Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Thailand shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Thailand offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Thailand at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Thailand? Wrong! If the Thailand is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Thailand then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Thailand? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Thailand and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Thailand wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Thailand then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Thailand site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Thailand, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Thailand, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Country|native_name = ราชอาณาจักรไทย Ratcha Anachak Thai|conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Thailand|common_name = Thailand|image_flag = Flag of Thailand.svg|image_coat = Thai Garuda emblem.png|symbol_type = Emblem|national_anthem = Phleng Chat]|image_map = LocationThailand.svg|map_caption = |capital = Bangkok|ethnic_groups = |ethnic_groups_year = |demonym = Thai|government_type = [military dictatorship under Constitutional Monarchy|leader_name1 = [Bhumibol Adulyadej|leader_title2 = List of Prime Ministers of Thailand|leader_name2 = Surayud Chulanont|leader_name3 = Air Chief Marshal [Chalit Pookpasuk (acting)]|established_event1 = Sukhothai Kingdom|established_date2 = 1350|established_event3 = [History of Thailand (1768–1932)|established_date3 = 1767|established_event4 = History of Thailand (1768–1932)|established_date4 = April 6 1782|established_date5 = [24 June 1932-->|percent_water = 0.4|population_estimate = 62,828,706 |population_estimate_rank = 20th|population_estimate_year = Dec 2006|population_census = 60,606,947 Population and Housing Census 2000, National Statistical Office|population_census_year = 2000|population_density_km2 = 122|population_density_sq_mi = 317 (฿)|currency_code = THB|time_zone =|utc_offset = +7|time_zone_DST =|DST_note =|utc_offset_DST = |cctld = .th: ราชอาณาจักรไทย, ) is a country in [Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok. Etymology The country's official name was Siam (; , ) until June 24, 1939, Thailand (Siam) History, CSMngt-Thai. and between 1945 and May 11 1949, when it was changed to Thailand by official proclamation. The word Thai (ไทย) is not, as commonly believed to be, derived from the word Thai (ไท) meaning "freedom" in the Thai language; it is, however, the name of an Thai people from the central plains.

History The region known today as Thailand has been inhabited by human beings since the paleolithic period (about 500,000 - 10,000 years ago). Due to its geographical location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by India and China as well as the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia. Prior to the 12th century various Mon (ethnic group), Khmer people and Malays (ethnic group) kingdoms thrived in differing regions, as seen through the numerous archaeological sites and artifacts throughout the country. However, the first Thai people or Siamese state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai kingdom, which was founded in 1238, following the decline and fall of the Khmer empire in the 13th - 15th century AD.

A century later Sukhothai's power was overshadowed by the larger Siamese Ayutthaya Kingdom, established in the mid-14th century. After the sack of Angkor by the Siamese armies in 1431, much of the Khmer court and its Hindu customs were brought to Ayutthaya Kingdom, and Khmer customs and rituals were adopted into the courtly culture of Siam.

After Ayutthaya fell in 1767 to the Burmese, Thonburi was the capital of Thailand for a brief period under King Taksin the Great. The current (Rattanakosin) era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.

European powers began traveling to Thailand in the 16th century. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonised by a European country. Two main reasons for this is that, Thailand had a long succession of very able rulers in the 1800s and that it was able to exploit the rivalry and tension between the French Indochina and the British empire. As a result, the country remained as a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that were colonised by the two colonial powers. Despite this, Western influence led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions, most notably being the loss of large territory on the right side of the Mekong to the French Indochina and the loss of three predominantly ethnic-Malay southern provinces, which later became Malaysia's three northern states (Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909).

In 1932, a bloodless revolution resulted in a new constitutional monarchy. During world war II, Thailand was allied with Japan, while at the same time having an active anti-Japanese resistance movement known as the Seri Thai. After the war, Thailand emerged as an ally of the United States. As with much of the developing nations during the Cold war, Thailand then went through decades of political transgression characterised by coup d'états as one military regime replaced another, but eventually progressed towards a stable democracy in the 1980s.

In 1997, Thailand was hit with the Asian financial crisis and the Thai baht for a short time peaked at 56 baht to the U.S. dollar compared to about 25 baht to the dollar before 1997. Since then the baht has regained most of its strength and as of May 23, 2007, is valued at 33 baht to the US dollar.

The Thai solar calendar in Thailand is based on Eastern version of the Buddhist calendar, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. For example, the year AD 2007 is called 2550 BE in Thailand.

