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Introduction to the Kingdom of Thailand Thailand, a country of constitutional monarchy was known for
centuries by outsiders as Siam-a country as remote and exotic,
it is the most celebrated and fascinating travel destinations
with its unique traditions and customs, by far, Thailand has
remained one of the top list of mystical and attractive
destination to visit in the world. It first made a real impression on the West at the end of 17th
century through the reports of a series of inquisitive
Frenchmen. However, they were not the first Europeans to spend
time in the kingdom. The Portuguese sent an envoy to the capital
in 1511, shortly after they seized Malacca, joining resident
Chinese, Japanese, Malays, and Persians to make the Siamese
capital one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the vast region
now known as Southeast Asia. It is predominantly Buddhist whose
ancient equilibrium and present standing mingle in evolving
harmony. Substantially, Thailand’s distinctive and unparalleled
characteristics stem from Indian and Chinese influences
(harmoniously blended by Thai eclecticism), rich ethnic
diversity, abundant natural and human resources, over seven
hundred years of cherished independence, and traditional culture
delicately tuned to the time-honored Buddhist
non-confrontational approach to life, and ideals of charity,
tolerance, and loving kindness. Thailand situated in the center of the Southeast Asia region,
Thailand shares borders with four neighboring countries, namely,
Myanmar in the Northwest, Laos in the Northeast, Cambodia in the
East, and Malaysia in the South. Thailand is the third largest
country in Southeast Asia with total area of 513,115 square
kilometers (almost 200 thousand square miles), the population is
about 65 million, of which 6.5 million live in Bangkok—the
capital of Thailand. With 95% of Buddhism and 5% are Muslim. The
official language of Thailand is Thai, but English is also
popular and is used in most tourist sites, such as tourist
destination, hotels, restaurants and stores. The government in
Thailand gives adherents the right of complete religious
toleration and all the religions are under the protection of
Thailand Constitution. Thailand is blessed with outstanding geological features. In the
North, the high mountains give rise to several rivers and
streams, the key city of the North is Chiang Mai, a major
economical, historical and cultural center. Almost of 70 percent
of North area is mountainous, and 30 percent of plain and hill
slope. In the Northeast, a high plateau represent of what is
known as “I-san,”—the fun loving-attitude people, while an
enormous plain covers the central region, and the South is
bordered on both sides by seas. People in the North however, the place where the air is fresh as
its surrounding with mountains, makes people are friendly and
the dialect is soft sounding and sweet, that is why the growth
of tourism is considerable in this region. People in the South
are patient, determined and active. Their dialect has a shorter
and more abrupt sound than the dialect s of other regions. The
southerners who live north of Songkhla are mainly Buddhists,
while most of the people who live in the more southern part,
especially in the provinces who borders are near Malaysia are
Muslim. However, the cultures and traditions of the people of
both religions harmonize and they are able to live peacefully
together. In the Central Thai society is an extended family
system. In the country side people still live in a big family or
build the house in the same neighborhood, their live revolve
around water, so most of them build their house along the banks
of rivers and canals. In the old days, most vehicles were boats.
In the Northeastern part, the weather is dry and water sources
for agriculture are rare, such physical features give the I-san
people specific characteristics—they are patient and generous,
and have strong tie to their relatives. Bangkok is a developed
modern city with high-quality hotels, hospitals, shopping malls and
many other recreational services. Maybe influenced by the tropical
climate, all in all, the Kingdom of Thailand is a very easy-going
country which is noted for its friendly and hospitable people.
Together with the beautiful sceneries, charming local customs,
high-class services and inexpensive spending, Thailand is your
must-see destination tour in your Asian holiday. |
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