Introduction : An overview of the success of Thailand's tourism industry -- A Fabled land : Thailand, its people, history and amazing diversity -- Exotic Allure : Early visitors and their impressions of the kingdom -- The Royal contribution : Their majesties important role in the growth of tourism -- Attracting the world : The role of TAT and the private sector in promoting Thailand -- Bangkok and beyond : The rise of tourism in Bangkok and throuout the land -- Laying the foundations : Growing the infrastructure to meet the needs of tourism -- Accommodating the world : The earliest hotels and those that followed -- Blue skies : How aviation developed to bring the world to Thailand -- Broadening the appeal : Diversifying attractions for a changing market -- Acknowledgements