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Thailand is a Southeast Asian,
predominantly Buddhist kingdom almost equidistant between India and
China. For centuries known by outsiders as Siam, Thailand has been
something of a Southeast Asian migratory, cultural and religious
crossroads.
With an area of some 510,000 square kilometres and a population of some
57 million, Thailand is approximately the same size as France. Thailand
shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the
northeast, Kampuchea to the West, and Malaysia to the south.
Thailand's climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity,
and dominated by monsoons. April and May are the hottest months of the
year, when even the locals are moved to complain about the heat. June
sees the beginning of the South West Monsoon, and brings with it the
rainy season, which continues intermittently until the end of October.
From November to the end of February the climate is much less trying
with a cooling North East breeze and a reduction in the humidity level.
This is also the main tourist season, and the best time to visit
Thailand.
The north and north-east are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter,
and hotter in summer. In the far north, around Mae Hong Son temperatures
can occasionally drop as low as 20C
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Climatic Table
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Average Daytime Temperature (oC) - Central
Thailand |
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
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30 |
31 |
34 |
36 |
35 |
33 |
32 |
33 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
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Average Rainfall (cm) - Central Thailand |
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 1.0 |
2.5 |
3.5 |
6.0 |
8.0 |
14.5 |
16.5 |
17.5 |
30.0 |
21.0 |
7.0 |
0.5 |
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Geographically speaking, Thailand is divided
into six major regions:
The Mountainous North
parallel north-south mountains and fertile valleys, it boasts the country's
highest peak, Doi Inthanon, at 2565m (8415 ft). Main rivers in the north are
the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan, which are the major tributaries of Chao Phraya.
Where elephants work forests and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool
to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches.
The Sprawling Northeast Plateau.
largely bordered by the Mekong River, where the world's oldest Bronze Age
civilisation flourished some 5,000 years ago. Occupies the semi-arid Khorat
plateau, which is now largely deforested and prone to floods and droughts.
The Central Plain
one of the world's most fertile rice and fruits-growing areas. Comprising
the flood plain of the Chao Phraya river, the country's principal waterway.
The Eastern Coastal Plain
where fine sandy beaches support the growth of summer resorts. It has many
forested offshore islands.
The Western Mountains and Valleys
a region of saw-tooth mountains suitable for the development of
hydro-electric power.
The Peninsular South
where arresting scenic beauty complements economically vital tin mining,
rubber cultivation and fishing. Rich in tropical rainforests, and long
coastline of beautiful fine beaches
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