Politics and government History Since the Siamese coup d'état of 1932 of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had Constitutions of Thailand.The Council of State, Constitutions of Thailand. This list contains 2 errors: it states that the 6th constitution was promulgated in 1912 (rather than 1952), and it states that the 11th constitution was promulgated in 1976 (rather than 1974).Thanet Aphornsuvan, , 2001 Symposium: Constitutions and Human Rights in a Global Age: An Asia Pacific perspective Throughout this time, the form of government has ranged from military dictatorship to electoral democracy, but all governments have acknowledged a List of Kings of Thailand as the head of state. A list of previous coups in Thailand A list of recent coups in Thailand's history

1997 to 2006 The 1997 Constitution was the first constitution to be drafted by popularly-elected Constitutional Drafting Assembly, and was popularly called the "People's Constitution".Kittipong Kittayarak,

The 1997 Constitution created a bicameral legislature consisting of a 500-seat House of Representatives (สภาผู้แทนราษฎร, sapha phutan ratsadon) and a 200-seat Senate (วุฒิสภา, wuthisapha). For the first time in Thai history, both houses were directly Election. Many human rights are explicitly acknowledged, and measures were established to increase the stability of elected governments. The House was elected by the first-past-the-post system, where only one candidate with a simple majority could be elected in one constituency. The Senate was elected based on the province system, where one province can return more than one Senator depending on its population size. Members of the House of Representatives served four-year terms, while Senators served six-year terms.

The court system (ศาล, saan) included a Constitutional Court of Thailand with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, and political matters.

The Thailand legislative election, 2001, the first elections under the 1997 Constitution, were called the most open, corruption-free election in Thai history.Robert B. Albritton and Thawilwadee Bureekul, , National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica Asian Barometer Project Office Working Paper Series No. 28, 2004 The subsequent government was the first in Thai history to complete a 4-year term. The Thailand legislative election, 2005 had the highest voter turnout in Thai history and was noted for a marked reduction in vote-buying compared to previous elections.Pongsudhirak Thitinan, "Victory places Thaksin at crossroads", Bangkok Post, February 9, 2005Aurel Croissant and Daniel J. Pojar, Jr., Quo Vadis Thailand? Thai Politics after the 2005 Parliamentary Election, Strategic Insights, Volume IV, Issue 6 (June 2005)

In early 2006, significant pressure from corruption allegations led Thaksin Shinawatra to call for a snap election. The opposition boycotted the elections and Thaksin was re-elected. Pressure continued to build, leading to a military coup on 19 September 2006.

After the 2006 coup A CDRM 2006 Thailand coup the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra on 19 September 2006. The junta abrogated the constitution, dissolved Parliament and the Constitutional Court, detained and later removed several members of the government, declared martial law, and appointed one of the King's Privy Councillors, General Surayud Chulanont, as Prime Minister. The junta later wrote a highly abbreviated 2006 Interim Constitution of Thailand and appointed a panel to draft a Next constitution of Thailand. The junta also appointed a 250-member legislature, called by some critics a "chamber of generals" and others claimed that it lacks representatives from the poor majority.The Nation, NLA 'doesn't represent' all of the people, 14 October 2006The Nation, Assembly will not play a major role, 14 October 2006 In this interim constitution draft, the head of the junta was allowed to remove the Prime Minister at any time. The legislature was not allowed to hold a vote of confidence against the Cabinet and the public was not allowed to file comments on bills.The Nation, Interim charter draft, 27 September 2006 This interim constitution was later surpassed by 2007 Constitution of Thailand on 24 August 2007.

Martial law was partially revoked in January 2007. The junta continues to censor the media and was accused of Surayud Chulanont#Human rights.

The ban on political activities was lifted in July 2007, following the Party dissolution charges in Thai politics, 2006 of the Thai Rak Thai party. The Next constitution of Thailand has been approved by a referendum on August 19, which will lead to a return to democratic elections in December.

Thailand remains an active member of the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Administrative divisions

Thailand is divided into 75 provinces (จังหวัด, changwat), which are gathered into 5 groups of provinces by location. There are also 2 special governed districts: the capital Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) and Pattaya, of which Bangkok is at provincial level and thus often counted as a 76th province.

Each province is divided into smaller Amphoe. As of 2000 there are 877 districts (อำเภอ, amphoe) and the 50 districts of Bangkok (เขต, khet). Some parts of the provinces bordering Bangkok are also referred to as Bangkok Metropolitan Area (ปริมณฑล, pari monthon). These provinces include Nonthaburi Province, Pathum Thani Province, Samut Prakan Province, Nakhon Pathom Province and Samut Sakhon Province. The name of each province's capital city (เมือง, mueang) is the same as that of the province: for example, the capital of Chiang Mai province (changwat Chiang Mai) is Mueang Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai . The 75 provinces are as follows:

Central Thailand
  • Ang Thong Province
  • Bangkok, Special Governed District of
  • Chainat Province
  • Kanchanaburi Province
  • Lopburi Province
  • Nakhon Nayok Province
  • Nakhon Pathom Province
  • Nonthaburi Province
  • Pathum Thani Province
  • Phetchaburi Province
  • Ayutthaya Province
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
  • Ratchaburi Province
  • Samut Prakan Province
  • Samut Sakhon Province
  • Samut Songkhram Province
  • Saraburi Province
  • Sing Buri Province
  • Suphanburi Province


