Introduction to Thailand    page 1

The Kingdom of Thailand, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers; roughly the size of France. Thailand's shape resembles the head, ears and trunk of an elephant. Roughly 60 million people live in Thailand, about 10% live in Bangkok. Thailand is bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The Kra Isthmus in Thailand forms the only land bridge to Malaysia and Singapore from the rest of Asia.

In general, Thai people are friendly, easy going and quick to smile. Their lives seem to revolve around "sanuk" (fun), and "mai pen rai" (never mind). Thai people also take great pride in relating the fact that theirs is the only nation in the region that has never been colonized. Thais believe the head is the temple of the body and the feet are lowly and unclean. It is impolite to touch a Thai person on the head, even in jest. It is also impolite to point one's feet at a Thai person, even when crossing one's legs while seated. One should never step over a Thai person.

Since it is tonal, spoken Thai is a melodious, lyrical language. Chinese and Malay are also spoken in some areas, and English is widely spoken and understood, especially in the tourist areas and larger cities.

Approximately 95% of the population is Buddhist, although a long history of tolerance has enabled small groups of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other faiths to co-exist peacefully and without interference.

Thais place great emphasis on religion and family values, and have great reverence for the royal family. One should never speak poorly of the King, Queen or any member of the royal family, lest one should end up in jail, or worse.