Thailand+-+Essay+-+Connor

 ** Thailand: The Later Years ** ** Essay ** If someone asked you if you knew what Thailand was, you would say “yes” because everyone knows what Thailand is. The reason behind everyone knowing Thailand is the great accomplishments and the incredible feats it has taken to be recognized. Thailand is a beautiful country because of the people’s respect towards the land and its inhabitants. Thai people have set a perfect example for their conservation of their country, the protection of an endangered species, and the maintenance of their culture through years of Western influence. __There are many lessons we can learn from 1800 to present day Thailand and their People__. Thai people have been living in Thailand (back then it was called Siam) for thousands of years. Even through the Industrial Revolution have they managed to keep their homeland clean and protected from modern society. They have managed to do this by only taking what they need when they need it instead of taking from it when others want to buy it ( Lanna, Stewart. "Ecosystem Conservation by means of man-made ecosystem in Thailand." //lanna.net//. 2000. Chulalongkom University. 10 May 2009 [] ). These areas are covered in lush forest and populated with exotic animals and plants. Notice how in North America we can’t boast about these types of things? Thailand has set a perfect example to follow if we want to maintain our continents wildlife and ecosystem.

Thailand houses one of the most exotic animals in the world, but also one of the most sought after by poachers. The elephant is revered in Thai society and they are treated like royalty. The Thai people noticed the rapid decline in elephants and formed the National Elephant Institute (NEI), made national laws and signed the CITES ( Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) treaty ( Sukumar, R. "Elephants in Thailand." //EleAid//. 2005. EleAid. 10 May 2009 []

When the Europeans came to colonize and “modernize” the Thai people, they managed to maintain their culture, and to this day their culture has lived on. Though parts of Thailand became modernized, more areas in Thailand have managed to maintain their ancient methods and practices. Their way of life is heavily influenced by Buddhism which originates from their ancestors in neighbouring countries such as Loas, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China ( Podireh, Onok. "Religion in Thailand." //Hello Siam//. 2002. hellosiam.com. 10 May 2009 [] ). Taking a look at Canada, you can’t see an inch of heritage and culture, instead you will see modern buildings with modern roads covered with modern cars. It’s important to maintain our culture because it defines who we are and where we came from. Thai people have managed to maintain their culture for centuries, unfortunately Canada is so caught up in being technologically advanced that our early Canadian culture has been diminished.

(wikispaces won't let me indent, so it isn't my fault that there's no indent)

The Later Years Thailand Home