About Thailand

About Thailand

Thailand,the third largest country in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Burma, occupies an are 513,115 aquare kilometers. the coutry lies on the north and west shores of the gluf of thailand bordered by Burma on the west and northwest,Lao on the northeast , Cambodia on the southeast, Malaysia on the south, and the Andaman sea on the southwest.

Thailand consists of mainland and a long southern peninsular extension of the Malay pen approximately 4o% of the whole area is mountainous. the rest is a plain.

On the basis of difference in topography and cilmate, Thailand divided onto 6 region are 76 provinces in thailand.

The northern region is mainly a moutainous area with narrow river valleys and low temperatures during the cold season that permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawbery plums.the chief town is chiang mai , which is the center for teak trade and a very important plan tourism.

The central Region. the central region may be divided into 2 parts: the upper past an lower past. the upper past has some mountains, the lower past is vast alluvial plain.the chief of region is Bangkok,the capital,chief port, and the major city of the country. the central region is the most fertile rice-growing in the world.

The Easthern Region. this region boarders a sea coast.It has fine beaches and seaside

The Northeastern part or Isan. is a rather semi-arid plateau,but rich in various valua mineral resources. most parts of the area have poor sandy soil and rather long dry season.Most are grown under rain, leading to average low yield of crops comparing to other regions.

The westhern region. Similar to northern region, the western region is mainly mountainous. It is famous for the River Kwai, which is crossed by a railway bridge constructed by prisoners of the World War II.

The Southern Region. The sourthern is an elongated peninsular section of the cauntry fall almost all year round the sea breezes tend to moderate the high temperatures. The chief towns of this region include Phuket, Phangnga, Surat Thani. The sourthern region topography includes mountain flat area, interesting rock formations, forests, island. coves and bays. Fishing, mining and growing rubber are the main occupation for the Thai sourtherner.

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* The Thai People & Thai Language

There are many theories about the origin of thai people. According to some history textbooks,the thai race fled the Chinesse to set up the SuKhothai kingdom.One theory claims that the This have live i the present area since ancient times and that they are the descendants of the Ban chiang people.However,from an anthropologist's viewpoint, a cultural group sharing same anguage can be scattered in several areas,and any one area or one country can have magroups.thus,the thai people are unified by the language they speak and the culture and traditions they maintain then by the area they live in.

The thai language has tonal and monosyllabic characteristics.some words were borrowed from Khmer and then adapted.In the course of development,the thai language also absorbed polys Sanskrit and pali word.this happened as Brahmanism and Buddhism became major influences on thai societ. In addtion,Chinese immigrants had some influence on the thai language.Standard thai is now spoken all over the country,although regionl dialects are still coommonly heard.Standard thai on the Bangkok thai dialects.It?s has 5 difference tones.they are mid-level,low,falling,high,rising.

As a written language,thai is read horizontally from left to right as in an English. It consist of 44 consonat symbols and 21 vowel symbols.the cinsonant,vowel and tone symbols are combine syllabic sounds.Word in a sentence are written without spaces in between,and punctuation is almost never used.While most vocabulary in the thai languge can be use in any situation,some word only with monka and royalty.

* Thai food

The thai style of eating.

The thai feeling for food is a source of amazement to most foreigners.Food is eaten not just for nourishment or to abate hunder,although it is recognized as being necessary for these things. But,food to a thai is much more.It is an art conversation,a source of pleasure,and to enjoy the company of friends and family.It is not unusual for thai to travel great distances an spend freel on certain,desired food always enjoyed in the company of friends.

A thai meal,other then a quik lunch or snack,consists of at least 2 main dishes,usually with soup also served.there are shared amongst the dinners,for of course,there must be other with whom to the food. If there are more than 2 peoples,more dishes will be prepared. the foods are placed in the center in the table,and each person takes a little food from each dish and places it on his plate.

Traditionally, Thai have eatenwith their fingers and many rural people still eat in this manner. But today, we gennerally eat with a spoon.

Thai Culture & Tradition

Characteristics of Thai Culture

* Religion & Beliefs

Buddist is the core of Thai culture. It shapes the way the Thais think, their tradition and their art. However,the Thai are tolerant enough to allow and adopt beliefs and practices of other religion, such as Brahminsism. In addition many of their original animistic beliefs are still maintained, which makes Thai Buddists rather unique. They worship Lord Buddha and at the same time they also worship the spirit of the land and other beings.

