How and why does Thailand have such an incredibly developed tourism industry?

A quick look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand's recent history attests to my general impression that despite occasional bouts of political instability, the country has been relatively unwracked by war in the past century, compared to its neighbors. Though the constitutional monarchy has bouts of authoritarianism and repression from time to time, it's been a stalwart U.S. and Western ally since WWII, and has toed the line on human rights enough to stay under the radar of international outrage in a way that Vietnam and Burma haven't. Their economy is much better off than their neighbors', with strong tech and health care sectors, and a more or less open market that Westerners prefer, with liberal tourism laws to boot. It's pretty much been the only place on the Indochina Peninsula that Westerners didn't have to shoot anyone or dodge trade embargoes or civil wars to visit for over half a century.

I don't know so much about the rest of the country, but the roots of Pattaya becoming a major tourist town started in the early-Sixties when the area was used as an R&R centre for American servicemen on leave from the Vietnam War. This was the nucleus that led to the city becoming known for its thriving entertainment business catering for adult interests.

I recently spent a month traveling through Thailand. I've now been to 26 countries and Thailand has become my favorite international destination. Here are some of the things I found appealing: - Thailand is a beautiful country. - Thai people are extremely friendly and accepting of foreigners. - Thailand literally has the best food in the world. -  Lodging is cheap in comparison to other tourist destinations. - Thailand has an advanced public transportation infrastructure. - Thailand has many beautiful beaches - Every major city has an active nightlife. - Goods and services are often negotiable. - Thailand is a country rich in culture. Since Thailand borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia accessing other Southeast Asian countries is extremely doable. Bottom line: It's just one of those places you have to see to fully appreciate.

The tourists have developed it themselves. Thailand has great natural landscape which Foreigners like to visit. The geopolitical situation is favorable as well. It is one of those industries which you can develop without any hard work and building. All you need to do is advertising.

Take away the sex and Thailand tourism will lose much of its bounce. This is not to ignore what nature has given in abundance -- breathtaking beaches and stunning flora and fauna. Thais as people are standouts -- courteous and welcoming, the very essence of Asian graciousness. And there is the Thai food. Vietnam war laid the foundation for Thai tourism. Thailand was an R&R spot for US servicemen in Vietnam war and it changed the way outside world looked at Thais and how Thais looked at themselves. Many servicemen in Vietnam just walked across the border into Thailand and never went back. In some ways Thailand helped many Americans see the war differently. Yes, Thai tourism has become more diverse. The great pagodas with their giant inscrutable Buddhas just pull you in. Thai cuisine and Mother Nature are marvelous advertisements for the country. But at the heart of it all it's still sex that sells Thailand. And everybody, natives and foreigners alike, pitch in. They're selling freewheeling sex that stars both male and female. Thais -- and to a great extend Filipinos -- have an open-ended approach to sex. Not for the squeamish. Certainly not for India -- Kamasutra notwithstanding.