Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand (/’taɪlænd/) is a country in Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok.Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Surat Thani, Phuket and Hat Yai.

According to the last census (2000) 95% of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.6%.Thailand is a country of mountains, tropical rainforests and flat plains. Religion, the monarchy and the military have helped to shape its society and politics.Thai cuisine is known throughout the world for its use of hot, sweet and sour spices. Sculptures of the Buddha in sitting or reclining positions are also characteristic of Thailand, as is classical dance.

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma.

Capital: Bangkok

Official language: Thai

Government type:  Constitutional Monarchy

King: Phumiphon Adunyadet (Bhumbiol Adulyadej)

Prime Minister: Surayut Chulanon

National Holiday: Birthday of King Phumiphon, 5 December (1927)

Area

total: 514 000 km²
land: 511 770 km²
water: 2 230 km²

Climate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid.

Population: 65 068 149 (July 2007)

Currency: Baht (THB)

Internet domain: .th

International dialing code: +66

Sources: www.wikipedia.org

http://news.bbc.co.uk