* Language

Native Thai words are usually monosyllabic but the tremendous number of loan words, especially from Pali and Sanskrit, has made the Thai language todayquite different from that during the time of King Ram Khamheang. A unique characteristic of the Thai language is the existence of tone and the large number of vowels. Inaccurate pronunciation of tones means change in meaning and can lead to hilarity. In addition, Thai is a language with honorific system. Social status of speakers and listeners determines the kind or style of language to be used. This is even more rigid in the use of language with the royalty. Being a monosyllabic language. Thai allows its speakers to play a language game called ? kham puuan? or twisted words, which is usually employed as a secret code of a group or a mean to share socially unacceptable jokes.

* Art

Sculpture. The Thai style of sculpture is most evident in image of Buddha. Thai artist and craftsmen adopted the art of making Buddha images of the Mons, the Khmers and the Indians. Through integration and modification, they have developed a style which is uniquely Thai.

Architecture. The ?round bell - shape style? of Singhalese stupas, and the ?square columnar style? of the Srivijaya stupas inspired Thai architects to work out the ? lotus bud summit style? of the Sukhothai-period and the ?square base of indented corners style? of the Ayuddhaya and Bangkok periods, which are Thai?s own style. Moreover the prang type of stupa, which was originally the Khmer style, has been elongated by Thai architects, Who also added more decorations, which resulted in the successful Thai ? ization of this style of stupa.

The genuine native Thai architecture can be seen in temple buildings. The superimposed and multi-colored title roofs and the magnificent gable with decorated edges and sharp pointed ends are unique features of Thai temples.

Painting. Mural paintings decorating the interior walls of bots, vihans and gallery of temples in Thailand are very typically Thai. These fresco paintings are unlike any other in the world.

Handicraft. The Thais are very dexterous and marvelous with their hands. They excell in wood carving, inlaying of mother-of-pearl, color-glass decoration, painting of golden design on back or red lacquer background, and inlaying of design on silver and gold.

Trang Province

Trang at a glance
Located approximately 828 kilometers from Bangkok, Trang Province covers an area of 4,941 square kilometers. The province borders on Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the north, Satun Province and the Indian Ocean (Andaman Sea) to the south, Phatthalung Province to the east and the Indian Ocean and Krabi Province to the west. Trang is considered a magnificent coastal province as it long, beautiful coastline stretches 199 kilometers along the Indian Ocean. In addition, the province has two major rivers flowing through it, the Trang River, which originates in the Khao Luang Mountain Range and Maenam Palian from the Banthat Mountain Range.

Despite the fact that Trang City plays a key role in facilitating trade and communications to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand's southern commercial hub, Trang is a province less traveled to by tourists. It was only recently that Trang has been poised to establish itself on the international travel map.Trang has geographical advantages similar to that of Krabi and Phang-Nga. This includes breathtaking islands and astounding beaches along the coast as well as awe-inspiring inland limestone- propped mountains. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time to visit Trang is between December and May.
Trang has both mainland beaches and a whole string of offshore islands. For visitors interested in light-adventure activities such as cruising coastal waters, visiting notable sights such as the enchanting Emerald Cave, which is accessible only by water, will prove to be remarkable experience. Additional attractions include the Mu Ko Petra National Park with beaches and islands lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Some of the dive sites in the National Park are world-class. There are also wildlife sanctuaries such as Namtok Khao Chong and Khlong Lamchan Park with waterfalls, nature trails and caves. For those looking for a relaxed, tranquil ambience, Trang is a perfect place to unwind amidst stunning scenery.

With an abundance of blissful attractions mixed with cultural heritage, Trang Province is truly an emerging fascinating tourist destination with numerous jungles, mountains and waterfalls.
The City also has numerous attractions. Walking around Trang City, visitors will be amazed at the mixture of Western, Chinese and Thai cultures reflected in the architecture that range from the Sino- Portuguese shop houses to the Chinese temples and shrines. The Pan-Ya House is the local style of houses in Trang, which offers an insight into the architectural heritage of this town. In addition to architectural attractions there are many parks to stroll through and markets to explore. The main two markets in Trang are Ta Klang and Municipal markets.
History of Trang

Trang or Muang Thap Thiang used to be a port engaged in foreign trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted after Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought it from Malaysia in 1899. Since then, rubber has become Souths major commodity and is now considered an important source of income for farmers.
Todays Trang
Trang has a total area of 4,941 square kilometers and is divided into 10 districts (Amphoe) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe); Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe Ratsada, and King Amphoe Hat Samran.
The best time to visit TrangThe best time to visit Trang is between December and May. As it is located on the same coastline as Phuket and Krabi Provinces, Trang Province is also influenced by the monsoon. The temperature is generally warm all year round with an average temperature varying from 20 Celsius to 36 Celsius. In April, the daytime temperature is highest and it is also the hottest period of the year. The rainy season, which is from May to September, has rains and short downpours during the daytime. The monsoon period comes from September to November and then from December onwards the weather generally becomes more pleasant.

Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")

Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning " city of angels")Geography: 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 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, subdistricts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longestreigning thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.Neighboring countries:
1) Myanmar - west and north,2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,3) Cambodia - southeast and4) Malaysia - south.
Area: 513,115 sq. km.Topography:Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:1) The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fastinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;2) The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;3) The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;4) The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.Population: Thais are wellknown for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hilltribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)Government: Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House of Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and senators are elected by the people. A prime minister elected from among the representatives leads the government. The country is divided into 76 provinces. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial governors administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided into districts (Amphoe), sub-districts (Tambon) and villages (Mu Ban).Head of State: H.R.H. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)Administration: 76 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub-disrict) and muban (village)National Flag: The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.Time: The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).Climate: Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).
Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.
Tap water : Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended
Clothing : Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.
Weights & measures : The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed ometers, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometres.
Business hours : Most comercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.
Postal Services : Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.International Roaming Mobile Phone : A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai and foreigh customers who are travelling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.
Fax and E-mail : All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services.
Internet Services : Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels and at the many " cybercafes " that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations.
Telephone services : At present, all telephone numbers (for local calls and long distance calls within the country) have nine digits.
For Bangkok calls, 02 is added to the existing numbers i.e. 0 2694 1222.
For provincial calls, an area code is added to the existing numbers. For example, area code for Chiang Mai is 053 = 0 5324 8604; area code for Phuket is 076 = 0 7621 1036.
For mobile phones, 01 or 09 is added to the existing numbers.
The new system has no effect on international phone calls.
The international dialling code for Thailand is 66.
When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0.
When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001+country code+area code+telephone number
If calling Laos or Malaysia, there is a special code which is charged at a semi-domestic rate.
When calling Laos, first dial 007+856+area code+telephone number
When calling Malaysia, first dial 09+06+area code+telephone number
Direct assistance: 1133 (local), 100 (international)
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
Highway Patrol : 1193
Crime Suppression : 195 or 0 2513 3844
Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672
Immigration Bureau : 0 2287 3101-10

Thailand provinces

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is divided into 76 provinces or Changwat in Thai language. The Changwat is divided into districts or Amphoe and subdistricts or King Amphoe. Bangkok is divided into 50 districts or Khet. Each province has a capital city or Mueang. The name of the Mueang is the same as the name of the province. In the provinces there is a number of Tambon and Mooban (villages).
All provinces from North to South Please, click on each province to read more about it.
North Thailand (17 provinces)
Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Kamphaeng Phet Lampang Lamphun Mae Hong Son Nakhon Sawan Nan Phayao Phetchabun Phichit Phitsanulok Phrae Sukhothai Tak Uthai Thani Uttaradit
North-East Thailand (19 provinces)
Amnat Charoen Buriram Chaiyaphum Kalasin Khon Kaen Loei Maha Sarakham Mukdahan Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nong Bua Lamphu Sakon Nakhon Nong Khai Roi Et Sisaket Surin Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani Yasothon
East Thailand (7 provinces)
Chachoengsao Chanthaburi Chon Buri Prachin Buri Rayong Sa Kaeo Trat
Central Thailand (19 provinces)
Ang Thong Chai Nat Kanchanaburi Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok) Lop Buri Nakhon Nayok Nakhon Pathom Nonthaburi Pathum Thani Phetchaburi Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Prachuap Khiri Khan Ratchaburi Samut Prakan Samut Sakhon Samut Songkhram Sara Buri Sing Buri Suphan Buri
South Thailand (14 provinces)
Chumphon Krabi Nakhon Si Thammarat Narathiwat Pattani Phang Nga Phatthalung Phuket Ranong Satun Songkhla Surat Thani Trang Yala

