So much has been written about Thai food and Thai culinary that one wonders what more can be said.  Yet, the food in Thailand is unique in that it is a blend of many influences that turn it into a distinctive cuisine.  It has been interesting to observe a few changes in only the few years I have been familiar with Thai food.  Even more interesting is watching the evolution of Thai cuisine into a three meal a day routine.   Eating three set meals a day is not really a traditional Thai diet.  Most Thais eat when they are hungry and not at any set time.  Meals are usually informal but an enjoyable time to chat and visit. Using an evening meal as social time is very common. While most Thais eat at least three meals each day, it is not unusual to snack from one meal to the next.  Food stalls and street vendors do a good business at all times of the day and night. Many hotel restaurants have adjusted to the western three meal a day routine which is not really the norm. Hot and spicy soup in the morning and fried eggs for late at night, why not? Snacks can be just about anything at anytime.      
         Meals are usually social affairs with the main course being rice.  In the central and southern regions of Thailand, the rice will be loose grained, while in the north and northeast it tends to be glutinous, or sticky rice.  Besides the rice dish, meals might include, soup,  curry, salad,  meats, vegetables, fish, fresh fruits for dessert and a number of different sauces and condiments to enhance a particular flavor.  Many times the number and variety of dishes will be determined by economic status.
        The customary way of eating a meal is with a fork and a spoon.  The spoon is held by the right hand and the fork is used as a "pusher".  A knife is rarely seen on a table. All morsels of food are small enough to be easily eaten without a knife.  If loose grained rice is served, then it is common to place a portion of rice on each plate. Each individual will then use their spoon to serve themselves from the variety of communal dishes. Usually one eats each as it is put on the plate and does not load up their plate like a platter on a buffet line. It is customary to eat small portions of each dish and then return to those that you particularly enjoyed.  If glutinous rice is served, it is customary to eat with the right hand.  Use the fingers to pinch off a small amount of rice, roll it in a ball using only the fingers of the right hand. After making the rice into a ball, dip it in the various dishes that are available.  You then press a bit of the food of your choice against and into the ball of rice and then put it directly into your mouth.
         What about chopsticks?   Thais use chopsticks but usually only on select noodle dishes and when eating other ethnic Asian foods. At many noodle stalls, you will be given the option of using a spoon or chopsticks.  Of course in the restaurants that cater to tourists, you can always ask for chopsticks if you feel more comfortable using them.
           

         Protected areas in Thailand include over 15% of its total land and sea area. Thailand has over 100  National Parks of which 26 are Marine National Parks. The parks are all administered by the new National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department which was formed in 2002. Besides national parks, there are non hunting areas, wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves botanical gardens and arboretums.
         It was not until 1960 that Thailand began the conservation of its wildlife and forest reserves.  In 1961 Kao Yai National Park was the first National Park to be established in this now very large system.  There are many problems with conservation in Thailand but progress is constantly being made.  Many Thais visit the national parks and protected areas, but many tourists will leave Thailand without seeing any of these wonderful areas.  All foreigners must pay an admission fee.   Fees range from 200 to 400 Baht per person.  Not all parks have been developed equally, but many have campsites and bungalows available.  Nature trails are sparse and usually very short.  Maps are almost non existent and when available are usually only in Thai.  However, great hiking can be done with the use of local guides.