Introduction of Thailand - Sawatdee Kha!

To many, Thailand is often viewed as the representative of the East as mysterious and exotic.  However, you might not know that they are often called “The Land of the Smiles”, as they are remarkably known to be open and friendly. It is the only South East Asia nation never colonized by an European power, as well as the first country in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the United States. Besides the ancient temples and palaces, Thailand is also a major tourist destination, particularly for their beach resorts.

Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, changing to “Prathet Thai” which mean “Land of The Free”. However, after World War 2, it reverted back to Siam again but became known as Thailand in 1949.

It lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, bordering to the West and Northwest by Myanmar, northeast by Laos, east by Cambodia, south by Malaysia, and extending like an elephant’s trunk south between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman sea. Thailand, with a total area of 513,000km² roughly the size of France and shaped like a tall tree leaning to the right.

There are four primary regions in the country; the North, Central Plains, Northeast and South. 75% of the population are Thais, 14% are Chineses, while Malay, Indians, Mon, Khmer and the indigenous hill tribes consist of 11%.