Thailand Country Profile

The official name of Thailand is "the Kingdom of Thailand" in 1939 and in 1946-1949 it was referred to as " Siam" which is located in the Southeast Asian region. Thailand is a "free territory" with 800 years of history. It is the world’s famous "breadbasket" and it is also known for its natural rubber production. Thailand has a variety of tropical and subtropical crops, tropical flowers and fruits. Thailand also has abundant mineral resources, rich in precious stones, metals, biological resources, and water resources. Thailand 's has a long coastline of over 2,000 km and all types of seafood abounds. Thailand ’s capital is Bangkok which is the second largest commercial city in Asia, next to Tokyo. Four of the world’s five-star hotels are also located in Thailand. Bangkok has long been the region's aviation, highway, railway, waterway and a major transportation hub. United Nations, Asian and Pacific Economic and Social Commission for the United Nations, and other international bodies regional headquarters are also located in Thailand such as: UNESCO (UNESCO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Asian telecommunications, and so on.

Flag: Thailand’s national flag consists of red, white and blue colors. Red is said to symbolize nationality, white symbolize religion and blue symbolize the king or the monarchy.

Population and Area: Thailand has a population of 60 million and a total area of 513,100 square kilometers.

Language: Thai and Mandarin are the languages in Thailand. In the cities, especially in tourism establishments, the use of English is more extensive. Certain parts of Thailand use Chinese language.

Baht, Currency: Thai’s currency is baht (Baht, the initials B). 100 Shading (Satang) is equivalent to 1 baht. Notes are divided into 1,000 baht, 500 baht and 100 baht, 50 baht, 20 baht and 10 baht. Coins are 10 baht, 5 baht, one baht, 50 and 25 Shading. Converting foreign currencies in Thailand is very convenient. You can exchange your currencies in major banks in the airport, tourist attractions and major shopping malls. In general, hotel rates are slightly lower than the banks therefore it is preferable to exchange in the banks. The banks’ office and business hours are from Monday to Friday 8:30 to 15:00. Some banks in tourist attractions and major shopping malls are open for business during weekends. Shopping center opens as early as 10:00AM to 9:00 PM.

Geographical Location: Thailand is located in the Central Indo-China peninsula 。 Thailand 's borders meet those of both Laos and Myanmar ( Burma). The border with Myanmar continues to the west and then south as far as the Malay Peninsula, much of which is occupied by Thailand. The Pacific Ocean southeast of the Gulf of Thailand, southwest the Indian Ocean.

Administrative Divisions: The country is divided into 76 House or Provinces. By the terrain is divided into four regions: the vast fertile central plain; undulating hills and the plateau in the north-east; the northern jungle mountain; and enchanting scenery of the southern peninsula. Each region has its own dialect, but in central Bangkok, the dialect is Mandarin. Each region has different cultural traditions and dietary habits. Myanmar and Northeast Laos has great impact to Thailand, and also Muslims and Malays contributed to the cultural flavor.

Climate:
Thailand is located in tropical and subtropical region and wherein most of the countries have a tropical monsoon climate. The year is divided into three quarters: cold, rainy season, and summer. In Thailand , the average temperature is not less than 18 ℃ even in the cooler season. The hottest month is April which has the highest temperature generally between 33 ° C -38 ° C and during the night it will become cooler. The summer break in schools is April.

International Flights:
Thailand has one of the largest cities and it has more than 60 airlines. It provides cheaper fare routes from Thailand to Europe and the United States and other countries. In other words, purchasing international air travel in Bangkok is the cheapest among the international flights cities in the world.

Politics and Economy:
Since the Second World War, there is political stability and rapid economic development. Thailand is a founding member of the Union of Southeast Asia one of the Asian dragons. In July 1997, there is outbreak of the Asian financial crisis which triggered Thailand and quickly affected the world. Thailand 's economic development and prosperity was affected to a certain extent . On the positive side, Thailand is the fastest countries in Asia that adjusted with the entire financial crisis . At present, Thailand is on its new stage of economic development.

Religion:
95% Thailand is a Buddhist country. 95% of the population practice Buddhism. The Buddhist temple pagoda has large "Buddhas." Buddhism has significant impact to Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural areas. About 4.66% of the total population is Southern Malay Muslim, and a few are Christian and Hindu.

Chinese in Thailand:
600 Currently, the Thai Chinese in Thailand are around 600 million, accounting for 12% of Thailand's total population. Some reside Bangkok and about two fifths are of Chinese origin. Many Chinese in Thailand have received their higher education in Thailand, Europe and the United States many of them are prominent in the business, cultural, educational and health industry and also in government organizations. Many are Thai officials such as Prime Minister Thaksin, the former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai (his Chinese name is Wen Lu Chi-cheng), Banharn Silpa - Archa (Chinese name Madexiang) and Anan Biyira. Majority are Chinese business tycoons. Most of the Thai Chinese are in business, trade, financial, tourism and services sectors. They deliver significant contribution to Thailand's economic prosperity. Despite today's Thai Chinese has been integrated into Thai society, they still maintain the fine Chinese tradition of their ancestors, such as respect for the elderly, celebrating the traditional Chinese festivals, and so on.

Royal: In 1932, Absolute Monarchy is abolished in Thailand and Constitutional Monarchy was established. The head of state is King Bhumibol Adulyadejo. He ascended the throne in 1946, and the coronation was held in 1950 . The ninth dynasty Wang is the world's longest reign of a King. Thai royal family enjoys high status in the eyes of people.

Food and Culture:
Thailand is known for its fragrant and hot foods. The North and the South are different; the North is moderate while Southeast is fragrant and hot. Central and southern side likes sweet seafood. Most southern provinces also like curry. Because there are many Chinese in many parts of Thailand, Chinese dishes are very popular, including in major institutions’ restaurants and canteens.

Developed Industries:
Thailand has experienced hundreds of years of development in various industries (tourism, hotels, catering and other service sectors), and agricultural product processing industry is most developed. Thailand 's tourism industry has maturely developed and Thailand is a good place for Tourism. From Thailand to neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and other countries, tours is convenient and less expensive.

Hallmark of Success:
Thailand is one of the hallmarks of success. In December 1998, Thailand has successfully hosted the 13th Asian Games (previous to this, it had also successfully hosted two Asian Games).

Major Festivals:
Thailand festival has wide variety. It celebrates Western-style New Year, the Chinese Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, Thailand Lunar New Year, Songkran New Year, various religious holidays, the anniversary of the birth of the members of the royal family, and various forms of folk festivals and local festivals. The annual Thailand Lunar New Year Songkran held every April 13 to 15 is also known as the Water-splashing Festival. During the holiday season, juniors to seniors sprinkle blessings to pay tribute to the elders and pray for them. Thai people also believe that the previous year is washed with water to remove boredom and depression. It is difficult to walk down the streets without being splashed or poured with water. Another great feature of the Thai festival is called the Lantern Festival. It is held annually in November during the Full Moon. People use banana leaf, flowers and candles and will make them float it water and they will pray silently. The floating lights placed in water are very picturesque.

Thai Dynasty History:
In the early 13 th century, mankind has multiplied in Thailand. In 1238, Sukhothai dynasty was established (1238-1438). Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established a Thai kingdom. After its decline, a new Thai kingdom emerged in 1350 on the Chao Praya River . Thai cities established a tribal dynasty (1350-1767) and Sukhothai dynasty gradually disappeared. After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies and its capital burned. After a single-reign capital established at Thonburi, a new capital city was founded in 1782 by the founder of the Chakri dynasty. The first Chakri king was crowned Rama I. The present King is Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej.