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Thailand

Specialty Definition: History of Thailand

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

Prehistory

Southeast Asia has been inhabited for more than half a million years. Recent archaeological studies like the one at Ban Chiang suggest that by 4000 BC, communities in what is now Thailand had emerged as centers of early bronze metallurgy. This development, along with the cultivation of wet rice, provided the impetus for social and political organization. Research suggests that these innovations may actually have been transmitted from there to the rest of Asia, including to China.

The Thais are related linguistically to groups originating in southern China. Migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia may have occurred in the 6th and 7th centuries. Malay, Mon, and Khmer civilizations flourished in the region prior to the arrival of the ethnic Thai.

Sukhothai

Main article: Sukhothai kingdom

Thais date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. According to tradition, in 1238, Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established a Thai kingdom. After its decline, a new Thai kingdom emerged in 1350 on the Chao Phraya River. Even before the Sukhothai kingdom in the north around Chiang Mai the Lannathai kingdom flourished, which after a long history of indepence or changing alliances with Burma or Ayutthaya became part of the Ayutthaya kingdom finally.

Ayutthaya

Main article: Ayutthaya kingdom

The first ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi I, made two important contributions to Thai history: the establishment and promotion of Theravada Buddhism as the official religion - to differentiate his kingdom from the neighboring Hindu kingdom of Angkor - and the compilation of the Dharmashastra, a legal code based on Hindu sources and traditional Thai custom. The Dharmashastra remained a tool of Thai law until late in the 19th century. Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century, Ayutthaya had some contact with the West, but until the 1800s, its relations with neighboring nations, as well as with India and China, were of primary importance.

Bangkok period

After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies, its capital burned, and the country split into six parts. General Taksin managed to reunite the Thai kingdom from his new capital Thonburi and declared himself king in 1769. However, Taksin allegedy became mad, and General Chakri succeeded him in 1782 as Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. In the same year he founded the new capital city at Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya river from Thonburi. The heirs of Rama I became increasingly concerned with the threat of European colonialism after British victories in neighboring Burma in 1826.

The first Thai recognition of Western power in the region was the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Kingdom in 1826. In 1833, the United States began diplomatic exchanges with Siam, as Thailand was called until 1939 (and again, between 1945 and 1949). However, it was during the later reigns of King Mongkut (Rama IV, 1851-1868), and his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910)), that Thailand established firm rapprochement with Western powers. The Thais believe that the diplomatic skills of these monarchs, combined with the modernizing reforms of the Thai Government, made Siam the only country in South and Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization. This is reflected in the country's modern name, Prathet Thai (Thailand), used unofficially between 1939 and 1945 and officially declared on May 11, 1949, in which prathet means "nation" and thai means "free".

Democratic Thailand

In 1932, a bloodless coup transformed the Government of Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) initially accepted this change but later surrendered the throne to his ten-year old nephew, Ananda Mahidol. Upon his abdication, King Prajadhipok said that the duty of a ruler was to reign for the good of the whole people, not for a select few. King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) died in 1946 under somewhat mysterious circumstances, the official version being that he shot himself by accident while cleaning his gun. He was succeeded by Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest-reigning king of Thailand, and very popular with the Thais. Although nominally a constitutional monarchy, Thailand was ruled by a series of military governments (most prominently led by Phibul Songkhram and Sarith Thanarath) interspersed with brief periods of democracy from that time until the 1992 elections. Since the 1992 elections, Thailand has been a functioning democracy with constitutional changes of government.

As with the rest of Southeast Asia, Thailand was occupied by the Japanese during World War II and even declared war on the United States and United Kingdom on January 25, 1942. Since Japan's defeat in 1945, with the help of a group of Thais known as the Saree Thai who supported the USA and UK, Thailand has had very close relations with the United States. Threatened by communist revolutions in neighboring countries such as Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, Thailand actively sought to contain communist expansion in the region. Recently, Thailand also has been an active member in the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

See also : Thailand

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "History of Thailand."

