have grown rapidly in some medium-sized cities, notably Leeds and Edinburgh, London has continued to dominate the industry and has grown in size and influence as a centre of international financial operations. Capital flows have increased, as have foreign exchange and securities trading. Consequently, London long had more foreign banks than any other city in the world, though it remained to be seen whether this distinction would continue after the United Kingdom’s departure from the EU. Increased competition and technological developments have accelerated change. The International Stock Exchange was reorganized, and the historical two-tier structure of brokers, who executed investors’ instructions to buy and sell stocks and shares, and jobbers, who “made” markets in these securities, was abolished. As a result, new companies link British and foreign banks with former brokers and jobbers. The Financial Services Act of 1986, the Building Societies Act of 1987, and the Banking Act of 1987 regulate these new financial organizations. In 1997 the government established the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to regulate the financial services industry; it replaced a series of separate supervisory organizations, some of them based on self-regulation. Among other tasks, the FSA took over the supervision of the United Kingdom’s commercial banks from the Bank of England. The FSA was widely criticized for its response to the financial crisis that erupted in 2008 and led to a government bailout for a number of prominent British banks. As a result, the Financial Services Act of 2012 abolished the FSA, and the “tripartite” system of financial regulation (the FSA, the Bank of England, and the Treasury) was replaced in 2013 with three new bodies—the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), mandated with regulating financial service firms and protecting consumers, the Financial Policy Committee (FPC), and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)—the last two of which were embedded in the Bank of England, to which the supervision and regulation of banks were returned. The Bank of England retains the sole right to issue banknotes in England and Wales (banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland have limited rights to do this in their own areas). In 1997 the Bank of England was given the power to set the “repo,” or benchmark, interest rate, which influences the general structure of interest rates. The bank’s standing instruction from the government is to set an interest rate that will meet a target inflation rate of 2.5 percent per annum. The bank also intervenes actively in foreign exchange markets and acts as the government’s banker. The pound sterling is a major internationally traded currency. 50 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
A variety of institutions, including insurance companies, pension funds, and investment and unit trusts, channel individual savings into investments. Finance houses are the primary providers of home mortgages and corporate lending and leasing. There are also companies that finance the leasing of business equipment; factoring companies that provide immediate cash to creditors and subsequently collect the corporate debts owed; and finance corporations that provide venture capital funding for innovations or high-risk companies and that supplement the medium- and long-term capital markets, otherwise supplied by the banks or the Stock Market. The United Kingdom has a number of organized financial markets. The securities markets comprise the International Stock Exchange, which deals in officially listed stocks and shares (including government issues, traded options, stock index options, and currency options); the Unlisted Securities Market, for smaller companies; and the Third Market, for small unlisted companies. Money market activities include the trading of bills, certificates of deposit, short- term deposits, and, increasingly, sterling commercial paper. Other markets are those dealing in Eurocurrency, Eurobonds, foreign exchange, financial futures, gold, ship brokerage, freight futures, and agricultural and other commodity futures. The share of invisible trade (receipts and payments from financial services; interest, profits, and dividends; and transfers between the United Kingdom and other countries) has been rising steadily since the 1960s—from about one-third to one-half of the country’s total foreign earnings. Within this area, service transactions have grown rapidly, and financial services have grown the fastest. Trade Trade has long been pivotal to the United Kingdom’s economy. The total value of imports and exports represents nearly half the country’s GDP. (By comparison, the value of foreign trade amounts to about one-fifth of the GDP of the United States.) The volume of both the exports and the imports of the United Kingdom has grown steadily in recent years. Principal British exports include machinery, automobiles and other transport equipment, electrical and electronic equipment (including computers), chemicals, and oil. Services, particularly financial services, are another major export and contribute positively to Britain’s trade balance. The country imports about one-tenth of its foodstuffs and about one-third of its 51 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
machinery and transport equipment. An increasing share of the United Kingdom’s trade is with other developed countries. Joining the European Economic Community caused a major reorientation of trade flows. At the beginning of the 21st century, about half of all trade was with the United Kingdom’s partners in the European Union, although the United States remained the United Kingdom’s single largest export market and a major supplier. Germany was the leading supplier and the second most important export market. Whether the United Kingdom’s trading partners would change dramatically as a result of Brexit (Britain’s exit from the European Union) remained an open question, as the country entered a period of economic transition in 2020. The United Kingdom’s current overall balance of payments (including trade in services and transfer payments), which historically had been generally favourable, fell into deficit from the mid-1980s until the late 1990s because visible imports (i.e., tangible goods imported) exceeded visible exports. Meanwhile there was considerable overseas investment, and foreign earnings grew. The government has supported trade liberalization and participated in international trade organizations. By the late 1990s the steady growth in exports of goods and services and in foreign earnings had produced the first balance-of-payments surplus in more than a decade. Services The most remarkable economic development in the United Kingdom has been the growth of service industries, which now provide about two-thirds of the GDP and three-fourths of total employment. This reflects the rise in real personal incomes, changes in patterns of consumer expenditure, and the elaboration and increasing outsourcing of business services. Although some services—for example, public transportation, laundries, and movie theatres—have declined in favour of privately owned goods—such as automobiles, washing machines, and television sets—this has stimulated increased demand for the related services that distribute, maintain, and repair such products. Other growing service industries include hotels and catering, air travel and other leisure-related activities, distribution (particularly retailing), and finance. Especially rapid growth has occurred in other business-support services, including computing systems and software, management consultancy, advertising, and market research, as well as the provision of exhibition and conference facilities. Britain is also the base for 52 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
some of the world’s leading art auction houses. The United Kingdom’s many cultural treasures—e.g., its historic castles, museums, and theatres—make it a popular tourist destination. The tourism industry is a leading sector in the British economy, and each year more than 25 million tourists visit the country. London is among the world’s most-visited cities. 2.4 TOURISM STATISTIC Tourism contributes £106 billion to the British economy & GDP and supports 2.6 million jobs. By 2025 the UK tourism industry will be worth over £257 billion, around 10% of the UK GDP. The industry supports 3.8 million jobs and has a huge impact on the UK economy. In 2018, 37.9 million tourists visited the UK, but this reached an all-time high in 2017 with million! In July 2019 alone, £2.9 billion was spent here by overseas residents, demonstrating how substantial tourism is to the economy. USA residents visit the most as 3,877,000 people visited in 2018, closely followed by France. Tourism in London statistics demonstrates the popularity of the capital in comparison to other locations in the UK as the city has 8 times more visitors than the second most visited city. Holidays is the number one reason as to why tourists visit the UK, 63% of visits to the UK are for a holiday away. Few highlighted point: • Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Britain. It is expected to expand by 3.8% a year up until 2025, accounting for 10% of all jobs. • £22.5 billion was spent by overseas travellers in the UK in 2016. • Inbound tourism statistics recorded 37.9 million inbound visits to the UK in 2018, 3% less than 2017 which had 39.2 million. • 118.6 million domestic overnight trips were made in the UK in 2018, down 2% vs. 2017. • Two million jobs are created by the UK travel industry. 53 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
• 9% of the UK’s GDP is generated by tourism. • Inbound tourism to the UK has been recorded at £50 billion. • 7 million overseas residents visited in April 2027. This is a 19% increase from the previous year. • The number of outbound visitors from the UK totaled 72.8 million in 2018, a fall of 1% in 2017. • Spain was the most popular destination for UK tourists, attracting 22% of all visitors. • By 2025, the tourism industry in the United Kingdom is set to be worth over £257 billion. • 53% of the inbound visitor spend is accounted for in London, the rest of England accounts for 35%, Scotland 8% and Wales 2%. • A record-breaking £24.5 billion was spent by 2 million overseas visitors. • Overseas visitors to the UK reached 7 million in 2018, a 4.4% increase from 2017. • There was a decline of inbound visitors to the UK in 2018 falling 3% to 9 million. Spending also fell by 7% to £22.9 billion. • 2019 is set for a return to growth, with spending up 7% to £24.5 billion and inbound visits up 3% to 9 million. • Inbound tourism is set to grow from £21 billion in 2013 to £57 billion by 2025. • UK tourism accounts for 7.2% of UK GDP. PASSPORT AND VISA REGULATIONS Visa requirements for British citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of the United Kingdom. As of 7 July 2020, British citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 185 countries and territories, ranking the British passport 7th in terms of travel freedom (tied with Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and the US) 54 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