    • Eastern Thailand
  • Chachoengsao Province
  • Chanthaburi Province
  • Chonburi Province
  • Prachinburi Province
  • Rayong Province
  • Sa Kaeo Province
  • Trat Province




    • Northern Thailand
  • Chiang Mai Province
  • Chiang Rai Province
  • Kamphaeng Phet Province
  • Lampang Province
  • Lamphun Province
  • Mae Hong Son Province
  • Nakhon Sawan Province
  • Nan Province
  • Phayao Province
  • Phetchabun Province
  • Phichit Province
  • Phitsanulok Province
  • Phrae Province
  • Sukhothai Province
  • Tak Province
  • Uthai Thani Province
  • Uttaradit Province


    • , Nakhon Phanom Province

    Northeast Thailand
  • Amnat Charoen Province
  • Buri Ram Province
  • Chaiyaphum Province
  • Kalasin Province
  • Khon Kaen Province
  • Loei Province
  • Maha Sarakham Province
  • Mukdahan Province
  • Nakhon Phanom Province
  • Nakhon Ratchasima Province
  • Nongbua Lamphu Province
  • Nong Khai Province
  • Roi Et Province
  • Sakon Nakhon Province
  • Sisaket Province
  • Surin Province
  • Ubon Ratchathani Province
  • Udon Thani Province
  • Yasothon Province




    • Southern Thailand
  • Chumphon Province
  • Krabi Province
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
  • Narathiwat Province
  • Pattani Province
  • Phang Nga Province
  • Phatthalung Province
  • Phuket Province
  • Ranong Province
  • Satun Province
  • Songkhla Province
  • Surat Thani Province
  • Trang Province
  • Yala Province


    • NOTE: In italics , that province represents the Greater Bangkok sub-region; in italics , that province represents the West sub-region.

    See also: List of cities in Thailand, List of cities in Thailand by population

    Geography in Sai Yok National Park.

    At 514,000 square kilometre (198,000 square miles), Thailand is the world's 49th-largest country. It is comparable in size to France, and somewhat larger than the US state of California.

    Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,565 metres (8,415 foot (unit of length)). The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

    The local climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Surat Thani, Phuket and Hat Yai.

    See also: List of islands of Thailand

    Economy on a 100 Thai baht banknote passing the Sathon area of Bangkok.

    Thailand is a newly industrialised country. After enjoying the world's highest growth rate from 1985 to 1996 - averaging almost 9% annually - increased pressure on Thailand's currency, the Thai baht, in 1997, the year in which the economy contracted by 1.9% led to a crisis that uncovered financial sector weaknesses and forced the government to float the currency. Pegged at 25 to the US dollar from 1978 to 1997, the baht reached its lowest point of 56 to the US dollar in January 1998 and the economy contracted by 10.8% that same year. The collapse prompted a wider Asian financial crisis.

    Thailand entered a recovery stage in 1999, expanding 4.2% and 4.4% in 2000, largely due to strong exports - which increased about 20% in 2000. Growth (2.2%) was dampened by a softening of the global economy in 2001, but picked up in the subsequent years due to strong growth in China and the various domestic stimulation programmes of List of Prime Ministers of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, popularly known as Thaksinomics. Growth in 2002/03 and 2004 was 5-7% annually.

    Thailand exports over $105 billion worth of products annually . Major exports include rice, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances. Thailand is the world’s no.1 exporter of rice, exporting 6.5 million tons of milled rice annually. Rice is the most important crop in the country. Thailand has the highest percent of arable land, 27.25%, of any nation in the Greater Mekong Subregion CIA world factbook - Greater Mekong Subregion. About 55% of the available land area is used for rice production IRRI country profile.

    Substantial industries include electric appliances, components, computer parts and automobiles, while tourism contributes about 5% of the Thai economy's GDP. Long stay foreign residents and their business investments also contribute heavily to GDP.

    Demographics . Language Thailand's population is dominated by various Tai languages peoples. Among these, the most numerous are the Central Thai, the Northeastern Thai or Isan language or Lao language, the Northern Thai, and the Southern Thai. The Central Thai have long dominated the nation politically, economically, and culturally, even though they make up only about one-third of Thailand's population and are slightly outnumbered by the Northeastern Thai. Due to education system and the forging of a national identity, many people are now able to speak Central Thai as well as their own local dialects.

    The largest group of non-Thai people are the Chinese who have historically played a disproportionately significant role in the economy. Most have integrated completely into mainstream Thai society, and do not live in Bangkok's Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. Other ethnic groups include Malays (ethnic group) in the south, Mon (ethnic group), Khmer people and various hill tribes. After the end of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in Thailand, mainly in the northeastern regions.

