Thailand Facts

Country name: Thailand. In Thai language called Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free".

National flag: The red, white and blue stripes flag symbolise respectively the nation, Buddhism and the monarchy.

Capital: Bangkok. In Thai language called Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels". The seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family.

Geography: Lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China.

Neighbouring countries: Myanmar in west and north, Lao P.D.R. in north and northeast, Cambodia in southeast and Malaysia in south.

Area: 514,000 sq. km

Topography: Thailand is divided into four distinct areas. The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and climate that permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; The semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, with its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries; The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and the vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok; The peninsular South, where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Climate: Tends to be humid and hot throughout the year. Average annual temperature 28 degree Celsius. Three seasons: From March to May very hot, in June to October still very hot but some rain, in November to February hot and most often no rain.

Population: About 65 million. Of this approximately 10 million in Bangkok.

People: Thai 80%, Chinese 10%, Malay 3% and the rest are minorities like Mons, Khmers and hill tribes. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Thai. Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor, because it is a tonal language with 5 tones, 32 vowels and 44 consonants. But English is nowadays widely understood in most tourist areas and spoken in hotels, shops, restaurants, banks, international offices and car rental offices in major destinations. Road signs throughout the country are in both Thai and English.

Religion: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 4% and others 1%. Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life.
Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness.

Government: The government of Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy inspired by the British democratic model. National polls elect the 500-member House of Representatives and the Prime Minister every four years, and the 200-member Senate every six years. The voting age is 18.

Head of State: His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. His Majesty the King is also Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and of all religions.

Prime Minister: Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Administration: 76 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub-district) and muban (village).

Currency notes: Paper baht comes in denominations of 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige). Bath in coin denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 bath. There are 100 satang in one baht and coins include 25-satang and 50-satang pieces.

Time: Wintertime +6 hours and summertime +5 hours.

Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz