History

The Kingdom of Thailand, originally known as Siam, is on the mainland of southeast Asia. Thailand shares its borders with four countries. Myanmar (Burma), on the north and west, has 1,800 kilometers of border with Thailand. The northeast Thailand has 1,754 kilometers of border with Laos. On the southeast it has 803 kilometers with Kampuchea (Thailand). Also, the Gulf of Thailand is on the southeast. In addition, it has 506 kilometers of border with Malaysia on the south. Finally, it borders the Andaman Sea and again Myanmar on the southwest.

Thailand covers 198, 115 square miles (513,115 square kilometers), approximately the size of France or the State of Texas, USA. It is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It has many fertile rice fields in the large alluvial plain (called the Menam Basin) of the Central Region. The Northeast Region, Isan, is a saucer shaped plateau, Korat Plateau, with the Mekong River on its eastern boundary. This the largest region of the four regions. And, the Southern Region, which is made up of the Malay Peninsula, has the remote jungles, the beaches washed by turquoise waters and the tropical islands bathed in endless sunshine.

The country has more visible historical evidence of its past cultures than any other country in Southeast Asia. Its history is very complex with the invasion of many different peoples, the rule of different kings, the establishment of various kingdoms and the interaction of diverse cultures. The Thai history is regarded as having four historic periods .

From the middle 1800's to now is probably the most important period in the formation of modern day Thailand. King Mongkut, who ruled the country from 1851 to 1868, was a well educated, former Buddhist monk, who kept Thailand safe from European expansion. His son, Chulalongkorn, took over in 1868 and continued the enlightenment and modernization of Thailand. King Chulalongkorn made great strides in improving the country. However, he refused to allow his people democratic rights. This finally led to a takeover in 1932 by Thai intellectuals with military help.

The name of the country changed in 1939. Prime Minister Phibun Songkhram changed the country's name from Siam to Thailand, which means "Land of the Free." He did this to free his country from the past. Thailand now has a Constitutional Monarchy headed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

King Rama I established Krungdep or Krungthep (Bangkok) as the capital in 1782. The name is interpreted as "the capital city of the gods" and "the city of the angels." Bangkok is located on the left bank of the [Menam] Chao Prya River about 40 kilometers from its mouth. Across the river is the city of Thorn Buri. It formerly was the capital. Now, they form the Greater City of Bangkok.

Previously, the Thai race was believed to have originated somewhere near Mongolia, later moving southward. The new theories, based on archaeological discoveries in northeast Thailand, now believe Northeast Thailand as the birthplace of the Thai race. Over the years, the country has become home to many immigrants. The Chinese, Indian, Khmer, Laotian, Malay, Mon, and Persian have moved to Thailand. The Thai make up seventy-five percent with the Chinese at fourteen percent, as the largest minority. In addition, the Thai have preserved the traditions of their unique culture, while absorbing the practices of modern living. Ninety-five percent of the Thais practice Buddhism; four percent are Muslim (mostly Malay-speaking from southern Thailand), with the remainder Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs.

Weather

Thailand has a humid, tropical climate, and it is hot all year. Summer is from March to May with average temperatures around 93ºF (34ºC), but the temperature can reach over 105ºF (40ºC) for extended periods.

The summer monsoons begin as the warm humid air masses flow towards the north from the Indian Ocean. The monsoons end in the fall when the wind reverses direction with the dry southwesterlies.

The rainy season, with periods of sunshine, lasts from June to September, with temperatures ranging from 80ºF to 89ºF (27ºC to 32ºC). The amount of rainfall varies with topography. The northeast receives the least rain, while the south is flooded during the summer months.

The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, from October through February, when it is not as humid as during the summer and the rainy seasons. The average temperature is around 65ºF to 89ºF (18ºC to 32ºC). During this season, it can be very chilly in the north, with temperatures dropping to 44ºF (7ºC) at night.

Holidays

• January 1 - New Year's Day
• February 14 - Makha Bucha (Full Moon Day)
• April 6 - Chakri Memorial Day
• April 12-14 - Sonkran Festival (Thai New Year)
• May 1 - National Labor Day
• May 5 - Coronation Day
• May 13 - Wisakha Bucha (Full Moon Day)
• July 11 - Asanaha Bucha (Full Moon Day)
• July 12 - Buddhist Lent Day
• August 12 - H.M. The Queen's Birthday
• October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day
• December 5 - H.M. The King's Birthday
• December 10 - Constitution Day
• December 31 - New Year's Eve

Transportation

Motocycles

Tuk-Tuks (Samlors)
A roofed three-wheeled motocycle taxi without a meter. Fares must be negotiated before riding. They are cheaper than taxis. They are good for short distances. Bicycle samlors are found in the smaller cities and villages.

Taxis

Cars
Traffic is moderate and manageable, except in Bangkok. Most highways are in excellent condition, and directional signs are often in English. An international driver's license is required if you plan to drive. Also, insurance is mandatory to be able to drive. Most international car rental agencies are in Bangkok. A driver can be provided, also.

Trains
The efficient rail system links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital, Bangkok. A southern route allows travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains include first-, second- and third- class cars which provide private rooms, upper/lower berths, and only seats. The slower trains may have only third-class seats. Bangkok's central train station, Hualampong, is on Rama IV Road near Silom Road.

Boats
There are motoboat services for crossing the Chao Phraya River. These boats can save a lot of time when needing to cross the river. One such service is between Wat Rat Singkhon and Nonthaburi.

Buses
Bus transport in Thailand is fast, clean and reasonably comfortable for short journeys. Most air-conditioned buses provide reclining airline-style seats and video movies. Both air-conditoned and non-airconditioned buses are available on major routes. The cheapest are ordinary coaches operated by the government bus company called Bor Kor Sor. Air-conditioned buses operated by independent companies are usually 30 to 70% more expensive but complimentary meals and transportation from your hotel to the bus terminals are often included.

