Thailand and Burma

Cy Woods HS

Thailand in Pictures

ThailandFormerly called the Kingdom of Siam, now a constitutional monarchy.

Chang and Eng Bunker

Siamese Cat

Royal PalaceKayan Tribeswoman

Buddhist monk

Click on photos for videos

Thailand Today

Human trafficking is a huge problem in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Often sold by the poor families to brothels in large cities.

Thailand TodayKing Bhumibohl is the longest ruling monarch in the world (almost 69 years) and is suffering from ill health. Although a constitutional monarchy, it is unlawful to disrespect the monarchy.

Protests by anti-governmentforces loyal to a former prime minister have led to tension in this usually peaceful country. She has recently been charged with negligence in a rice subsidy scheme.

Burma in Pictures

Burmese rubies

Click on photo for video about democracy

Burma(Myanmar)

Because of its isolation from

much of the world, infrastructure in Burma is crumbling and the

economyis mostly agriculture

based.The military government

isalso accused of trafficking In opium poppies/heroin.

90% of the world’s rubies come from Burma

A cyclone in 2008 killedmore than 130,000 people, many from starvation and Disease because the government would not allow international aid organizations to help.

Burma Today

Nobel Peace Prize winner andpro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi wasunder house arrest for 20 yearsfor her stance against the militaryGovernment. Released in late

2010. Sheis now a leader of the opposition.

In 2007, Buddhist monks protested against the repressive rule of the military junta. Many “disappeared”Shortly thereafter.

Click on photo for trailer of movie about her life

Aung San Suu Kyi

Click on photo for TED talk

What do you remember?• Which three countries

made up Indochina?• Which two countries

are constitutional monarchies?

• What was Thailand known as in the 1800s?

• What country is known for exporting rubies and opium?

• Which country was ruled by a military junta until recently?

• Who were the Khmer Rouge? Why did they target intellectuals?

• Who was Pol Pot?• What is Angkor Wat?• Aung San Suu Kyi

has been compared to what famous South Asian leader?

• Burma is also known as________________