Thai culture, tradition and practice
We are regularly updating the website with new subjects about traditions and characteristics in Thailand. Please click on the links below for further reading:

Muay Thai - Thai Boxing
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the National Sport of the Kingdom of Thailand. This Thai martial art has also been subject to an increasing popularity almost all over the world and several international associations has been founded. In traditional Thai Boxing the fighters are allowed to use punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Also "arm throws" are accepted (but no "Judo throws"). In Thailand a Thai Boxing match contains of five three-minute rounds and is held in a boxing ring. There are one judge in the ring, and two judges sitting outside the ring ropes. Normally each boxer has two cornermen in their ring corner who are coaching the boxer. In Thai boxing, there are weight divisions, just as in Boxing or Kickboxing. You can win a match on points, TKO (technical knockout) or knockout.
Equipment In Thailand the boxers wear; Thai boxing shorts, boxing gloves, suspensor and sometimes also ankle wraps and mouthguard. In many other countries, the boxer also has to wear headgear during a fight. Before the fight starts the boxers wears a Mong Kon which can be described as a head-band given to a skilled fighter from his teacher. It is removed by the cornerman before the first round.
Short history Thai Boxing has been developed from the ancient Siamese martial arts of Krabi Krabong and Muay Boran both used by Siamese soldiers. In early days, Muay Thai was mostly used as entertainment for the Royal Family and a Thai war prisoner named Nai Khanomtom succeeded (according to the legend) to defeat ten skilled Burmese boxers in about 1774. He is still a respected and well known Muay Thai legend in Thailand.
Tradition and rituals Before each boxing match, the boxers performance a ritual called Wai Kru to show respect for the teacher or Ajarn and the sport. Also a ritual and dance called Ram Muay is performed for warming up and to demostrate the fighters prowess and orign, to music played by Thai men with traditional Thai instruments.
Training at the camp In Thailand the Thai boxing training is performed on a camp or gym. This is a Boxing School with one or (more often) several teachers, which often are successful ex fighters. Many boxers in Thailand starts their training already as children. The training session often begins with a few kilometers of jogging and is followed with mitts or pad work. The students then kicks, hits, knees and elbows the thick leather clothed mitts that held by the teacher. After this so called neck wrestling (clinching) and some muscular strengthening exercises like push ups and sit ups is being done. A serious Thai boxer often do two training sessions per day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Strength, condition, swiftness, flexibility and courage is important characters of a Thai boxer which makes the sport very "all-round" and it fits most people who want to get in great shape. Many camps in Thailand offer training for tourists and non-Thais. Many of these camps, but not all, allow female students.
Stadiums In Bangkok you will find the most famous Thai Boxing stadiums:
Lumpini Stadium on Rama IV Road. The fights are held on Tuesdays and Fridays and starts at 6.30 PM. On Saturdays the fights starts at 5 PM.
Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue (Not far from Khao San Road and Banglamphu). The fights are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. They start at 6.30 PM.

Thailand - Hotels and accommodation
Types of accommodations Thailand has a very wide range of hotels, motels, guesthouses and resorts and prices vary widely. Still you can get a room in a rather spartan guesthouse for less than 200 Baht, but if comfort is as important as the price, you will easily find great, comfortable accommodation in most cities and tourist destinations. There are not so many countries that offer such good hotels with such low prices as you will find in Thailand.
Costs of accommodations A room in a guesthouse or in a very simple bungalow costs from about 150 Baht per night. A simple hotel room costs from about 500 Baht and up per night. A room in a middle class hotel costs from about 1000 Baht and up, while a first class room or a suite are from about 5000 Baht and up per night.
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Standard of accommodations The cheapest bungalows and the rooms in cheap guesthouses offer just a small bed, table fan and sometimes a mosquito net if the mosquitos are able to get in. A simple hotel room usually has a simple bathroom, shower (sometimes with warm water) and a fan in the ceiling. A middle class hotel often has air condition, warm water, a small TV, bathtub and a mini bar. (You'll have to pay for what you've been drinking when leaving the hotel) A first class hotel or suite often has a balcony, panorama window, jacuzzi or a large bathtub, DVD player, satellite TV, king size bed and a sofa or a furniture suite.
Safety It is wise to leave your values in the hotel's safety box before you leave your room. It is often found in the reception or in the room. If your belongings are stolen from your room, it is not common that the hotel will compensate you in arrears. Lock your room with the safety chain (if there is one) before you go to sleep.