Thailand (the Land of Smiles)
Kingdom of Thailand has been known as "Siam" until 1939. It is known as “land of smiles” because Thai people are always smiling with kindness and generosity. It is the way of life for the people here that we are always greeting anyone with hospitality.The word “Thai” means “free”, therefore “Thailand” means “land of freedom”.
Geography
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. Its neighboring countries are Myanmar (north and west), Laos (northeast), Cambodia (east) and Malaysia (south). The area of Thailand is about the same size as France, covering 510,000 sq. km. (198,000 sq. miles).
Historical
Thailand has been an independent country from the start. It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonized or taken over by any other countries. For this reason, the culture is well preserved and still be seen easily in any part of Thailand.The discovery of prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban Chiang in Udon Thani province of Thailand is the evidence of the world’s oldest Bronze Age civilization going back around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. This supports the theory that original people of Thailand were Thais, not the people who migrated from China or other countries as some scientists believed.
Population
The population as of June 2005 is approximately 65 million.
Religion
More than 90% of people are Buddhism. Thai people live well with other minority religions with open minded and religious freedom.
Weather
Thailand is located in the tropical climatic zone. It has a very nice warm weather most of the year. The central and southern parts are mostly above 30 C (86 F) at all times. Thailand has three seasonsdry season (March – May)
rainy season (June – October)
cool season (November – February)