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List of cities in Thailand

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

• Aranyaprathet
• Bangkok
• Bua Chum
• Chaiyaphum
• Chanthaburi
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Chon Buri
• Chumphon
• Hat Yai
• Hua Hin
• Kam Paeng Phet
• Kanchanaburi
• Khanom Khlong Yai
• Khon Kaen
• Ko Lanta
• Ko Samui
• Ko Sichang
• Krabi
• Laemchabang
• Lampang
• Lamphun
• Loei
• Lop Buri
• Mae Hong Son
• Mae Sariang
• Mae Sot
• Mukdahan
• Nakhon Phanom
• Nakhon Ratchasima
• Nakhon Sawan
• Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Nan
• Narathiwat
• Nong Khai
• Pattani
• Phatthaya
• Phayao
• Phetchabun
• Phetchaburi
• Phitsanulok
• Phrae
• Phuket
• Prachin Buri
• Prachuap Khirikhan
• Ranong
• Rayong
• Roi Et
• Sakon Nakhon
• Sattahip
• Satun
• Songkhla
• Suphan Buri
• Surat Thani
• Surin
• Tak
• Takua Pa
• Tha Tum
• Tha Wang Pha
• Thong Pha Phum
• Trang
• Ubon Ratchathani
• Udon Thani
• Uttaradit
• Wichian Buri

  Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "List of cities in Thailand."

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List of national parks of Thailand

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

National parks in Thailand are defined as an area of least ten square kilometres that contains natural resources of ecological importance or unique beauty, or flora and fauna of special importance. Currently there are 102 national parks (including 21 marine national parks). The parks are administered by the Marine National Park Division (MNPD) and the National Park Division (NDP). Often forest parks are miscalled as national parks as well, however those are less protected and governed by the provincial administration.

Another 33 national parks and 3 marine parks are in the process of creation, and are scheduled to be officially gazetted in the future.

