Introduction to Thailand

Introduction to Thailand

An introduction to the country of smiles. In Bangkok you will visit the most beautiful palaces and temples, experience a surprising bicycle ride through Bangkoks hidden alleys, dine on board of a cruiseship and see the famous Floating Market. Onward to Ayutthaya, Thailands former capital city until it was destroyed in 1767 during the war with Burma. The old temples and ruins in this historical park are beautifully restored.

Geography

Thailand is located in south-east Asia bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Burma and Cambodia. The country occupies a total area of 514,000 sq km of which 511,770 sq km is on land. It has a 4,863 km long land boundary and 3,219 km of coastline. A map of Thailand is available.

The climate is tropical - rainy, warm cloudy south-west monsoon from mid-May to September and dry, cool north-east monsoon from November to mid-March. The terrain consists of a central plain, an eastern plateau and mountains elsewhere. Natural resources include tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite and flourite.

People

Thailand has a total population of 58,722,437 (July 1993 est.). Nationals of Thailand are known as Thai. 75% of the population are Thai and 14% are Chinese. Buddhism make up the major religion (95%). Thai and English are spoken.

Government

The country's official name is Kingdom of Thailand and in short, Thailand. The government is a constitutional monarchy. The capital is Bangkok. Thailand was founded in 1238 and was never colonized. The national holiday is His Majesty the King's birthday on 5 December (1927).

The Thai flag consists of five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red.

Economy

Thailand's economy recovered rapidly from the political unrest in May 1992 to post an impressive 7% growth rate for the year. Thailand, one of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, depends on exports of manufactures and the development of the service sector to fuel the country's rapid growth. The trade and current account deficits fell in 1992; much of Thailand's recent imports have been for capital equipment suggesting that the export sector is poised for further growth. With foreign investment slowing, Bangkok is working to increase the generation of capital domestically. Prime Minister CHUAN's government - Thailand's fifth government in less than two years - is pledged to continue Bangkok's probusiness policies, and the return of a democratically elected government has improved business confidence. Nevertheless, CHUAN must overcome divisions within his ruling coalition to complete much needed infrastructure development programs if Thailand is to remain an attractive place for business investment. Over the longer-term, Bangkok must produce more college graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills to continue its rapid economic development.

Communications

Thailand has 3,940 km of railroads, 77,697 km of highways amd 3,999 km of inland waterways. The ports are in Bangkok, Pattani, Phuket, Sattanhip and Si Racha. There are about 95 airports. Telecommunication service to general public is inadequate. The bulk of service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network

What to do

There's plenty to see in Thailand… and there's also masses to do. What's great about Thailand is the variety of what's on offer and the fact that whatever you try it's not going to break the bank.Take a visit to Thailand's islands and beaches, for instance. You can get straight into diving and snorkeling ,
whatever level of experience you have. Of course, in most places these activities are on offer there are a number of related water sports available. Thailand does though attract the adventurous, and as well as water sports there are a number of activities that are 'xtreme' in nature as well as bungee jumping and paintball. There are though numerous activities that you can get involved in that are more sedate… if a quick round of golf is more your scene, Thailand has numerous courses, many designed by top-level international golfers. Thailand is also a great place for hiking. Whether you are a serious hiker, or just out for a stroll, there are numerous trekking options open to visitors, particularly in northern Thailand. These days, however, many visitors want to leave Thailand with more than a suntan.

Over the last 10 years the kingdom of Thailand has become a haven for people interested in alternative approaches to health and well-being. Thailand's Spas incorporate its ancient tradition of natural healing and medicine to provide unsurpassable service and an unforgettable Spa experience. You can also take meditation courses in Thailand and train your mind and body to be restful and peaceful. However, if you also want some changes that are only surface deep, you can go home with a new look to complement your new attitude. Thailand has become a hub for 'Medical Tourism' - travel that incorporates medical surgery and other treatments with restful stays on beaches or Thailand's exquisite countryside. Cosmetic surgery, laser sight correction and cosmetic dentistry are all on offer, utilizing the experience of internationally trained experts who carry out procedures utilizing the wonderful facilities of international-standard hospitals.

Of course, one activity Thailand is ultimately famous for is shopping - a couple of weeks in Thailand makes a shopper from even the staunchest macho man! The price of goods is obviously one draw, but it's also the quality of what's on offer that seals the deal. Local goods are excellent, and Thailand's markets and shopping areas are full of novelties and items to give the folks back home.

If you have kids in tow there are plenty of theme parks, shows and zoos to see, alongside some genuinely great parks to visit. Whatever the time of year there are festivals to attend which kids generally enjoy participating in. Some of Thailand's festivals (e.g. Songkran- the annual water throwing festival) have become attractions in their own right with people planning their arrival to coincide with a particular festival.

Whatever sort of activities you enjoy, as you can see, there's plenty to do Thailand. Make the most of this fact - be active and engage as much as you can. Do this and you will have one your best travel experiences ever!

