Thailand Country Brief
THAILAND, Kingdom of Thailand, a state in Southeast Asia. The area is 513.1 thousand square kilometers. It has borders with Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The total length of the coastline is approximately 2,400 km. 2,400 km. The southern coast of the country is washed by the Gulf of Thailand, south-west – by the Andaman Sea. A narrow peninsula spur, extending to the south, separates the South China Sea from the Indian Ocean. Until 1949 the state was known as Siam, the modern official name is Thailand or Pratchett Hai (“land of the free”).
Some information
Thailand is not called the “Land of Smiles” for nothing, because there are very polite and hospitable people who love to smile. Apparently, the habit of smiling is developed by Thais from an early age under the influence of Buddhism. This is not surprising given that there are over 18,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand. The surprise in Thailand is something else – the nature, mountains, palaces, ancient monasteries and temples, pagodas, floating bazaars, Thai food, Thai massage, coral islands, and, of course, white sandy beaches surrounded by palm and coconut groves.
Geography of Thailand
Thailand is located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Thailand is bordered by Laos and Cambodia in the east, Malaysia in the south and Myanmar and Laos in the north. In the east is the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to the South China Sea, and the western shores are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. The total area of Thailand, including the islands, is 514,000 square kilometers and the total length of the state border is 4,863 kilometers.
Thailand has several geographical regions. There are mountain systems in the west, south and north, and the Korat Plateau in the east. The highest peak is Mount Doi Intanon, whose height reaches 2,565 m. In the central part along the Chao Phraya River is the Menam Lowland. The Chao Phraya is considered the largest river in Thailand.
Capital of
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok with over 15 million people. The history of Bangkok dates back to the 15th century.
Official language of Thailand
The official language of Thailand is Thai, which belongs to the Thai-Cadai family of languages.
Religion
More than 94% of Thailand’s population are Theravada Buddhists (the most conservative branch of this religion).
Political structure of Thailand
According to the current Constitution, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the King, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.
Bicameral Parliament in Thailand is called the National Assembly, it consists of the Senate (150 senators) and the House of Representatives (480 deputies).
The main political parties in Thailand are the For Thailand Party and the Democratic Party.
Climate and weather
Thailand has a tropical climate with lots of rainfall. On the west coast of the country the monsoon brings rains from April to November, and on the east coast the rainy season lasts from September to December.
In general, the best time to visit Thailand is from November to February. During this cool season, the temperature in Bangkok ranges from +18C to +32C.
The summer period (i.e., the hot, dry season) lasts from March to June. In Bangkok at this time of year the average temperature is +34C, but often reaches +40C. Try not to get to Thailand in April, unless, of course, you plan to constantly swim in the ocean. The fact is that April is the hottest month in Thailand.
From July to October in Thailand continues monsoon season. At this time in the country often happens flooding.
The Sea in Thailand
In the east of Thailand is the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to the South China Sea, and the western shores are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. The total length of the coastline is 3,219 km. The average annual temperature of the water is +26-29C.
Rivers and lakes
The largest river of Thailand is considered the Chao Phraya River, which flows through the Menam Lowlands in the central part of the country. Another large local river is the Mun, which is a tributary of the Mekong River. Through the south of Thailand flows the river Tapi, it begins in Khao Lang and discharges into the Gulf of Thailand near the city of Surat Thani.
Also in the south of Thailand is the largest lake of the country – Lake Songkhla, located near the city of the same name. Its area is 1 040 square kilometers.
History
Archaeological finds indicate that the people on the territory of modern Thailand lived already 10 thousand years ago, and they began cultivating rice more than 5 thousand years ago. The ancient Thais were nomadic and their ancestral homeland is still not exactly known.
Buddhism in modern Thailand began to spread about the III century BC. From the 9th to the 11th century Thailand was part of the Khmer Kingdom.
In the XIII-XVII centuries there were two strong Thai states, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which formed the Thai principalities. Interestingly, the Europeans were never able to establish their protectorate over Thailand (it was called Siam in the Middle Ages and in modern times).
