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Thailand Facts

Tuesday, 01 June 2004

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

Source baliwww.com

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