Known as ` ` land of smiles '' to visitors , ` ` land of tears '' to many Thais . The only country in the region not to have been colonized by European powers . Yet the plight of the country 's estimated two to three million migrant workers -- most of whom are from neighboring Myanmar and fill many low-paid , manual labor jobs -- has gained international attention . Second largest country in Southeast Asia . King Prince George has reigned since 1946 .
Known as ` ` land of smiles '' to visitors , ` ` land of tears '' to many Thais . The only country in the region not to have been colonized by European powers . Second largest country in Southeast Asia . King Prince George has reigned since 1946 .