    The Thai language is Thailand's national language, written in its own Thai alphabet, but many ethnic and regional dialects exist as well as areas where people speak predominantly Isan language or Mon-Khmer languages. Although English language is widely taught in schools, its use is not widespread throughout the country.

    Religion According to the last census (2000) 95% of Thais are Buddhism of the Theravada tradition. Islam in Thailand are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.6%. Some provinces and towns south of Chumphon have dominant Muslim populations, including many ethnic Thai. Often Muslims live in separate communities from non-Muslims. The southern tip of Thailand are mostly ethnic Malays (ethnic group) and they are mostly concentrated in the south, where they form a strong majority in four provinces. Christianity, mainly Roman Catholic Churchs, represent 0.75% of the population. A tiny but influential community of Sikhs and some Hindus also live in the country's cities. There is also a small Jews and Judaism in Thailand, dating back to the 17th century.

    Culture in Bangkok.Theravada Buddhism is central to modern Thai identity and belief. In practice, Buddhism in Thailand has evolved over time to include many regional beliefs originating from animism as well as ancestor worship. In areas in the southernmost parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent. Several different ethnic groups, many of which are marginalized, populate Thailand. Some of these groups overlap into Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and have maintained a distinctly traditional way-of-life despite strong Thai cultural influence. Overseas Chinese also form a significant part of Thai society, particularly in and around Bangkok. Their successful integration into Thai society has allowed for this group to hold positions of economic and political power, the most noteworthy of these being the Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who held power from 2001 until September 19, 2006 when he was ousted by a military coup d'état.

    Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture. The elders always rule in family decisions or ceremonies.

    is highly respected in Thailand.The traditional Thai greeting, the Thai greeting, is offered first by the youngest of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch their face to the hands, usually coinciding with the spoken word "Sawat-dii khrap" for male speakers, and "Sawat-dii ka" for females. The elder then is to respond afterwards in the same way. When children leave to go to school, they wai to their parents to represent their respect for them. They do the same when they come back. It is a sign of respect and reverence for another, similar to the namaste greeting of other cultures.

    Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is the national sport in Thailand and its native martial art call "Muay". In the past, "Muay" was taught to Royal soldiers for combat on battlefield if unarmed. After they retired from the army, they often became Buddhist monks and stayed at the temples. Thai people's lives are closely tied to Buddhism and temples; they often send their sons to be educated with the monks. ”Muay” is also one of the subjects taught in the temples. Muay Thai History.

    Muay Thai achieved popularity all over the world in the 1990s. Although similar martial arts styles exist in other southeast Asian countries, few enjoy the recognition that Muay Thai has received with its full-contact rules allowing strikes including elbows, throws and knees. Football (soccer), however, has possibly overtaken Muay Thai's position as most widely viewed and liked sport in contemporary Thai society and it is not uncommon to see Thais cheering their favourite English Premier League teams on television and walking around in replica kits. Another widely enjoyed pastime, and once a competitive sport, is kite flying.

    Taboos include touching someone's head or pointing with the feet, as the head is considered the most sacred and the foot the dirtiest part of the body. Stepping over someone, or over food, is considered insulting. However, Thai culture as in many other Asian cultures, is succumbing to the influence of westernization and some of the traditional taboos are slowly fading away with time.

    Books and other documents are the most revered of secular objects - therefore one should not slide a book across a table or place it on the floor.

    Cuisine of Thailand blends five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is rice, particularly Jasmine rice (also known as Hom Mali rice) which is included in almost every meal. Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice, and Thais domestically consume over 100 kg of milled rice per person per year IRRI country profile Thailand. Over 5000 varieties of rice from Thailand are preserved in the rice gene bank of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines. The King of Thailand is the official patron of IRRI.

    Thai society has been influenced in recent years by its widely-available multi-language press and media. There are numerous English, Thai and Chinese newspapers in circulation; most Thai popular magazines use English headlines as a chic glam factor. Most all big businesses in Bangkok operate in English, spoken even between Thais, as a way of showing off their educated, high-society status. Thailand is the largest newspaper market in South East Asia with an estimated circulation of at least 13 million copies daily in 2003.