Name	Province	Area (km²)	Date created
North
Thung Salaeng Luang	Phitsanulok, Phetchabun	1,262.4
Nam Nao	Phetchabun	966
Doi Inthanon	Chiang Mai	482.4
Doi Khuntan	Lamphun, Lampang	255.29
Lan Sang	Tak	104
Ramkhamhaeng	Sukhothai	341	1980
Doi Suthep-Pui	Chiang Mai	261.06
Sri Satchanalai	Sukhothai	213.2	1981
Mae Ping	Lamphun, Tak, Chiang Mai	1,003.75
Wiang Kosai	Phrae, Lampang	410
Namtok Mae Surin	Mae Hong Son	396.6
Taksin Maharat	Tak	149
Klong Lan	Kamphaeng Phet	300
Phu Hin Rong Kla	Phitsanulok, Loei	307
Mae Yom	Phrae	454.75
Mae Wong	Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan	894	1987
Namtok Chat Trakan	Phitsanulok	543
Chae Son	Lampang	768
Sri Lanna	Chiang Mai	1,406
Doi Luang	Chiang Rai, Phayao, Tak	1,170
Klomg Wang Chao	Kamphaeng Phet, Tak	747
Aob Luang	Chiang Rai	553
Sa La Win	Mae Hong Son	721.52
Khun Chae	Chiang Rai	270
Huay Nam Dang	Chiang Mai	1,252.12
Lam Nam Nan	Phrae, Uttaradit	999.15
Yab Mog	Phetchabun	290
Mae Moei	Tak	185.28
Doi Phukha	Nan	1,704
Mae Phang	Chiang Mai	524
Phu Zang	Chiang Rai, Phayao	284.88
Chiang Dao	Chiang Mai	1,154.92
Mae Wa	Lampang, Tak	587
North-East
Khao Yai	Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi	2,168.635
Phu Kradung	Loei	348.12
Phu Phan	Sakhon Nakhon, Kalasin	664.70
Phu Rua	Loei	120.84
Tat Ton	Chaiyaphum	217.18
Kaeng Tana	Ubon Ratchathani	80
Thab Lan	Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi	2,235.80
Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kam	Khon Kaen	322
Phu Chong-Na Yoi	Ubon Ratchathani	686
Huay Huat	Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakhon, Mukdahan	828.56
Mukdahan	Mukdahan	48.5
Phu wiang	Khon Kaen	325
Phu Pha Man	Loei, Khon Kaen	340
Pha Tam	Ubon Ratchathani	350
Phu Sa Dok Bua	Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Mukdahan	231
Sai Thong	Chaiyaphum	319
Na Haew	Loei	117.16
Ta Pha Ya	Srakaeo, Buriram	594
Khao Pravihan	Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket	130
Nam Phong	Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum	197
Central and East
Namtok Phlew	Chanthaburi	134.5
Erawan	Kanchanaburi	549.98
Khao Chamo-Khao Wong	Rayong, Chanthaburi	83.68
Khao Khitchakut	Chanthaburi	58.310
Chaloem Rattanakosin	Kanchanaburi	59
Sai Yok	Kanchanaburi	500
Pra Budda Chai	Saraburi	44.57
Kaeng Krachan	Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan	2,914.70
Khaoen Sri Nakarin	Kanchanaburi	1,532
Pang Sida	Srakaeo, Prachinburi	844
Khao Laem	Kanchanaburi	1,497
Phu Toei	Suphanburi	317.48
Kuiburi	Prachuap Khiri Khan	969
Namok Huay Yang	Prachuap Khiri Khan	161
South
Khao Luang	Nakhon Si Thammarat	570
Khao Sok	Surat Thani	738.74
Khao Panom Benja	Krabi	50.12
Khao P-Khao Ya	Phattalung	694
Sri Phang-nga	Phang Nga	246.08
Namtok Yong	Nakhon Si Thammarat	205
Khao Nam Khang	Songkhla	212
Kaeng Krung	Surat Thani	541
Tai Rom Yen	Surat Thani	425
Bang Lang	Yala	261
Namtok Ngao	Ranong, Chumphon	668
Budo-Sungai Padi	Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala	341	1974
Namtok Si Khid	Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani	145
Klong Phanom	Nakhon Si Thammarat	410.40
not yet gazetted
Mai Ta Khai	Chiang Mai
Aob Khan	Chiang Mai
Doi Wiang Pha	Lampang
Tham Phathai	Lampang
Doi Phaklong	Phrae
Klong Tron	Uttaradit
Sri Nan	Nan
Doi Phunang	Phayao
Mae Tho	Chiang Mai
Namtok Pacharoen	Tak
Kaeng Jegquar	Phitsanulok, Uttaradit
Khun Khan	Chiang Mai
Mae Ngao	Mae Hong Son, Tak, Chiang Mai
Pa Mae Paem	Chiang Rai, Phayao
Pu Soidao	Uttaradit
Mae Charim	Nan
Mae Wang	Lampang, Lamphun
Mae Phasa	Tak
Khunnan	Nan
Nunthaburi	Nan
Thong Pha Phum	Kanchanaburi
Lam Klong Ngu	Kanchanaburi
Namtok Klong Kaew	Trat
Pa Hin Ngam	Chaiyaphum
Phu Lang Ka	Nong Khai
Phu Pha Lek	Sakhon Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani
Phu Lang Ka	Chaiyaphum
Namtok Sai Khao	Pattani, Yala, Songkhla
Khao Nan	Nakhon Si Thammarat
Sun Gala Khiri	Yala, Songkhla
Namtok Shipo	Pattani, Narathiwat

External links

• National park division
• List of Thailand National parks

  Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "List of national parks of Thailand."

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List of Prime Ministers of Thailand

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand:

1. Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933)
2. General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938)
3. Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram, (1938-1944)
4. Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945)
5. Tawee Boonyaket, (1945)
6. Seni Pramoj, (1945)
7. Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946)
8. Pridi Banomyong, (1946)
9. Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi, (1946-1947)
10. Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1947-1948)
11. Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram, (1948-1957)
12. Pote Sarasin, (1957)
13. Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, (1958)
14. Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata, (1959-1963)
15. Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, (1963-1973)
16. Sanya Dharmasakti, (1973-1975)
17. Seni Pramoj, (1975)
18. Kukrit Pramoj, (1975-1976)
19. Seni Pramoj, (1976)
20. Tanin Kraivixien, (1976-1977)
21. General Kriangsak Chomanan, (1977-1980)
22. General Prem Tinsulanonda, (1980-1988)
23. General Chatichai Choonhavan, (1988-1991)
24. Anand Panyarachun, (1991-1992)
25. General Suchinda Kraprayoon, (1992)
26. Anand Panyarachun, (1992)
27. Chuan Leekpai, (1992-1995)
28. Banharn Silpa-Archa, (1995-1996)
29. Chuan Leekpai, (1997-2001)
30. Thaksin Shinawatra, (since 2001)

External link

• http://www.thaigov.go.th/general/prime/preprime_e.htm

  Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "List of Prime Ministers of Thailand."

