Thailand is an independent constitutional monarchy, a kingdom deep in the midst of Southeast Asia. Burma and Laos are to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the east; to the south lie the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west are the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand (southeast) and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea (southwest).
Enrich your holiday memories with a trip to Phuket. The island's natural beauty is full of splendor. Check out the 'Three Beaches' viewpoint, to take in Kata Noi, Kata, Karon and Kho Pu Island, superb vistas all! Glance into the 'Pearl of the Andaman' and round it off with a leisurely drive around Phuket town. And whilst there enjoy excellent Thai food at one of the many Phuket restaurants.
Thailand accommodates almost 64 million people on an area of approximately 513,000 sq km. About 75% of the people are ethnically Thai, 14% Chinese, and 3% Malay; the rest belong to minority groups. It is believed that there are close to 2.2 million legal and illegal migrants in Thailand. Thailand also has quite a few expatriates from developed countries.
The preponderance of Buddhism in Thailand makes it rank among the highest globally. Theravada Buddhism, the national religion is practiced by more than 94.7% of all Thais. Muslims are 4.6% of the population and 0.7% come from other religions. Thai is the official language. Authorities have realised the importance of English and today, English is a mandatory school subject, particularly in urban areas. Thai culture seems strongly influenced by India, Cambodia, China, and Southeast Asia. Theravada Buddhism is focal to Thai id and faith. GDP Purchasing Power Parity (2008) per capita was $8,239.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces has an astonishing 1,025,640 personnel. The nominal Head of the Armed Forces is the King, but is managed by the Ministry of Defence, headed by the Minister of Defence, a member of the Cabinet of Thailand, and commanded by the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, in turn headed by the Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand.
The Constitution of the Kingdom mandates a tenure in the Armed Forces. However, only males over 21, who haven't gone through reserve training are drafted at random. They then serve
twenty-four months , whereas volunteers serve eighteen months.
Thailand is an amazing country of parallels and paradoxes, from temples to forests to beaches to malls, tempered by friendly, sociable people. From the northern mountains to the southern beaches, the scenery is breathtaking. These afforested mountains, deep mist covered valleys, island seascapes, beaches and coral reefs, all form part of Thailand’s rich tapestry. Moreover, it is easy to get around. Add a vibrant bustling capital city, a sophisticated “Skytrain” and class hotels and you have a memorable holiday.
Bangkok is a cultural phenomenon, shopping heaven and tourist treasure, one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting and, above all, compelling of Asian cities. Walk around dazzling temples, hotels of every kind, eclectic markets, gleaming palaces, ritzy shopping malls, a famous nightlife and the many things in between. Experience all the things – tuk-tuk ride, ladyboy show, Muay Thai (kickboxing) match, etc., that you have heard about but never done.
ThaiAirways International has 89 modern aircraft and covers the globe. It has the enviable reputation of an efficient and safe airlines. The main international airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. The drive into town can be quite an experience. All highways are good, as is the train service. The average traveller runs out of time in Thailand.
Thai time is at UTC + 7 hours. Its currency is the Baht, and the current exchange rate is: 1 US Dollar = 33 Thai Baht.
