Thailand
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Country Profile
Photography (*)
Exotic Flowers - Phuket |
After the Tsunami - Phuket |
Butterfly - Phuket |
Sacred Dragon - Phuket |
Sunset - Phuket |
Shelter on the Beach - Phuket |
Thai Singers - Phuket |
Tropical Flower - Phuket |
Seashore - Phuket |
History
Many indigenous cultures have lived in Thailand's region since the Palaeolithic period, dating more than 10,000 years ago. They have been highly influenced by India and China due to their geographical location.
The Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai has founded the first Siamese state in 1238, after the decline of the Khmer Empire which ruled over Southeast Asia for more than 600 years. In 1350, the kingdom of Ayutthaya surpassed Sukhothai, establishing all Hindu customs from the Khmer Empire to Siam.
In 1767 Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese King Taksin the Great, who ruled over Thailand for a brief 15 years, making Thonburi its capital city.
In 1782 King Rama I the Great took power over Thailand. Bangkok became the capital and so began the rule of the Kingdom of Rattanakosin, which is still recognized today.
Thailand was the only Southeast Asian country that hasn't been colonized by European authority. Despite this, some trades in the 19 th century with the British let to the loss of three southern provinces which later became part of Malaysia.
The revolution of 1932 led Thailand to become a constitutional monarchy. It was Japan's Allie during World War II, and then became allied to the United States after the War.
During the second half of the 20 th century, Thailand went through a few coups d'état, but eventually headed for democracy.
Geography
Thailand was called Siam until 1939. It shares its frontiers with Laos and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia to the south, and Myanmar to the west. Its coastal lines border the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west.
The north of the country is mountainous, with mount Doi Inthanon being the highest point at 2,576 meters. The northeast plateau borders the Mekong River, and the south consists of river valleys.
Thailand is divided into four regions, North Thailand, Northeast, Central Thailand and South Thailand. Those regions are further divided into a total of 73 provinces.
Local climate is hot and dry from November to March, making Thailand's beaches and hundreds of Islands, a very popular tourist attraction.
Thailand has many environmental issues to consider, including water and air pollution, waste management, illegal hunting, deforestation and soil erosion.
Culture
Many Thai-speaking cultures exist in Thailand. The main ethnic group are the Central Thais, consisting one third of the countries population. Their language dialect dominates over all of Thailand, making the Thai language the only official language, having its own alphabet and many dialects.
The largest non-Thai ethnic group are the Chinese who have mostly well integrated with the rest of the population. Other ethnic groups include Malays and Vietnamese.
Theravada Buddhism is practiced by more than 90% of Thais. Islam is the second largest practiced religion.
Thai's spiritual practice include respect towards ancestors, social hierarchy, and a strong sense of hospitality and generosity. These traditions are very essential in Thai's culture.
The national sport in Thailand is boxing, also called Muay Thai, which was originally taught to soldiers for combat if unarmed. This sport can be dangerous and some fighters have died during competitions. There is a modern less dangerous form of Muay that is close to western boxing.
The jasmine variety rice is almost included in every Thai mean. Local cuisine combines the five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. To achieve these tastes, the use of ingredients like garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce is very widely spread.
Interesting Facts
- Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice.
- Thai culture considers the head the most sacred part of the body, and the foot the dirtiest. Pointing someone's head with a foot is a taboo.
See Also
Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
References
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).
BBC News - Country Profile: Thailand (news.bbc.co.uk).
Thailand facts on National Geographic (www3.nationalgeographic.com).
World Flag Database (www.flags.net).
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* All photographs have been taken by Dr Anto Youssef. For specific informations about a picture, please write to: anto.y@studiodentaire.com. |