The country comprises 77 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.
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 Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
The country comprises 77 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
General Info
Thailand – An overview
Thailand… as rich in geographic diversity as it is rich in history and culture. There are few places on earth that offer the visitor so much… jungles and mountains, rivers and countryside, islands and beaches, temples and palaces, cities and technology… Thailand has everything a visitor could ask for - and substantially more besides. But most tourists and potential visitors would know these fundamental facts – but what about the REAL Thailand? What does the first time visitor know about Thailand? Here are some details…
Thailand was for centuries known as ‘Siam’, the official title changing to ‘Muang Thai’ (‘home of the free’) in 1939. The country is located in Southeast Asia and borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. It has a population of nearly 65 million in a country roughly the same size as France and has 3,219 kilometers of coastline.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a long democratic tradition – political parties and elections. The current monarch is his majesty of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej – the world’s longest reigning monarch. He is revered within Thailand and thoroughly respected throughout the world. His solid guidance has seen his kingdom through some of the country’s more tumultuous episodes.
Thailand is a modern country with a thriving economy. Exports include computers, office machine parts, transistors, rubber, motor vehicles, plastic, seafood and rice. Annual exports total around $75.99 billion. Although Thailand is recognized globally as a tourist destination, tourism accounts for only 3.6% of GDP.
95% of Thais are Buddhist with a smaller Muslim minority (3.8%) predominantly living in Thailand’s southern regions. Aside from this Thailand has a small number of Christians (0.5%) and a few Hindus (0.1%). Thailand prides itself on religious freedom and newer religions (Jehovah’s Witness, etc.) are emerging.
Situated in the northern hemisphere but in the tropics, Thailand is a tropical country with often hot and rainy weather and annual monsoons. Thailand has a range of geographic regions - mountainous, plains and plateaus, as well as a number of beach areas.
Do you have questions about Thailand? [email protected]
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Northern |
Chiang Mai |
Chiang Rai |
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Kamphaeng Phet |
Lampang |
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Lamphun |
Mae Hong Son |
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Nakhon Sawan |
Nan |
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Phayao |
Phetchabun |
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Phichit |
Phitsanulok |
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Phrae |
Sukhothai |
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Tak |
Uthai Thani |
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Uttaradit |
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Central |
Ang Thong |
Bangkok |
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Cha-am |
Chachoengsao |
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Chainat |
Hua Hin |
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Kanchanaburi |
Lop Buri |
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Nakhon Nayok |
Nakhon Pathom |
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Nonthaburi |
Pathum Thani |
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Phetchaburi |
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya |
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Prachuap Khiri Khan |
Ratchaburi |
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Pran Buri |
Samut Prakan |
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Samut Songkhram |
Saraburi |
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Sing Buri |
Suphan Buri |
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Southern |
Chumphon |
Hat Yai |
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Ko Lanta |
Ko Pha-ngan |
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Ko Phi Phi |
Ko Samui |
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Ko Tao |
Krabi |
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Nakhon Si Thammarat |
Narathiwat |
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Pattani |
Phang Nga |
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Phatthalung |
Phuket |
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Ranong |
Satun |
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Songkhla |
Surat Thani |
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Trang |
Yala |
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Eastern |
Chanthaburi |
Chon Buri |
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Ko Chang |
Ko Kut |
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Ko Samet |
Pattaya |
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Prachin Buri |
Rayong |
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Sa Kaeo |
Trat |
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North-Eastern |
Amnat Charoen |
Bueng Kan |
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Buri Ram |
Chaiyaphum |
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Kalasin |
Khon Kaen |
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Loei |
Maha Sarakham |
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Mukdahan |
Nakhon Phanom |
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Nakhon Ratchasima |
Nong Bua Lam Phu |
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Nong Khai |
Roi Et |
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Sakon Nakhon |
Si Sa Ket |
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Surin |
Ubon Ratchathani |
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Udon Thani |
Yasothon |