Thailand is a country in SE Asia and in the early 90's was flying high as one of the East Asian economic tigers. In 1997 the country experienced a drastic turn of events as the currency went into a free fall. It was a bittle reminder of the gap that still divides the haves and the have nots. And it brought back into focus the major problems that still exist in Thailand.

One thing the country has going for it though is open markets. Or you can look at it as not going for it. But clealy Thailand is trying to develop into a richer country by interacting with major international companies. This openess also extends to the tourist trade. The country is open to foreigners to the point of being abused. If you want to try any exotic adventure Thailand is the place. It is no coincidence that the Beach was written and produced here. For young people there seems to be no better place to go to cut yourself off from the world in a "paradise" than here.

There is more to Thailand than young people chilling out. Much more. The issues of western influence, the benefit of western style development, social justice, environmentalism etc come to a head here. Definitely an interesting place to travel and get a first hand view of what is going on.

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