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List of Thailand-related topics

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

This page aims to list articles on Wikipedia that are related to Thailand. This is so that those interested in the subject can monitor changes to the pages by clicking on Related changes in the sidebar.

The list is not necessarily complete or up to date - if you see an article that should be here but is not (or one that should not be here but is), please do update the page accordingly.

Since the page is a maintenance page, the interested parties also want to know when changes are made to this list as well; so please do not remove the self-link.

1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Misc

123

A

Abugida - Advanced Info Service - Aircraft carrier Chakri Nareubet - Amnat Charoen province - Andaman Sea - Ang Thong province - Anna Leonowens - Asia - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation - Asian financial crisis - Association of Southeast Asian Nations - Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya (city) - Ayutthaya historical park - Ayutthaya kingdom - Ayutthaya province

B

Baht - Ban Chiang - Bangkok - Bhumibol Adulyadej - Brahmic family - Buddha Purnima - Buriram province

C

Central Thailand - Chainat province - Chaiyaphum province - Chachoengsao province - Chakri - Chakri dynasty - Chang (movie) - Chang (beer) - Chang and Eng Bunker - Chanthaburi province - Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai International Airport - Chiang Mai province - Chiang Rai - Chiang Rai province - Chao Phraya - Chao Phraya River - Chatuchak weekend market - Chumphon province - Cho Chang - Chonburi province - Chulalongkorn - Clinton Plaza - Communications in Thailand

D

Dharmashastra - Death Railway - Demographics of Thailand - Doi Inthanon - Don Muang Airport

E

Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific - Economy of Thailand - Emerald Buddha

F

Fa Ngum - Farang - Fingerroot - Flag of Thailand - Foreign relations of Thailand

G

Galangal - Geography of Thailand - Golden Triangle - Gulf of Thailand

H

History of Thailand - Historical parks of Thailand

I

Isan - ISO 3166-2:TH - ISO 8859-11

J

Jim Thompson (designer)

K

Kalasin - Kalasin province - Kamphaeng Phet historical park - Kamphaeng Phet province - Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi province -Kejmanee Pichaironnarongsongkram - Khene - Khlong - Khon Kaen - Khon Kaen province -Khorat - Khorat Plateau - Ko Mun - Ko Phi Phi Don - Ko Phi Phi Lee - Ko Samet - Ko Samui - Krabi Krabong - Krabi province - Krungthepmahanakornamornratanakosinmahintarayutthayamahadi

L

Lac - Lam - Lampang - Lampang province - Lamphun province - Lan Xang - Lannathai - List of islands of Thailand - List of national parks of Thailand - List of Prime Ministers of Thailand - Loei - Loei province - Lopburi - Lopburi province

M

Mae Hong Son province - Maha Sarakham province - Makruk - Mak-yek - Malay Peninsula - Martial arts - Mekong - Military of Thailand - Mon (ethnic group) - Mon language - Mongkut - Muay Boran - Muay thai - Mueang Sing historical park - Mukdahan province - Music of Thailand

N

Nan province - Nakhon Nayok province - Nakhon Phanom province - Nakhon Pathom province - Nakhon Ratchasima - Nakhon Ratchasima province - Nakhon Sawan province - Nakhon Si Thammarat province - Narathiwat province - National parks (Thailand) - New Sukhothai - Nongbua Lamphu province - Nong Khai province - Nonthaburi province - Northeast Thailand

O

Oupahat

P

Pa Hin Ngam National Park - Pagoda - Pantip Plaza - Paradorn Srichaphan - Patpong - Pattani province - Pattaya - Phang Nga province - Phanom Rung historical park - Pathum Thani province - Phattalung province - Phayao province - Phetchabun province - Phetchaburi province - Phi Phi archipelago - Phichit province - Phimai historical park - Phitsanulok province - Phibun Songkhram - Phleng Chat - Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami - Prachuap Khiri Khan province - Phrae province - Prachinburi province - Phuket city - Phuket International Airport - Phuket province - Phu Phra Baht historical park - Politics of Thailand - Provinces of Thailand -Provinces of Thailand by area - Provinces of Thailand by population - Provinces of Thailand by population density

