Thailand’s military held an air show with China ahead of joint manoeuvres in a sign of warming ties.  Five Thai and Chinese military planes performed aerobatic demonstrations for assembled media, flying some 3,000 feet (900 metres) above ground at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, around 260 km (161 miles) northeast of Bangkok. Chinese and Thai air forces will conduct their first joint exercises that China has said are aimed at increasing “mutual trust and friendship.”

Since a May 2014 coup, Thailand’s military generals have sought to counterbalance the country’s ties with Washington and launched a charm offensive toward their neighbour to the north. Recent deals between China and Thailand include a plan by Thailand’s navy to buy submarines worth $1 billion from China and an ambitious project to build rail links from southern China through Laos to Thailand.

Chinese tourism to Thailand is expected to be a record 7 million this year, up from 4.63 million last year, despite a deadly bomb attack at a major tourist spot in Bangkok in August.

Did You Know???

• Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means “Land of the Free.” It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European nation.
• Thailand shares a border with four countries: Myanmar to the north and west, Laos to the north and east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south.
• Thailand is the world’s 51st largest country.
• Buddhism is Thailand’s largest religion with approximately 94.6% of the population practicing the religion.
• World-famous golfer Tiger Woods is the son of an American father and a Thai mother.