Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Know Thailand
Geography:
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast
Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern
China. Its shape and geography divide 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 peninsula South.
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.
Area: 513,115 sq. km.
Topography:
Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:
The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured
orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are
sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as
strawberries and peaches;
The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;
The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and
fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life
as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan
Bangkok;
The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands
complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and
fishing.
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.
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.
Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)
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