Thailand is the only country in south-east

Asia to have escaped colonial rule. Buddhist religion, the monarchy and

 the military have helped to shape its society and politics.

 The collapse of the south-east Asian economic boom in 1997
 led to public disillusion with free-market policies and
 encouraged the rise of populist Prime Minister 
Thaksin Shinawatra, who was reviled by the 
urban elites but enjoyed widespread
 support among the poor, 
particularly in rural areas.

The 1980s brought a boom to its previously agricultural economy and had a significant impact on Thai society as thousands flocked to work in industry and the services sector.

Although Thailand's recent governments have been civilian and democratically-elected, the country has seen turbulent times. The military governed, on and off, between 1947 and 1992 - a period characterised by coups, coup attempts and popular protests.

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