Siam “Land of the Free
Thailand was known as Siam until 1939.
Country Facts:
Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Population: 67.7 Million 8.2 million in Bangkok
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Full name Bangkok: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Ceremonial Name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayautthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit
Geography:
Thailand is situated in the heart of Asia, bordering Cambodia and Laos. The highest mountains are located in the Northern region. The Andaman sea and the Gulf of Thailand are to the West.
People:
Almost 90 percent of people in Thailand are Buddhist, 3 million Muslims live in the Southern region near to the Malaysian border
Climate & Temperature:
It’s certainly rains here in Thailand and nearly every day between the months of May and September it rains, an umbrella becomes your best friend. The moist and humid weather encourages abundant wildlife throughout the Kingdom.
The deep forests and jungle terrain inhabit many tigers and elephants, many crocodiles are also found in Thailand.
Economy & Government:
It was known as Siam until 1939. The Kingdom is the only Asian country to never have been taken over by any European super power. The revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional Monarchy.
The King of Thailand is the leader of the country. The prime minister is from the House of Representatives, but is appointed by His Majesty the King.
The Land of Smiles:
Tourism is pushed by the image of the “LAND OF SMILES” this is very true, It’s a very peaceful country and Thai’s prefer harmony over any form of conflict. The people generally smile and are very warm and caring. The smile can be interpreted into many forms as shown in the west, personal embarrassment, fear, remorse and sometimes when they are tense.
Bangkok is nicknamed the Venice of Asia because there are lots of canals and thousands of boats which transport commuters, sell fruits, vegetable and the famous floating markets.
This dynamic city is the home to so many impressive Buddhist temples, shrines which feature gold layered spires, pagodas and many giant Buddha statues.
Interesting Facts:
- Buddhism is the country’s main religion
- It is strictly against the law to criticize the monarchy
- Elephant polo is a popular sport
- Thailand has over 1400 islands
- The world’s smallest mammal is found here the Bumble Bat
- The Largest Fish known as the Whale Shark
- Thailand is the number one exporter of Orchids
- Over 40,000 temples throughout Thailand
- The national flower of Thailand is the Orchid
- Has some of the most flavorsome cuisine in the world
- It is Illegal to be shirtless- be careful
- Muay Thai is the national sport “The art of eight limbs”
- One tenth of the population live in Bangkok
- Tiger Woods mum is from Thailand
- Many famous international movies have been filmed here
- Phleng Chat Thai” (National Anthem of Thailand)
- Thailand likes to have its beer on the rocks. Most of the people here drink beer mixed with nam keng, which means “ice.”
- The tropical fruit Durian, is native to Thailand, but banned in most hotels for its pungent smell.
Red Bull popular energy drink, was originally a brand in Thailand, created by a local.