A Brief Description A few of Thailand's archaeological sites contain relics of a civilization indicating the earliest rice cultivation and bronze casting in all of Asia happened here. Records also indicate that the origins of the Thai Kingdom were first developed, and then established as an all-powerful monarchy in the mid-14th century. Over time is had some significant problems, but even after the Burmese invaded and destroyed the capital in 1776, the unwanted marauders were expelled and the country reunified. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country to successfully prevent colonization by a European power. At the beginning of the 20th century Thailand's political system, armed forces, schools, and economy underwent drastic changes. A bloodless revolution in 1932 ended the absolute monarchy and led to a constitutional monarchy. After a military attack at the hands of Japan in 1941, Thailand aligned with Japan and passively declared war on Britain and the United States. At the end of World War II, and Japan's defeat, Thailand subsequently became a US ally. Thailand is currently facing armed violence in its three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces, but the country works hard with Malaysia to control the situation and the proliferation of terrorism. The incredible natural beauty of the country; the ruins and relics of its ancient history, and countless attractions, including Phuket Island and the miles and miles of perfect beaches, have transformed exotic Thailand into one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Asia. Learn more about Thailand here. Temple of Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand! Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Thailand (long form) Kingdom of Thailand Population 65,444,371 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Bangkok (6.8 mil) metro (9.2 mil) Currency Baht (THB) Currency Converter here Languages Thai, English, local dialects Flag here National Day December 5 Religions Buddhist (95%), Muslim (4.5%), others Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 13º 44' N, 100º 30' E Relative Location Thailand is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned in Southeast Asia, a recognized geographical region of the Asian continent. The country is bordered by the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Indian Ocean and the countries of Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Land Statistics Coastline 2,000 miles (3,219 km) Land Areas (land) 197,595 sq miles (511,770 sq km) (water) 861 sq miles (2,230 sq km) (TOTAL) 198,456 sq miles (514,000 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms Thailand's terrain includes relatively high mountains in the north, that extend southward (in a narrow strip) along its Burma border to the northern edges of Malaysia. The country's fertile central plain is dominated by the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries, that drain into a delta to the south of Bangkok. The Khorat Plateau, a region of rolling low hills and small, shallow lakes, drains into the Mekong River system on its border with Laos. Along its southern peninsula (Isthmus of Kra) the land fades into mangrove swamps. Numerous islands are found off the coastline, with Phuket being the most famous. Highest Point Doi Inthanon - 8,451 ft. (2,576 m) Lowest Point Gulf of Thailand - (0 ft.) (0 m) Land Divisions 76 provinces, Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala and Yasothon. Maps Thailand (large color) Map here Thailand Outline Map here Thailand CIA version here Thailand Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Indochina Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Thailand (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here Thailand Embassy Washington, DC here Thai Newspaper The Nation here Thailand Photos at TrekEarth.com here Thailand Tourism here Phuket Tourism here Thailand, Southeast Asia Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +7) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Time and Date in Bangkok Climate Thailand's monsoon season arrives on schedule (June - July) and the rains last well into October. Every area of the country receives adequate rainfall, but the amount of rain varies substantially with altitude. The cooler months of November and December mark the arrival of the short dry season, where temperatures slowly begin to climb into the summer scorcher highs. The dry season is a bit longer in the northeast and shorter in the south because of its proximity to the sea. Thailand temperatures (March - May) range from an average high of 95° F to lows near 70° F. Temperatures (November - January) moderate rather dramatically with daily highs averaging in the mid 70s. Traveler Info Attractions Attracted by the incredible natural beauty of the country and the ruins and relics of its ancient history, Thailand continues to attract record numbers of travelers from around the globe. Major attractions include Bangkok, with it's big-city buzz, pulsating nitelife, shopping and Thai cuisine restaurants; Phuket Island and the endless miles of perfect beaches; numerous diving, golf and eco-tourism sites; historical monuments and parks, and the stunning ruins and shrines of its many fascinating kingdoms and cultures - to name but a few. Bangkok Hotels, Tours and Travel Information Country Dialing Code 66 Electricity Thailand uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

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This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November, 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/thailand.html