©
David Debrincat
Thailand Travel Guide
©
David Debrincat
In a country enjoying rapid economic development and where television channels bombard viewers with advertisements, series and films, everyone is trying to ride the wave of the media boom and achieve their own little bit of fame. Some manage this more successfully than others. The fame achieved can sometimes be just local and short-lived, whilst others manage to spread their name beyond Thailand's borders.
Honour to whom honour is due. The most famous man in the country, and someone whose portrait you will see everywhere during your travels in Thailand, is no other than the king himself. Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, began reigning over the country in 1950, when he was 23 years old. He is tremendously well respected in Thailand, venerated even, and if you happen to be in Bangkok on any 5th of December you will be able to observe sumptuous ceremonies taking place to celebrate his birthday.
Primarily a shrewd businessman, Thaksin Shinawatra was Thailand's prime minister in 2001. He took advantage of his position to make himself rich. He has been living in exile since the coup d'état that overthrew him in 2006. Another member of the Shinawatra family is his sister, Yingluck. Like her brother before her, she was elected prime minister in 2011.
Chaleo Yoovidhya, who died in 2012, became a billionaire by creating the famous energy drink Red Bull. In fact what he really did was simply adapt the Krating Daeng brand, which had already been in existence in the country for a long time, to create a more attractive brand that would sell better all around the world.
Bundit Ungrangsee, a name familiar to music aficionados all around the world, is a famous symphonic conductor.
And in an entirely different domain, the author Saneh Sangsuk has enjoyed worldwide success with his books Jao Karrakeit and Venom.
Among various other prizes and awards, the film director Apichatpong Weerasethakul won the Cannes Palme d'Or in 2010 for his film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.
Where the world of design is concerned, it is impossible not to mention the ceramic designer Attadech Lowapharp, famous for his tall, thin vases.
And to finish with sports stars, Paradorn Srichaphan is a tennis professional who has long been making life difficult for the top players on the circuit.
In a nation that elevates Thai boxers to the status of national heroes, Tony Jaa is the greatest of them all. His fame has extended beyond the boxing ring and into the world of cinema as he has featured in a number of martial arts films.
