"SIAM" a Thailand Travel Page by explore_discover

A few of Thailand's archaeological sites contain relics of a civilization indicating the earliest rice cultivation and bronze casting in all of Asia happened here.

Records also indicate that the origins of the Thai Kingdom were first developed, and then established as an all-powerful monarchy in the mid-14th century.

Over time is had some significant problems, but even after the Burmese invaded and destroyed the capital in 1776, the unwanted marauders were expelled and the country reunified.

Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country to successfully prevent colonization by a European power.

At the beginning of the 20th century Thailand's political system, armed forces, schools, and economy underwent drastic changes. A bloodless revolution in 1932 ended the absolute monarchy and led to a constitutional monarchy.

After a military attack at the hands of Japan in 1941, Thailand aligned with Japan and passively declared war on Britain and the United States. At the end of World War II, and Japan's defeat, Thailand subsequently became a US ally.

The incredible natural beauty of the country; the ruins and relics of its ancient history, and countless attractions, including Phuket Island and the miles and miles of perfect beaches, have transformed exotic Thailand into one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Asia.

Name Thailand

(long form) Kingdom of Thailand

Population 65,444,371

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Bangkok (6.8 mil) metro (9.2 mil)

Currency Baht (THB)

Currency Converter here

Languages Thai, English, local dialects

National Day December 5

Religions Buddhist (95%), Muslim (4.5%), others

Geographic Coordinates

arrow Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
13º 44' N, 100º 30' E

Relative Location Thailand is in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It's positioned in Southeast Asia, a recognized geographical region of the Asian continent. The country is bordered by the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Indian Ocean and the countries of Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.

Coastline 2,000 miles (3,219 km)

Land Areas

(land) 197,595 sq miles (511,770 sq km)

(water) 861 sq miles (2,230 sq km)

(TOTAL) 198,456 sq miles (514,000 sq km)

Landforms Thailand's terrain includes relatively high mountains in the north, that extend southward (in a narrow strip) along its Burma border to the northern edges of Malaysia.

The country's fertile central plain is dominated by the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries, that drain into a delta to the south of Bangkok.

The Khorat Plateau, a region of rolling low hills and small, shallow lakes, drains into the Mekong River system on its border with Laos.

Along its southern peninsula (Isthmus of Kra) the land fades into mangrove swamps. Numerous islands are found off the coastline, with Phuket being the most famous.

Highest Point Doi Inthanon - 8,451 ft. (2,576 m)

Lowest Point Gulf of Thailand - (0 ft.) (0 m)

Climate Thailand's monsoon season arrives on schedule (June - July) and the rains last well into October. Every area of the country receives adequate rainfall, but the amount of rain varies substantially with altitude.

The cooler months of November and December mark the arrival of the short dry season, where temperatures slowly begin to climb into the summer scorcher highs. The dry season is a bit longer in the northeast and shorter in the south because of its proximity to the sea.

Thailand temperatures (March - May) range from an average high of 95° F to lows near 70° F. Temperatures (November - January) moderate rather dramatically with daily highs averaging in the mid 70s.