Destination Information

Thailand Facts and Figures

Over the last couple of decades Thailand has become one of the most loved travel destinations in the world. A significant part of Thailand's tourism success lies in the convenience and diversity of Thailand tour opportunities. The country offers a wealth of exotic and culturally distinctive destinations spread throughout its 76 provinces. Visitors also take pleasure in the friendly, peace-loving nature of the Thai people.

Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in terms of total area, with a surface area of approximately 513,000 km2, making it just a little bit smaller than the US state of Texas. Thailand borders Laos and Cambodia to the East, Burma to the North and West and Malaysia to the South. Thailand also has perhaps the most diverse climate in Southeast Asia due to the fact that its north-south reach covers nearly 16 latitudinal degrees.

Northern Thailand, such as Chiang Rai province, features high mountain ranges and fertile valleys. Southern Thailand, such as Krabi feature limestone outcroppings and dense rainforest. The capital Bangkok is located in the center of the nation in a region known as the Central Plains. Thailand is composed of four main regions:

Northern

Known for its breathtaking scenic views it is a mountainous region which contains numerous ruins and temples.

Northeast

Officially known as Isan, the northeast holds a rather distinct place for most Thais. It’s something parallel to the nation's heartland. Generally poorer than the rest of the country, this is where much of the nation's rice and other staple crops are grown.

Central

With an efficient road system, the central region is very accessible by car and is the place from which most tourists set off on their journey to other regions. The Central region is considered the rice bowl of Thailand as it has the most rice farming in the country.

Southern

The southern region has burst onto the scene as a great tourist destination over the past two decades. The natural attraction that brings fame to the southern region is its abundant beaches and islands which are scattered all throughout the region.

History

Capital: Bangkok
Population: 67.4 Million

Modern day Thailand and its people are an ancient melting pot of Southeast Asian cultures. A variety of people have called the area home over the years, most notably the 'Tai' of Southern China, who first came here in the first century AD. Over time various Tai tribes settled in what are now Burma (Shans), Laos (Lao) and Thailand (Thais). Most modern day Thais are descendants of this clan in one form or another. Combined with periodic Burmese and Khmer invasions and more recent Chinese settlement, this is a very unique people.