Thailand

Thailand Thailand has been one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia for the last few years. The variety of landscapes and the well developed tourist infrastructure make this an attractive place to explore. Also Thai people's devotion to the Royal family is interesting for most foreigners. Thailand offers, rice fields, mountains and forests, and of course world famous beach resorts.

Area: 513.251 Km²
Population: 61.798.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 120 pop/Km²

System of government: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Bangkok (6.545.000 pop.)
Major cities: Thon Buri 700.000 pop., Nakhon Ratchasima 210.000 pop., Chiang Mai 170.000 pop., Hat Yai 140.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Thai 85%, Chinese 8%, Malay 4%, Mon, Khmer and others 3%
Border countries: Burma NORTH-WEST, Laos NORTH-EAST, Cambodia SOUTH-EAST, Malaysia SOUTH

Principal mountains: Doi Inthanon 2595 m
Principal rivers: Chao Phraya (Menam) 1000 Km, Mekong (Mae Nam Khong) 900 Km (thai tract, total 4500 Km)
Principal lakes: Lake Kanchanaburi 380 Km²
Principal islands: Phuket, Yao Yai, Tarutau, Samui, Phangan, Chang
Climate: Monsoon tropical

Language: Thai (official), Chinese, Malay
Religion: Buddhist 95%, Muslim 4%
Currency: Baht (THB)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 6/4, 1/5, 5/5, 1/7, 12/8, 23/10, 5/12, 10/12, 31/12
Dialling code: 0066
GMT: +7

World Heritage List:

• Historic City of Ayutthaya and Associated Historic Towns (1991)
• Historic Town of Sukhotai and Associated Historic Towns (1991)
• Thungyai - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries (1991)
• Ban Chiang Archaeological Site (1992)
• Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (2005)