In 1932, after a bloodless revolution, the absolute monarchy in Thailand became a constitutional monarchy. In 1939 Siam officially became known as Thailand.
After World War II, Thailand experienced several military coups. Only in 1997, after the adoption of the new Constitution, the political situation in this Asian country has stabilized.
Culture of Thailand
The roots of Thai culture are rooted in family and Buddhist traditions. Thai children are taught to respect their parents, the elderly, teachers, and Buddhist monks. Every Thai village has a Buddhist temple, which is the center of local life. That is why Thais are so polite and friendly.
In April, the people of Thailand celebrate the arrival of the New Year (Songkran). More precisely, Thais celebrate three days – from April 13 to 15. Before the onset of the New Year, Thais spend a general cleaning in their homes to throw away all the failures of the outgoing year.
Songkran begins with the distribution of food to Buddhist monks, who appear on the streets on this holiday from early morning. Then the young people pour water on everyone (including themselves), after which the folk festivals, games and dances begin.
Other popular festivals in Thailand are Visakha Puja (May), Rocket Festival, Night of Full Moon (November) and Elephant Festival (November).
Cities and Resorts
The largest Thai cities are Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, and of course the capital, Bangkok.
In Thailand, tourists are waiting for excellent beach resorts. The most popular are Cha-am, Krabi, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Samui, Phuket, Phi Phi, Chan.
Many tourists believe that Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Which of them to choose? In our opinion, the top ten beaches in Thailand are the following:
- Patong – the largest beach on Phuket Island, soft white sand, warm sea, a large number of hotels, restaurants. Stores, as well as a lively nightlife.
- Raleigh Beach – This small beach near Krabi can only be reached by boat, it is surrounded by clear water and majestic mountains.
- Maya Bay, Koh Lei – This beach is located in a small cove, surrounded by high cliffs. You can get to this beach only by boat.
- Hua Hin – This beach, located on the Gulf of Thailand, is considered an ideal beach for families with children.
- Kata Beach – This beach is located in the quiet southern part of Phuket, in the low season there are big waves, and therefore there are a lot of surfers.
- Lamai Beach, Samui Island – This beach combines beautiful nature and dozens of bars.
- Sairi Beach, Koh Tao – considered a great place for beach vacations and diving.
- White Sand Beach, Ko Chang – This beach, located on an island, is surrounded by palm and coconut groves.
- Had Rin, Ko Phangan – Once a month, this beach hosts a fun all-night music party.
- Ko Moon Nork – This beach is located on a deserted island in the Gulf of Thailand. The white sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees. It takes 45 minutes to get there by ferry.
By the way, Thailand and the Andaman Sea are among the ten best places in the world for diving. Infrastructure on the islands is very little developed, and therefore the coral reefs and underwater world remain untouched. On the west coast, you can dive almost all year round (the best time – from mid-November to late April).
Thailand – the country of a thousand smiles, temples and free people
Interesting facts about Thailand from seasoned travelers, that’s us ! Detailed and clear about Thailand, its climate, Thai cuisine , the currency (baht) which the tourist will need, local traditions, tasty and not tasty Thai food , the capital Bangkok, Thai language, religion and local holidays
Known for its dazzling beaches and stunning architecture, Thailand remains a traveler’s dream. The lush tropical jungle, warm sea and fascinating cultural attractions, intrigue and entice tourists from all over the world to Thailand. Perhaps only in Thailand centuries-old palaces and temples, can so wonderfully harmonize with standing next to skyscrapers and shimmering advertising signs. Thailand is attractive in the quality of recreation and tourist opportunities, you will enjoy an unforgettable vacation in conjunction with the entertainment at the seaside, relaxing alone with nature, the famous Thai massage, as well as unforgettable excursions and the most racy shows.
Colorful and unique festivals, incredible food and interesting culture, this is just a small list of what this unique country is famous for.
