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THAILAND > FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
HISTORY
Thailand is one of the few countries in the world
that has never been colonized. The first independent
Thai Kingdom was established in 1238, but the
origins of Thailand and the Thai people go back
much further and evidence shows that the central
area of Indochina from the Maekhong River valley
to the Khorat Plateau was inhabited as far back
as 10,000 years. In the Ban Chiang area of northeast
Thailand, for example, rice was being cultivated
as early as 4,000 BC.
This pre-historic cultural development formed
a nucleus of migrating people. The earliest civilization
in Thailand is believed to have been that of the
Mons in central Thailand, who brought a Buddhist
culture from the Indian subcontinent. They settled
in river valleys from the Red River in south China
and Vietnam to the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
In the 12th century, a union of Thai princes took
Haripunchai from the Mons and formed Lan Na Thai
(which means 'Million Thai Rice Fields'), and
drove the Khmers from Sukhothai (which means 'The
Dawn of Happiness') and it was here that they
created the first Siamese capital.
The Burmese invaded Siam in both the 16th and
18th centuries, capturing Chiang Mai and destroying
Ayuthaya. The Thais expelled the Burmese and moved
their capital to Thonburi. In the 19th century,
Siam played off one European power against another
and cleverly managed to remain independent. In
1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into
a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became
Thailand. Over the next few decades, Thailand
was governed by military dictatorships, drawing
their support from collaboration with more powerful
nations. They supported the occupation of the
Japanese army during World War II and later provided
bases and men for the United States' efforts in
Vietnam. Since that time, Thailand has weathered
several coups, a number of border clashes with
neighboring communist regimes, and violent student
demonstrations, finally emerging in the last decade
as a remarkably stable and economically successful
nation.
GEOGRAPHY
Thailand shares borders with Malaysia, Myanmar,
Laos and Cambodia. The country's east coast borders
the Gulf of Thailand and the west coast the Andaman
Sea. The four main regions of Thailand are the
fertile, central plains of the Chao Phraya River;
the dryer 300-meter high northeast plateau; the
fertile valley and mountains of Northern Thailand;
and the rain forests of the southern peninsula.
The highest peak is the 2596 meter Doi Inthanon,
in Chiang Mai province.
CLIMATE
Thailand's climate is ruled by monsoons producing
three seasons in northern, northeastern and central
Thailand and two seasons in southern Thailand.
Generally the hot season is March thru’
May, the rainy season is June thru’ October,
and the cool season is November thru’ February.
The temperature varies from 38 degrees C to 19
degrees C, and humidity ranges from 82.8 % to
66 %.
ECOLOGY
Over-development on Ko Phi Phi is destroying the
coral reefs. On a national scale, tourism is causing
numerous other problems related to the demands
of consumerism and the damage caused by pollutants.
In May 1999, protestors stormed the location where
the filming of 'The Beach' was taking place because
environmentalists were concerned that filming
would destroy the delicate eco-balance of the
beach. Unfortunately, attempts to stop the logging
of rainforests and illegal trafficking in endangered
species are fighting an uphill battle against
corruption. The market for tiger organs, particularly
in China, is so lucrative that poaching is still
a viable career option.
ENVIRONMENT
One-fifth of Thailand is covered by rainforest
and monsoon forest, and the country has an astonishing
variety of fruit trees, bamboo and tropical hardwoods.
There are eighty national parks and thirty-two
wildlife sanctuaries with more than 850 species
of birds, together with decreasing numbers of
tigers, leopards, elephants and Asiatic black
bears.
TOURISM
Thailand receives an average 8.5 million visitors
annually
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Thailand has a constitutional monarchy with both
an elected Parliament and a Monarch that provides
a stable and semi-democratic, benevolent government.
The monarchy is headed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej,
with 76 provinces, each sub-divided into Amphur,
Tamboon and Moobahn. The Thai Monarch is mostly
symbolic but is held to same level of esteem as
a God
ECONOMY
Traditionally an agricultural nation, Thailand
enjoyed the world's highest growth rate from 1985
to 1995 - averaging almost 9% annually. Today
Thailand boasts a complex economy, its industries
using the latest and most sophisticated technology.
Several important factors have contributed to
the country's enviable growth, principally the
abundance and diversity of its natural resources.
Blessed with vast expanses of fertile land, Thailand
not only enjoys agricultural self-sufficiency
but is also one of the largest food exporters
in the world. Innovative private enterprise also
expanded into new product areas in response to
world demand. With the government supporting the
infrastructure, a free enterprise system has emerged
which has allowed development to take place at
a rapid rate consistent with the needs and resources
available. Thailand’s economy has experienced
steady growth and, with the introduction of improved
technology and marketing expertise, the country
has become a world leader in the sales of staple
commodities. It has also transformed the country
into a competitive manufacturer of high quality
products built to international standards.
POPULATION AND PEOPLE
The population of Thailand is 62 million. The
people are 75% Thai, 11% Chinese, 3.5% Malay,
and there are also Mon, Khymer, Phuan and Karen
minorities.
ARTS
Thai art, principally sculpture and architecture,
is divided into a number of historical styles
beginning with the Mons as early as the 6th century
and progressing through to the Ratanakosin style
from the 19th century until the present day. Classical
Thai music and theatrical dance are also popular
artistic forms.
SOCIETY AND CONDUCT
Thais revere their royal family, and everyone
who lives in the Kingdom holds His Majesty the
King and all members of the Royal Family in the
highest possible esteem.
Show respect at all times for Buddhism and wear
conservative clothes when entering temples - singlets
and shorts and tight mini skirts are unacceptable.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or
not, is regarded as being a sacred object. Never
climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything
that might show lack of respect
Hands placed together in greeting is called a
'wai', senior monks are normally waied and addressed
as 'Phra'. Foreigners who don't know the system,
should not initiate a 'wai', only reply to one,
except when from a child or a servant. For children
and servants smile and nod towards the person
who has waied you, you are not expected to return
the wai. From an older person, always return the
wai, and smile.
Check before buying Buddha images. Some cannot
be taken out of the country without a permit.
When traveling by tuk-tuk it is usual to negotiate
the fare before you get in.
Remove your shoes before entering private Thai
homes; chapels where Buddhist images are kept;
and any of the Islamic community's mosques.
Never use your foot to point at people or things,
nor to operate equipment, it is considered highly
offensive and rude.
Public displays of affection between men and
women are frowned upon.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the
body, and do not appreciate anyone patting their
heads, even as a friendly gesture.
RELIGION
95% Buddhism, 4% Islam. The Thai population is
mostly devout Buddhist. The second largest religious
group is Islam, mostly to be found in the southern
region of Thailand where it borders Malaysia.
There's also a representative Christian community
throughout Thailand.
LANGUAGE
The language in Thailand is Thai. It is a complicated
language with its own unique alphabet. English
is widely understood in the cities
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