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Thailand, formerly known as Siam, bacame a unified kingdom
in 1238 AD. A bloodless revolution transformed the political
system into constitutional monarchy in 1932. |
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning " city of angels")
Climate: Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three
distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature
34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine
from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius
and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures
range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with
a drop in humidity).
Much
lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast
during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate
with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year
round.
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, subdistricts 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 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 longestreigning 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.
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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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Information
from Tourism
Authority of Thailand.
More information about Thailand can be found from CIA's
The World Factbook.
