Thailand Key Facts
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Recent History
Thailand's recent past has been something of an economic boom and bust, with an unstable government, unrest in the Muslim south and the effects of the December 2004 tsunami disaster.
After a quarter of a century of military rule, civilian government was restored to Thailand following student riots in Bangkok, but this was to last only three years before the military took over again in 1976.
Thailand returned to a civilian government again in 1983, but eight years later another military coup took place. This time, though, a civilian prime minister was instated, and despite various government collapses and allegations of corruption in high places, parliamentary democracy prevailed until September 2006 when there was a peaceful military coup and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to stand down. In December 2007 Samak Sundaravej's People Power Party (PPP) won 228 seats in the 480-seat house.
Language
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Social Conventions
The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of 'face'. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one's feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple.
Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.
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