Thailand

The name of the country was changed from Siam to Thailand in 1939.

GEOGRAPHY : The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514 000 square kilometres, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. They share borders with Burma to the west and north, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.

TOPOGRAPHY : Thailand is divided into four distinct areas, the mountains in the north, the fertile central plains, the semi - arid plateau of the northest and peninsula south distinguished by itīs many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands. There are 76 provinces.

CLIMATE : It lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. There are three seasons, the cool season (November - February), the hot season (March - May), and the rainy season (June - October). Itīs only rains for a few hours.

POPULATION : About 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly Chinese. The statistic says 75 % Thais, Chinese 14 % and other 11 %.

LANGUAGE : Thai is the first language and of course the regional dialects and the ethnic. The secondary language is English. Basically a tonal language, the written form was modelled on the Indian alphabet using Khmer characters. Today's Thais spoken throughout the country, with regional variations.English came with businessmen and the tourists. Today in school everyone learn English. Everyone is trying to speak, but it could be problem with the older people. When they have tried to get to you understand them and you don't. They always say to you in Thai, mai pen rai - it means never mind.

RELIGION : Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. Itīs practised by 95 % of all Thai's. The other religions is Muslim's 3,8 %, Christianity's 0.5 %, Hinduism 0.1 % and others 0.6 %. All faiths are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influence on daily life.

Senior monks are highly revered. Thus in towns and villages The temple ( wat ) is the heart of social and religious life.

Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, promoting inner peace and happiness.

HISTORY : Thailand means, " land of the free " and throughout theirs 800 - year history. Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonised. The countries history divides into five mayor periods.

Nanchao Period 650 - 1250 A.B.

Sukhothai Period 1238 - 1378 A.B.

Ayutthaya Period 1350 - 1767 A.B.

Thonburi Period 1767 - 1772 A.B.

Rattanakosin Period 1782 -

In this period General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri dynasty, Rama 1. Today's King is number nine of the Chakri dynasty. He came to the throne in 1946 and is already the longest reigning Thai monarch. His name is Bhumibol.

In 1995 - 1996 he celebrated the Golden Jubilee 50 years of reign. Major events and royal ceremonies marked it all over the country in this very special occasion. Independence day came in 1238. It was traditional founding day.

Chief of the state : King Bhumibol from 9/6-46

Head of government : Prime Minister Chuan Likphai

Cabinet : Council of Ministers

Judicial branch of Supreme Court : Judges appointed by the King.

Political parties : Sixteen different

Constitution : Itīs new and sign by the King Bhumibol as late as 11/10 - 97.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS : Itīs when the King has birthday in fifth December.

New Year is always celebrated in April. Itīs called Songkran Festival and that is the biggest event in the country. They are throwing water over each other, too clean of the old year and meet the New Year clean and happy.

Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get thorough soaking. Itīs also because of the heat. Here are parades and beauty contests. And is very fun !

Thai's also celebrate usually New Year.

FOOD : The food is very delicious. Itīs differs from region to region and makes dining a special culinary experience wherever you go. The subtle combinations of spices, herbs and market - fresh ingredients, that has made it so popular around the world. They have a lot of different traditional food, but you must try the original Thai soup called

Tom Yam Kung

itīs hot and good. Another speciality is a Thai salad called

Som Tam

made of fresh papaya, tomatoes, lime, fish sauce, sugar, garlic and chilli chopped. It tastes marvellous.

WHAT TO DO :

All kind of water sports.

Deep sea fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, para sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving or swimming in crystal clear waters. Phi - Phi Island is very famous because Mr. Costaeu was diving here and made a film of the fishes in the sea. Sea cruising for those who prefer a more restful way seeing the wonders of Thailand's marine life. There is a spectator sports, not to forget. Itīs

Muay Thai Boxing.

It begins in five centuries ago. It still draws large crowds every night in Bangkok's two stadiums and every where in the whole country. Thai boxing is self-defence sport and differs dramatically from the Western fighters.

Traditional massage

is a centuries - old health restoration for Thai's and tourists. In afternoon visitors flock to this shops or temple to have experience of the healing hands of the practised masseurs.

In the north you are doing the trekking and hiking.

On an elephantīs back or drafting down the river or walking in the woods. Itīs a very exciting tours. You can choose one,

two or three days trekking even more if you want. You will never regret that tour !

Performing arts

the most famous in Thailand. Especially the masked dance drama known Khon. They have long nails on the fingers because itīs look more nicer while dancing. Don't miss it !

Shopping the funniest thing to do !

What to buy ?

Clothing, gems antiques, silk, ceramics, cotton, batik and nielloware. Is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled whit a metal ware. It sells like trays, boxes and vases.

You can buy furniture in rosewood.

They are lovely and they help you to send it with a ship home.

Lacquerware is also a speciality of Chiangmai in the north. This craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer or yellow and green on a redbrown background. It sells like bowls, boxes, and trays and in elephants.

Hilltribe crafts is textiles and silver jewellery made by the hilltribes from the north. They are coming to the village every evening and try to sell the beautiful things.

Thai Orchids is another thing to buy ! It sells everywhere and if you are coming to Thailand you receive one. When you are on tour, in a butterfly farm you get one, in the restaurants. When you are leaving Thailand, they are selling the flower on the international airport. They are big and beautiful and you must have one with you Home. Don't miss it !

Welcome back !! Sawadee ! See you soon !

                Last updated  1999-09-09