according to the Henley Passport Index. Additionally, the World Tourism Organization also published a report on 15 January 2016 ranking the British passport 1st in the world (tied with Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Singapore) in terms of travel freedom, with a mobility index of 160 (out of 215 with no visa weighted by 1, visa on arrival weighted by 0.7, eVisa by 0.5, and traditional visa weighted by 0). Visa requirements for other classes of British nationals such as British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Protected Persons or British Subjects are different. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries have imposed temporary travel restrictions on British citizens or persons arriving from the United Kingdom. • Philippines — admission refused, except spouses and children of Filipino nationals. • South Africa — visitors who have been in, transited through, or are nationals of several designated \"high-risk countries\" (including the United Kingdom) are not allowed to enter. Visa requirements are different depending on the origin of the individual wishing to enter the United Kingdom. Some individuals are entitled to enter the United Kingdom without a visa and have no restrictions on their length of stay, work policies or study policies. These groups are: British nationals, citizens of Commonwealth countries who have the right of abode, Irish citizens and until at least 31 December 2020, European Union citizens and citizens of EFTA member states. There are 56 other countries and territories that can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. Nationals of other countries are required to hold a Standard Visitor visa, costing £95, to be able to visit for up to 6 months. For more information see visa policy of the United Kingdom. MAJOR TOURIST RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES. London is the most visited city in the UK, but some of the smaller town and cities manage to attract a significant number of tourists. Cities such as Manchester and Liverpool being in the top 5 most populous cities are expected to draw large numbers, however some smaller cities 55 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
have major landmarks luring visitors. An example of this are the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, which despite their smaller population are known worldwide because of the Oxbridge universities’ legacies. VisitBritain, the tourist board of Great Britain analyses data from the Office for National Statistics look to estimate the number of visitors that attend each attraction. This can be difficult for landmarks such as Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Westminster as many people visit the surrounding area without actually being admitted into the venue. There’s no shortage of cliché-ridden ideas about England: From double-decker buses, thatched cottages and country houses, village pubs and cream teas, eccentric aristocrats and cold, grey and rainy weather. Visitors however will find that it doesn’t rain as much as they had heard, that Indian restaurants far outnumber fish-and-chip shops and that there are a surprising amount of great tourist attractions in England packed into a relatively small area. Hadrian's Wall Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans to protect their colony Britannia from the tribes in Scotland. It stretches for 117 kilometers (73 miles) across the north of England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Construction started in 122 AD following a visit by Roman Emperor Hadrian, and was largely completed within six years. Today only stretches of this famous wall are still visible. There is a national path that follows the whole length of the wall from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. Warwick Castle Originally a wooden structure built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognizable examples of 14th century military architecture. In 2001, Warwick Castle was named one of Britain’s “Top 10 historic houses and monuments” and is one of the top attractions in England. Lake District Located in north west England in the county of Cumbria, the Lake District is the largest National Park in the country. The main attraction is the lakes and fells (mountains and hills) 56 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
carved by glacial erosion and providing dramatic and inspiring scenery. It is England’s premier destination for hiking and climbing. The park is visited by about 14 million national and international tourists each year. Tower of London Now home to the British Crown Jewels, the Tower of London served as a prison from 1100 to the mid twentieth century. The castle was founded in the winter of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England and served as a royal residence before it became a prison. The Tower of London is reputedly the most haunted building in England. There have been tales of ghosts, including that of Anne Boleyn, inhabiting the tower. The Cotswolds The Cotswolds refers to a range of gentle hills in south central England, the main range reaching 330 meters (1083 feet) in altitude at its highest point. The region is known for the stone-built villages, historical towns, and stately homes and gardens. The Cotswolds are a popular attraction in England, within easy striking distance of London and several other English urban centers. Durham Cathedral Durham Cathedral, in the city of Durham in northeast England is the greatest Norman building in England and perhaps even in Europe. It is cherished not only for its architecture but also for its incomparable setting. The foundation stone of Durham Cathedral was laid on August 12, 1093. Since that time, there have been major additions and reconstructions of some parts of the building, but the greater part of the structure remains true to the Norman design. In a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001 Durham Cathedral was voted England’s best- loved building. York Minster One of the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe (alongside Cologne Cathedral in Germany), York Minster dominates the skyline of the ancient city of York. York Minster incorporates all the major stages of Gothic architectural development in England. The present building was begun in about 1230 and completed in 1472. The “Great East Window” inside 57 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
the cathedral is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. Windsor Castle Located about an hour west of London, Windsor Castle is often called the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. It is one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II who spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. The earliest surviving buildings at Windsor date from the reign of Henry II who came to the throne in 1154. Much of the castle, including the magnificent State Apartments and St Georges Chapel can be visited. Big Ben The 150 year old Big Ben Clock Tower is one of London’s top attractions. The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock tower itself, but to the 13 ton bell housed within the tower and takes its name from the man who first ordered the bell, Sir Benjamin Hall. It is the 3th largest free-standing clock tower in the world. The clock has become a symbol of the England and London and has appeared in many films. In the movie Mars Attacks! for example the Big Ben is destroyed by a UFO attack. Stonehenge One of top tourist attractions in England, Stonehenge is among the most important prehistoric sites in the world. It was produced by a culture that left no written records so many aspects of Stonehenge remain subject to debate. Evidence indicate that the large stones were erected around 2500 BC. It is not known for certain what purpose Stonehenge served, but many scholars believe the monument was used as a ceremonial or religious center. SUMMARY • Nowadays, the United Kingdom attracts worldwide visitors with a combination of rural and urban scenery and the appeal of British Culture which includes sport, food and art. The current COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect tourism in the United Kingdom. In March 2020, the government decided to impose restrictions on all non- essential travel (both domestic and international) which are currently still in place. 58 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
• It was reported that in the month of April Heathrow Airport was expecting 6.7 million passengers, but only 200,000 arrived which is roughly equivalent to a normal day. Depending on how the pandemic continues to unfold, professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers expects that the worst affected sectors in the U.K. such as transport, hotels and food service could drop by at a minimum 15% or in the worst- case scenario by 40%. • The country's principal tourist destinations are London, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cambridge, York, and Canterbury. The United Kingdom hosts a total of 32 World Heritage sites, the 8th most in the world. The Lonely Planet travel guide voted England number 2, after Bhutan, as one of the best countries to visit in 2020. Some of the most popular cities include London, Edinburgh and Manchester and notable attractions include the Palace ofWestminster, the London Eye and Edinburgh Castle. • Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the United Kingdom and it is expected to grow by 3.8% annually until 2025, 0.5% higher than the global average, and is responsible for 10% of all jobs. • London is the most visited city in the UK, but some of the smaller town and cities manage to attract a significant number of tourists. Cities such as Manchester and Liverpool being in the top 5 most populous cities are expected to draw large numbers, however some smaller cities have major landmarks luring visitors. KEYWORDS • Harrods Limited: is a department store located on Brampton Road in Knightsbridge, London, England. • Heathrow Airport: originally called London Airport and now known as London Heathrow, is a major international airport in London, England, United Kingdom • The British Isles: are a group of islands in the North Atlantic off the north-western coast of continental Europe, consisting of the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Hebrides and over six thousand smaller isles. 59 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
• An archipelago: sometimes called an island group or island chain, is a chain, cluster or collection of islands, or sometimes a sea containing a small number of scattered islands. • The Irish Free State: was a state established in 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921. • European Union: The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries that operates as a cohesive economic and political block. Nineteen of the countries use the euro as their official currency. • Visa on arrival: Visa on arrival means that travelers must obtain a visa in order to enter the destination country, but it can be obtained upon arrival. Visitors do not need to apply for a travel visa beforehand. • GDP: Gross Domestic Product, abbreviated as GDP, is the total value of goods and services produced in a country. GDP is measured over specific time frames, such as a quarter or a year. • Great Britain: Great Britain is an island separated from the European mainland by the English Channel and North Sea. It comprises the nations of England, Scotland and Wales. • United Kingdom: The United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in northwestern Europe. England – birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles – is home to the capital, London, a globally influential center of finance and culture. LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Collect and compare the data for different country passport rules and regulations. 2. Search the country wise tourism statistics and see how tourism effects the growth of 60 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