    International rankings {| class="wikitable"|-! Organization! Survey! Ranking|-| Heritage Foundation/The Wall Street Journal]| 71 out of 157|-| The Economist]| Reporters Without Borders#Worldwide press freedom index| 122 out of 167|-| [Transparency International| 63 out of 163|-| [United Nations Development Programme| 74 out of 177|}

    See also

    Notes External links Official

    Other

    {{Template group|title = Geographic locale|list =-->{{Template group|title = International membership|list =-->



    {{Infobox Country|native_name = ราชอาณาจักรไทย Ratcha Anachak Thai|conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Thailand|common_name = Thailand|image_flag = Flag of Thailand.svg|image_coat = Thai Garuda emblem.png|symbol_type = Emblem|national_anthem = Phleng Chat]|image_map = LocationThailand.svg|map_caption = |capital = Bangkok|ethnic_groups = |ethnic_groups_year = |demonym = Thai|government_type = [military dictatorship under Constitutional Monarchy|leader_name1 = [Bhumibol Adulyadej|leader_title2 = List of Prime Ministers of Thailand|leader_name2 = Surayud Chulanont|leader_name3 = Air Chief Marshal [Chalit Pookpasuk (acting)]|established_event1 = Sukhothai Kingdom|established_date2 = 1350|established_event3 = [History of Thailand (1768–1932)|established_date3 = 1767|established_event4 = History of Thailand (1768–1932)|established_date4 = April 6 1782|established_date5 = [24 June 1932-->|percent_water = 0.4|population_estimate = 62,828,706 |population_estimate_rank = 20th|population_estimate_year = Dec 2006|population_census = 60,606,947 Population and Housing Census 2000, National Statistical Office|population_census_year = 2000|population_density_km2 = 122|population_density_sq_mi = 317 (฿)|currency_code = THB|time_zone =|utc_offset = +7|time_zone_DST =|DST_note =|utc_offset_DST = |cctld = .th: ราชอาณาจักรไทย, ) is a country in [Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok. Etymology The country's official name was Siam (; , ) until June 24, 1939, Thailand (Siam) History, CSMngt-Thai. and between 1945 and May 11 1949, when it was changed to Thailand by official proclamation. The word Thai (ไทย) is not, as commonly believed to be, derived from the word Thai (ไท) meaning "freedom" in the Thai language; it is, however, the name of an Thai people from the central plains.

    History The region known today as Thailand has been inhabited by human beings since the paleolithic period (about 500,000 - 10,000 years ago). Due to its geographical location, Thai culture has always been greatly influenced by India and China as well as the indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia. Prior to the 12th century various Mon (ethnic group), Khmer people and Malays (ethnic group) kingdoms thrived in differing regions, as seen through the numerous archaeological sites and artifacts throughout the country. However, the first Thai people or Siamese state is traditionally considered to be the Buddhist kingdom of Sukhothai kingdom, which was founded in 1238, following the decline and fall of the Khmer empire in the 13th - 15th century AD.

    A century later Sukhothai's power was overshadowed by the larger Siamese Ayutthaya Kingdom, established in the mid-14th century. After the sack of Angkor by the Siamese armies in 1431, much of the Khmer court and its Hindu customs were brought to Ayutthaya Kingdom, and Khmer customs and rituals were adopted into the courtly culture of Siam.

    After Ayutthaya fell in 1767 to the Burmese, Thonburi was the capital of Thailand for a brief period under King Taksin the Great. The current (Rattanakosin) era of Thai history began in 1782 following the establishment of Bangkok as capital of the Chakri dynasty under King Rama I the Great.

    European powers began traveling to Thailand in the 16th century. Despite European pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonised by a European country. Two main reasons for this is that, Thailand had a long succession of very able rulers in the 1800s and that it was able to exploit the rivalry and tension between the French Indochina and the British empire. As a result, the country remained as a buffer state between parts of Southeast Asia that were colonised by the two colonial powers. Despite this, Western influence led to many reforms in the 19th century and major concessions, most notably being the loss of large territory on the right side of the Mekong to the French Indochina and the loss of three predominantly ethnic-Malay southern provinces, which later became Malaysia's three northern states (Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909).

    In 1932, a bloodless revolution resulted in a new constitutional monarchy. During world war II, Thailand was allied with Japan, while at the same time having an active anti-Japanese resistance movement known as the Seri Thai. After the war, Thailand emerged as an ally of the United States. As with much of the developing nations during the Cold war, Thailand then went through decades of political transgression characterised by coup d'états as one military regime replaced another, but eventually progressed towards a stable democracy in the 1980s.

    In 1997, Thailand was hit with the Asian financial crisis and the Thai baht for a short time peaked at 56 baht to the U.S. dollar compared to about 25 baht to the dollar before 1997. Since then the baht has regained most of its strength and as of May 23, 2007, is valued at 33 baht to the US dollar.

    The Thai solar calendar in Thailand is based on Eastern version of the Buddhist calendar, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. For example, the year AD 2007 is called 2550 BE in Thailand.

