Thailand in spotlight on BBC world news

Thailand is in the spotlight this month as BBC World News broadcasts a special series of documentaries and news programmes that go behind the headlines to report on life in the Southeast Asian nation. From 27 August to 7 September, BBC World News will explore how Thailand is recovering from 2011’s devastating floods - socially, economically and culturally. From the overall state of the Thai economy to the day-to-day lives of people throughout the country, the first ever Thailand Direct season will explore the challenges and opportunities the country faces today. Mary Wilkinson, Commissioning Editor, Editorial BBC World News, said, “Thailand Direct takes the opportunity almost a year on from when the country was hit by the worst floods in decades to go behind the headlines to understand life in today’s Thailand and find out how the country is recovering. Thailand is seen as one of the most diverse and complex places both to live and play, and BBC World News hopes to explore what makes the country tick.” Programming highlights include (all times in GMT): Working Lives: Bangkok - 1 September 04.30, 17.30, 22.30 and 2 September 10.30: Like many capital cities, Bangkok reflects the social, political and economic characteristics of the country. From the High Society families who can trace their blood lines back to the Palace, to the migrant workers from the poorer, agricultural North East, Bangkok also reflects the political, social and economic divides in Thailand. Presented by Rachel Harvey, ‘Working Lives’ follows six characters from across the social spectrum to look at the people and places that give Bangkok its unique character and explore the divisions and common threads which lie at its heart. One Square Mile: Ayutthaya: 1 September 12.30 and 2 September 00.30, 07.30, 19.30: Ayutthaya is an ancient capital, province and a charming little city just 80 kilometres north of Bangkok. Central Ayutthaya is essentially an island and parts of it, such as the ruined temples, give an idea of what it must have been like at the height of its power. BBC World News’ South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head finds out that like several other provinces, Ayutthaya wasn’t spared from the floods which affected parts of the country in 2011 leaving many of the temples submerged in metres of water. More than 100 historical monuments were affected, and restoration work is painstakingly slow. Click: 1 September 06.30, 19.30 and 2 September 03.30, 13.30: Click’s Dan Simmons looks at how nanotechnology is helping Thailand after the floods of 2011. From innovative new style sandbags to prevent defences being breached, to clean drinking water being provided while on the move, tech, on its smallest scale – offers fresh ideas to help – even when it comes to specialist cleaning up after a flood. These solutions are all home-grown by researchers hoping to solve problems specific to Thailand but as flooding becomes more common the world over another idea is gaining traction here: huge floating cities which would rise and fall with the water. fast:track: 1 September 03:30, 13:30, 18:30 and 2 September 06:30: As a travel destination, Thailand is popular with both budget and high-end travellers. Presented by Rajan Datar, fast:track travels to Bangkok and Pattaya to find out what is behind the Thai allure. Previous Direct seasons have focused on India, Indonesia, Japan, Canada, France, Poland and Ukraine. From asiatraveltips