the company UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Types Questions 1. Discuss, what do you understand by Great Britain Economy? 2. Explain, what are various geographical country facts? 3. List out the passport and visa rules regulations? 4. Explain, what is the significance of Durham Cathedral? 5. Discuss, what is the York minister famous for? B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. National animal of Great Britain; a. Tiger b. Snakes c. Giraffe d. Lion 2. The UK has …………. British overseas territories; among them are Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, Gibraltar on the Iberian Peninsula and Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. a. 13 61 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
b. 14 c. 10 d. 12 3. Located about an hour west of........... , Windsor Castle is often called the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. a. London b. Scotland c. France d. None of these 4. The United Kingdom is slightly smaller than the state of Oregon/USA and slightly bigger than ……. a. Thane b. Scotland c. Ghana d. Thames 5. The UK is located mainly on two large islands in the …….. . 62 a. Pacific Ocean b. Atlantic Ocean c. Arctic Ocean d. Indian Ocean CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Answer 1. d 2. a 3. a 4. c 5. b REFERENCES • A. K. Raina. (2010). Tourism Destination Management: Principles and Practices Paperback. New Delhi: Kanishka Publishing House. • Dimitrios Buhalis, John Crotts, Roger March. (2000). Global Alliances in Tourism and Hospitality Management.UK and New York: Routledge publishing. • A.K Bhatia. (2006). International Tourism Management. Noida: Sterling Publishers. • National geography. (2016) Destinations of a Lifetime (National Geographic). Washington D.C.: National geography publishers. • Pliny the Elder (translated by Rackham, Harris) (1938). Natural History. Harvard University Press. • Ball, Martin John (1994). The Celtic Languages. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415- 01035-1. • Butler, Alban (1997). Butler's Lives of the Saints. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-86012-255-5. • Frodin, D. G. (2001). Guide to Standard Floras of the World. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-79077-2. • Spencer, Colin (2003). British Food: An Extraordinary Thousand Years of History. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-13110-0. 63 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
UNIT 3: UAE-DUBAI 64 Structure Learning Objectives Introduction Country facts Tourism statistics Visa and passport requirement Major tourist resources and activates Map work Summary Keywords Learning activity 3.10.Unit end questions 3.11.References LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, you will be able to: • Explain about the country and country facts • State of the tourist statistics and major attractive places • Discuss its geographical aspects INTRODUCTION CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Dubai (/duːˈbaɪ/ doo-BY; romanized: Dubayy [dʊˈbajj], Gulf Arabic pronunciation: [dəˈbaj]) is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia. It is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city, which was already a major mercantile hub. Dubai's oil output made up 2.1 percent of the Persian Gulf emirate's economy in 2008. A centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century, Dubai's economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. According to government data, the population of Dubai is estimated at around 3,400,800 as of 8 September 2020. Many theories have been proposed as to origin of the word \"Dubai\". One theory suggests the word used to be the souqin Ba. An Arabic proverb says \"Daba Dubai\", meaning \"They came with a lot of money.\" According to Fedel Handhal, a scholar on the UAE's history and culture, the word Dubai may have come from the word daba (a past tense derivative of yadub which means \"to creep\"), referring to the slow flow of Dubai Creek inland. The poet and scholar Ahmad Mohammad Obaid traces it to the same word, but to its alternative meaning of \"baby locust\" due to the abundance of locusts in the area before settlement. COUNTRY FACTS • The Burj Al Arab Hotel Uses Enough Gold to Cover the Mona Lisa Painting 46,265 Times. The interior of the Burj Al Arab is decorated with around 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf. • Dubai’s Artificial Palm Islands Use Enough Sand to Fill 2.5 Empire State Buildings. The Police Force in Dubai Spends More on Each of Their Super Cars Than It Costs to Send a Child to College in the USA. An interesting fact about Dubai: Dubai’s police force uses supercars to impress tourists and show how “classy” the city is. This includes cars such as the Ferrari FF (US$ 500,000), Lamborghini Aventador (US$ 397,000) and an Aston Martin One-77 (US$ 1.79 million). And they hold a world record for the fastest police car; a Bugatti Veyron which they purchased for US$ 1.6 65 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
million! • The Tallest Building in the World is Located in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa, which can be seen from 95 km away and is 163 stories high, is the tallest building in the world. With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft) and a roof height (excluding antenna but including a 244 m spire) of 828 m (2,717 ft), the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest structure and building in the world since its topping out in 2009. • 25% of All Cranes in the World Were Once Located in Dubai. Some say the city was home to almost 25 percent of the world’s cranes! But, this might be a bit of an urban legend as other sources only state 2 or 3%. • In Dubai Robots Are Replacing Illegal Child Labor in Camel Racing • Until Recently Dubai Had No Addresses, No Zip Codes, No Area Codes, and No Postal System, It wasn’t until 2015 that Dubai started assigning so-called Makani numbers (a unique 10 digit code) to all buildings to help identify them. • You Pay No Income Tax in Dubai. Apart from an often very attractive salary you also won’t have to pay any income taxes when you make your money in Dubai. This attracts a lot of people who come to Dubai with the idea of saving a good amount of money in a short amount of time. TOURISM STATISTICS Even as the world witnessed the first Emirates Airline flight take to the skies from one sandy airstrip in 1985, the unwavering confidence, steely determination, and ambitious vision of the city and its leadership was not lost on the international community that has since, closely followed the meteoric rise of Dubai to its current global repute across tourism, trade and business. Today, Dubai stands well and truly established as a leading international tourism destination having achieved several milestones over its relatively short history, and was 2019’s fourth most visited destination according to MasterCard’s Global Cities Index, welcoming 16.73 million tourists from over 233 countries around the globe. Dubai’s tourism sector has consistently surpassed global industry average growth, thanks to a 66 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
synchronised, city-wide delivery model that has brought together regulatory access, immigration policy, physical infrastructure, urban spatial development, and above all - an unmistakably ‘Dubai Way’ service culture that embodies the spirit of the city as a welcoming host to the world. Driven by the endorsement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the mandate for Dubai to become the most-visited city in the world, Dubai Tourism has continued to relentlessly pursue its quest towards this goal, and furthering the sector’s economic contribution. At the end of 2019, tourism was responsible for contributing an impressive 11.5 per cent in GDP value, Dubai’s tourism sector was ranked one of ‘Top 10’ strongest economic share generators, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Cities Report 2019 - a statistic of particularly enhanced significance as we stand amidst a wholly altered context six months into 2020, where the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked undeniable havoc on the global economy. Since the tail-end of 2019, the travel and tourism sector has seen the impacts of the health crisis, and it has understandably been one of the most significantly disrupted industries to date. Yet, the circumstances have forced a reconsideration of a future for global tourism where the convenience of speed, simplicity of access, and assumed safety of destinations are no longer a given. Disruption is engrained in our DNA and as Dubai Tourism we have risen to every challenge from the disintermediation of the traditional travel supply chain, to the rising dominance of technology empowering the globally savvy travel audience, and social media driving the hyper-connected millennial and Generation Z travellers. With infinite possibilities to explore, and opportunities to exploit, this is our time to fuel new thinking, accelerate collaborative solution sourcing, reimagine and reshape our collective future with our stakeholders - for it is how we choose to respond, adapt and evolve today, that will set us on the path to pioneering the future of global tourism tomorrow. As we set our sights on the next horizon, our first priority remains safeguarding our people - residents across our communities and visitors to the city. The world has witnessed the unwavering stewardship and exemplary success of the UAE Government’s handling of the pandemic thus far, and that is testament to the diligence and rigour with which future protocols will be deployed to assure the health and safety of every traveler who visits Dubai. Equally, economic sustainability and industry sustenance are core to assuring continued 67 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