Morchit (Bangkok's Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal)
Both regular and air-conditioned buses service routes to both North and Northeast Thailand. The new terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road services routes to northern Thailand; while, the older terminal near Jatuchak Park on Phahonyothin Road services routes to northeast Thailand.

Sai Tai (Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal)
Both regular and air-conditioned buses service routes to southern Thailand. It is located on Pinklao-Nahkon Chaisri Road on the southern side of the Chao Phya River, not far from the Grand Palace.

Ekamai (Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal)
Both regular and air-conditioned buses service routes to the eastern seaboard of Thailand.
It is opposite Soi 63 (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road.

Places of Cultural and Historic Significance

Muang Boran (Ancient City) 
This outdoor museum, the world's largest, is filled with replicas of Thailand's most magnificent monuments, temples and works of art. It is an excellent place to study the early monuments, temples, etc. of Thailand.
Samut Prakarn
Bangkok

Wat Phra Keo [Kaeo, Kaew] (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Contained within this wat (temple) is the most respected Buddha image, Phra Kaeo Morakot, in Thailand. It is carved from a single block of fine green jade.
Maharaj Rd.
Bangkok

River Kwai Bridge
The location of the infamous WW II bridge from the novel and the movie which were based on fact. Nearby are two large cemeteries with allied soldiers interred that died as Japanese prisoners-of-war (POWs). It is estimated that 100,000 oppressed laborers (Burmese and Thai) and 16,000 allied POWs died due to beatings, starvation, disease, and exhaustion when constructing the "Death Railroad."

The "War Cemetery" has 6,982 allied POWs (Australian, Great Britain, and Dutch) interred. Another cemetery at nearby Chongkai has 1,750 allied POWs. The American POWs are interred at the National Cemetery in Hawaii, USA.
Kanchanaburi

Rose Garden Country Resort
A resort that presents a Thai cultural village with dance performances, elephants at work and
Buddhist monk ordination ceremonies.
Petkasem Rd.

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
This wat (temple) has the tallest tower, a 280 foot (82 meter) Khmer-style shrine with pagoda, in Thailand. It should be seen at night on the Chao Prya River or across the river from the temple.
Arun Amarin Rd.
Thon Buri

Wat [Pho] Phra Chetuphon (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
This temple, built in the Ayutthaya period (16th century), is the oldest and largest temple with the greatest number of pagodas (95) in Bangkok. It is the oldest center of learning in Thailand with an 145 ft (46 m) long, 49 ft (15 m) high, gold-plated, reclining Buddha in the state of ultimate Nirvana.
Chetuphon Rd.
Bangkok

Thailand Cultural Center
This is the center for domestic and international cultural exchange. It is often the venue for art shows by the country's leading artists.
Ratchadaphisek Road
Bangkok

Vimanmek Teak Mansion (Palace)
This is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. King Rama V had this mansion built in 1901 as a royal residence.
Rachvithi Rd.
Bangkok

Nao National Park
This beautiful park has caves, waterfalls and assorted flora.
Phetchabun
Northern Thailand

Sukhothai Historical Park
Among the attractions here are the remains of the Royal Palace, several Buddhist temples and a system of canals and ponds.
Sukkothai
North Thailand

Kamthieng House
Ethnological Museum
Preserves the traditional technologies and folk arts of Northern Thailand.
131 Soi 21 (Asoke) Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok

Museum of Forensic Medicine
This is one of the more unusual sights in Thailand. On display are preserved bodies of infamous murderers and a bisected head with a bullet lodged in the brain.
Sirirat Hospital
2 Prannok Road
Thon Buri

National Library
This is the largest library in Thailand.
Bangkok

National Museum
This former palace was made into a museum in 1884 by King Rama V. Artifacts date to the Neolithic times. It is maintained by the Thai National Documentation Center.
Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
4 Na Phra That Rd.
Bangkok

Jim Thompson's House (Museum)

Thai Language

Thai, a member of the Tai language family, is the primary spoken language with four regional dialects in use. In addition to English, Lao, Chinese, Malay, and Mon-Khmer are spoken in Thailand.

Thai Literature

Classic Thai literature is based on history and tradition. The Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu epic Ramayana, is the leading classic on which Thai art and music are based. The main theme remains the same in the Thai version, although the Ramakien is about twenty-five percent longer than the original Hindu version.

Thai Art

Among the most celebrated works of Thai architecture are the wats in Bangkok. Thai sculpture, dating from the fourteenth century, is a mixture of Chinese, Burmese, Hindu, and Khmer influences and is best seen in the temples and images of Buddha. Unfortunately, the Thai religious paintings were not well preserved. The paintings are rarely older than 150 years.

Thai Music

Thai music is very intricate and usually accompanies Thai drama. The instruments, primarily woodwind and percussion, are usually grouped in five- or ten-piece ensembles. Musicians sit on the floor to play, and generally play by ear.

Thai Classical Dances

Thai classical dances are very elegant and are considered to be the country's highest form of art. The dance is very intricate, following or deriving from Indian dancing and involving a series of gestures and swaying that interpret a story. Even the smallest movements reflect important story threads, carefully woven by the performer dressed in elaborate costumes and headgear. The country's famous masked dance drama or khon is based on the Ramakien; and requires strict discipline by the performers  Today, khon performances are very rare, but there are occasional performances at the National Theater. Some times performances are held at Thai restaurants catering to tourists. "Lakhon" and "likay" are very famous dances similar in costume and movements to khon but without the face masks.

Up in the northern area around Chiang Mai is a dance called Laem Thien which tells a story as well as being being a beautiful dance. Note the dancer's long finger nails and the lit candle in each hand.

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