Thailand in Brief

Excerpts from the Guide are provided for your information. You need to refer to the Bangkok Guide 17th Edition for complete details.

This chapter in the Bangkok Guide contains detailed information on these topics:

The Kingdom of Thailand is seen as the gateway to Indochina, Myanmar (Burma) and Southern China. Thailand, or Siam as it was called until 1939, has never been colonised by a foreign power, a fact of which the Thai people are rightly proud. Thailand has managed good relationships with its neighbouring countries – Cambodia, Vietnam , Myanmar (Burma ), Malaysia and Laos . Its history and position make Thailand a leading partner in the region's trade and politics, often providing a vital link between neighbouring South East Asian nations.

The city of Bangkok is Thailand’s political, commercial, industrial and cultural capital. Situated near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, it is also the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal Family. Bangkok was once known as the ‘Venice of the East' because it was criss-crossed by winding canals (klongs). It was along these waterways, lined with stilt houses, that the day to day life of the city ebbed and flowed. In 1864 the first road, Charoen Krung (New) Road was built. Then, in the early 1900s, broad European style avenues were constructed to allow for efficient transportation to the then country retreats. Today, most of these klongs have given way to roads to accommodate Bangkok’s enormous and ever increasing volume of traffic.

Bangkok is a city of contrasts: you can dine in the air-conditioned comfort of world-class restaurants or snack at street food stalls; clothe yourself in creations from exclusive boutiques or from colourful racks of inexpensive garments on street-side displays; shop in modern supermarkets and delicatessens or in the open markets where there is an extraordinary array of foods – from cabbages to crunchy locusts.

As you would expect in such a big city, the pace is fast, with private enterprise the motor behind the round-the-clock activity. Yet this is still a city with time for sanuk (fun), time for smiles, time for the tinkling of temple bells and for the gentle rattle of food bowls in the early morning, as saffron-robed monks move quietly about the streets.

History

Thailand’s dominant modern culture is believed to have arrived almost a thousand years ago with tribes who moved down from southern China. They settled in what is now northern Thailand before expanding south to the rich plains and valleys, gradually asserting their independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms. In this chapter of the 17th Edition, you will be able to find an overview of significant periods and events in Thai History.

The Royal Family

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit have four children:

• HRH Princess Ubol Ratana born 5-4-1951
• HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn born 28-7-1952
• HRH Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn born 2-4-1955
• HRH Princess Chulabhorn born 4-7-1957

The King and the Royal Family serve their people with extraordinary dedication, and travel throughout the country advising on and initiating projects to improve the lives of the Thai people. It is a fitting testament to the Royal Family that they are held in such high esteem. The modern monarchy is at once an institution that commands the love and respect of all Thais, and a highly visible symbol that links past and present.

The monarchy is deeply revered by the Thai people and there are strict customs which are observed. Never speak disrespectfully of the Royal Family; to do so is a criminal offence. Always stand quietly when either the Royal Anthem or the National Anthem is played. When handing over money, it is courteous to do so with the King's image facing upwards.

King Rama IX is a working monarch and during his reign has initiated, planned and monitored well over 4,000 projects in fields as diverse as agriculture, environmental science, health and social development.

Geography

Covering a geographical area of 513,115 sq. km (about the size of France ), Thailand stretches 1,640 km from north to south and 800 km from east to west at its widest point. Borders are shared with Malaysia to the south, Myanmar ( Burma ) to the west, Laos to the north and north-east, and Cambodia to the east.

Thailand has four main geographical regions: Central, Northern, Northeastern and Southern Thailand.

Climate

Most of Thailand (except the far south) has three distinct seasons:

• Cool season - November-February with average December temperatures of 22°C to 27°C depending on location.

Hot season- March - May, with average March temperatures in the high twenties. rising until the middle or end of May.

• Rainy season - June-October, average day temperature 28°C. Downpours usually occur in the mid to late afternoon, but tend to last only a short time.

Demographics

Thailand’s population reached 64.6 million people in mid 2006 with women slightly outnumbering men. Nineteen provinces, including Bangkok, have populations higher than one million. Ethnic Thais make up 75% of the population, Thai Chinese 14% with the remainder made up of various other ethnic groups, including around 5% Muslim.

Language

The national and official language of Thailand is Thai, with a number of different dialects being spoken. Thai is significantly different from most of the tongues of South-East Asia. Whilst English is not widely spoken in Thailand, the people you're likely to have regular contact with, such as taxi drivers, shop assistants, hotel staff etc. will have sufficient English and most will make a genuine effort to communicate with you. Any tuition you're able to offer in return will be gratefully received. Similarly, any effort on your part to learn even a few basic words of Thai will be much appreciated

Religion

Whilst the majority of Thais are Buddhist, His Majesty the King supports all religions practiced in the country, continuing a long tradition of religious tolerance.

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