Our journey as Group 8 began in September of 2006. We were fortunate in being permitted to pick our region first. However, due to an unfortunate geographical mix-up, instead of picking the highly sought after Southwest Asia, we picked Southeast Asia instead. At first, we were horrified. But as the year progressed, our interest in this often neglected region has only continued to grow. We had the opportunity to learn about a region that is not in the history textbooks.

Most history sources focus on the progress in Western Europe, the discovery of America, the cultures in East Asia, and the slave trade with Africa. Yet entire civilizations flourished in Thailand and Cambodia in 1400. The Dutch East India Trading Company operated exclusively in Maritime Southeast Asia. The August Revolution, one of the most important revolutions in the history of mankind, led to the Vietnam War, which took place in our region. Even in modern times, Southeast Asia pops up in headlines ever so often, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2006 Thailand coup d'état. The purpose of our portion of the website is to enlighten all who visit on the mysteries and wonders of this hidden pocket of the globe. Enjoy!