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Location
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand,
southeast of Burma
Area : 514,000 sq km
land: 511,770 sq km
water: 2,230 sq km
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Neighboring
countries
Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km
Thailand is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and
the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma.The terrain of Thailand
consists of central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains
elsewhere. |
The climate of Thailand is
ropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September);
dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus
always hot and humid.
Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual
visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok
where it is also the major commercial language. English and other
European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops, restaurants, and
major tourist destinations. Thai-English road and street signs are also
found everywhere.
Throughout her long history, Thailand has absorbed immigrants. Many were
skilled as writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians, and
architects. These immigrants helped to enrich Thailand's indigenous
culture. Thailand's minorities include the Chinese, Thai Malays, and the
Laotian.
Throughout its history, Thailand has been characterized by its tolerance
for alien religions and beliefs. Although census records that 94% of its
populace are Theravada Buddhists, the country has always extended
religious freedom to its subjects.
Thai cuisine is distinctive thanks to liberal use of spices subtly
combined with herbs and market-fresh ingredients. Moreover, Thai cuisine
also combines the best of Chinese and Indian culinary traditions while
retaining its own special character.
Chinese food in Thailand, which is normally quite bland, is second to
none. Major European, Levantine, Asian, and Oriental cuisine are
represented in gourmet restaurants. American and English breakfasts are
served in most hotels whilst numerous ubiquitous coffee-shops specialize
in European dishes. Western fast food chains, snack bars, and ice-cream
parlors have gained increasing popularity with the Thais. |
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