Tourists take pictures at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Thai capital, Bangkok. Thailand has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia with the Tourism Authority of Thailand expecting 19.1 million visitors in 2011 alone.
Tourism makes it mark —
Tourists take pictures at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Thai capital, Bangkok. Thailand has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia with the Tourism Authority of Thailand expecting 19.1 million visitors in 2011 alone.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej waves to well-wishers after the royal ceremony for his 83rd birthday in Bangkok on December 5, 2010. The Thai King is the world's longest reigning monarch and is reverred by most Thais as a unifying force in a politically turbulent nation.
Royal Thailand —
King Bhumibol Adulyadej waves to well-wishers after the royal ceremony for his 83rd birthday in Bangkok on December 5, 2010. The Thai King is the world's longest reigning monarch and is reverred by most Thais as a unifying force in a politically turbulent nation.
A young girl swims in flood waters near Bangkok airport. The Thai capital was subjected to the worst flooding in living memory during the 2011 monsoon season.
Recent flooding —
A young girl swims in flood waters near Bangkok airport. The Thai capital was subjected to the worst flooding in living memory during the 2011 monsoon season.
Yingluck Shinawatra is Thailand's first female Prime Minister and sister of former Thai leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Here she is waiing which is a traditional Thai way of greeting someone near a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej shortly after taking office.
Volatile politics —
Yingluck Shinawatra is Thailand's first female Prime Minister and sister of former Thai leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Here she is waiing which is a traditional Thai way of greeting someone near a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej shortly after taking office.
Buddhist monks offer prayers during the Maha Puja religious festival in Bangkok. Nearly 95% of Thai's are followers of the Buddhist faith, according to the CIA World Factbook.
Faith and religioin —
Buddhist monks offer prayers during the Maha Puja religious festival in Bangkok. Nearly 95% of Thai's are followers of the Buddhist faith, according to the CIA World Factbook.
Another side of Thailand. Bangkok's bustling business district is one of the main drivers of Southeast Asia's second biggest economy.
Urban development —
Another side of Thailand. Bangkok's bustling business district is one of the main drivers of Southeast Asia's second biggest economy.