The history of Thailand

For centuries, Thailand has been known as Siam to foreigners. The first wave of the country's popularity in the west took place at the end of the 17th century after the reports of a series of French expeditions. Portugal sent its ambassador to the Thai capital in 1511, immediately after the capture of Malacca. The Portuguese, along with local residents of Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian and Persian origin, made the capital of Siam one of the most multinational cities in the large region, which is now called Southeast Asia.
The main distinctive features of Thais were formed under Chinese and Indian influence, and reflect the rich ethnic diversity of the population, the abundant natural and human resources of the country, more than 700 years of cherished independence. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that has not been invaded by Western colonizers. Traditional Thai culture is based on reverence for Buddhism, a non-confrontational attitude to life and on the ideas of kindness, patience, and mercy.
Among the multi-million ethnic Thai population, the country has a large number of national minorities and ethnic groups that have historically lived together in harmony. The Chinese are probably the largest national minority, but they have so assimilated that it is difficult to distinguish them into a separate group. Like the Chinese, Lao and Khmer ethnic groups in the northeast and east of the country also culturally and nationally consider themselves Thai. The Muslim ethnic group, whose population is concentrated in the southern regions of the country, and the mixed mountain tribes living in the north stand out more separately. There are also large communities of Hindus and Sikhs in Thailand, concentrated in large cities.
The capital of Thailand, known in the world as Bangkok, and for Thais - Krung Tepe (city of angels), covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometers and is located on both banks of the Chao Phraya River. Founded in 1782 by King Rama the First, Bangkok has always been the residence of the royal family. Today, the population of the capital exceeds 6 million people. All government agencies, the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch, the most prestigious universities and schools, the best medical centers, important international organizations, the best exhibitions and museums, the main publishing and television centers are located here siberian husky dog