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Thailand Information - Facts at a Glance
Full Country Name
Thailand (Pra Thet Thai, meaning "land
of the free")
Capital
Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels")
Geography
Thailand has an area of 514,000 sq. km., or
about the size of France, in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Neighboring countries are Myanmar (west and north), Laos (north
and northeast), Cambodia (southeast) and Malaysia (south).
Typography
Thailand is divided into four distinct areas:
the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid
plateau of the Northeast, and the many beautiful tropical
beaches & offshore islands of the Southern peninsula.
Population & People
The population of Thailand is about 62 million
(nearly 10% of the total population live in Bangkok). Citizens
are Thai 80%, Chinese 10%, Malay 3%, and the rest are minorities
(Mons, Khmers, hilltribes).
Language
Thai is the national and official language (though
English is widely understood in most major cities).
Religion
Buddhism 95%, Muslim 4%, others 1%
Government
Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
Administration
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (Jang
Wat), each subdivided into districts (Am Phoe), sub-districts
(Tam Bon) and villages (Mu Ban).
Head of State
H.R.H. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (the ninth king
of the Chakri Dynasty which was founded in 1782)
National Flag
The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the
nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.
Local Time
7 hours ahead of GMT (GMT + 7)
Climate
Thailand’s climate is ruled by monsoons that
produce 3 seasons: Hot (March - May), Rainy (June - October),
and Cool (November - February). It tends to be humid and hot
all year round. Temperature varies from 18 degree C to 38
degree C. Average annual temperature is about 28 degree C
(83 degree F).
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50 cycles per second through out
the country
Driving
Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching
from the right. An international driving license is required
for non-residents.
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