially and economically.

The constitution also provided for:

*Establishment of a National Assembly, half of whom were to be appointed by the King and would serve between 4-10 years

*A cabinet, appointed by both the King and the Assembly

The Monarch's powers were:

*Right to dissolve the Assembly even without the Cabinet's approval

*Right of pardon and of vetoing legislation

*Issuing of decrees provided they were countersigned by one other minister; a General Election must take place within 3 months.

Thailand's Prime Minister, Pibul was fostering national pride. Firstly, Siam was renamed Siam. June 24, the day that ended Chakri absolute rule, was declared National Day.

The present king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, have been on the throne for over 50 years. He is loved and respected by all Thais. On his birthday, it is a national holiday. In Thailand, even on the streets, we can find portraits of the king. The locals talk about the king with respect, not fear. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is also respected internationally by other people. To stay for over 50 years in the throne is not easy at all, this is definitely a political success of Thailand. Foreign relations is another of its political successes. In 1975, the Thailand Aid Program was created and they provided training in agriculture, medicine and public health. Since joining UN in 1946, Thailand have been active in it.