The Grand Palace
Touring Thailand Facts about Thailand Take a Trip in Thailand Places to Visit in Thailand Preparing the Western Traveller for Thailand See some pictures of Thailand! Email me

This page is intended to help familiarize you with factual information about Thailand. Here you'll learn a bit about Thailand as a nation, the Thai baht (currency), the three main regions of Thailand, information about food and shopping, and the country's religion.

First, you should know that the Thai people love their King, and you will see shrines and images honoring King Rama IX everywhere you go. One interesting fact about King Rama IX is that he is the longest-serving living monarch, having occupied the throne for 59 years. To learn more about the King, click the image to the right.

 His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX
Map of Kingdom of Thailand
Click on the image to learn more
about Thailand from the Lonely
Planet website (who created this map image).

The Kingdom of Thailand is approximately the size of the state of Texas, estimated at 517,000sq km. The nation's population is 62 million people (75% Thai, 11% Chinese, 3.5% other Southeast Asian countries, Europe, and the United States). The capital city of Bangkok houses approximately 10 million citizens.

The Thai government is a Democratic constitutional monarchy, which means essentially that elected officials generate legislation which is then politely passed along to the King for his "approval". Currently, the Prime Minister is Thaksin Shinawatra. The Head of State, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces is His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.

The official currency of Thailand is the baht, currently trading at 44 baht per US dollar. To determine exact trading, check the currency converter at Expedia.

back to top

Major products: Computers
Garments
Integrated circuits
Gems and jewellery

Major trading partners: ASEAN
USA
European Union

There are 3 main regions in Thailand: Southern, Central/Northeastern, and Northern.
Ko Similan Southern Thailand is typified by beautiful beaches and tropical islands, called "ko" (as in Ko Samui or Ko Similan), on both the eastern and northern borders.
Central Thailand is dominated by the capital city of Bangkok and the beaches of Pattaya, while in the Northeastern region tourists find a haven in the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and the Phanom Rung Historical Park. The Grand Palace, Bangkok
A Home In Chiang Mai

In Northern Thailand tourists will enjoy a cooler climate at higher altitudes, especially in the cities of Chiang Mai, near Doi Inthanon (Thailand's highest peak), and Chiang Rai, near the border of Myanmar.

back to top

 

Food and shopping are major attractions for most tourists.
Food is a major part of Thai culture. Everywhere you travel, you'll discover an abundance of open-air restaurants and markets, fruit stands and beverage vendors. The Thai love to eat! But beware: most Thai food is very spicy to the Western palette. Open-Air Kitchen, Ko Samui Open-Air Market, Chiang Rai

Thailand is also renowned for shopping. Although it is the most developed Southeast Asian nation, the currency value makes most retail items a bargain, especially to Western tourists - with the caveat that there are always 2 prices: Thai national and white foreigner. And while shopping in an air-conditioned mall may be more comfortable than open-air markets, prices are lower where there is no A/C!

back to top

 Open-Air Souveneir Stand, Ko Samui A/C & Open-Air Shopping, Ko Samui
 
Ancient Temple in Ayutthaya The Buddhist religion is central to many aspects of daily life in Thailand. Tourists will be awed by some of the most glorious Buddhist temples in the world. The image on the left shows one of the most famous ancient temples in the former capital city of Ayutthaya. Click on the image to the left to learn more. Although Buddhism isn't the only religion, it is practiced by the majority of Thai people - about 95%. The remaining religious beliefs are about 5% Muslim, with the remaining 1% spread between Christianity and Other.
home | facts | traveling | places | preparation | gallery | contact