Thailand has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Interestingly, it is the only country in Southeast Asia that escaped European rule. Thailand shares its borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Thai people make up most of the population, while other groups include Chinese Malays, Khmer, and some small minority populations. Today, tourism is very important to the country, contributing greatly to the Thai economy. However, manufacturing is equally important. Thailand is a major manufacturer of clothing, electronics, printed matter, sugar, and jewelry. It has an important mining industry, too, producing significant amounts of tungsten and tin. During World War II, Thailand was on the same side as Japan. However, in 1954 it became an ally of the United States, who it fought alongside in the Korean War. In recent years, Thailand has seen some unrest in its government, including a number of military coups. This book explains all you need to know about ancient and current Thailand and provides a unique insight into this amazing country and its people.The Asian Countries Today series provides information on nine of the most important countries in Asia. Every book describes the history, geography, economy, culture, and relationship each country has with its neighbors. Furthermore, the series will encourage, inspire, and motivate the young reader to explore this fascinating subject in more depth.