General Information
Geographical Location
Thailand (Kingdom of Thailand) is located in South-East Asia, with a surface area of 514,000 sq. km, which is the 50th largest country in the world. The territory of Thailand extends from the north to the south for 1860 km and is famous for its varied climate and therefore the tourist season is one of the few in the world that goes all year round.
Capital of
Bangkok is the capital and also Thailand’s largest city
Climate
There are two words that can largely describe the climate of Thailand, it is hot and humid. The country, known for its tropical forests and numerous beaches, has two seasons – dry and wet. But as many believe, there is still a boundary season between them, with very high temperatures. So the hot season (tourist season) with temperatures of +30 lasts from November to March, very hot season of +35 (high temperatures) from April to June and the rainy season runs from July to October.
But if you don’t mind getting caught in the rain, then you can go to Thailand during the off-season, tours at this time are usually much cheaper.
Population
There are about 70 million people in Thailand. The majority of them are Thais and Laotians but also Malays, Khemer, Vietnamese and Hmong.
The official language is Thai. Burmese is popular and many people speak English.
Form of Government
Constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. The head of government is the prime minister.
Religion
Most Thais practice Buddhism (96.4%)
Currency
Thailand’s national currency is the Thai baht.
One baht has 100 sangs.
Thailand currently has 25 and 50 satang coins, 1, 2, 5, 10 baht.
Thailand’s bills are 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht.
Where to exchange money?
- You can exchange rubles for the local currency, as in any other country at the airport (Bangkok International Airport).
- But best of all if you do it in exchange offices or bank branches (the rate will be more profitable).
- There is also an option to exchange currency in hotels (but this is a last resort, since the rate here will be the most robbery).
- ATM is another way to exchange currency (but you will have to pay a small fee).
Phone code
Phones of emergency services
Police – 123, 1644
Ambulance – 191
Fire Service – 199
Tourist Police – 1155
Russian Consulate in Bangkok
Consular Department of the Russian Embassy in Bangkok – (66 2) 234 98
Russian Embassy in Thailand
Address: 78, Sap Rd., Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand – entrance from Soi Santiphap (by Visa Section arrow)
Phone: +(66 2) 234-20-12
Hours of Operation: 09:00-15:00 Sun, Thu, Fri, 09:00-16:00 Fri
Honorary Consulate of Russia in Thailand (Chonburi and Rayong)
Address: 353, Pra Tamnuk, Pattaya, Chonburi 20150, Thailand – Royal Cliff Beach Resort, 1st floor
Phone: +(66 38) 25-04-21
Honorary Consulate of Russia in Thailand (Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga)
Address: Malisa Villa Resort 40/36, Kata Rd., Kata Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Phone: +(66 7) 628-4767
Traditional Food
Remember the most important thing, you will never go hungry in Thailand. No matter where you go, be it a busy street or a small alleyway, you are sure to find something to eat. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are Thailand’s favorites for proximity and variety of food. Thais eat all kinds of food, and they can eat at any time of day. Walking along the streets, every hundred meters you are sure to come across a street kiosk or fruit cocktail stand set up right in the driveway. Often, food will find you on its own (even if you weren’t expecting it) in Thailand’s popular mobile kitchens, called “mouth-khen”, they offer fried sausages, sliced fruit or ice cream.
As for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the situation is a little different. Yes, you can certainly find eggs or toast, but locals do not tend to eat dishes that are considered breakfast foods. Often breakfast consists of the foods they eat throughout the day. For example, pork on a stick with rice, this might be breakfast or a snack for school children during recess. It is not uncommon for Thais to eat rice soup or noodle soup for breakfast, even fried fish is quite a normal meal from the morning. Lunch usually looks like a variety of dishes on one large plate, pieces of grilled chicken, rice, noodles fried with soy sauce, or noodle soup. Dinner also includes a variety of dishes, including a combination of flavors and textures (e.g., fried dish, vegetable dish, soup and fish.
