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Bangkok is one of the fastest-growing, most economically dynamic cities
in Southeast Asia. It is one of regional centers rivaling Singapore and
Hong Kong. The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok
the world's hottest city. It is also one of the world's most popular
tourist destinations.
Bangkok is full of shopping malls and street markets of all types,
especially in the Sukhumvit area. Prices can be ludicrously cheap
by Western standards, especially for locally produced items such
as clothes, although bargaining is expected and required.

Bangkok is a very interesting city because in addition to the usual modern
buildings of offices, hotels and shopping centers, there are also about 400
exotic Thai temples that seem to stick out among the urban landscape.
There are Thai citizens on the streets dressed in modern business clothing
as well as Buddhist monks in saffron robes. Yet this is what part of Thailand is.
The traditional mixed in with the modern. In fact, it’s the traditional attractions
that make Thailand so magical. The temples are sights that one just cannot see
in the western world. They are like objects that popped out of an Asian fairy tale.

In general, the Thai are friendly and polite, and you should try to act the same way.
It is very bad behaviour to start loud arguments or challenge someone in public.
Harsh criticism, shouting, or other displays of anger or rage will not get you
anywhere in Thailand. A person`s head is considered sacred and it is an insult
to touch it. The feet, on the other hand, are considered very impure, and you
should never point at a person, or a religious object with a foot or step over somebody.
 The king of Thailand and royal family are held in genuine respect by the people
and you should never speak derogatively about them or act disrespectfully
with regard to them.

There are some general guidelines of etiquette in Thailand that should be followed
by all visitors. The Thai royal family is revered in this country so no outsider should
ever make any even slightly negative remarks about the country’s monarchy.
Temples should not be entered unless one is covered with long pants or skirts.
Shorts and shoulderless tops are not permitted in temples. Footwear is always
removed prior to entering any temple. Images and statues of Buddha, even
postcards, are considered sacred in Thailand so one should never climb on
one or do anything that will show disrespect. Public displays of affection
between men and women are also frowned upon. Of course this seems to
be a complete contradiction to Bangkok’s famous red light and adult
entertainment districts such as Patpong. But this is yet another example
of the contrast that’s found in Thailand.

Women in Asia are becoming more and more upwardly mobile.
They play a significant role in the region’s expanding middle class and,
in return, are seizing the increased opportunities. Many are becoming
successful and independent in many areas of society, including business,
culture and government. There is always room for improvement, certainly,
but things are moving in the right direction.