Not just about the beaches - Thailand's troubled political situation

Until recently, Thailand was just thought of as a gap year destination, luxury holiday for honeymooners, wildlife hot spot and adventurers' paradise. But with the country hitting the headlines in the last six months amid violent protests, curfews and severe political unrest, people are starting to realise there is much more to this country than its exotic image.

Thailand has a rich and colourful history. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it came under multiple threats from the European colonial powers yet somehow resisted and remained the only country in South-east Asia to avoid colonial rule. With a strong monarchy, it wasn't until 1932 that Thailand underwent a military coup, resulting in a constitutional monarchy, which stills exists today. From this time on, there were successive coups and changing military rule until, finally, in 1992 Thailand elected its first democratic prime minister. However, recent news clearly shows the country is not free from its political disputes. In September 2006, a military coup ousted the then prime minister Thaksin, which has led to multiple protests since by pro-Thaksin supporters and others. The most recent wave of violence, which has left 90 people dead and more than a thousand injured, was a result of a Red Shirt pro-Thaksin encampment in Bangkok that led to flaring violence across many provinces in the country.

However, despite the troubles over the last few years, Thailand has continued to attract tourists - it is estimated that 11 million visit Thailand each year. The Foreign Office has now stopped warning people against all travel to the country, and Thailand is expecting another year of tourist influx. With so much to offer, it's no surprise that people of all types on every budget visit this varied, vibrant and colourful country. There are some of the best beaches in the world, strings of tropical islands, beautiful rainforests, delicious cuisine and even elephant rides!

Most people that visit do not speak Thai, but when someone does, local people are even more friendly and welcoming. It's the same in any country - speaking the language allows you to communicate with the locals and makes the whole experience of travelling so much more rewarding. So for any language - whether it's a French language course with a French course France offers, or learning Thai to travel freely and even talk to the locals to understand the political sphere, or learning Chinese for surviving in Shanghai - a language will transform the experience.