    Politics and government History Since the Siamese coup d'état of 1932 of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has had Constitutions of Thailand.The Council of State, Constitutions of Thailand. This list contains 2 errors: it states that the 6th constitution was promulgated in 1912 (rather than 1952), and it states that the 11th constitution was promulgated in 1976 (rather than 1974).Thanet Aphornsuvan, , 2001 Symposium: Constitutions and Human Rights in a Global Age: An Asia Pacific perspective Throughout this time, the form of government has ranged from military dictatorship to electoral democracy, but all governments have acknowledged a List of Kings of Thailand as the head of state. A list of previous coups in Thailand A list of recent coups in Thailand's history

    1997 to 2006 The 1997 Constitution was the first constitution to be drafted by popularly-elected Constitutional Drafting Assembly, and was popularly called the "People's Constitution".Kittipong Kittayarak,

    The 1997 Constitution created a bicameral legislature consisting of a 500-seat House of Representatives (สภาผู้แทนราษฎร, sapha phutan ratsadon) and a 200-seat Senate (วุฒิสภา, wuthisapha). For the first time in Thai history, both houses were directly Election. Many human rights are explicitly acknowledged, and measures were established to increase the stability of elected governments. The House was elected by the first-past-the-post system, where only one candidate with a simple majority could be elected in one constituency. The Senate was elected based on the province system, where one province can return more than one Senator depending on its population size. Members of the House of Representatives served four-year terms, while Senators served six-year terms.

    The court system (ศาล, saan) included a Constitutional Court of Thailand with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, and political matters.

    The Thailand legislative election, 2001, the first elections under the 1997 Constitution, were called the most open, corruption-free election in Thai history.Robert B. Albritton and Thawilwadee Bureekul, , National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica Asian Barometer Project Office Working Paper Series No. 28, 2004 The subsequent government was the first in Thai history to complete a 4-year term. The Thailand legislative election, 2005 had the highest voter turnout in Thai history and was noted for a marked reduction in vote-buying compared to previous elections.Pongsudhirak Thitinan, "Victory places Thaksin at crossroads", Bangkok Post, February 9, 2005Aurel Croissant and Daniel J. Pojar, Jr., Quo Vadis Thailand? Thai Politics after the 2005 Parliamentary Election, Strategic Insights, Volume IV, Issue 6 (June 2005)

    In early 2006, significant pressure from corruption allegations led Thaksin Shinawatra to call for a snap election. The opposition boycotted the elections and Thaksin was re-elected. Pressure continued to build, leading to a military coup on 19 September 2006.

    After the 2006 coup A CDRM 2006 Thailand coup the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra on 19 September 2006. The junta abrogated the constitution, dissolved Parliament and the Constitutional Court, detained and later removed several members of the government, declared martial law, and appointed one of the King's Privy Councillors, General Surayud Chulanont, as Prime Minister. The junta later wrote a highly abbreviated 2006 Interim Constitution of Thailand and appointed a panel to draft a Next constitution of Thailand. The junta also appointed a 250-member legislature, called by some critics a "chamber of generals" and others claimed that it lacks representatives from the poor majority.The Nation, NLA 'doesn't represent' all of the people, 14 October 2006The Nation, Assembly will not play a major role, 14 October 2006 In this interim constitution draft, the head of the junta was allowed to remove the Prime Minister at any time. The legislature was not allowed to hold a vote of confidence against the Cabinet and the public was not allowed to file comments on bills.The Nation, Interim charter draft, 27 September 2006 This interim constitution was later surpassed by 2007 Constitution of Thailand on 24 August 2007.

    Martial law was partially revoked in January 2007. The junta continues to censor the media and was accused of Surayud Chulanont#Human rights.

    The ban on political activities was lifted in July 2007, following the Party dissolution charges in Thai politics, 2006 of the Thai Rak Thai party. The Next constitution of Thailand has been approved by a referendum on August 19, which will lead to a return to democratic elections in December.

    Thailand remains an active member of the regional Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    Administrative divisions

    Thailand is divided into 75 provinces (จังหวัด, changwat), which are gathered into 5 groups of provinces by location. There are also 2 special governed districts: the capital Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) and Pattaya, of which Bangkok is at provincial level and thus often counted as a 76th province.

    Each province is divided into smaller Amphoe. As of 2000 there are 877 districts (อำเภอ, amphoe) and the 50 districts of Bangkok (เขต, khet). Some parts of the provinces bordering Bangkok are also referred to as Bangkok Metropolitan Area (ปริมณฑล, pari monthon). These provinces include Nonthaburi Province, Pathum Thani Province, Samut Prakan Province, Nakhon Pathom Province and Samut Sakhon Province. The name of each province's capital city (เมือง, mueang) is the same as that of the province: for example, the capital of Chiang Mai province (changwat Chiang Mai) is Mueang Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai . The 75 provinces are as follows:

