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ResidenceThailand in a Nutshell
GeographyThailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, in the west of the Indo-Chinese peninsula and the north of the Malakka peninsula, in the tropical and subequatorial latitudes. The north and west of the country are mountainous, and east Thailand is the vast sandstone Khorat plateau. River valleys and a mountainous terrain dominate the narrow southern part of the country. Thailand spans 2,500 km from north to south and 1,250 km from east to west. About a quarter of the country’s territory is covered by forests. ClimateThe local climate is tropical and characterized by monsoons bringing 1,000-2,000 mm of precipitation annually. The dry season lasts from October to April. In the valley region the average daytime temperatures range from +22°C to +29°C and the humidity is very high. HistoryMore than five and a half thousand years ago the ancient Bronze Age civilization was flourishing in the territory of today’s Thailand. In the XI and XII centuries Thailand was part of the Khmer Empire with the capital in Angkor (located in today’s Cambodia). The first Thai state is traditionally considered to date back to 1238, when the kingdom of Sukhothai (translated as the “Dawn of Happiness”) was founded and the first Thai king was crowned. The current era of the Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of the Chakri dynasty. The today’s King Rama IX, the ninth King in the dynasty, was born in 1927 in the USA, where his farther studied medicine in the Harvard University. The King received his education in Bangkok and Switzerland. Thailand is considered to be a constitutional monarchy, however this is not absolutely true. The Thailand’s constitution states that the King comes to the throne "due to a respected tradition" and is not subject to any punishment. King Rama IX was enthroned in 1946 after the unexpected death of his brother who ruled for only a year. By law or following a tradition, most of the Thai people consider the King to be half-god; the monarchy, religion and national unity are highly valued in the Thai society. In the darkest moments of its history, Thailand had to give up parts of its territory, however no one could turn the country into a colony. The Thai people have justified the other name of the country – Muang Thai – the "Land of the Free". Thailand got its current name in 1949. Thai cuisineThai restaurants feature a rich variety of cuisine from around the world (Thai, Chinese, Italian, Indian, etc). Please note that most of Thai dishes are very hot. However do not drink much water – this will not make the spicy sauces taste mild. Rather do as the locals do – eat much rice. The Thai cuisine uses all sorts of meat, lots of fish, and a rich variety of fruit and vegetables. The characteristic aroma of many of the Thai dishes is dominated by the popular spices – fresh coriander leaves and lemon grass. Europeans prefer less exotic fried rice – the only dish in which rice is accompanied by other ingredients: seafood and vegetables. Additional information CurrencyThe Thai currency – Thai baht – consists of 100 satangs. $1 is equal to about 42 bahts. The banknotes in use are 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. The most profitable currency exchange rates can be found in banks, most of which are open round the clock. There is also a network of currency exchange offices, open from 8:30AM to 8PM. Local shops and restaurants accept most types of credit cards (Visa, American Express, Master Card). CustomsAn adult can import 200 cigarettes, 1l of alcohol, and 1 photo or video camera. It is prohibited to export: gold bars, images of Buddha (except for neck pendants), jewels, platinum, stamps, and antiques. The death penalty is given for drug trafficking. |
Area - 514 000 sq km