Not only is one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia, Thailand is also famous for its longstanding culture, special nature and beautiful natural scenery. You will be delighted to come to Thailand by its appealing landscape, magnificent temple system, splendid entertainment, exciting traditional festivals and especially available countless shopping opportunities at busy shopping malls. Coming to Thailand is coming to the friendly people, the land of golden Buddha, with beautiful natural harmony. Despite the strong flow of tourism, Thailand still retains its quintessence, culture and long history. This article will offer you a brief overview of Thailand, so that you may have essential information about this charming country.

Geographical location

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordering Laos and Myanmar to the north, bordering Laos and Cambodia to the east, bordering the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, Myanmar to the west and the Andaman Sea to the west. With its favorable geographic position, Thailand has a very rich and varied landscape. The geographical location of Thailand opens in a fanciful manner, with distinct regions; including dry highlands of the Northeast, the mountains running along the north-south direction of the north and west, and the narrow isthmus in the south. The center of the country is mainly the Chao Phraya River basin that flows into the Gulf of Thailand.

History

According to Thai history, Thai people originate from the An-Tai mountain region, northeastern Sichuan province, China from 4500 years ago, migrated to the land today is Thailand. In 1238, the Thai people established the Kingdom in Sukhothai. In 1350, the capital was moved to Ayuthaya called Ayuthaya Kingdom. In 1767, King Rama I (1782) took the throne and took the city of Bangkok as the capital. Prior to 1932, Thailand was under the regime of totalitarianism. After the bourgeois revolution of the year 1932, Thailand moves from monarchy to democracy constitutionalist regime.

Culture

Thailand is a country with temples representing the agricultural and Buddhist cultures. As a country with a monarchy, Thai people attach great importance to the birth of the King and Queen. These are the great holidays of the country. Besides, the festivities related to the Buddha are also held solemnly. Thailand has many festivals related to this religion annually. Water is one of the most important elements in the Thai people’s life. Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most vivid manifestations of religious water worship beliefs.

The weather in Thailand

Thailand has a tropical monsoon climate and four distinct seasons: dry season lasts from January to February, hot season from March to May, rainy season from June to October, cool season from November to December. The highest rainfall occurs in the rainy season. The average temperature of Thailand is roughly 32 o C in December and 35 o C in April. Therefore, you can visit and travel to Thailand any time.

Language

Thai is the official language in Thailand, has its own alphabet. However, in Thailand, there are different existing languages, as well as the main local language is “Isan” or “Mon-Khmer”. At the same time, English is widely taught in Thailand. Normally, tourists do not understand Thai. However, English can be widely used, especially in Bangkok where English is almost the main trading language. Most hotels, shops and restaurants at major tourist attractions are in English or some European languages, and both Thai and English road signs are available in this country.

Currency

Thailand’s national currency is Baht, divided into 100 Satang. Thai banknotes are B 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and the coins are B10, 5, 1 and pennies are S50, S25. Thai people also use credit cards from American Express, MasterCard and Visa. You can easily find ATM in big cities or bank branches. All big banks, hotels and shops accept payment by travel card. However, to avoid exchange rate fluctuations, travelers are advised to take traveler’s checks in US dollars, euros and pound sterling. Thailand does not limit the amount of foreign currency brought from abroad. Travelers can also bring foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount declared in the customs declaration upon entry. Every visitor leaving Thailand is not allowed to carry more than 50,000 baht in Thailand.

Eating Habit

In Thailand, people think that rice is difficult to grow and harvest, so it would be impolite to leave some rice on the plate or drop it on the floor. It will be better for you to take the right amount of rice and make sure you eat it. There will be many dishes on the table and a plate of rice for all guests in a tropical country like Thailand. You must use a spoon with everyone to get food, not your own spoon. It is better to take small parts but many times instead of a large part. Dishes are used for food but not for eating. There were no knives on the table because there was nothing on the table that the Thai had to cut. Chopsticks are rarely used, sometimes for noodles or rice noodles… At the restaurant, the Thai people often order many common dishes, they are placed in the middle of the table and everyone can enjoy. This is another thing when you are in Europe or the United States, where each guest calls each one differently for himself and it is unreasonable to taste food on someone else’s plate.
Thailand is famous for its unique dishes because of its sweet and sour taste, still retain its spicy and characteristic aroma. In Thailand, each region has its own unique and attractive dishes. Thai cuisine is famous throughout the world whether it is spicy or very bland; harmony is the principle throughout each dish. Thai cuisine is the mantle of Eastern and Western influences crystallized over the centuries to create specific characteristics.

Religion

Buddhism is the religion in Thailand that many people follow the most and have the strongest influence on Thai society. Buddhism can be known as the national religion in this country. There are also other religions in Thailand, such as: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism. As the national religion of Thailand, Buddhism has a profound influence on the socio-cultural life of the country. The Buddhist teachings are applied in a flexible, harmonious way to guide the behavior of indigenous people. Prevailing, these doctrines do not support the imposition of the doctrines nor require the followers to underestimate the beliefs of other religions. Over 800 years of history, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia not to be colonized, so the country is also called “land of freedom” with a multi-religious nature. This makes the religion in Thailand rich and diverse in the direction of both respect for the religion of the majority but also not ignore the belief of other ethnic groups living in the same territory.

People

Thai people are friendly and hospitable; therefore, Thailand has been called “The land of smiles”. You can catch a glimpse of the charming Thai girls in traditional costumes, holding pink roses, smile at their necks, and fold their hands together.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy headed by a king. Thus, the culture and people of Thailand claim that the lack of respect for the royal family is against the law. This is considered a Thai law, any negative action or remarks towards the King or royal family will be detrimental to you. It is easy to see in the characteristics of traditional Thai culture that the gesture greets Wai – a hand gesture as if praying, with a warm smile. “Wai” gesture shows respect that can be seen anywhere in Thailand. However, Wai also has its own rules to remember but generally lower status people will have to greet people who are in higher position previously. And another reminder is that you should not say Wai for servants or street vendors. For business and meeting with foreign businessmen, Thai people usually only shake hand and not Wai customary.

Tourism in Thailand

Thailand is the most attractive destination among ASEAN countries. Thailand is divided into three different regions of North – Central – South along with places, unique landscapes and special regional specialties. Central Thailand has two famous cities: Bangkok and Pattaya, where there are many golden temples, shopping malls, and other quirky shopping streets. Pattaya has a beautiful island, clear green water and friendly people. Especially, there are attractive shows performed by transgender artists. Additionally, we cannot miss a southern land of Thailand is Phuket having the beautiful and famous island with fresh fruit.

Transportation in Thailand; Weather in Thailand; Holidays in Thailand; Festivals in Thailand; Best Places to visit in Thailand; Reasons to visit Thailand; Travel guide of Bangkok and surroundings; Travel guide of Northern Thailand; Travel Guide of Central Thailand; Travel Guide of Southern Thailand; Best food in Thailand.