    Central Thailand
  • Ang Thong Province
  • Bangkok, Special Governed District of
  • Chainat Province
  • Kanchanaburi Province
  • Lopburi Province
  • Nakhon Nayok Province
  • Nakhon Pathom Province
  • Nonthaburi Province
  • Pathum Thani Province
  • Phetchaburi Province
  • Ayutthaya Province
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
  • Ratchaburi Province
  • Samut Prakan Province
  • Samut Sakhon Province
  • Samut Songkhram Province
  • Saraburi Province
  • Sing Buri Province
  • Suphanburi Province


    • Eastern Thailand
  • Chachoengsao Province
  • Chanthaburi Province
  • Chonburi Province
  • Prachinburi Province
  • Rayong Province
  • Sa Kaeo Province
  • Trat Province




    • Northern Thailand
  • Chiang Mai Province
  • Chiang Rai Province
  • Kamphaeng Phet Province
  • Lampang Province
  • Lamphun Province
  • Mae Hong Son Province
  • Nakhon Sawan Province
  • Nan Province
  • Phayao Province
  • Phetchabun Province
  • Phichit Province
  • Phitsanulok Province
  • Phrae Province
  • Sukhothai Province
  • Tak Province
  • Uthai Thani Province
  • Uttaradit Province


    • , Nakhon Phanom Province

    Northeast Thailand
  • Amnat Charoen Province
  • Buri Ram Province
  • Chaiyaphum Province
  • Kalasin Province
  • Khon Kaen Province
  • Loei Province
  • Maha Sarakham Province
  • Mukdahan Province
  • Nakhon Phanom Province
  • Nakhon Ratchasima Province
  • Nongbua Lamphu Province
  • Nong Khai Province
  • Roi Et Province
  • Sakon Nakhon Province
  • Sisaket Province
  • Surin Province
  • Ubon Ratchathani Province
  • Udon Thani Province
  • Yasothon Province




    • Southern Thailand
  • Chumphon Province
  • Krabi Province
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
  • Narathiwat Province
  • Pattani Province
  • Phang Nga Province
  • Phatthalung Province
  • Phuket Province
  • Ranong Province
  • Satun Province
  • Songkhla Province
  • Surat Thani Province
  • Trang Province
  • Yala Province


    • NOTE: In italics , that province represents the Greater Bangkok sub-region; in italics , that province represents the West sub-region.

    See also: List of cities in Thailand, List of cities in Thailand by population

    Geography in Sai Yok National Park.

    At 514,000 square kilometre (198,000 square miles), Thailand is the world's 49th-largest country. It is comparable in size to France, and somewhat larger than the US state of California.

    Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,565 metres (8,415 foot (unit of length)). The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

    The local climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Surat Thani, Phuket and Hat Yai.

    See also: List of islands of Thailand

    Economy on a 100 Thai baht banknote passing the Sathon area of Bangkok.

    Thailand is a newly industrialised country. After enjoying the world's highest growth rate from 1985 to 1996 - averaging almost 9% annually - increased pressure on Thailand's currency, the Thai baht, in 1997, the year in which the economy contracted by 1.9% led to a crisis that uncovered financial sector weaknesses and forced the government to float the currency. Pegged at 25 to the US dollar from 1978 to 1997, the baht reached its lowest point of 56 to the US dollar in January 1998 and the economy contracted by 10.8% that same year. The collapse prompted a wider Asian financial crisis.

    Thailand entered a recovery stage in 1999, expanding 4.2% and 4.4% in 2000, largely due to strong exports - which increased about 20% in 2000. Growth (2.2%) was dampened by a softening of the global economy in 2001, but picked up in the subsequent years due to strong growth in China and the various domestic stimulation programmes of List of Prime Ministers of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, popularly known as Thaksinomics. Growth in 2002/03 and 2004 was 5-7% annually.

    Thailand exports over $105 billion worth of products annually . Major exports include rice, textiles and footwear, fishery products, rubber, jewelry, automobiles, computers and electrical appliances. Thailand is the world’s no.1 exporter of rice, exporting 6.5 million tons of milled rice annually. Rice is the most important crop in the country. Thailand has the highest percent of arable land, 27.25%, of any nation in the Greater Mekong Subregion CIA world factbook - Greater Mekong Subregion. About 55% of the available land area is used for rice production IRRI country profile.

    Substantial industries include electric appliances, components, computer parts and automobiles, while tourism contributes about 5% of the Thai economy's GDP. Long stay foreign residents and their business investments also contribute heavily to GDP.

    Demographics . Language Thailand's population is dominated by various Tai languages peoples. Among these, the most numerous are the Central Thai, the Northeastern Thai or Isan language or Lao language, the Northern Thai, and the Southern Thai. The Central Thai have long dominated the nation politically, economically, and culturally, even though they make up only about one-third of Thailand's population and are slightly outnumbered by the Northeastern Thai. Due to education system and the forging of a national identity, many people are now able to speak Central Thai as well as their own local dialects.

