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The Kingdom of
Thailand, located in Southeast Asia on the Gulf of Thailand and
the Andaman Sea, shares boundaries with Myanmar (Burma) on the west and
northwest, Laos on the east and northeast, Cambodia (Kampuchea) on the
southeast, and Malaysia on the south. Thailand, although rich in rubber
and in mineral resources, was never colonized by Europeans and has existed
as a unified monarchy since 1350. A unified Thai kingdom was established
in the mid-14th century; it was known as Siam
until 1939. Thailand is the only southeast Asian country never
to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in
1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World
War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.
Thailand is divided into four natural
regions ;
(1) The North is a mountainous region comprising natural forests, ridges
and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys. The leading city of this region is
Chiang Mai.
(2) The Central Plain, the basin of the Chao Phraya River, is a lush,
fertile valley. It is the richest and most extensive rice-producing area
in the country and has often been called the "Rice Bowl of Asia". Bangkok,
the capital of Thailand, is located in this region.
(3) The Northeast region, or the Korat Plateau, is an arid region
characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills. Harsh climatic
conditions often result in this region being subjected to floods and
droughts.
(4) The Southern region is hilly to mountainous, with thick virgin forests
and rich deposits of mineral and ores. This region is the centre for the
production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops.
The period of time from the mid 1800's until now is probably the most
important in terms of the formation of modern day Thailand. King Mongkut,
who ruled the country from 1851 to 1868, was a well educated, ex-monk who
kept Thailand safe from European expansion. His son, Chulalongkorn, took
over in 1868 and continued the enlightenment and modernization of
Thailand. King Chulalongkorn made great strides in improving the country,
however he refused to allow his people democratic rights. This finally led
to a takeover by Thai intellectuals, along with military help, in 1932.
Siam is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939
and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation
changed the name of the country to "Prathet Thai", or "Thailand",
by which it has since been known. The word "Thai" means "free", and
therefore "Thailand" means "Land of the Free."
The population of Thailand is
approximately 61 millions. Ethnic Thais form a majority. There are
conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thais. Three decades ago it
could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in
Northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated
down to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by
the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban
Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in the Northeast.
These include evidence of bronze metallurgy going back 3,500 years, as
well as other indications of a far more sophisticated culture than any
previously suspected by archaeologists. It now appears that the a Thais
might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various
parts of Asia, including some parts of China.
Other minority groups are Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian,
Burmese, and Indian. Chinese is the most important ethnic minority. The
Thais are tolerant and hospitable, and it is easy to get along with them.
Good manners and a smile can be easily found in Thailand. The official
nation language is Thai. Other languages are Chinese and Malay. English is
widely understood in some areas, particularly in Bangkok and major cities.
English and other European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and
restaurants, and major tourist destinations. Buddhism is the professed
faith of 95 percent of the population. The Thais have always subscribed to
the ideal of religious freedom. Thus sizable minorities of Muslims,
Christians, Hindus and Sikhs freely pursue their respective faiths.
Over the years, the country has become home
to many immigrants. The Thai people have managed to preserve the
traditions of their unique culture, at the same time absorbing the
practices of modern living. Nevertheless, the combination of cultures and
backgrounds of these immigrants make Thailand an interesting and memorable
country to visit.
Tourism has become an important
industry in the country. More people visit Thailand than any other country
in Southeast Asia. In 1999, about eight million people visited Thailand.
Thailand's capital and gateway city is Bangkok.
Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, it is epitome of the country's
kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. More than anywhere else, it is an
expression of the Thais' respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant
involvement with modern progress.
Bangkok has no center of town, but rather is made up of several different
areas. Sukhumvit is one of the areas. It is one of the heaviest tourist
areas as it has many hotels, shopping areas, and nightlife. There are also
many high priced apartments and condos that make up this area. You will
see many Japanese & European citizens who have relocated here. The
Emporium shopping center is a 7 story mall. It has upscale boutiques and a
department store that caters to those that have money to spend. It also
has a nice grocery store, restaurants and food court. On the top floor is
a movie theater that plays first run films.
Khao San road also known as Banglampoo is
where the backpack set congregate to swap stories about bargains and the
best places to go and stay. It is an interesting area made up of travel
agencies, small Mom & Pop stores and low priced accommodations. This is a
place to get discount airfares. back to top
Silom Road is the trendy area where you will find excellent restaurants
and bars. It starts jumping after the sun goes down.
The Chao Payra River is an area that houses most of the upscale and world
renowned hotels. You have a beautiful view of the river and there are
shops around the area that cater to the tourists staying nearby. back to
top. Chinatown also known as Sempang is an interesting area which seems
like it has a jewelry shop on every corner. It's a fascinating place to
explore on foot for an afternoon. In case you get tired of browsing in the
hundreds of shops in the area, you can always find good Chinese food.
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