ability of the tourism sector to drive healthy GDP value, and as such, the city has been prudent and agile to respond to the changing market realities with much-needed business stimulus to weather the short-term turbulences while gearing up for a practical restart of activities. With business across tourism, hospitality, retail, and F&B in various phases of reopening already, Dubai continues to exhibit its trademark resilience, backed by the solidarity of all public and private sector stakeholders as well as the commitment of its international partner networks, as the city gears up to welcome back millions of travellers from every corner of the world. The 2019 Visitor Report serves to highlight Dubai’s progress as the world’s fourth most visited destination, surpassing all prior records in international visitor arrivals to the city. Invariably, the developments throughout 2020 will focus a kaleidoscopic lens on travel behaviors and expectations for the future. Yet, as much as things might change in the near term, we believe that the fundamentals on the human need for travel, the essential experiential gratification or the service pre-requisites, and the ‘memory’ value that travellers seek, will remain unchanged. What we urge the reader to discern from this report are these essential points of continued relevance and crucial learning that will serve as our foundational baseline to build on, as we look to accelerate our growth through 2021 and beyond. 68 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Figure 3.1 VISA AND PASSPORT REQUIREMENT Visa requirements for Emirati citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As of 7 January 2020, Emirati citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 170 countries and territories, ranking the Emirati passport 19th in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index. All other passports from the 'Arab world' had a lower ranking in this respect as of 1 December 2018. The Emirati passport is one of five passports with the greatest ranking improvement in the 2006-2016 time period. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation plans to make the UAE passport one of the five strongest passports in the world by 2021. Emirati citizens do not need a visa to enter other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and also have the right to work in those countries. Similarly, citizens of other GCC states, with the current exception of Qatar, do not need a visa to enter the UAE. GCC citizens (with the exception of Qataris) can use a GCC national identity card (rather than a passport) to enter the UAE. MAJOR TOURIST RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES MAP WORK Glitzy Dubai is the United Arab Emirates' holiday hot spot. This city of high-rises and shopping malls has transformed itself from a desert outpost to a destination du-jour, where tourists flock for sales bargains, sunshine, and family fun. Dubai is famous for sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and shopping malls that come complete with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes. But this city has many cultural highlights and things to do, as well as all the glamorous modern add-ons. Take a wander around the Bastakia district, and you'll discover the Dubai of old, then cruise along Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and you'll soon realize there's more to this city than its flashy veneer. Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Dubai. 69 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Burj Khalifa Dubai's landmark building is the Burj Khalifa, which at 829.8 meters is the tallest building in the world and the most famous of the city's points of interest. For most visitors, a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor here is a must-do while in the city. The views across the city skyline from this bird's-eye perspective are simply staggering. The slick observation deck experience includes a multimedia presentation on both Dubai and the building of the Burj Khalifa (completed in 2010) before a high-speed elevator whizzes you up to the observation deck for those 360-degree views out across the skyscrapers to the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. Nighttime visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas. Buy your Burj Khalifa \"At the Top\" Entrance Ticket in advance to avoid long line-ups, especially if you are planning to visit on a weekend. Back on the ground, wrapping around the Burj Khalifa, are the building's beautifully designed gardens, with winding walkways. There are plenty of water features including the Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain, modeled on the famous Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. Dubai Mall Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall and provides entry to the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai Aquarium. There is also an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and cinema complex if you're looking for more entertainment options. The shopping and eating is endless, and there are nearly always special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall. The most famous of these are the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August. Dubai Museum Dubai's excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort's walls are built out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster. 70 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
In its history, the fort has served as a residence for the ruling family, a seat of government, garrison, and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city's premier museum. The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom. The courtyard is home to several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower. The right-hand hall features weaponry, and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments. Below the ground floor are display halls with exhibits and dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life), as well as artifacts from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site. Bastakia (Old Dubai) The Bastakia Quarter (also known as the Al-Fahidi neighborhood) was built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants who dealt mainly in pearls and textiles and were lured to Dubai because of the tax-free trading and access to Dubai Creek. Bastakia occupies the eastern portion of Bur Dubai along the creek, and the coral and limestone buildings here, many with walls topped with wind-towers, have been excellently preserved. Wind-towers provided the homes here with an early form of air conditioning — the wind trapped in the towers was funneled down into the houses. Persian merchants likely transplanted this architectural element (common in Iranian coastal houses) from their home country to the Gulf. Lined with distinct Arabian architecture, the narrow lanes are highly evocative of a bygone, and much slower, age in Dubai's history. Inside the district, you'll find the Majlis Gallery, with its collection of traditional Arab ceramics and furniture (housed in a wind-tower) and the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, with a shop, cafe, and rotating art exhibitions (located in one of the historic buildings). Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958 and grandfather to the current ruler. His former residence has been rebuilt and restored as a museum that is a fine 71 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
example of Arabian architecture. The original house was built in 1896 by Sheikh Saeed's father, so he could observe shipping activity from the balconies. It was demolished, but the current house was rebuilt next to the original site, staying true to the original model by incorporating carved teak doors, wooden lattice screens across the windows, and gypsum ventilation screens with floral and geometric designs. Thirty rooms are built around a central courtyard with wind-tower details on top. Inside are the exhibits of the Dubai Museum of Historical Photographs and Documents, with many wonderful old photographs of Dubai from the period between 1948 and 1953. The marine wing of the museum has photos of fishing, pearling, and boat building. Throughout the building there are many letters, maps, coins, and stamps on display showing the development of the Emirate. Nearby is the Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, restored with displays of traditional interiors. Dubai Creek Dubai Creek separates the city into two towns, with Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. The creek has been an influential element in the city's growth, first attracting settlers here to fish and pearl dive. Small villages grew up alongside the creek as far back as 4,000 years ago, while the modern era began in the 1830s when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the area. The Dhow Wharfage is located along Dubai Creek's bank, north of Al-Maktoum Bridge. Still used by small traders from across the Gulf, some of the dhows anchored here are well over 100 years old. You can visit here, watching cargo being loaded and unloaded on and off the dhows. Dhow workers often invite visitors onto the vessels for a tour, where you can gain insight into the life of these traditional sailors. Many of the dhows here travel onward to Kuwait, Iran, Oman, India, and down to Africa's horn. This tiny remnant of Dubai's traditional economy is still a bustling and fascinating place to wander around. On the Bur Dubai side of the creek, rubbing up against the Bastakia neighborhood, the waterfront has been regenerated as the Al Seef district, with a waterfront promenade backed by traditional coral-block and limestone buildings, a floating market, and shops selling crafts. 72 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
It's a great place for a stroll with excellent water views. To travel across the creek, you can either take a trip on one of the many dhows that have been restored as tourist cruise boats or take an abra (small wooden ferry) between the ferry points on the creek's Bur Dubai and Deira banks. Jumeirah Mosque Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai's mosques. An exact copy of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture. This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes, and cultural meals) organizes guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith. Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays. Deira Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop. For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day. Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world. The Deira Spice Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the fragrant oud wood, rose water, and incense. The fish market provides a much less touristy experience. While in the district, culture lovers shouldn't miss two of Deira's finely restored architectural gems. Heritage House was built in 1890 as the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant and later became the home of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, 73 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
