General Information
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the central plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the north east plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula south. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and the centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. His Majesty is deeply revered by the Thai people. He is the world's longest reigning monarch and celebrated the 60th anniversary of his accession on 9 June 2006.

Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors. For more information on Thailand, please visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Historical Background
There are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thais. Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty that the Thais originated in Northwestern Szechuan in China about 4,500 years ago and later migrated down to their present homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in the Northeast. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy going back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of a far more sophisticated culture than any previously suspected by archaeologists. It now appears that the Thai people might have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to various parts of Asia, including some parts of China. Siam is the name by which the country was known to the world until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949, an official proclamation changed the name of the country to "Prathet Thai", or "Thailand", by which it has since been known. The word "Thai" means "free", and therefore "Thailand" means "Land of the Free."

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

National Flower: “Ratchaphruek“ (or golden shower)
Ratchaphruek was chosen as national flower because it is widely known to Thais, which it can be plant and seen anywhere throughout the country. It bears beautiful cluster-shaped flowers in summer. The color of flowers is shining yellow contrasting great importance similarly to the color of our national religion ‘Buddhism' and the color of Monday when His Majesty King of Thailand was born.

National Animal: “Chang Thai” (or Thai elephant)
The Asian elephant is the national animal symbol because it has close links with Thai history and custom, has a long life, and was closely related to the traditional livelihoods of the Thai people as a means of transportation both in times of peace and war. The “white elephant” is deeply connected to King of Thailand, and white elephant was portrayed in the former national flag.
Thai tradition abounds with examples of the elephant playing an important role in the workings of the Kingdom. Most significant of all, perhaps, is the white elephant, prized because it is a rare animal judged fit only for royal duties.
According to ancient royal Thai traditions, a white elephant is a noble beast of special importance, exemplifying a king's honor and glory. Known in Thai as Chang Samkhan, a white elephant is a gift fit for a king and to acquire one during his reign, will bring about prosperity and happiness throughout the kingdom.

National Architecture: “Sala Thai” (or Thai-style arbor)
Sala Thai reflects knowledge of Thai people. It retains beauty, which is different from architectures of other countries, and foreigners can acknowledge ‘Thai-ness' through Sala Thai.

Major Cities
Northern Region : Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Phitsanulok
Southern Region : Songkla, Phuket
Central Region: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Nakhonsawan
Eastern Region : Chonburi, Rayong
North Eastern Region: Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani

Climate
Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two.
In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has the higher relative temperatures as although the northeast monsoon does not directly affect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February.
The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest.
The southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.
Overall the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain with around 2,400 millimetres every year, compared with the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around 1,400 millimetres.

Population
The population in Thailand is approximately 62 million. The official population of Bangkok is around 8 million people, although it may be well in excess of 10 million when seasonal and migrant workers from other provinces are considered.

Language
The national and official language is Thai. English is widely spoken in major cities, particularly in hotels, tourist locations and business circles. However, it is less common in rural areas.

Electricity
Voltage in Thailand is 220V AC using two-pin sockets.

Traveler's Cheques and Credit Cards
VISA and Master Card are acceptable in most hotels and shops (acceptance of American Express is more limited). Traveler's cheques can be conveniently cashed at all commercial banks and authorized money exchanges.

Religion
Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais. Most of the remainder of the population adheres to lslam (particularly in southern Thailand). Other faiths are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is commonly practiced by Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.