"If you drop a seed onto any square-inch of Thai soil, you can expect that it will grow". This saying is generally accepted by both Thais and foreigners. Even in the past the idea prevailed almost anywhere.

In Thai history, why were Burmese invaders defeated most of the times? Why did the Burmeses rarely succeed in seizing Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Thai Kingdom, though most invasions were initiated by the Burmeses? If you ever visit Ayutthaya and explore her landscape thoroughly, your doubt will vanish.

Ayutthaya is a landscape where three rivers join. The place that was once the most prosperous spot in the past where many elegant temples and lively international trade were settled is an island surrounded by rivers. Exactly with a landscape like this the soil must be very fertile. Besides, three rivers mean fishes everywhere.

When the unwelcomed Burmeses came, with strong forts the Thais were capable of defending the Burmese for a long time. When the rainy season came, anywhere near the rivers except the Ayutthaya island was flooded. With plenty of rice and fish, the Thais had food for months while the Burmeses had to go home embarrassingly.

Now you've learned a segment of Thai history. What do you think should be the main economy of Thailand? Is it possible that Thai economy relies on petroleum industry flourishing in desert nations like those in the Middle East? Or trade and finance like Singapore that is almost void of natural resources?

I'm sure even a young primary-school child can answer this abruptly. Thai economy can rely on nothing better than agriculture. Thailand has been a big exporter of rice since the ancient time. Why was Thailand forced to sign a free trade treaty in 1855? Because European nations had demand for Thai rice.

But what you generally see nowadays here in Thailand is many serious social issues only. There is crimes, corruption, rape, adultery, drug issues, education issues, bribery, poverty, widening class gap, pollution and polluted water anywhere. What's wrong with my beloved bountiful Thailand? How come can a farmer who can grow rice on any soil in Thailand become so poor and indebted?