it's a great chance to see the interior of a traditional family home. The Al-Ahmadiya School, constructed in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of public education. Dubai Frame at sunset Sitting slap-bang between Dubai's older neighborhoods clustered around the creek and the city's modern sprawl, this ginormous 150-meter-high picture frame is one of Dubai's latest sights. Inside, a series of galleries whisk you through the city's history and explore Emirati heritage before you travel up to the Sky Deck, where there are fantastic panoramas of both old and new Dubai to be snapped on the viewing platforms. Afterwards check out Future Dubai gallery, which imagines what a futuristic vision of the city will look like. Sheikh Zayed Road Sheikh Zayed Road is the main thoroughfare running through Dubai's modern downtown business district. This wide, eight-lane highway is rimmed with towering glass, chrome, and steel high-rises along its entire length. It's one of the best on-the-ground vantage points for Dubai's famed skyscraper views. Main attractions are along, or just off, the strip between the roundabout and the first intersection, and most of Dubai's famous malls are located along the road's route. The Dubai World Trade Tower has an observation deck on its top floor, which offers visitors panoramic views (a cheaper option than the Burj Khalifa), and the Gold and Diamond Park (Sheikh Zayed Road) is a one-stop shop for jewelry lovers, with 118 manufacturers and 30 retailers all under one roof. MAP WORK 74 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Figure 3.2 Dubai Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level (16 m or 52 ft above). The emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast. Hatta, a minor exclave of the emirate, is surrounded on three sides by Oman and by the emirates of Ajman (in the west) and Ras Al Khaimah (in the north). The Persian Gulf borders the western coast of the emirate. Dubai is positioned at 25.2697°N 55.3095°E and covers an area of 1,588 sq mi (4,110 km2), which represents a significant expansion beyond its initial 1,500 sq mi (3,900 km2) designation due to land reclamation from the sea. Dubai lies directly within the Arabian Desert. However, the topography of Dubai is significantly different from that of the southern portion of the UAE in that much of Dubai's landscape is highlighted by sandy desert patterns, while gravel deserts dominate much of the southern region of the country. The sand consists mostly of crushed shell and coral and is fine, clean and white. East of the city, the salt-crusted coastal plains, known as sabkha, give way to a north–south running line of dunes. Farther east, the dunes grow larger and are tinged red with iron oxide. The flat sandy desert gives way to the Western Hajar Mountains, which run alongside Dubai's border with Oman at Hatta. The Western Hajar chain has an arid, jagged and shattered landscape, whose mountains rise to about 1,300 metres (4,265 feet) in some places. Dubai has 75 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
no natural river bodies or oases; however, Dubai does have a natural inlet, Dubai Creek, which has been dredged to make it deep enough for large vessels to pass through. Dubai also has multiple gorges and waterholes, which dot the base of the Western Al Hajar mountains. A vast sea of sand dunes covers much of southern Dubai and eventually leads into the desert known as The Empty Quarter. Seismically, Dubai is in a very stable zone—the nearest seismic fault line, the Zagros Fault, is 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the UAE and is unlikely to have any seismic impact on Dubai. Experts also predict that the possibility of a tsunami in the region is minimal because the Persian Gulf waters are not deep enough to trigger a tsunami SUMMARY • Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia. It is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city, which was already a major mercantile hub. Dubai's oil output made up 2.1 percent of the Persian Gulf emirate's economy in 2008. A centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century, Dubai's economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. • Visa requirements for Emirati citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). • As of 7 January 2020, Emirati citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 170 countries and territories, ranking the Emirati passport 19th in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index. All other passports from the 'Arab world' had a lower ranking in this respect as of 1 December 2018 • According to government data, the population of Dubai is estimated at around 3,400,800 as of 8 September 2020. • Even as the world witnessed the first Emirates Airline flight take to the skies from one sandy airstrip in 1985, the unwavering confidence, steely determination, and ambitious vision of the city and its leadership was not lost on the international community that has since, closely followed the meteoric rise of Dubai to its current 76 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
global repute across tourism, trade and business. Today, Dubai stands well and truly established as a leading international tourism destination having achieved several milestones over its relatively short history, and was 2019’s fourth most visited destination according to MasterCard’s Global Cities Index, welcoming 16.73 million tourists from over 233 countries around the globe. KEYWORDS • The Economy of The United Arab Emirates: represents a gross domestic product as of 2018 of US$102.67 billion. • The Persian Gulf: is a Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia. The body of water is an extension of the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Hormuz and lies between Iran to the northeast and the Arabian Peninsula to the southwest. • Locusts: are a collection of certain species of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae that have a swarming phase. • Dubai Creek: is a saltwater creek located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Previously, it extended to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary but as part of the new Dubai canal it extends through to the Persian Gulf. • Dubai Museum: is the main museum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 and is the oldest existing building in Dubai. LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Do a research on most visited places of Dubai and conclude how it is different from other countries 2. How tourism effects the development of Dubai. Discuss. 77 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Types Questions 1. Explain, what all countries listed in UAE? 2. List out the famous cultural fact of Dubai. 3. Discuss, what is the significance of Burj AL Arab? 4. Do you know the height of Burj Khalifa and why it so famous? 5. Explain, what are the cultural aspects of UAE? B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. The Gold Souk and the Spice Souk are five minutes apart, and both give an insight into what ……… was like before the city boomed with skyscrapers and tourism. a. Dubai b. Arab c. Abu dabi d. Sharjah 2. The federation has experienced the impact of............ resurgence, though Islam in the emirates is generally less austere than in Saudi Arabia. a. Christianity b. Islamic c. Arab 78 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
d. None of these 3. The largest of these emirates,................... which comprises more than three-fourths of the federation’s total land area, is the centre of its oil industry and borders Saudi Arabia on the federation’s southern and eastern borders. a. Mount Abu b. Dubai c. UAE d. Abu Dhabi 4. The cultural traditions of the United Arab Emirates are rooted in Islam and resonate with the wider Arab world, especially with the neighbouring states of the ………. a. Persian Gulf b. Abu Dhabi c. Mount Abu d. Dubai 5. Near ………… applied to the region nearest Europe, extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf; Middle East, from the Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia; and Far East, those regions facing the Pacific Ocean. a. West b. East c. North 79 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
d. South Answer 1. a 2. a 3. d 4. a 5. b REFERENCES • A. K. Raina. (2010). Tourism Destination Management: Principles and Practices Paperback. New Delhi: Kanishka Publishing House. • Dimitrios Buhalis, John Crotts, Roger March. (2000). Global Alliances in Tourism and Hospitality Management.UK and New York: Routledge publishing. • A.K Bhatia. (2006). International Tourism Management. Noida: Sterling Publishers. • National geography. (2016) Destinations of a Lifetime (National Geographic). Washington D.C.: National geography publishers. • Coastal and Marine Environmental Problems of Somalia, Volume 1. UNEP. 1987. p. 127. • International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1989). The Iucn Sahel Studies 1989. IUCN. p. 107. ISBN 2880329779. • \"New tourism ministry under construction in Garowe\". Sabahi. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2013. • \"Somali Tourism Association (SOMTA)\". Somali Tourism Association. Retrieved 14 June 2013. 80 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
UNIT 4: THAILAND - I Structure Learning objectives Introduction History Background Climate Terrains Map works Summary Keywords Learning activity Unit end questions 4.11.References LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, you will be able to: • Explain about Thailand history and background • State about climate and terrains and its geographical work INTRODUCTION Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 81 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi), and a population of over 66 million people. Thailand is the world's 50th-largest country by land area, and the 22nd-most-populous country in the world. The capital and largest city is Bangkok, a special administrative area. Thailand is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast, and Indonesia and India on the Andaman Sea to the southwest. Nominally, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy; however, in recent history, its government has experienced multiple coups and periods of military dictatorships. Tai peoples migrated from southwestern China to mainland Southeast Asia from the 11th century; the oldest known mention of their presence in the region by the exonym Siamese dates to the 12th century. Various Indianized kingdoms such as the Mon kingdoms, Khmer Empire and Malay states ruled the region, competing with Thai states such as the Kingdoms of Ngoenyang, Sukhothai, Lan Na and Ayutthaya, which rivalled each other. Documented European contact began in 1511 with a Portuguese diplomatic mission to Ayutthaya, which became a regional power by the end of the 15th century. Ayutthaya reached its peak during cosmopolitan Narai's reign (1656–1688), gradually declining thereafter until being ultimately destroyed in the 1767 Burmese–Siamese War. Taksin (r. 1767–1782) quickly reunified the fragmented territory and established the short-lived Thonburi Kingdom. He was succeeded in 1782 by Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (r. 1782–1809), the first monarch of the current Chakri dynasty. HISTORY The Thai are descended from a much larger group of Tai-speaking peoples. The latter are found from extreme northeastern India in the west to northern Vietnam in the east and from southern China in the north to as far south as the central Malay Peninsula. In the past, scholars held that a parent group called the Proto-Tai originated in southern China and pushed south and west from the China landmass into northern mainland Southeast Asia. Most scholars now believe that the Tai came from northern Vietnam around the Dien Bien Phu area and that about 1,000 years ago they spread from there northward into southern China; westward into southwestern China, northern Myanmar (Burma), and northeastern India; and 82 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
