See our chart of Asian internet use for comparison with other Asian countries. Problems with poor farming practices amongst the hill tribes, who largely used traditional slash and burn to grow crops, have led to forest destruction, poor soil quality and have encouraged some farmers to turn to drug cultivation as a cash crop. The country is a minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana. However cannabis and opium poppy cultivation is being forcibly reduced by crop-substitution programs. Food Thai food is well known and appreciated throughout the west, it is a pleasing combination of herbs, spices, coconut, curries, lime and lemon grass.
Rice is the staple food, and an essential part of every meal.
Thai food is visually pleasing, and ideal for long and pleasant evenings with friends, allowing many dishes to be tried. History Thai people originated in China, largely from the Nanchao area. The official founding date of Thailand is 1238. Sukhothai was defeated and succeeded by the emerging kingdom of Ayutthaya, which went on to control almost all of Thailand. The Chakkri Thai dynasty emerged in 1782 when Chao Phraya Chakri was proclaimed king and it has continued until the present day.