Three century-old Thai teakwood houses originally obtained by legendary silk tycoon Jim Thompson to form part of a private home now serve as a bar, cooking school and restaurant.

FORBES: The Siam: Bangkok's Spectacular New Boutique Hotel

Part of that money can come from the American aid increase, of which three-quarters is in the form of credit to buy American-made weapons.

ECONOMIST: Hey, you, you're making me nervous