southward into what are now Laos and Thailand. For a discussion of Thai history in its regional context, see Southeast Asia, history of. Early Tai culture Tai-speaking peoples historically settled along river valleys, where they formed small settlements and engaged in subsistence rice agriculture, fishing, and gathering of forest products. Early in their history the Tai domesticated animals; they used water buffalo for plowing and ritual purposes, and they raised pigs and fowl for food. Women were accorded relatively high social status and could inherit property. The Tai followed local religions that involved propitiation of both malevolent and benevolent spirits through offerings and special ceremonies. The basic unit of Tai political organization was the müang, or group of villages, ruled by a chao, or hereditary chief or lord. During the 1st millennium CE the political strengths of the müang system enabled the Tai to move out of their original homeland until, by the 8th century, they had expanded across much of southeastern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia. By the 11th century they had begun to filter down into the area of what is now Thailand, and by the middle of the following century they had formed petty principalities there. The 1973 revolution and its aftermath Faced with growing internal dissent, Thanom made halfhearted attempts to introduce minor democratic reforms before reimposing direct military rule in 1971. For many Thai, especially the growing number of middle-class citizens educated abroad and exposed to Western democratic ideas, this undermined their vision of the country’s future. Students in particular felt betrayed and held huge public demonstrations calling for the promulgation of a constitution. Violence between police and students escalated, culminating on October 14, 1973, when government forces killed more than a hundred protestors. The army’s commander, Gen. Kris Sivara, subsequently refused to use additional force, and Thanom and Praphas acceded to the urging of the king to go into exile. Most Thai today consider October 14, 1973, to be an even more important date than June 24, 1932, the date of the coup that ended the absolute authority of Thailand’s monarchy. 83 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
For the first time since 1932, the monarchy assumed a direct role in Thai politics. The king chose Judge Sanya Dharmasakti, a former rector of Thammasat University, to be interim prime minister and to oversee the drafting of a new constitution. The constitution, promulgated in 1974, ushered in a brief period of parliamentary democracy in Thailand. Ranking members of the military, however, interpreted the open policy debates in parliament as an indication of political instability, and the triumph of communist governments in Vietnam, Cambodia (renamed Kampuchea in 1979–89), and Laos in 1975 was perceived as a threat requiring a stronger Thai government. In October 1976 the military, this time with the backing of the king, again took control of the government and abolished both parliament and the constitution. The new coup polarized the country politically. Many students who had led or supported the movement of the early 1970s went into the jungle to join what had previously been a small rural-based communist insurgency. By mid-1977 the Communist Party of Thailand was beginning to mount an increasingly effective challenge to the military-backed government. Fearing increasing unrest, the military leaders—in yet another October coup—ousted the extreme right-wing government they had installed a year earlier and handed power over to Gen. Kriangsak Chomanand, who was open to a more democratic style of government. Partial democracy and the search for a new political order By 1980, when Kriangsak was replaced by Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, Thailand had established a new system of government in which the military shared power with parliament through the mediation of the monarchy. Prem, who served as prime minister from 1980 to 1988, succeeded in eliminating the challenge of the Communist Party of Thailand and quelled dissent within the country by declaring a general amnesty for all previous insurgents. However, Thailand faced a new external threat along its eastern border following the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia in 1979; as one consequence of that occupation, Thailand found itself forced to shelter a growing number of Southeast Asian refugees, arriving primarily from Cambodia. In 1988 Prem was replaced as prime minister by Chatichai Choonhavan, leader of the Chat Thai political group, which had won the greatest number of seats in parliamentary elections held in July. Thus, for the first time since 1976, Thailand had a government headed by an elected, rather than a military, leader. The supremacy of parliament over the military, however, had not been firmly established. 84 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
In February 1991 Chatichai’s government, already criticized for rampant corruption, went too far in challenging the military and was toppled by a junta calling itself the National Peacekeeping Council. Although nominally led by Gen. Sunthorn Kongsompong, another powerful leader of the junta was army chief Suchinda Kraprayoon. The junta promised elections and, as an indication of this commitment, appointed the politically liberal Anand Punyarachun, a former diplomat and business leader, as prime minister. Anand sought to remain independent of the military. After elections were held in March 1992, General Suchinda, who had not himself stood for election, reneged on his promise not to seek the premiership. A coalition of groups, drawn predominantly from the urban middle class, began to stage large-scale protests after he became prime minister in April. Chamlong Srimuang— who also was a former army general, as well as a former mayor of Bangkok and the leading lay supporter of a Buddhist fundamentalist movement—assumed the leadership of these protests. In May the army met the escalating antigovernment demonstrations with bloody repression. The king intervened and called Suchinda and Chamlong to an audience, after which Suchinda resigned. Anand was recalled by the king to head a caretaker government until new elections could be held in September 1992. These elections ushered in what became the most democratic period in Thai history. Between September 1992 and April 2006 all governments were formed by parties commanding a majority in parliament. Although no single party gained an absolute majority in the elections held in 1992, 1995, and 1996, the Democrat Party, the oldest political party in Thailand, has been the most successful of any in putting together coalitions to form governments. Chuan Leekpai, the leader of the Democrats, headed governments between 1992 and 1995 and again between 1997 and 2001. However, his governments were not fully stable, and in the period between 1995 and 1997 there were two elections and two other prime ministers. One of them, Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, faced one of the most serious economic crises in Thailand’s postwar history, set off by the devaluation of the baht in July 1997. The economic crisis provided a strong impetus for the completion of a new constitution, the drafting of which had been initiated in the aftermath of the crisis of 1992. In October 1997 King Bhumibol signed the new constitution, which recognized broader rights for the citizenry than any of the country’s 15 previous constitutions. Conservative elements in the military and bureaucracy and their allies in parliament had sought to ensure that the new constitution 85 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
protected some of their privileges, but the severe economic crisis that took place that year undermined their efforts. The 1997 constitution showed the degree to which a new “civil society” was emerging in Thailand. It also reflected the influence of the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that had proliferated in Thailand since the 1980s. Promoting the interests of such groups as farmers, environmentalists, urban labourers, ethnic and religious minorities, and people afflicted with AIDS, these NGOs drew their membership primarily from the same educated middle-class people who had joined the student movements of the 1970s and had succeeded in challenging military rule in May 1992. NGOs also attracted significant backing from many newspapers and magazines and from academics. Although the organizations were initially viewed with suspicion by Thai governments—and especially by ranking members of the civil service and the military—the country’s parliamentary-based governments since 1992 have been forced to recognize the influence of NGOs on Thai politics. Thaksin Shinawatra In parliamentary elections held in January 2001 the Thai Rak Thai (TRT; “Thais Love Thais”) party, created in 1995, became dominant, and its founding leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, moved to the centre of Thai politics. Thaksin exemplified the new politician of the post-1992 period. A Sino-Thai from Chiang Mai in the north, he cultivated a constituency among up-country people in northern and northeastern Thailand that became the foundation of his party. As a highly successful entrepreneur and founder of the country’s largest telecommunications company, Thaksin and his political network also drew much support from Thailand’s wealthy business community. Thaksin, with his immense financial resources, was able to fund political campaigns that employed sophisticated advertising methods. Because the TRT often used funds from its own bank accounts to ensure strong voter turnouts, it came to be accused of buying votes. Thaksin’s popularity in rural areas, however, was based less on monetary incentives than on the TRT commitment to providing reasonably priced health care for the poor, devolving more-centralized authority to local governing organizations, providing substantial loan funds for villagers, and making larger investments in education. 86 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
