Kingdom of Thailand is located in the heart of Southeast Asia in the Gulf of Thailand (Siam) occupying 513,115 sq. km. (198,114 sq. miles), which is roughly equal to the territory of France. The population of Thailand is estimated at around 60 million, vast majority of whom are of Thai ethnicity. An ethnic group, as presumed by historians, had originated in the northern areas of Asia and then steadily migrated further south. Being detached from external civilizations for the most part of its two and half Millennia long history, not so long ago this Oriental Kingdom had widely opened its gates, turning into the major Southeast Asia tourist destination.
Nowadays, renowned by its unequaled ethnical heritage and traditions, this truly exotic kingdom greatly enjoys its unique look with spicy smells, sweet sounds and above all the smiling hospitality of its charming people. Imparted with the fascinating oriental culture, delicious Thai cooking and delightful tropical fruits, superb beaches and golf courses, the outstanding dining and shopping opportunities, set apart so much incomparable nightlife festivities, as well as the far-famed Thai boxing and revered Thai massages much relaxing the body and mind, amidst many other utmost temptations, refer to the page entitled Pattaya.
By and large Thailand borders with the troubled countries of the region (see the regional map): Laos on the East along the Mekong river, Cambodia (Kampuchea) on the Southeast, Malaysia alongside the Malay peninsula to the South, and Myanmar (Burma) to the Northwest.
Far and away infamous for its opium growing activities, the Golden Triangle occupies Thailand's northernmost jungle area at the border point with Laos and Burma. The Golden Triangle lies on the spit of land formed by joins of the Ruak River and the mighty Mekong. Myanmar lies across the Ruak River and Laos is across the Mekong. The opium poppies are started growing in September-October and are harvested during February-March. After flowering the bulbs are scribed vertically with a razor at ~20 cuts per bulb. The milky sap seeps out and blackens as it oxidizes. It merely takes only about a gram of that substance for a smoke. Rub off some with a spoon, and it's ready for smoke. Five kilograms of sap will extract about 5 grams of heroin.
Being located in the tropical climatic zone (just about two fingers above the Equator), there are only two major seasons that is possible to distinguish in Thailand:
Albeit the fact that Al Nino phenomenon had altered a bit the clime patterns, making rains less foreseeable, in the central and southern regions most of the time the temperature is above 30ºC (~86ºF), doesn't matter a season. So, there is no need for warm clothing.
For current weather conditions in Thailand major cities and regions visit our Weather page.
Top and the most expensive tourist season is during December-February, when the westerners coming to Thailand to find a highly welcoming escape from their cold winters. High tourist season gets going from September to March. There are several advantages for traveling during a rainy season, as the rains are just cooling and refreshing. And it gets especially pleasant in the beach resorts, where the sea temperature at around 25ºC (77ºF). Moreover, one can enjoy a broad variety of seasonable fruits, vegetables and other Sea and Land delicacies at great saving.
Thai language doesn't resemble any other languages except maybe the Lao (Laotian). It is a rather complex tonal language with its unique alphabet and numbering. The pronunciation of Thai causes most difficulties, as the same word would have a whole different meaning when pronounced in varying tones. There are 5 tones in Thai: rising, falling, high, low and level. Although the Lao, Chinese and Malay are spoken by significant number of Thais, the English among the general population is quite poor, with the exception of those who work with tourist.
| Head of State | The King| Government
Type | Constitutional Monarchy | Head of Government | Prime Minister | Legislative Branch | National Assembly (bicameral) | Judicial Branches | Constitutional, Justice and Administrative Courts | Constitution | New constitution promulgated October 11, 1997 | Capital | Bangkok | Major Cities & Tourist Destinations | Chiang Mai, Korat, Khon Kaen, Pattaya, Phuket | Compulsory Education | 12 years | |
To be continued...
