The Pearl of the Andaman Sea is Thailand's largest island, and Andrew J Wood visited the west coast and explored the interior which is mostly mountainous.
China has been a particular focus of speculation, as political changes will affect both the overall balance of power over the long term, and global trade in the short term.
More than 750 people, mostly Thai expats and their families, gathered at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
High-speed rail has become a dream come true for travellers all around the world, who they can now visit many cities of their choice in comfort and style, while enjoying breath taking scenery on board a high-speed train.
With Asia Pacific boasting more than 1 billion smartphone users , travellers are becoming more savvy, discerning and have higher expectations when it comes to their travel experiences.
Many local carriers are regaining momentum, as they experience surging demand. Recent fleet re-alignments and route adjustments are being converted into financial improvement. This is leading to renewed optimism about fleet and network growth, both for major carrier Thai Airways and smaller players such as Thai AirAsia and Nok.
The hotel industry in China went from 137 properties in 1978 to 14,237 properties by 2009, and multinational hotel groups expanding helped bolster this effect.