By ROSARIO T. GALANG

You’ve seen the country on TV, movies, read about it in books, magazines, heard about its charm from other people, yet Thailand, live, continues to fascinate. In climate and greenery, the two countries are very similar. Both boast of gentle, warm, friendly people.

Thailand, however, was never conquered by invaders and there lies the difference. The country was able to keep its heritage. Its culture was never trampled upon, erased by succession of invaders.

It remains exotic because it was able to preserve its culture. No wonder visitors, Europeans and Asians, alike continue to enjoy the country. Thailand entertained about 12 million tourists last year while the Philippines aims to hit three million this year.

Siam Cement Group last week invited a group of Filipino reporters and editors to visit Thailand.

A number of us were visiting for the first time. SCG, ideal hosts, succeeded in showing off its country and its businesses.

The year-old Suvanabhum Airport is gigantic and immigration procedures smooth.

Thailand knows how to pamper and take care of its guests. For first timers, do not miss the river cruise, the dinner show at Siam Niramitre and the Grand palace.

At the Wan-Fah cruise, we were treated to a dance show. The lovely, lissome dancing were enchanting.

Our hosts also made us participate in the ceremony, Loy Kratong where wreaths of flowers and candles, are floated in the river.

The show at Siam Niramitre, while reminiscent of the Bayanihan shows, was very well done.

Imagine the stage was so huge, an elephant, part of the show, traverses it leisurely.

The front of the stage, where usually is the orchestra pit, is a mini lagoon. The show we all agreed was first class.

Nothing beats, however, the Grand Palace. The temples were all covered in gold leaf. The temple of the emerald Buddha was amazing. The mural of the Ramayana was fantastic.

Next time, you have a week of leisure, try Thailand, it has lots more to offer than its bargain markets.

But speaking of its markets, the shopping opportunities the country offers is not to sneeze at.

Adjacent to the Pathumwan Princess Hotel where we were billeted was MBK shopping plaza, a mecca for bargain hunters. Near the hotel was Platinum, high-end and not modest about it, just strolling inside the mall is a treat.

The group missed the weekend market, a huge market ten times maybe the size of the old Manila Central Market.