living
Thailand ’ s Contributions :
DID YOU KNOW ?
Although geographically slightly smaller than Texas , the Kingdom of Thailand is a major international US diplomatic ally and partner with the partnership spanning across public health , trade , science and technology , wildlife trafficking , education , cultural exchange , law enforcement , and security cooperation . This article focuses on a few of the many Thailand contributions to our lifestyle , business , and culture . For example , did you know ?
United States established relations with Thailand ( known as Siam until 1939 ) in 1818 and formalized diplomatic relations in 1833 with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce . Stephen Mattoon , an American missionary who acted as translator for President Franklin Pierce ’ s representative , was appointed as the first United States consul to Siam . As close allies and diplomatic partners , United States maintains a U . S . embassy in Bangkok , one of the largest in the world , and a consulate in the northern city of Chiang Mai . Thailand maintains an embassy in Washington , D . C . and consulates in New York City , Chicago , Los Angeles , and Houston . In addition to close diplomatic ties , the United States is Thailand ’ s third largest trade partner ( Refer to https :// www . state . gov / r / pa / ei / bgn / 2814 . htm for additional history and information .)
36 iF Magazine | November 2017
1 . What are some of the Thailand contributions to trade and business ? According to the U . S . Dept . of State , the U . S-Thailand two-way trade in 2015 was estimated over $ 37 billion , of which about $ 13.8 billion is in U . S . exports . Leading United States exports to Thailand include machinery , aircraft , gold , optic and medical goods , and agricultural products . In 2015 , the United States also invested over $ 11 billion in foreign direct investments focused on petroleum and chemicals , finance , consumer products and automobile production . Thai exports to the U . S include machinery , rubber , prepared meat , shrimp and tuna , jewelry , and other agricultural products .
2 . What are some of the Thailand contributions to cuisine in the U . S ? Thai cuisine is perhaps the greatest contribution to American lifestyle and cuisine . Thai restaurants are a popular choice in large cities and Thai-style cooking is now appearing in frozen meals . ( For more information , got to http :// www . everyculture . com / multi / Sr-Z / Thai-Americans . html .)
• In Thai cuisine , “ rice ” is considered synonymous with “ food ”
• Presentation of food is a work of art with carved fruit in the shapes of flowers , birds , or other classic designs .
• Thai cuisine is typically spicy , and is typically eaten with a spoon .
• Dishes often include curry , coriander roots , peppercorns , and garlic ( which are often ground together ), lemon grass , nam pla ( fish sauce ), and kapi ( shrimp paste ).
• Meals typically include soup , one or two kaengs ( dishes that Westerners call “ curry ”), and as many side dishes as possible .
• A word to the uninitiated : “ Thai hot ” is the spiciest extreme when ordering “ spicy ” and includes the hottest peppers . For those unaccustomed to eating highly spicy foods , the Thai “ mild hot ” may be a more comfortable selection .