41. Even though he was the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj is more famous for his artistic skills; not only was he an established writer, he also wrote the legendary novel ‘The Four Reigns’, was once named ‘National Artist’ for literature and even founded The Siam Rath newspaper. On top of all that, M.R. Kukrit, 12 years prior to becoming the Prime Minister, played the part of the ‘Prime Minister of Thailand’ alongside Marlon Brando in the movie ‘The Ugly American’.
42. After the revolution of 1932 and the overthrow of absolute monarchy, the monarch of that era King Rama VII abdicated and moved to England. For the last three years of his life in England prior to his death in 1941, King Rama VII a fervent gardener, was glad to spend his time happily helping other neighbours with their gardening duties.
43. The Thai greeting Sawatdee (or Sawasdee) is derived from the Sanskrit – Svasti. Svasti, meaning ‘well-being’ is called in English ‘Swastika’. The word Sawatdee is Hindu in origin.
44. In the late 17th century, the country’s most powerful man second only to the king (King Narai) was a Greek.Constantine Phaulkon was Thailand’s Foreign Minister and played the part of Prime Minister.
45. Thailand’s national anthem was composed by a German, Peter Feit.
46.Roundabout July 22’ Ask any Bangkokian to the origins of the name of this well-known roundabout and there is a big chance that he won’t have a clue. It was in fact, named after the date in which Thailand entered World War I and declared war against Germany and Austria-Hungary – in 1917.
47. Thai soldiers were killed in World War I. It is claimed that Thailand’s nurses were the only women to have served in the trenches of the Western Front. In January 1920, Thailand became a founding member of The League of Nations.
48. There’s a square near Harvard Square dedicated to the King’s Honor. It is the only such square in the United States that honors a foreign monarch.
49. Before The King married Queen Sirikit, it was decided that HM too, in accordance to official procedures, had to sign a register stating his actual ‘occupation’! At first some government officials wished that his occuption be listed as ‘King’ but others wanted simply ‘Government Official’. After a long debate, it was decided that HM’s occupation be described as ‘Ruler of the Country’.
50. As you will probably know, Thailand’s white elephants have always been considered auspicious and used in numerous traditional ceremonies. One discontinued tradition however, is feeding white elephants from the bare breasts of young women.
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It is must for all to read History of Saraiki Wasaib and analyze those factors which led to dismal and deplorable condition of 50 million Saraikis living in Pakistan.
http://www.wasaib.com