Compiled By Fanny Sosenke

Name: Seth Franklin (English), Sittikorn Samiunkul (Thai)

Age: 11

Hometown: Chiang Mai

Languages Spoken: English and Thai

Family: Seth was adopted by his mother, a U.S. citizen living in Thailand. He has two sisters, Lala, 24, and Malia, 21.

Favorite Food: Pizza and hot dogs

Hobbies: Playing car games on the internet or a mobile phone

Favorite subjects in school: Math and English

What he wants to be when he grows up: Own a restaurant that sells American food

Something Seth has heard about life in the United States: “People play golf, like my grandma and Tiger Woods.”

Thailand at a Glance

Population: 64.3 million

Capital: Bangkok

Location: Southeast Asia

Language: Thai

Average Yearly Income Per Person: $3,400

Religion: Buddhism and Islam

Head of State: King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Prime Minister: Abhisit Vejjajiva

Government: Constitutional monarchy

History: The Thai kingdom was founded in the 14th century. It was the only Southeast Asian country not taken over by a European power during colonial times.

Learn a little Thai

Sawasdee krap! Hello (if you are a boy)
Sawasdee Kha! Hello (if you are a girl)
Lodt: Car
Motosai: Motorcycle
Sanuk: Fun
Mae baan: Housekeeper