North-east Thailand / Nakhon Ratchasima

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region is often referred to as the "Poorhouse of Thailand". Some of the original vegetation - sparse forest, open savanna and grass steppes - still remains. During the rainy period the wide river valleys are almost completely flooded, providing favorable conditions for growing rice and jute.

The River Mun flows through the Khorat Plateau on its way to join the Mekong. Dams have been built across its northern tributaries for purposes of irrigation and to produce hydroelectric power. The Mekong, 4350 km (2700 mi.) long and the 12th longest river in the world, is largely unsuitable for shipping because of its treacherous rapids.

For 600 km (373 mi.) it forms the frontier between Thailand and Laos. Two completely different ideologies and forms of society come face to face here, which has frequently resulted in military conflict in the past.