Thailand

Siam, "the land of the White Elephant" or the country of Muang Thai (Land of the Free)

The Thais have their own culture (including literature, drama, architecture, music, painting, sculpture, folk dances, and many handicrafts), their own language, their own cuisine, their own martial arts, and their own beliefs, with influences from China and India.
After the short-lived kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238, a unified Thai kingdom (Ayutthaya) was established in the mid-14th century; it was known as Siam until 1939. Thailand is the only southeast Asian country never have been taken over by a European power.
A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.

border countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma)