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Explanation
Thailand is a generally peaceful country (at present, though
with a ferocious past). However, it is overwhelmingly Buddhist
in culture (with a Hindu tinge). The southern finger joining
with Malaysia was conquered and in fact consists of Malay speaking
people who are Muslim. There is a possible separatist conflict
building up here. Logically this land and people should be part
of Malaysia. Recent Thai governments have treated mild dissent
with a heavy hand - police brutality. Can this be reversed with
the recent change of government, or has the alienation of the
people gone too far?
Cambodia
Thailand's relation to Cambodia is a bit like that of England
to Ireland. In October 2008 there have been clashes over a disputed
frontier area, reminding Cambodians of past invasions from Thailand.
As recently as during the second world war Thailand invaded the then
French colony and annexed about a third of the country, including
Angkor Wat.
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