What to see

Rarely do you find someone bored in Thailand… There's always something to see! Certainly one of the inevitable ingredients to a trip to Thailand is plenty of trips to temples - they really are great places to see so this is no obligatory chore!
Unlike some tourist attractions in other countries, Thailand's temples are not just historical sites

Dressed up to cater for visiting tourists; they are integral components of normal daily life. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is an excellent example. Although as far as a tourist is concerned a visit to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is equivalent to a visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Tower Bridge in London, locals visit the temple to worship and make merit. Although they might at times be significantly outnumbered, you will see locals at prayer here, as you will at all of the temples on Thailand's tourist track. Temples are not though the only places that reflect Thailand's history and culture that are worthy of a visit.

Thailand's King and Royal Family are probably more revered than monarchs in any country in the world. Their status is reflected in the grandeur of Thailand's royal places. These truly are spectacular places to visit and receive a glimpse of Thailand's regal past and an insight into the lives of Thai royalty. In many of the palaces there are museums reflecting aspects of Thailand's past, but museums are by no means restricted to royal palaces - there are scores around the country. Bangkok's National Museum does a thorough job of reflecting all aspects of this diverse country, but each Thai province has its own museum reflecting important aspects of the locality's past and present.
Often directly alongside Thailand's museums there are a number of galleries
reflecting the country's art though the work of past and present artists. Thailand also boasts numerous theatres and cultural centers which host traditional Thai theatre and dance and offer cultural shows and events. Of course, as with any country in the world, when you visit Thailand you should visit its monuments and shrine. Although you may not grasp their full significance, they still warrant visits; who would go to France without visiting the Arc de Triomphe? And what visit to Thailand would be complete without seeing a Thai Boxing match or a trip to floating market?

One of the key reasons people visit Thailand is the physical beauty of the place and for the adventurous there is plenty to see. Thailand abounds with waterfalls, hot springs andplaces of natural beauty. There are caves to see and mountains and hills to visit.But even in the cities and towns there flower gardens to escape to.

You will never want for a place to visit and something to see in Thailand. The wealth of attractions makes a trip easy and means you can plan what you want to see with relative ease. Make the most of what's on offer, and make the best of your time in the kingdom.

Where to go

Given its rich diversity Thailand has a lot to offer its visitors. Of course, Bangkok is one place most start and end their visit to Thailand. The cultural and administrative centre of the country, Bangkok has plenty to offer. Of course, a big, brash, modern city like Bangkok has the creature comforts and entertainment that visitors look for and it's famous for
its famous nightlife (with go-go places like Patpong and Nana on most visitors' itineraries). But beyond that, where should a visitor go in Thailand?


Although there are numerous places that warrant a visit, there are some 'staples' - places that most visitors to Thailand end up visiting. Starting in the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular ports of call. Their dramatic mountainous landscapes coupled with unique histories make both intriguing and entertaining places to visit. Also in the north, Sukothai offers less in terms of dramatic scenery, but more in terms of history and culture. The ruins of Sukothai's ancient city offer a glimpse of Thailand glorious past, as does Ayutthaya in central Thailand.
As yet a part of Thailand that is not visited as often of other regions, the northeast (or 'Isan' as it is known locally) does offer some 'off-the-beaten track' treats. Buriram is becoming a firm favourite with visitors, as isLoei. Although Loei is in northeastern Thailand, it has a lot in common with the mountainous regions of the north. The coldest province in the county, Loei, offers dramatic scenery enhanced by the presence of mists and fogs.

For many with connections to the Second World War, Kanchanburi is a 'must-visit' destination. A number of sites present Kanchanaburi's role in the war and help chronicle the deaths of many thousands of soldiers who died as POWs in the area during the Second World War.


Thailand's eastern provinces have much to offer, not leastChonburi, home to Pattaya, one of Thailand's leading destinations. Pattaya has the distinction of being the closest resort city to the capital and drawing masses of 'weekenders'. It is also an international tourism destination in its own right. Pattaya's finely tuned nightlife includes a huge offering of go-go alongside great restaurants and its own unique take on cabaret! Other resort cities include Hua Hin and Cha-am - both with excellent beaches and only a short drive from Bangkok.
Of course, there are places worthy of visits that are common to all of Thailand's provinces. The country's Natioanl Parks are always worthy of a visit, wherever you are in the country. But it is the diversity of Thailand and the attractions it offers which are its strength. Be sure to visit the key destinations, but spare some time to get off the beaten path and experience a Thailand that is not on the tourist map. It's worth the effort to see another side to this glorious country.
Of course, Thailand is rightly renowned for its islands; some of the best island destinations in the world… clear waters, white and golden sands, palms and coconuts - truly paradise on earth. Some of the major islands to visit include Koh chang - still emerging from relative obscurity and therefore still reasonably quiet.


The Phi Phi Islands are famous too and include the actually place where 'The Beach' was filmed (yes - you too can stand where Leo stood!); Phuket - an island the size of Singapore with plenty of great beaches to experience; James Bond Islands - yes, that island, the one in the 'Man with the Golden Gun'; the Surin Islands - a bit tricky to get to but well worth the effort; Koh Samet - an island with a unique place in Thai culture and some glorious beaches; Koh Phangnan- famed for its Full Moon Parties and hedonism in paradise; and Koh Samui - an island of lovely beaches and bays, coconuts and forested hills.