Welcome to the Land of Smiles

1. Welcome to the Land of Smiles Thailand Presentation Jenny Sorensen, Annya Becerra, Tina Hill, Stephanie Stephan, Mitch Clark, Jaro Melgr

2. Agenda • Places in Thailand • Current Events • Business and Economics • Politics and Government • Food and Culture • The Church in Thailand

3. Map of Thailand

4. The Grand Palace in Bangkok Bangkok Parliament Building Temple of Dawn Places to visit in Bangkok

5. Chulalongkorn Two huge elephants carrying seats form a triumphal arch. It was built in honour of the late Chulalongkorn, king of Siam, who visited Europe in 1897.

6. Ching Mai Ching Mai is a center for crafts including silverwork, weaving, porcelain, and woodcarving.

7. Things to see in Ching Mai Sacred Burial Ground The King’s summer home Elephant Rides

8. For the Traveler Thailand has beautiful beaches, artwork, and a unique heritage.

9. Current Events • In November, at least 61 people died in floods that swept 10 provinces in southern Thailand due to the heaviest rains in 12 years • Over 1.5M tourists expected to visit during the Songkran Festival, the country’s traditional new year from March 31-April 2

10. Current Events • Two wives of the late Gen. Sunthorn are waging a legal battle over his amassed fortune of over 4 billion baht. The General ordered investigations into the private assets of 10 leading politicians deemed to be "unusually wealthy" after staging a coup against the Chatichai government in 1991.

11. Current Events The US National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday it has so far found "no evidence" that a bomb was responsible for the destruction of a Thai Airways 737 on March 3, which exploded on the tarmac shortly before the Thai prime minister was due to board.

12. Thai censors ban "Anna and The King" Thai censors banned 20th Century Fox's new version of "Anna and the King" from cinemas for its irreverent and historically inaccurate portrayal of the country's beloved monarchy.

13. Business & Economics • In 1833 Thailand and the United States signed a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, the first American treaty with an Asian nation. • During the 51 years of the current King’s reign, Thailand has enjoyed enviable economic growth. • Thailand’s agrarian base and dynamic private sector form a bedrock for its economy • Thailand boasts a complex export-led economy which embraces the latest technologies and includes tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, minerals and communications

14. Business & Economics • One of the fastest-growing economies in the world • Seeks investment and trade from all countries by encouraging foreign direct investment as a means of promoting economic development, employment, and technology transfer • More than 500 U.S. firms are currently operating in Thailand • Agriculture is the primary means of employment, but industry, commerce, and services account for 80% of the GDP

15. Business & Economics • Thailand’s economy faced a sudden drop in exports from 23% in 1995 to -0.2% in 1996 • Economic problems led to speculative attack on the baht, and the floatation of the baht in July 1996 saw an over 100% evaluation of the currency • On August 20, 1997, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assisted Thailand by granting a US$ 17.2 billion package

16. Business & Economics • Recovery is on track but it remains fragile • The social impacts of the crisis are still felt • Exports remain the main driver of growth • While public debt has increased, and will pose challenges in the future, it is manageable • After a sharp contraction in 1998, real GDP is estimated to have grown by 4.2% in 1999 and is expected to grow by 4-5% in 2000

17. Exchange Rates 1 DMark=20.78796 THB 1 FFranc=6.198118 THB 1 U.K. £=63.99780 THB 1 US $=43.53000 THB 1 Yen=0.364055 THB *THB=Thai Baht Last Trade: Mar 09

18. Business Dos • Address Thais by their professional title or a courtesy title followed by their first name • Dress Professionally—Thais will judge your social standing by what you are wearing • Make comments about Thai landmarks, restaurants, and politics and the royal family (but only if they are positive and you know what you are talking about) • Shake a man’s hand the first time you meet him, smile at a woman the first time you meet her • Use the “wai” upon meeting and departing (respond—don’t initiate) • Proper way to sit is kneeling with your legs under you facing the person of honor

19. Business Don’ts • Don’t point the sole of your foot at another person • Never touch anyone (even children) on the head • Avoid wearing black outside of formal occasions—this color is primarily used for funerals • Do not ever discuss the “The King and I” • Avoid accessory topics (such as art and music) in order to spare loss of face if the Thai person does not know about those things • Do not express annoyance at personal questions asked of you, this is how Thais determine what level of respect you should be shown • “Where are you going?”—Down the street. This question is likened to our “How are you doing?”

20. Government & Politics • The only country in Southeast Asia never colonized, Thailand was known for centuries as Siam • Prior to 1932, Thailand’s political history may be summarized into three chronological kingdoms: • The Kingdom of Sukhothai (1257-1378) • The Ayutthaya Kingdom(1300-1400’s) • The Rattanakosin Kingdom (1767-present) • Chakri Dynasty was founded by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, on April 6, 1782

21. Chakri Dynasty • The Line of Monarchs from Rama I: • Phra Buddha Loetla Naphalai, Rama II • Phra Nang Klao, Rama III • King Mongkut, Rama IV • King Chulalongkorn, Rama V • King Vajiravudh, Rama VI • King Prachadhipok, Rama VII • King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII • King Bhumibol Aulyadej, Rama IX, the present monarch.

22. H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej • Ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty • Born in December 1927, in Cambridge, Massachusetts USA, where his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkhla was studying medicine at Harvard University. • Ascended the throne in 1946. • The longest reigning Thai monarch.

23. Political Transformation • 24 June 1932: Bloodless coup demanding changing Thailand from absolute to constitutional monarchy. • 10 December 1932: King Prajadhipok signed Thailand's first constitution, ending 800 years of Thailand’s absolute monarchy. • 25 November 1996: Elections name General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as Thailand’s 22nd Prime Minister.

24. Prime MinisterHead of Government King Head of State National Assembly Senate House of Representatives D.P. N.A.P D.P. N.A.P The Thai Government N.A.P. = New Arspiration Party D.P. = Democratic Party

25. Latter-Day-Saints in Thailand • Thailand enjoys religious freedom • Members: 10,800 • In 1854, President Brigham Young sent first missionary to Thailand, then known as Siam • Thailand District was organized in 1966 • November 2,1966 President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated Thailand for the preaching of the gospel • In 1973, Thailand became its own mission • In 1995, the Bangkok Stake (diocese) was created

26. Thailand’s Culture • Thailand is often called the "land of smiles", you will see more smiling people here than anywhere else in the world. • The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in all major tourist locations • Thai people are friendly and tolerant.

27. Thai Food • Spices Common Ingredients are ginger, garlic, chili, pepper, lemon grass and basil leaves • Fruit Thailand is a paradise for tropical fruits. At any time during the year dozens of fruits are found at market. These include durian, rambutan, magosteen, longans, lychee, and langsat. • Salads Frequently is the main course. Commonly topped with peanuts, various shredded leaves and strips of chilli. A popular dish is Thai beef salad: thin strips of beef are mixed with coriander, soy, lime juice and black pepper. Then cooked with onions and chillis. Served with lettuce and leaves.

28. Keep your feet on the ground Smile and enjoy the hospitality of your hosts. If you are introduced to a Thai and that person Wias to you then you should return the Wai. Women’s legs and shoulders should be cover before entering a Buddhist temple. No Public displays of affection Avoid touching people on their head Do not point the sole of your foot at another person Please do not wear shorts in the temples Dos and Don’ts

29. The End