Q

R

Rama - Rama I - Rama II - Rama III - Rama IV - Rama V - Rama VI - Rama VII - Rama VIII - Rama IX- Ramakian - Ramathibodi I - Ranong province - Ratchaburi province - Rayong province - Red Bull - Roi Et province

S

Sakhon Nakhon province - Saksit - Salween River - Samart Payakaroon - Samsenethai - Samut Prakan province - Samut Sakhon province - Samut Songkhram province - Saraburi province - Sarith Thanarath - Satun province - Scriptio continua - Shan - Shellac - Sing Buri province - Singha (beer) - Si Satchanalai historical park - Sisaket province - Si Thep historical park - Skytrain - Songkhla - Songkhla province - Songkran - South China Sea - Southeast Asia - Srakaeo province - Sticky rice - Sukhothai - Sukhothai historic park - Sukhothai kingdom - Sukhothai province - Supachai Panitchpakdi - Suphanburi province - Surat Thani province - Surin province - Suvarnabhumi Airport

T

Tai languages - Tak province - Taksin - Tamarind - Thai - Thai Airways International - Thai alphabet - Thai cuisine - Thai ethnic groups - Thai language - Thai lunar calendar - Thai New Year - Thai numerals - Thai Rak Thai - Thai solar calendar - Thai Yuan - Thailand - Thaksin Shinawatra - The Beach - The Bridge on the River Kwai - The King and I - Theravada Buddhism - Thonburi - Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries - Trang province - Transportation in Thailand Trat province

U

Ubol Ratana - Ubon Ratchathani province - Udon Thani - Udon Thani province - Uthai Thani province - Uttaradit province

V

W

Wat Phra Kaew - White elephant

X

Y

Yala province - Yasothon province

Z

Wikipedia discussions/working pages

List of Thailand-related topics - WikiProject Thai provinces

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "List of Thailand-related topics."

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Thailand

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in southeast Asia, bordering Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west. Thailand is also known as Siam, which was the country's official name until May 11, 1949. The word Thai means "free" in the Thai language. It is also the name of the Thai people - leading some inhabitants, particularly the sizeable Chinese minority, to still use the name Siam.

Prathet Thai

(In Detail)
National motto: None
Official language	Thai
Capital	Bangkok
King	Bhumibol Adulyadej
Prime minister	Thaksin Shinawatra
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 49th 514,000 km² 0.4%
Population  - Total (2002)  - Density	Ranked 19th 62,354,402 121/km²
Establishment	1238
Currency	Baht
Time zone	UTC +7
National anthem	Phleng Chat
Internet TLD	.TH
Calling Code	66

History

Main article: History of Thailand

Thailand's origin is traditionally tied to the short-lived kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238, after which the larger kingdom of Ayutthaya was established in the mid-14th century. Thai culture was greatly influenced by both China and India. Contact with various European powers began in the 16th century but despite continued pressure Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power, though Western influence led to many reforms in the 19th century.

A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. Known previously as Siam the country first changed its name to Thailand in 1939 and definitively in 1949 after reverting to the old name post-World War II. During that conflict Thailand was in a loose alliance with Japan; following its conclusion Thailand became an ally of the United States. Thailand then saw a series of military coup d'états, but progressed towards democracy from the 1980s onward.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Thailand

The king has little direct power under the constitution but is a symbol of national identity and unity and the present monarch enjoys a great deal of popular respect and moral authority, which has on occasion been used to resolve political crises. The head of government is the prime minister, who is appointed by the king after having been designated from among the members of the lower house of parliament, usually the leader of the party that can organise a majority coalition government.

The bicameral Thai parliament is the National Assembly or Rathasapha, which consists of a House of Representatives (the Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon) of 500 seats and a senate (the Wuthisapha) of 200 seats. Members of both houses are elected by popular vote. Members of House of Representatives serve four-year terms. Members of Senate serve six-year terms. The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court or Sandika, whose judges are appointed by the monarch. Thailand is an active member of the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Provinces

Main article: Provinces of Thailand

Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural), which are grouped into 5 groups of provinces. The name of a province is derived from its capital city.

North Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Kamphaeng Phet Lampang Lamphun Mae Hong Son Nakhon Sawan Nan Phayao Phetchabun Phichit Phitsanulok Phrae Sukhothai Tak Uthai Thani Uttaradit East Chachoengsao Chanthaburi Chonburi Rayong Prachinburi Srakaeo Trat South Chumphon Krabi Nakhon Si Thammarat Narathiwat Pattani Phang Nga Phattalung Phuket Ranong Satun Songkhla Surat Thani Trang Yala

North-East Amnat Charoen Buriram Chaiyaphum Kalasin Khon Kaen Loei Maha Sarakham Mukdahan Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nongbua Lamphu Nong Khai Roi Et Sakhon Nakhon Sisaket Surin Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani Yasothon Central Ang Thong Ayutthaya Bangkok Chainat Kanchanaburi Lopburi Nakhon Nayok Nakhon Pathom Nonthaburi Pathumthani Phetchaburi Prachuap Khiri Khan Ratchaburi Samut Prakan Samut Sakhon Samut Songkhram Saraburi Sing Buri Suphanburi

Provinces are further subdivided into 642 districts (Amphoe) and 78 sub-districts (King Amphoe), and furthermore into 7,236 communes (Tambon), 55,746 villages (Muban), 123 municipalities (Tesaban), and 729 sanitation districts (Sukhaphiban) (numbers are for 1984).

Geography

Main article: Geography of Thailand

Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being the Doi Inthanon at 2,576 m. The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

The local climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla.

See also: List of islands of Thailand

Economy

Main article: Economy of Thailand

After enjoying the world's highest growth rate from 1985 to 1995 - averaging almost 9% annually - increased speculative pressure on Thailand's currency, the baht, in 1997 led to a crisis that uncovered financial sector weaknesses and forced the government to float the currency. Long pegged at 25 to the US dollar, the baht reached its lowest point of 56 to the US dollar in January 1998 and the economy contracted by 10.2% that same year. The crisis spread to the Asian financial crisis.

Thailand entered a recovery stage in 1999, expanding 4.2% and grew 4.4% in 2000, largely due to strong exports - which increased about 20% in 2000. An ailing financial sector and the slow pace of corporate debt restructuring, combined with a softening of global demand, however, slowed growth in 2001 to 1.4%.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Thailand

Thailand's population is dominated by ethnic Thais who make up three quarters of the population. There is also a large community of ethnic Chinese, who have historically played a disproportionately significant role in the economy. Other ethnic groups include Malays in the south and various indigenous hill tribes.

The majority of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition, but small minorities of Muslims, Christians and Hindus also exist. The Thai language is Thailand's national language, written in its own Thai alphabet, but many ethnic and regional dialects exist and English is commonly taught in schools.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Thailand

Muay thai, or Thai boxing, is the national sport in Thailand and its native martial art. It reached popularity all over the world in the last decade.

A notable social norm holds that touching someone on the head may be considered rude. It is also considered rude to place one's feet at a level above someone else's head, especially if that person is of higher social standing.

Thai cuisine is famous for the blending of four fundamental tastes:

• sweet (sugar, fruits, sweet peppers)
• spicy hot (chilies)
• sour (vinegar, lime juice, tamarind)
• salty (soy sauce, fish sauce)

Most of the dishes in Thai cuisine try to combine most, if not all, of these tastes. It is accomplished by using a host of herbs, spices and fruit, including: chili, cumin, garlic, ginger, basil, lime, lemongrass, coriander, pepper, turmeric and shallots.

