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Thai Facts:
Thailand
Known as Siam until 1949, occupies an area of about 518,000 sq. miles
bordering Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. With a population of
approximately 72 million, it is one of the few countries in the Far East
that has never been colonized.
Thailand has been independent Kingdom since 1238. Her sometimes
tempestuous earlier history saw the assimilation of many PoW's from
neighboring countries, regarded as invaluable human resources, into Thai
society. Thus, people inhabiting Thailand today share a rich ethnic
diversity-mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Malay, Laotian, Persian and
Indian stock.
Ruler
The present Monarch, His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej The Great (Rama
IX), (1946), is a constitutional monarch who exercises power as Head of
State. Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and
Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Daughters, also play active roles
assisting His Majesty the King in his devoted service to the people's
welfare and national development.
Land area
197,595 sq mi (511,771 sq km); total area: 198,456 sq mi (514,000 sq km)
Population (2006 est.)
64,631,595 (growth rate: 0.7%); birth rate: 13.9/1000; infant mortality
rate: 19.5/1000; life expectancy: 72.2; density per sq mi: 327
Capital and largest city
Bangkok, 7,320,174 (city proper)
Languages
Thai (Siamese), English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and
regional dialects
Ethnicity/race
Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Religions
The state religion is Thiravada Buddhism (93%) although there are also
Muslims (3%) and Christians (2%)
Literacy rate
96%
Ports and harbors
Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, Songkhla.
Airports: 111
Language
The national language both written and spoken is Thai. It is a tonal
Language, similar to Chinese. English is widely understood in the
cities.
Climate
Thailand has three seasons. The hot season lasts March to May. This is
followed by the rainy season which runs through until October. The cool
season is the most pleasant and lasts from November until February.
Rainy season is starting from June to October.
Government and Administration
Bicameral parliamentary system of government with a 100-seat appointed
Senate and an elected of Representatives with 240 seats.
Currency
Currency 1 Baht = 100 Stang (See Exchange rate)
Coins: 1, 5 and 10
Stang: 25 and 50
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000
Regional Thailand has four parts, they are North, Northeast, Central and
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