As revealed in archeological discoveries made in many regions, Thailand has been the scene of human settlements since the time of homo erectus. Subsequently, both Mon and Khmer speaking people occupied large parts of the country; the former established a number of city states known collectively as Dvaravati, the while latter ruled over extensive territory from the capital of Angkor in Cambodia. The Thais gradually migrated down from southern China and were present in sufficient numbers to establish their small states well before the 13th century.
Until 1949 the country was known to the world as ΓÇ£Siam.ΓÇ¥ On May 11 of that year, an official proclamation changed the name to ΓÇ£Prathet Thai,ΓÇ¥ or Thailand. The word ΓÇ£ThaiΓÇ¥ means free and therefore ΓÇ£ThailandΓÇ¥ means ΓÇ£Land of the Free.ΓÇ¥
Geography
Situated in the heart of the Southeast Asian mainland and covering an area of 513,115 sq. km., from North 5┬░ 30ΓÇ¥21┬░ and from East 97┬░ 30ΓÇ¥105┬░ , Thailand borders the Lao PeopleΓÇÖs Democratic Republic and Myanmar to the north, Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand to the east, Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west, and Malaysia to the south. Thailand has maximum dimensions of about 2,500 km. north to south and 1,250 km. east to west, with a coastline of approximately 1,840 km. along the Gulf of Thailand and 865 km. along the Indian Ocean.
Topography
Thailand is generally divided into four natural regions: the North; the Central Plain, or the Chao Phraya River Basin; the Northeast, or the Khorat Plateau; and the South, or the Southern Peninsula.
The North is a mountainous region comprising forests, ridges, and deep narrow alluvial valleys. The leading city of this region is Chiang Mai.
Central Thailand, the Chao Phraya River basin, is a lush, fertile valley. It is the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country and has often been called the ΓÇ£Rice Bowl of Asia.ΓÇ¥ Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located in this region.
The northeast region, or the Khorat Plateau, is an arid region characterized by undulating hills. Harsh climatic conditions often result in this region being subjected to floods and droughts.
The southern region is hilly to mountainous, with thick virgin forests and rich deposits of minerals and ores. This region is the centre for the production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops.
Climate
Thailand is a warm and rather humid tropical country. The climate is monsoonal, marked by a pronounced rainy season lasting from about May to September and a relatively dry season for the remainder of the year. Temperatures are highest in March and April and lowest in December and January. The average temperature is 23.7 ┬░C to 37.5 ┬░C.
Population
The population of Thailand is approximately 62 million, with an annual growth rate of about 0.3 percent. In addition to Thais, it includes ethnic Chinese, Malays, Khmers, Laotians, Vietnamese, Indians, and others.
Religion
Buddhism is the professed faith of 95 percent of the population. Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other religions are embraced by the rest of the people. The King of Thailand, under the constitution and in practice, is the patron of all major religions embraced by the people.
Language
The official national language is Thai. It is a tonal language, uninflected and predominantly monosyllabic. Many polysyllabic words have been borrowed, mainly from Khmer, Pali, or Sanskrit. Dialects are spoken in rural regions. Other languages include Chinese and Malay. English, a mandatory subject in public schools, is widely spoken and understood, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities.
Government
Thailand is governed by a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliamentarian form of government. The country is divided into 76 provinces, each administered by an appointed governor, and subdivided into districts, sub-districts, tambons (groups of villages), and villages. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is administered by an elected governor and divided into 50 districts.
Economy
GNP (2000) at current prices was approximately 4,615 billion baht or US$ 120.50 billion. Total merchandise exports for 2000 amounted to approximately 2,733 billion baht or US$ 67.9 billion and merchandise imports were approximately 2,513 billion baht or US$ 62.4 billion.
Flag
ThailandΓÇÖs national flag is composed of five horizontal bands of red, white, and blue, respectively representing the religion, the nation, and the monarchy.
This tricoloured flag, first introduced by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917, replaced an earlier design in which a white elephant was placed against a red background.
National Anthem
The national anthem is played on all ceremonial occasions of national importance and while the national flag is being raised and lowered. A literal translation is as follows:
The nation is made up of the Thais.
It is a nation of Thais in every part of the land.
It has maintained its rule because the Thais have always been united.
The Thai people are peace-loving, but they are not cowards in times of war.
They shall not allow others to take away their freedom.
The Thais are ready to sacrifice every drop of their blood for the nation.
Royal Anthem
The royal Thai anthem is played on state occasions and at public meetings-- sports events, cinema shows, concerts, etc. The sentiments expressed in it precisely mirror the feelings of the Thai people toward their king. A literal translation follows:
National Emblem
The Thai national and royal emblem is the Garuda, a mythical half-bird half-human figure that adorns many items associated with the monarchy. All government offices have incorporated the Garuda into their insignias. Moreover, the Garuda symbol is awarded at the personal discretion of His Majesty the King to companies that have rendered outstanding economic and charitable services to Thailand. Such an award is rarely bestowed and is considered a great honour.
Traditional Dress
Although there is no official national dress, some aspects of traditional dress have been adapted and can be seen on both formal and informal occasions. For women, it is a full-length pasin, a rectangular piece of cloth worn like a skirt or sarong and generally made of Thai silk. The pasin can be of any colour and generally has contrasting bands around the hem. It is worn with a long-sleeved silk blouse. On formal occasions a sash may be worn across the breast from the left shoulder to the right part of the waist. For men, the traditional dress consists of trousers and a sua phra ratchathan, a short-sleeved shirt (long sleeves for formal occasions) with a high collar. On formal occasions, a cummerbund is tied around the waist.
National Day
December 5, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the Thai national day.
Public Holidays
Most national holidays and festivals serve to evoke a sense of devotion to the monarchy, the religion, and the nation. Some are celebrated according to the lunar calendar and thus their dates vary from year to year, while others are celebrated according to the solar calendar.
