Information Of Thailand

Thailand Geography

The Kingdom of Thailand is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia at the Gulf of Thailand (Siam) covering an area of 513,115 sq.km., roughly the size of France. The population of Thailand is estimated at around 65 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 and full of mysteries history, not so long ago the Kingdom of Thailand had widely opened its gates, turning into the major Southeast Asia tourist destination.

By and large, Thailand borders troubled countries of the region, as shown on the Reginal Map. Myanmar (Burma) is on the Northwest of Thailand, Malaysia on the South alongside the Malay Peninsula, Cambodia on the Southeast, and Laos on the East along the Mekong River.

Golden Triangle

Far and away infamous for its opium growing activities, the Golden Triangle converges Thailand's northernmost jungle area at the border point with Laos and Burma. Golden Triangle lies on the spit of land formed by joins of the Ruak River and the mighty Mekong River. Myanmar lies across the Ruak River and Laos is across the Mekong. Opium poppies are started growing in September-October and are harvested during February-March. After flowering the bulbs are scribed with a razor at ~20 cuts per bulb. A milky sap seeps out and blackens as it oxidizes. Rub off some with a spoon and it is ready for smoke. It only takes about a gram of that substance for a smoke. Five kilograms of sap will extract some five grams of heroin.

Thailand Climate

These two seasons, the wet and the dry, rule the year. And albeit the fact that Al Nino effect had altered a bit the clime patterns, making rains less predictable, the temperature in central and southern regions is above 30ºC (~86ºF) most of the time, doesn't matter a season. So, there is no need for warm clothing.

Here you can see the current temperatures in major Thai cities and provinces.

Chanthaburi

Chiang Mai

Chon Buri (Pattaya)

Hat Yai

Khon Kaen

Koh Samui

Lamphun

Mae Hong Son

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Phuket

Rayong

Songkhla

Surat Thani

Suphan Buri

Ubon Ratchathani

On the whole, weather is always perfect in Thailand with April and May being the hottest months. Visitors used to colder climates may be forgiven for assuming that from May to November it is hot and wet. The truth is the warm glow covering the perfect landscape is occasionally broken by gentle raindrops falling to earth like petals to enrich the fertile soil. This is called the ‘low tourist season’ because there are fewer tourists and business is dormant. There are several advantages for traveling during that time, as the rains are just cooling and refreshing. And it gets especially pleasant on the beaches, where the water temperature is around 25ºC. Moreover, one can enjoy a broad variety of seasonable fruits, vegetables and other sea and land delicacies at great saving.

From December to April, the ‘high tourist season’, is pleasantly hot and dry, although December can be refreshingly cool. Around Christmas and New Year, the top tourist season', when many westerners coming to Thailand to find a highly welcoming escape from the cold in their home countries. If you plan to be here during that period, ensure that you book a room well in advance.

Thai Language

Thai language doesn't resemble any other languages except maybe the Lao (Laotian) language. It is a rather complex tonal language with its unique alphabet (consisting of 44 consonants and 32 vowels) and numbering. In written Thai, there are no spaces between words, just between phrases or sentences. Also, it is important to mention that the choice of spoken language (wording and vocabulary), partially establishes the class, position and respectability of the person. Thailand is very much a class conscious society, and there are different ways of saying the same thing in Thai. A lower status choice of words, phrases and pronounciations often heard on the streets (street lexicon), or the high class choice of language, well-mannered and polite.

When trying to learn the language, a pronunciation of Thai causes the most difficulties, as the same word would have a whole different meaning when pronounced in varying tones. Thus, understanding Thai is much easier than speaking it. Thai ia a melodic tonal language consisting of five tones: rising, falling, high, low and level. So, basically, one needs to "sing" words.

Although Lao, Chinese and Malay languages are spoken by significant number of Thais, a good command of English amongst the general population is quite poor, with the exception of those who work with tourists. Also, many Thais are simply shy and lack a self-confidence about their English. When addressing Thais, it is better to speak slowly and clearly, and choose your words carefully, avoiding slang and sophisticated words.

 

Kingdom of Thailand - Country General Facts

Traditional Founding Date		1238 A.D.
Head of State		The King
Government Type		Constitutional Monarchy
Head of Government		Prime Minister
Judicial Branches		Constitutional, Justice and Administrative Courts
Thailand's First Permanent Constitution		People's Constitution was promulgated in 1997*
The Current 2007 Constitution		Promulgated and enacted in 2007
Legislative Branch		National Assembly (bicameral)
Capital		Bangkok
Major Cities & Tourist Destinations		Chiang Mai, Korat, Khon Kaen,  Phuket
Compulsory Education		12 years
Thailand Time Zone		+7 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Thailand Currency		Thai Baht –

Some of Thai foods cooking