Holidays

Date	English Name	Local Name	Remarks
January 1	New Year's Day	Wan Khun Pee Mai
February		Mahka Bucha	Based on thai lunar calendar
April 6	Chakri Day		Commemorates King Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty
April 13-April 15	Thai New Year	Songkran
May		Vaisakh Bucha	Based on thai lunar calendar
May	Royal Ploughing Ceremony		Government only
May 1	Labour Day		Bank holiday only
May 5	Coronation Day		Commemorates coronation of the current king Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950
July		Asarnha Bucha	Based on Thai lunar calendar, government only
July	Buddhist Lent	Khao Phansa	Based on Thai lunar calendar
July 1	Mid Year Day		Bank holiday only
August 12	Mothers Day		Commemorates birthday of the current queen
October 23	Chulalongkorn Day	Wan Piyamaharat	Commemorates King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)... the anniversary of his death
December 5	Fathers Day		Commemorates birthday of the current king Bhumibol Adulyadej
December 10	Constitution Day		Commemorates the change to constitutional monarchy in 1932
December 31	New Year's Eve

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Thailand
• Transportation in Thailand
• Military of Thailand
• Foreign relations of Thailand
• Music of Thailand
• National parks (Thailand)
• Historical parks of Thailand
• List of Thailand-related topics

External Links

• Royal Thai Government - Official governmental site
• Thai National Assembly - Official parliamentary site
• Tourism Authority of Thailand - Official tourism site
• Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao - The Thailand islands portal

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Countries of the world  |  Asia

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "Thailand."

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Transportation in Thailand

(From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia)

Railways:
total: 3,940 km
narrow gauge: 3,940 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)

Railway map

City with metro system: Bangkok (Skytrain).

City with subway: Bangkok (Bangkok Subway) - scheduled to open August 2004

Highways:
total: 64,600 km
paved: 62,985 km
unpaved: 1,615 km (1996 est.)

Waterways: 3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft

Pipelines: petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 km

Portss and harbors: Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, Songkhla

Merchant marine:
total: 299 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,834,809 GRT/2,949,558 DWT
ships by type: bulk 39, cargo 135, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 13, liquified gas 19, multi-functional large load carrier 3, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 63, refrigerated cargo 13, roll-on/roll-off 2, short-sea passenger 2, specialized tanker 5 (1999 est.)

Airports: 106 (1999 est.)

• Don Muang Airport (Bangkok)
• Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok, under construction)
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Phuket International Airport

Airports - with paved runways:
total: 56
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 11
1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
914 to 1,523 m: 18
under 914 m: 4 (1999 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 50
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m:

16
under 914 m: 33 (1999 est.)

Heliports: 3 (1999 est.)

See also : Thailand

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia under a copyleft GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL) from the article "Transportation in Thailand."

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Abbreviations & Acronyms: Thailand

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Modern Usage: Thailand

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Commercial Usage: Thailand

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Image Slideshow: Thailand

Photos: Thailand More pictures...

Illustrations: Thailand More pictures...

Computer Images: Thailand More pictures...

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Photo Album: Thailand

Thumbnail	Description & Credit	Thumbnail	Description & Credit
	Night Scene on Patpong Street Entertainment District, Bangkok, Thailand. Credit: CDC.		North Central Thailand. Credit: NASA.
	Cheng Mai, Thailand. Credit: Geodesy - Measuring the Earth.		A lesson in dental care in Thailand. / WHO p. Credit: National Library of Medicine; photo by A.S. Kochar..
	Propaganda flier depicting two images of education in Thailand; one of a teacher lecturing students under Communism, and the other of students doing scientific experiments and math under freedom. Credit: Library of Congress.
Source: pictures compiled by the editor from various references; see picture credits.

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Digital Photo Gallery: Thailand
 

"A child from Thailand" by Luigi Belli Commentary: "This is a thai child that i met on a trip in northern thailand. <br>He tried to sell me anything he can, and i took this photo because of its "uniqueness"."	"Bottle temple, thailand" by Michelle Ho Commentary: "The Bottle Temple in Thailand, the whole temple is decorated with beer and liquor bottles."
Source: photographs selected by the editor, with permission from the photographers.

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Non-Fiction Usage: Thailand

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Speeches: Thailand

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Usage Frequency: Thailand

Source: compiled by the editor from several corpora; see credits.

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Usage in Company Names: Thailand

Source: compiled by the editor from Icon Group International, Inc.

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Expressions: Thailand

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Frequency of Internet Keywords: Thailand

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Modern Translation: Thailand

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Misspellings: Thailand

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Anagrams: Thailand

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