Throughout its 700 years of independence, the Kingdom has displayed an amazing continuity, underpinned by the peoples' unwavering adherence to Buddhism, the national religion, and to the monarchy which, constitutional since 1932, is as deeply revered now it was in the days when kings were literally 'Lords of Life'.

Thailand's main gateway is Bangkok, where most visitors spend at least a few days. The Thai Capital can appear confusing and ugly. In what seems variously to be Tokyo, Los Angeles and Disneyland, the skyline is dominated by thrusting high-rise blocks, while the constant heat, air population and hopeless traffic congestion threaten chaos.