 Informative Article Summary by Anny Redperz
Thailand Overview
The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok.
Geography
Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos. Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors
Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok
People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide
Once known as the "Kingdom of Siam", the tropical land of Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized. Located in the Gulf of Siam, this beautiful country with the bustling Bangkok as its capital is known for its amazing natural landscapes and unique and rich cultural heritage dating back to thousands of years. Thailand overview provides you all the information about its history, geography, culture, climate,and of course Thailand tourism for which the country is a hit with tourists, across the world!
Culture of Thailand: Thai Culture consists of the profound historical and religious heritage of the Thai people. The official language is standard Thai and most people are conversant with English. The major cultural influence is that of Buddhism, with Hinduism playing a minor part, besides the influence of Thailand's neighbours Laos, Vietnam and China.
Popular Thailand Destinations: A few of the must-sees on a Thailand trip would include beach islands like Phuket and Ko Samui in the south, the old capital of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Sukkhotai in the north, popular resorts like Pattaya and island destinations like Ko Samet, besides the beautiful capital city, Bangkok.
Sightseeing in Thailand: Home to exotic beaches, historical cities and warm, smiling people, Thailand has lots to offer to tourists. Regular buses, ferry services, hired limousines and rail services make it easy to get around in Thailand.
National Parks of Thailand: Thailand is home to more than a hundred National Parks, besides Marine Parks. While Khao Yai National Park is the oldest, others like Khoa Chong Nature Reserve, Doi Inthanon, Thaleh Ban and others are all worth exploring!
Thailand Festivals & Events: Thailand celebrates its ethnic and cultural diversity throughout the year with colorful festivals. With religious festivals like Vishakhabuja Day, Khao Phansa, social festivals like Songkran and the Rocket Festival in Yasothan -there's always something happening in Thailand!
How to Get In: Thailand is easily accessible by flights. The main airport is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Thailand is linked by regular rail services with Singapore. There are three road crossings on the Thai-Malaysia boundary in Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.
Things to Do in Thailand : Whether you visit the Ancient City ( Muang Boran), the Grand Palace of the King or Wat Saket( Golden Mount) in Bangkok, the infamous Golden Triangle or Doi Suthep temple overlooking Chiang Mai, historical Kanchanabari ( site of the film "Bridge on the River Kwai") - you'll find there's still lots to explore!
Adventure and Recreation in Thailand Go elephant trekking in Phong Nga, scuba diving or snorkeling in the calm waters, float downstream on your kayak in Phi Phi Le, or simply make leisurely explorations from one beautiful island to the next- Thailand opens up a whole world of adventure, just for you
Thailand Fast Facts
Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Total Area: 513,116 square kilometers
Administrative Divisions: 76 Provinces
Head of State: King
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Capital: Bangkok
Major Cities: Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Language: Thai
Religions: Buddhism
Currency: Baht (THB)
Population: 65 million (UN estimate, 2008)
Literacy: 96 percent
Gross National Income per capita: US$ 3,240 (World Bank estimate, 2008)
Economy: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism
International Dialing Code: +66
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