The Northeast of Thailand
- The
Northeast region, or the Korat Plateau, is an arid region
characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills.
Harsh climatic conditions often result in this region
being subjected to floods and droughts.
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Known also as "Isan" the Northeast
is a huge region with over 20 million inhabitants, most
of whom are engaged in agriculture of some king. Because
of its inaccessibility in the past, the Northeast was
able to develop its own version of the Thai culture.
This is characterised by exotic festivals, folk dances,
spicy food, as well as local accents and dialects influenced
by neighbouring Laos and Cambodia. Isan people owe their
roots to the Laotians, though evidence of Vietnamese
and Khmer influences abound. Khmer temples dating back
to the 12th century can still be found here. Recent
excavations also suggest that the Northeast was home
to a flourishing Bronze Age civilisation, some 5,000
years ago. As a whole, the Northeast is a colourful
and culturally rich part of the country.
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