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 history, not so long ago the Kingdom of Thailand had widely opened its gates, turning into the major Southeast Asia tourist destination.
Synopsis
Renowned by its unequaled ethnical heritage and traditions, this truly exotic Oriental kingdom greatly enjoys its unique look with spicy smells, sweet sounds and above all the smiling hospitality of its charming people. Imparted with the fascinating deeply rooted culture, delicious Thai cooking and delightful tropical fruits, superb beaches and golf courses, the outstanding dining flavors and shopping bargains, set apart so much incomparable nightlife festivities. Amidst many other utmost temptations are the far-famed Muay Thai Boxing and renowned Thai massages, much relaxing the body and mind, refer to the page entitled Pattaya.
By and large, Thailand borders the troubled countries of the region, refer to the regional map: Laos on the East along the Mekong river, Cambodia on the Southeast, Malaysia alongside the Malay peninsula to the South, and Myanmar (Burma) to the Northwest.
Far and away infamous for its opium growing activities, the Golden Triangle occupies 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. 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's 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.
Climate in Thailand
Being located in the tropical climatic zone (merely two fingers above the Equator), there are only two major seasons that is possible to distinguish in Thailand: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.
For current weather conditions in Thailand major cities and regions visit our Weather page.
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). It is a rather complex tonal language with its unique alphabet and numbering. The pronunciation of Thai causes most difficulties, as the same word would have a whole different meaning when pronounced in varying tones. There are 5 tones in Thai: rising, falling, high, low and level. Although the Lao, Chinese and Malay are spoken by significant number of Thais, the English among the general population is quite poor, with the exception of those who work with tourist.
To be continued...
| Head of State | The King| Government
Type | Constitutional Monarchy | Head of Government | Prime Minister | Legislative Branch | National Assembly (bicameral) | Judicial Branches | Constitutional, Justice and Administrative Courts | Constitution | New constitution promulgated October 11, 1997 | Capital | Bangkok | Major Cities & Tourist Destinations | Chiang Mai, Korat, Khon Kaen, Pattaya, Phuket | Compulsory Education | 12 years | |
