About Thailand

The Thai factor

A roaring economy, a financial crisis, and a new rebound, all this against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and a culture that draws millions from abroad every year. Unmistakably Thailand.

Geography & climate

Thailand, with its unique geography and natural attractions, has long been a draw for visitors. The country's mountainous north is bordered to the east by the Mekong river and Laos, and Cambodia further to the southeast.

The central plain is a great lowland area, which meets the Gulf of Thailand to the south. The western part borders with Myanmar, while the south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

With its tropical climate, Thailand has 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.



Nature

From mountains to the plains, caves to swamps and rivers to the sea, Thailand is bursting with habitats and species. Elephants, leopards, civets, black bears, a wide variety of birds, giant forest trees and exquisite orchids... all these features contribute to a breathtaking natural portrait.

Northern Thailand is a mountainous region with rivers flowing through to the lowland plains. Evergreen broad-leafed forests are found at higher elevations, often with native pine trees.

Along the border with Myanmar, a hilly area has some of the most pristine forests in the country, mainly of mixed deciduous trees. To the northeast, a dry, low plateau with very sporadic rainfall drains towards the Mekong. Peninsular Thailand is wet, with some rainforests on the hill slopes.

Thailand has 2 distinct coastal areas - the Gulf of Thailand in the South and the Andaman Sea in the Southwest - which include mangrove forests, coral reefs, beaches, and wetlands.


Population & religion

A majority of Thailand's population consists of Tai-speaking peoples, including the Central Thai, Siamese, and the Northeastern Thai among others. Other ethnic groups include Malays in the south, Mon, Khmer (the largest Non-Thai group in Thailand) and various hill tribes.

Approximately 95% of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition, followed by Muslims (second largest religious group in Thailand). Christians, Sikhs and some Hindus are also present to a lesser degree.

The Thai language is Thailand's national language, but many ethnic and regional dialects exist.



Economy & development

More than a $100 billion worth of exports leave Thailand every year, including rice, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, jewellery, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances. Tourism also contributes major revenue to the Thai economy.

Thailand’s progress can be seen in favourable development indicators, such as a 70 years life expectancy and 93% literacy rate for ages 15 and older (2004 data).