Thailand Information

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the middle of Southeast Asia, 
making it a gateway to Indochina , Myanmar and Southern China .
Its shape and geography divide it into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the Southern peninsula.

Thailand is bordered by Myanmar to the west and north, Lao to the north and northeast, Cambodia to southeast and Malaysia to the south.  At 514,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest countries in SE Asia .  It is divided in to four natural regions or zones. The mountainous north region, filled orchids, native handicrafts and cooler temperatures, it is also home to two major cities within the Kingdom, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.  

The Northeast area of Thailand is home to the high Plateau, which is a center of farming and the poorest area of the Kingdom. Korat is the major city in this area, if you can call it a major city. Life in Isan (the name Thais give to the Northeast area) is very much unchanged from the old Thai farming communities. In resent years many archaeological and anthropological finds have been made in this part of Thailand .

  The Central Plain area is home to the Capital City of Bangkok and the business center of Thailand . It is also one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas. The history and traditional culture can be found here. Also within the Central Plain area is the seaside resort city of Pattaya , international known for its colorful living and night life.

 The Peninsular South is home to Phuket, an island full of unspoiled beaches. While tourism is a major economical force here in the south, industry is still strong here, tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

 Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethnic 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 .  Thais make up about 80% of the people within the country, Chinese 10%, and 3% Malay, with the balances being Mons , Khmers, and Hill Tribes. Expats (expatriates or Foreign Nationals) living in Thailand make up a good percent of the population in some communities.    

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand 's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.   

Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House of Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and senators are elected by the people. A prime minister elected from among the representatives leads the government. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial governors administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided into districts (Amphoe), sub-districts (Tambon) and villages (Mu Ban). The Prime Minister: Surayud Chulanon, he is an interim PM appointed after a Coup on September 19, 2006 . He will serve until new elections in the fall of 2007.

 Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932 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. He is the head of State here within the Kingdom, he is loved and respected by the Thai people and while his powers on powers are very limited on paper with the constitutional monarchy, in fact he has great power within the Kingdom. King Bhumibol, of the Chakri Dynasty, he is Rama IX.

 The Language spoken and written is Thai. But, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok , Pattaya, and Phuket. English is also spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

  Religion is a very important within the Kingdom Buddhism is the major religion here, 95% of Thais are Buddhist, 4% Muslim and 1% other.

  Thailand has 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.