In elections held in early 2005 the TRT won an absolute majority of seats in parliament, the first time this had ever happened in Thailand in an open election. Although Thaksin seemed positioned to shape Thai politics for the foreseeable future, he made some decisions that ultimately undermined his authority and led the country toward a political crisis. Notable among these was his order to use military force to suppress the insurgency in the Malay- Muslim populated areas of southern Thailand without also attempting to pursue political solutions to the problem. The move exacerbated the conflict, and, as the violence intensified, key military figures, as well as the king and queen, became openly dissatisfied with the strategy. Thaksin himself was publicly respectful of the monarchy, but he clearly began to position himself to play a decisive role for when King Bhumibol would pass from the scene. As the king’s 60th year on the throne approached in 2006, the public was acutely reminded that he would not be monarch for too much longer. The looming royal transition appeared to give Thaksin the opportunity to increase the power of an elected government with strong popular support at the expense of the old military and royalist elite. However, it was Thaksin’s willingness to use his power to manipulate both the parliament and the regulatory bodies created by the 1997 constitution to protect his and his family’s wealth that led to his ouster. Many members of the urban middle class were deeply angered at the end of 2005 when it became public knowledge that the telecommunications corporation owned by members of Thaksin’s family—but viewed as a national asset—had been sold to a Singaporean holding company without the family incurring any tax liability. Protest rallies were staged in Bangkok, led by the urban-based opposition People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)—who came to be known as the “yellow shirts” for the colour they wore during demonstrations—and grew steadily in size. Because Thaksin had lost the loyalty of many ranking military officers, he was unable to order that force be used to suppress the demonstrations. Instead, he called a snap election to show that he had wide popular support throughout the countryside. The vote of April 2006, however, proved meaningless, as all opposition parties boycotted the election; the results were subsequently invalidated by the Supreme Court. Thaksin remained in charge of a caretaker government for the next several months, while the public prepared for the celebration of the king’s six decades as chief of state. However, in 87 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
September 2006 military forces led by Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin staged a coup while Thaksin was abroad. The junta, with the king’s backing, appointed retired general Surayud Chulanont to head an interim government. The 1997 constitution was abrogated, and a carefully selected group was appointed to draft a new constitution; this document was ratified by a popular referendum in August 2007, and parliamentary elections were held in December. Although Thaksin’s TRT party had been outlawed earlier that year, a new party backing the ousted prime minister—the People Power Party (PPP)—clearly won the most seats in parliament, which effectively amounted to a popular rejection of the coup. The head of the PPP, Samak Sundaravej, became prime minister. BACKGROUND Through the 18th and 19th centuries, Siam faced imperialist pressure from France and the United Kingdom, including many unequal treaties with Western powers and forced concessions of territory; it nevertheless remained the only Southeast Asian country to avoid direct Western rule. Siamese system of government was centralized and transformed into modern unitary absolute monarchy in the reign of Chulalongkorn (r. 1868–1910). Siam joined World War I siding with the allies, a political decision to amend the unequal treaties. Following a bloodless revolution in 1932, Siam became a constitutional monarchy and changed its official name to \"Thailand\". Thailand was a satellite of Japan in World War II. In the late 1950s, a military coup under Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat revived the monarchy's historically influential role in politics. Thailand became a major ally of the United States, and played a key anti-communist role in the region as a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). Apart from a brief period of parliamentary democracy in the mid- 1970s, Thailand has periodically alternated between democracy and military rule. Since the 2000s, Thailand has been caught in a bitter political conflict between supporters and opponents of Thaksin Shinawatra, which culminated in two coups, most recently in 2014 and the establishment of its current and 20th constitution and faces the ongoing 2020 Thai protests. Thailand is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and remains a major ally of the United States. Despite comparatively sporadic changes in leadership, it is considered a regional power in Southeast Asia and a middle power in global affairs. With a high level of human development, the second-largest economy in Southeast 88 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Asia, and the 20th-largest in the world by PPP, Thailand is classified as a newly industrialized economy; manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism are leading sectors of the economy. CLIMATE The major influences on Thailand’s climate are its location in the tropical monsoon zone of mainland Southeast Asia and certain topographic features that affect the distribution of precipitation. Beginning in May, the warm, humid air masses of the southwest monsoon flow northeastward over the region from the Indian Ocean, depositing great quantities of precipitation; rainfall reaches a maximum in September. Between November and February the winds reverse direction, and the northeast monsoon brings cool, relatively dry air in a southwesterly flow to create cooler temperatures for much of the country. Stagnant air in March and April produces a distinct hot-and-dry inter-monsoonal period. Uplands cause local variations in the general weather patterns, especially on the peninsula: Ranong on the west coast receives approximately 160 inches (4,000 mm) of precipitation annually, while Hua Hin on the east coast receives less than 40 inches (1,000 mm). Similar but less-pronounced rain-shadow effects occur along the western margins of the Central Plain and on the Khorat Plateau. Songkhla, at the southern end of peninsular Thailand, has its rainy period during the cool season, the result of moisture picked up by the northeast monsoon winds while passing over the Gulf of Thailand. Nationwide, temperatures are relatively steady throughout the year, averaging between 77 and 84 °F (25 and 29 °C). The greatest fluctuations are in the north, where frost occasionally occurs in December at higher elevations; conversely, maritime influences moderate the climate in the south. The cooler, drier air of the northeast monsoon produces frequent morning fogs that generally dissipate by midday in the north and northeast regions. Humidity is extremely high during the rainy season. TERRAINS Thailand, which has about the same land area as Spain or France, consists of two broad geographic areas: a larger main section in the north and a smaller peninsular extension in the south. The main body of the country is surrounded by Myanmar (Burma) to the west, Laos to 89 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
the north and east, Cambodia to the southeast, and the Gulf of Thailand to the south. Peninsular Thailand stretches southward from the southwestern corner of the country along the eastern edge of the Malay Peninsula; Myanmar extends along the western portion of the peninsula as far as the Isthmus of Kra, after which Thailand occupies the entire peninsula until reaching its southern border with Malaysia at roughly latitude 6° N. Relief Thailand’s landscapes vary from low mountains to fertile alluvial plains dotted with rice paddies to sandy beaches set amid the equatorial latitudes of the Asian monsoons. The country is divided into five distinct physiographic regions: the folded mountains in the north and west, the Khorat Plateau in the northeast, the Chao Phraya River basin in the centre, the maritime corner of the central region in the southeast, and the long, slender peninsular portion in the southwest. The northern mountains, the southeastern continuation of the uplift process that formed the Himalayas, extend southward along the Thai-Myanmar border and reach as far south as northern Malaysia. Long granitic ridges were formed when great masses of molten rock forced their way upward through the older sedimentary strata. Peaks average about 5,200 feet (l,600 metres) above sea level. Mount Inthanon, at 8,481 feet (2,585 metres) the highest in the country, is in northwestern Thailand, near the historical city of Chiang Mai. The city is overshadowed by Mount Suthep, site of a famous Buddhist shrine and the royal summer palace. Some of the rugged limestone hills contain caves from which remains of prehistoric humans have been excavated. The northeast is coterminous with the Khorat Plateau, a vast tableland bounded by the Mekong River on the north and east. It was formed by uplifting along two perpendicularly arranged crustal faults—one trending north-south in the west and the other east-west in the south. As a result, the underlying sedimentary rocks were tilted rather than uniformly uplifted. This tilting created ranges of low hills and mountains along the western and southern edges of the plateau: the Phetchabun and Dangrek (Thai: Dong Rak) mountains, respectively. The escarpments of these uplands overlook the plain of the Chao Phraya basin to the west and the Cambodian plain to the south. Surface elevations on the Khorat Plateau range from about 650 feet (200 metres) in the northwest to some 300 feet (90 metres) in the 90 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
southeast. The terrain is rolling, and the hilltops generally slope to the southeast in conformity with the tilt of the land. Situated between the northern and western mountain ranges and the Khorat Plateau is the extensive Chao Phraya River basin, which is the cultural and economic heartland of Thailand. The region, sometimes called the Central Plain, consists of two portions: heavily dissected rolling plains in the north and the flat, low-lying floodplain and delta of the Chao Phraya in the south. It was formed by the outwash of immense quantities of sediment brought down from the mountains by the Chao Phraya’s tributaries, which produced vast fan-shaped alluvial deposits. The generally rolling countryside of the southeast has high hills in the centre and along the eastern boundary with Cambodia. Notable peaks are Mount Khieo, which rises to 2,614 feet (797 metres), and Mount Soi Dao, which attains a height of 5,471 feet (1,668 metres). The hills, reaching nearly to the sea, create a markedly indented coastline fringed with many islands. With their long stretches of sandy beach, such coastal towns as Chon Buri and Rayong and some of the islands have become popular year-round tourist resorts. The southwestern portion of the country consists of a peninsula with a mountainous spine and a gently sloping sandy coastline. Higher mountains reaching about 4,900 feet (1,500 metres) line the peninsula on the west and contain narrow passes linking Thailand and Myanmar. These ranges separate the Andaman and South China seas as the peninsula narrows near the Malaysian border. Off the rugged and much-indented west coast lie numerous large islands, including tin-rich Phuket Island, which, with other islands such as Samui and Phiphi, have become tourist destinations, surpassing in popularity Hua Hin, the old coastal resort located in the northern part of the peninsula. Drainage Thailand is drained largely by two river systems: the Chao Phraya in the west and the Mekong in the east. Three major rivers in the northern mountains—from west to east, the Ping (and its tributary the Wang), the Yom, and the Nan—flow generally south through narrow valleys to the plains and then merge to form the Chao Phraya, Thailand’s principal river. The delta floodplain of the Chao Phraya is braided into numerous small channels and is 91 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