    The largest group of non-Thai people are the Chinese who have historically played a disproportionately significant role in the economy. Most have integrated completely into mainstream Thai society, and do not live in Bangkok's Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. Other ethnic groups include Malays (ethnic group) in the south, Mon (ethnic group), Khmer people and various hill tribes. After the end of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in Thailand, mainly in the northeastern regions.

    The Thai language is Thailand's national language, written in its own Thai alphabet, but many ethnic and regional dialects exist as well as areas where people speak predominantly Isan language or Mon-Khmer languages. Although English language is widely taught in schools, its use is not widespread throughout the country.

    Religion According to the last census (2000) 95% of Thais are Buddhism of the Theravada tradition. Islam in Thailand are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.6%. Some provinces and towns south of Chumphon have dominant Muslim populations, including many ethnic Thai. Often Muslims live in separate communities from non-Muslims. The southern tip of Thailand are mostly ethnic Malays (ethnic group) and they are mostly concentrated in the south, where they form a strong majority in four provinces. Christianity, mainly Roman Catholic Churchs, represent 0.75% of the population. A tiny but influential community of Sikhs and some Hindus also live in the country's cities. There is also a small Jews and Judaism in Thailand, dating back to the 17th century.

    Culture in Bangkok.Theravada Buddhism is central to modern Thai identity and belief. In practice, Buddhism in Thailand has evolved over time to include many regional beliefs originating from animism as well as ancestor worship. In areas in the southernmost parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent. Several different ethnic groups, many of which are marginalized, populate Thailand. Some of these groups overlap into Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and have maintained a distinctly traditional way-of-life despite strong Thai cultural influence. Overseas Chinese also form a significant part of Thai society, particularly in and around Bangkok. Their successful integration into Thai society has allowed for this group to hold positions of economic and political power, the most noteworthy of these being the Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who held power from 2001 until September 19, 2006 when he was ousted by a military coup d'état.

    Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture. The elders always rule in family decisions or ceremonies.

    is highly respected in Thailand.The traditional Thai greeting, the Thai greeting, is offered first by the youngest of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch their face to the hands, usually coinciding with the spoken word "Sawat-dii khrap" for male speakers, and "Sawat-dii ka" for females. The elder then is to respond afterwards in the same way. When children leave to go to school, they wai to their parents to represent their respect for them. They do the same when they come back. It is a sign of respect and reverence for another, similar to the namaste greeting of other cultures.

    Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is the national sport in Thailand and its native martial art call "Muay". In the past, "Muay" was taught to Royal soldiers for combat on battlefield if unarmed. After they retired from the army, they often became Buddhist monks and stayed at the temples. Thai people's lives are closely tied to Buddhism and temples; they often send their sons to be educated with the monks. ”Muay” is also one of the subjects taught in the temples. Muay Thai History.

    Muay Thai achieved popularity all over the world in the 1990s. Although similar martial arts styles exist in other southeast Asian countries, few enjoy the recognition that Muay Thai has received with its full-contact rules allowing strikes including elbows, throws and knees. Football (soccer), however, has possibly overtaken Muay Thai's position as most widely viewed and liked sport in contemporary Thai society and it is not uncommon to see Thais cheering their favourite English Premier League teams on television and walking around in replica kits. Another widely enjoyed pastime, and once a competitive sport, is kite flying.

    Taboos include touching someone's head or pointing with the feet, as the head is considered the most sacred and the foot the dirtiest part of the body. Stepping over someone, or over food, is considered insulting. However, Thai culture as in many other Asian cultures, is succumbing to the influence of westernization and some of the traditional taboos are slowly fading away with time.

    Books and other documents are the most revered of secular objects - therefore one should not slide a book across a table or place it on the floor.

    Cuisine of Thailand blends five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is rice, particularly Jasmine rice (also known as Hom Mali rice) which is included in almost every meal. Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice, and Thais domestically consume over 100 kg of milled rice per person per year IRRI country profile Thailand. Over 5000 varieties of rice from Thailand are preserved in the rice gene bank of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines. The King of Thailand is the official patron of IRRI.

    Thai society has been influenced in recent years by its widely-available multi-language press and media. There are numerous English, Thai and Chinese newspapers in circulation; most Thai popular magazines use English headlines as a chic glam factor. Most all big businesses in Bangkok operate in English, spoken even between Thais, as a way of showing off their educated, high-society status. Thailand is the largest newspaper market in South East Asia with an estimated circulation of at least 13 million copies daily in 2003.

    International rankings {| class="wikitable"|-! Organization! Survey! Ranking|-| Heritage Foundation/The Wall Street Journal]| 71 out of 157|-| The Economist]| Reporters Without Borders#Worldwide press freedom index| 122 out of 167|-| [Transparency International| 63 out of 163|-| [United Nations Development Programme| 74 out of 177|}

    See also

    Notes External links Official

    Other

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