2007-12-15

About Thailand


The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometers, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. Thailand is divided into four distinct areas : the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.
Climate : Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29oC, ranging in Bangkok from 37oC in April to 17oC in December. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season ( June to October), though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours.
Population : Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Religion :The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 percent of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths, all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influences on everyday life. and foreign visitors are expected to respect and follow some simple rules like never touching the head of a Thai, pointing of feet is considered rude, and if visiting a Temple or Wat, you should stay low ( ie sit) and do not point your feet in the direction of a Buddha or sacred image, also a dress code is required for places like the Grand Palace, and shoulders, legs and feet should be totally covered.

General : One of the factors that makes Thailand so popular for the tourist, is Thai people are so very friendly, hence the nick name "The Land Of Smiles" and as tourism is a major part of the Kingdoms economy, the standards are quite high compared with some neighboring Asian countries. With currency exchange rates also good for the foreign visitor (USD 1 = THB 33 at time of publishing this page!) Thailand can be an economical holiday too! If eating is one of your delights, then you are coming to the right place, Thai cuisine is wonderful, and can only be described as "hot, sweet & sour" with excellent soups and delicious seafood. Our Kingdom offers culture, adventure, nature, and of course some of the finest golf courses in South east Asia.