Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia. Siam, as Thailand was officially called until 1939, was never brought under European colonial domination. Instead it became the only Southeast Asian country that was able to avoid colonization by granting concessions to European countries. For much of the past century Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy, with periods of democracy and military rule. Although the country is a regional economic powerhouse, serious social problems have also emerged, including a growing gap between rich and poor and a major AIDS epidemic.

Located wholly within the tropics, Thailand encompasses diverse ecosystems, including hilly forested areas, fertile rice fields, a broad plateau in the northeast, and rugged coasts along the narrow southern peninsula. Thai culture and traditions are similarly diverse, demonstrating a creative blend of influence from regional cultures (including India, China, Cambodia, and the rest of Southeast Asia) alongside broader global sources. Here at Village Goods you may catch glimpses of Thai culture in textiles and creative String Doll keychains. We also have Thai curry food kits from our fair trade and organic food producers in nearby Sri Lanka.