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Destination : THAILAND

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.