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INTRODUCTION TO THAILAND # 5
Modern Thailand is a land of infinite contrast and paradox. Oxen carts travel the same roads used by luxury sedans, elephants stand in fields tilled by modern tractor,
industry thrives in a land where most of the people still depend on agriculture for their living. Modern conveniences have arrived even at the most remote villages
of the country. It is something of a surprise to enter a home in a village of the North and find children watching a video tape of the most recent American movies.
Bangkok, Thailand’s capitol and largest city, symbolizes to the most the modernity of the country. It is a large city, 5 million or more people, with bustling traffic,
high rise buildings and luxury hotels. Representatives of all of Thailand’s many ethnic groups reside within the city. Past and present intermingle freely; go go bars,
high rise apartments and ancient wats all within a city block. It is the destination of the sons and daughters of farmers who wish to improve their lives, as well as
foreign visitors who come to enjoy the well known hospitality of Thailand.
Lampang in Northern Thailand presents another, different picture of modern Thailand. Here are the modern conveniences of Bangkok set in a small town
where the pace of life is slower and people have the chance to stop and enjoy friendly conversation. Thai, Italian, Australian and American companies work to
develop nearby resources and build new roads. Thai, Chinese and Indian businessmen join together in the local Rotary Club to aid the needy. Farmers
bring their produce to sell in the market, next to the handicrafts of the local hill tribe people. It is a setting which represents modern Thailand much more
accurately than the traffic and crowds of Bangkok
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