joined by other rivers—notably the Pa Sak—as the river flows toward its mouth in the Gulf of Thailand. The flooding of the flat delta in the wet season is an asset to rice cultivation, although higher ground on the extreme eastern and western edges of the plain requires irrigation. The entire delta was once part of the Gulf of Thailand, but over time the sediment carried down from the north has filled it in. Such silting is a continuing obstruction to river navigation, but it also extends the river’s mouth into the gulf by several feet each year. The rivers of the Khorat Plateau flow generally southeastward and empty into the Mekong. Floodwaters from these rivers have been important sources of water for rice production in the area. However, the floods have long been unpredictable, in terms of both quantity and frequency, and flooding problems have worsened as more land has been deforested and put under cultivation. The region also has a high water table that contains mostly brackish, unpotable water. Much of the Mekong itself, which lies on the boundary between Thailand and Laos, is either studded with islands or broken up by impassable rapids. The southeast and the peninsula are drained by short streams and rivers. In the southeast the rivers in the north flow into the Chao Phraya delta, while those in the west and south run directly into the sea, where they have built up small alluvial basins and deltas along the coast. The mouths of the rivers along the southern coast consist of tidal flats and mangrove swamps. Nearly all the rivers on the peninsula drain into the Gulf of Thailand. Between the 1950s and ’80s, a number of dams were built, mainly in the north and northeast of the country, that have improved flood control and made it possible to increase the production of hydroelectric power and to expand agricultural areas that can be irrigated. Soils The great alluvial deposits in the river valleys contain the most fertile soils in Thailand and are replenished annually with sediment washed down by rivers swollen with the annual monsoon rains. Chief among these areas is the delta floodplain of the Chao Phraya, but the relatively flat basins in the northern mountains, scattered lands along the Mun and Chi rivers on the Khorat Plateau, and much of the coast also have rich alluvial soils. Soils elsewhere tend to be relatively infertile, highly leached laterites. Near the Mekong, a high salt content in some soils limits crop production, although salt deposits there are mined commercially. 92 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
MAP WORK Totaling 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi), Thailand is the 50th-largest country by total area. It is slightly smaller than Yemen and slightly larger than Spain. Thailand comprises several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is the mountainous area of the Thai highlands, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon in the Thanon Thong Chai Range at 2,565 metres (8,415 ft) above sea level. The northeast, Isan, consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong River. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. Figure 4.1 Southern Thailand consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula. Politically, there are six geographical regions which differ from the others in population, basic resources, natural features, and level of social and economic development. The diversity of the regions is the most pronounced attribute of Thailand's physical setting. The Chao Phraya and the Mekong River are the indispensable water courses of rural Thailand. Industrial scale production of crops uses both rivers and their tributaries. The Gulf 93 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
of Thailand covers 320,000 square kilometres (124,000 sq mi) and is fed by the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Bang Pakong, and Tapi Rivers. It contributes to the tourism sector owing to its clear shallow waters along the coasts in the southern region and the Kra Isthmus. The eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand is an industrial centre of Thailand with the kingdom's premier deep-water port in Sattahip and its busiest commercial port, Laem Chabang. The Andaman Sea is a precious natural resource as it hosts popular and luxurious resorts. Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga and Trang, and their islands, all lay along the coasts of the Andaman Sea and, despite the 2004 tsunami, they remain a tourist magnet. SUMMARY • Thailand, country located in the centre of mainland Southeast Asia. Located wholly within the tropics, Thailand encompasses diverse ecosystems, including the hilly forested areas of the northern frontier, the fertile rice fields of the central plains, the broad plateau of the northeast, and the rugged coasts along the narrow southern peninsula. • The major influences on Thailand’s climate are its location in the tropical monsoon zone of mainland Southeast Asia and certain topographic features that affect the distribution of precipitation. Beginning in May, the warm, humid air masses of the southwest monsoon flow northeastward over the region from the Indian Ocean, depositing great quantities of precipitation; rainfall reaches a maximum in September. Between November and February the winds reverse direction, and the northeast monsoon brings cool, relatively dry air in a southwesterly flow to create cooler temperatures for much of the country. Stagnant air in March and April produces a distinct hot-and-dry inter-monsoonal period. • Through the 18th and 19th centuries, Siam faced imperialist pressure from France and the United Kingdom, including many unequal treaties with Western powers and forced concessions of territory; it nevertheless remained the only Southeast Asian country to avoid direct Western rule. Siamese system of government was centralized and transformed into modern unitary absolute monarchy in the reign of Chulalongkorn (r. 1868–1910). Siam joined World War I siding with the allies, a 94 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
political decision to amend the unequal treaties. Following a bloodless revolution in 1932, Siam became a constitutional monarchy and changed its official name to \"Thailand\". • Until the second half of the 20th century, Thailand was primarily an agricultural country, but since the 1960s increasing numbers of people have moved to Bangkok, the capital, and to other cities. Although the greater Bangkok metropolitan area remains the preeminent urban centre in the country, there are other sizable cities, such as Chiang Mai in the north, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani in the northeast, Pattaya in the southeast, and Hat Yai in the far south. KEYWORDS • Sattahip: is a district (amphoe) in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It is at the southern tip of the province southeast of Bangkok. • The Malay Peninsula: is a peninsula in Southeast Asia. The land mass runs approximately north-south and, at its terminus, is the southernmost point of the Asian mainland. • The Tapi river: is the longest river in southern Thailand. The river originates at Khao Luang mountain in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and empties into the Gulf of Thailand at Bandon Bay near the town of Surat Thani. • Doi Inthanon: is the highest mountain in Thailand. It is in Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. This mountain is an ultra-prominent peak, known in the past as Doi Luang or Doi Ang Ga, meaning the 'crow's pond top'. • The Thai highlands or Hills of northern Thailand: is a mountainous natural region in the north of Thailand. • SEATO: The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization was an international organization for collective defense in Southeast Asia created by the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, or Manila Pact, signed in September 1954. • ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional intergovernmental 95 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
organization comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and sociocultural integration among its members and other countries in Asia. LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. Collect and learn about the historical events of Thailand. 2. Do the research work about Thailand’s geographical practical situation and state its boundaries UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Types Questions 1. Briefly describe the history of Thailand. 2. Describe the geographical status of Thailand? 3. Explain, what is the background of the country? 4. Define climatic situation of Thailand. 5. Define terrain of Thailand. B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Thailand, which has about the same land area as Spain or ………, consists of two broad geographic areas: a larger main section in the north and a smaller peninsular extension in the south. 96 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
a. France b. London c. Tai d. None of these 2. The great alluvial deposits in the river valleys contain the most fertile soils in ............ and are replenished annually with sediment washed down by rivers swollen with the annual monsoon rains. a. Thailand b. London c. Spain d. Germany 3. …………. -speaking peoples historically settled along river valleys, where they formed small settlements and engaged in subsistence rice agriculture, fishing, and gathering of forest products. a. Eai b. Tai c. Mai d. None of these 4. Faced with growing internal dissent, Thanom made halfhearted attempts to introduce minor democratic reforms before reimposing direct military rule in ….. 97 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
a. 1971 b. 1972 c. 1970 d. 1969 5. Thailand had one of the world’s fastest growing economies from the ……… s to the late ’90s a. 1950 b. 1940 c. 1990 d. 1960 Answer 1. a 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. d REFERENCES • A. K. Raina. (2010). Tourism Destination Management: Principles and Practices Paperback. New Delhi: Kanishka Publishing House. • Dimitrios Buhalis, John Crotts, Roger March. (2000). Global Alliances in Tourism and Hospitality Management.UK and New York: Routledge publishing. • A.K Bhatia. (2006). International Tourism Management. Noida: Sterling Publishers. • National geography. (2016) Destinations of a Lifetime (National Geographic). Washington D.C.: National geography publishers. • John Draper; Joel Sawat Selway (January 2019). \"A New Dataset on Horizontal Structural Ethnic Inequalities in Thailand in Order to Address Sustainable 98 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
Development Goal 10\". Social Indicators Research. 141 (4): 284. doi:10.1007/s11205-019-02065-4. Retrieved 6 February 2020. • \"Population by religion, region and area, 2015\" (PDF). NSO. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017. • \"Population of the entire kingdom, following the evidence from the population registration on the 31st of December 2019\" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2020. 99 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)
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