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Thailand means "Land of the Free". Thais have the confidence that comes from being the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized. "Land of Smiles" is another phrase often used to describe Thailand. The tropical climate yields plenty of food for its inhabitants, and phrases like "mai pen rai" (no problem) is often uttered to express confidence that everything will be alright. Combined with a history of freedom, there is plenty to smile about.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has had little appeal in Thailand. The Buddhist culture can make a commitment to the Christian faith seem like a compromise of their "true" identity. Also, attractive entertainment options provide plenty of distractions.
Thailand has just gone through the greatest political disaster in its modern history.
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Links
Basic Intro from Lonely Planet
Thailand, by Compassion Int'l
Bangkok Travel Guide
Thai Alphabet by Wikipedia
(Audio Clips)
Tsunami and the Thai Prince
Today's News in Thailand
(in Thai)
Living in Bangkok, awesome guide!
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Books
Dos & Dont's in Thailand (Amarin, 2002) Kenny Yee, Catherine Gordon
...Or click on
Do's and Dont's in Thailand
Working with the Thais (White Lotus, 1997) Henry Holmes, Suchada Tangtongtavy
A History of Thailand (Thai Watana Panich, 1993) Rong Syamananda
A History of Thailand (Cambridge, 2005) Chris Baker, Pasuk Phongpaichit
Water Buffalo Theology (Orbis, 1999) Kosuke Koyama
Paul's thesis on Thai Buddhism and Christianity
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