About Thailand

Formerly actually known as ‘Siam’ (until 1939 and again from 1945 to 1949), Thailand (officially the ‘Kingdom of Thailand’ – Prathet Thai, meaning the ‘Land of the Free’), which is a wonderful kingdom with its features of spectacular islands, exotic wildlife and Buddhist temples, is a country located at the center of the Indochinese peninsula in the heart (mainland) of Southeast Asia.

Also lovingly called the ‘Land of Smiles’, this country, which has a land area of 5,13,115 kms2 (approx 1,27,008 acres), shares its borders with Myanmar and Laos in the north, Cambodia and Laos in the east, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand in the south, and the southern extremity of Myanmar and the Andaman Sea in the west. Thailand, which features splendid & sandy beaches, enticing unique culture, majestic mountains, tropical climate, fascinating history, Thai massage and great delectable Thai food, draws the attention of 16 million foreigners from all over the world each year.

Approx 90% of Thai people have faith in Theravada Buddhism. Having approx 67 million people, Thailand, which is the only country in southeast Asia that hasn’t been colonized by Europeans, is the 20th most populous country in the world. This country is also home to the world’s tallest Stupa – Phra Pathom Chedi with its height of 127 meters.

Being a primary tourist destination of Asia, Thailand, which is home to 1,430 islands, among the most renowned of which is Koh Phi Phi Lee – it was featured in ‘The Beach’, the film by Danny Boyle, has its coastline with its length of 3219 km. Renowned for its Full Moon Parties and also for hosting Half Moon and Black Moon versions, Koh Phangan is the party island in Thailand. This country is the largest exporter of rice in the world.

National Capital City

Bangkok (known to the Thais as Krung Thep Maha Nakho, meaning: the ‘City of Angels’)

Official Languages

The national language of Thailand is Thai. Bangkok and large cities have a wide use of spoken English.

Currency

The Baht is the Thai unit of currency. The hundredth part of 1 Baht is the Satang. To step on Thai currency is illegal in Thailand.

Local Time

Thailand has its time seven hours proceeded to GMT (+7 hours GMT).

Best Time (Most Pleasant Season) to Visit

The Period of the Winter Months between November and February