Cambodia, Thailand and Burma Cy Woods HS

Cambodia in Pictures Buddhist Monks Hmong girls Angkor Wat Temple Royal Palace

Cambodia From 1975 to 1979, the leader of the communist Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, carried out a genocide of the Khmer elite (anyone who was not an illiterate farmer). He and his group wanted to establish a classless, communist regime based on rice farming. People targeted included: - Professionals - Buddhists and Christians - People who lived in cities - Even people with glasses (because it was assumed they were literate) An estimated 2 million of the population of 7 million was either massacred or starved to death. Pol Pot Khmer Rouge Soldiers, 1970s Click on photos for videos

Cambodia Today Cambodia today is a country ruled by a constitutional monarchy with more than half its people involved in agriculture. Recently, oil and gas deposits were found that may help Cambodia’s economy in the future. (once they rebuild their infrastructure) King Norodom Sihamoni being crowned by his father King Sihanouk Rice paddy, Cambodia Click on photo for video

Cambodia Angkor Wat Cambodia’s most visited tourist attraction Click on photo for video

Thailand in Pictures

Thailand Formerly called the Kingdom of Siam, now a constitutional monarchy. Chang and Eng Bunker Siamese Cat Royal Palace Kayan Tribeswoman Buddhist monk Click on photos for videos

Thailand Today Human trafficking is a huge problem in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Often sold by the poor families to brothels in large cities.

Thailand Today King Bhumibohl is the longest ruling monarch in the world (almost 69 years) and is suffering from ill health. Although a constitutional monarchy, it is unlawful to disrespect the monarchy. Protests by anti-government forces loyal to a former prime minister have led to tension in this usually peaceful country. She has recently been charged with negligence in a rice subsidy scheme.

Burma in Pictures Burmese rubies Click on photo for video about democracy

Burma (Myanmar) Because of its isolation from much of the world, infrastructure in Burma is crumbling and the economy is mostly agriculture based. The military government is also accused of trafficking In opium poppies/heroin. 90% of the world’s rubies come from Burma A cyclone in 2008 killed more than 130,000 people, many from starvation and Disease because the government would not allow international aid organizations to help.

Burma Today Nobel Peace Prize winner and pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi was under house arrest for 20 years for her stance against the military Government. Released in late She is now a leader of the opposition. In 2007, Buddhist monks protested against the repressive rule of the military junta. Many “disappeared” Shortly thereafter. Click on photo for trailer of movie about her life

Aung San Suu Kyi Click on photo for TED talk

What do you remember? Which three countries made up Indochina? Which two countries are constitutional monarchies? What was Thailand known as in the 1800s? What country is known for exporting rubies and opium? Which country was ruled by a military junta until recently? Who were the Khmer Rouge? Why did they target intellectuals? Who was Pol Pot? What is Angkor Wat? Aung San Suu Kyi has been compared to what famous South Asian leader? Burma is also known as________________