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Location
South-East Asia.
Time
GMT + 7.
Area
513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles).
Population
64 million (2005).
Population Density
124.7 per sq km.
Capital
Bangkok. Population: 9.4 million, including Thon Buri (UN estimate 2005).
Geography
Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos. Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River.
Government
Constitutional monarchy.
Head of State
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) since 1946.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej since 2007.
Recent History
Thailand's recent past has been characterised by economic boom and bust, unstable government, unrest in the Muslim south and the effects of the December 2004 tsunami disaster. After a quarter of a century of military rule, civilian government was restored to Thailand following student riots in Bangkok, but this was to last only three years before the military took over again in 1976.
This eventually became a civilian government again in 1983, but eight years later yet another military coup took place. This time, though, a civilian prime minister was installed, and following this, despite various government collapses and allegations of corruption in high places, parliamentary democracy prevailed until September 2006 when there was a peaceful military coup.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to stand down, his term of office since 2001 being constantly marred by accusations of corruption. An interim prime minister was put in place by the military, and endorsed by the king until elections took place in December 2007. Samak Sundaravej's People Power Party (PPP), which is allied to Mr Thaksin, won 228 seats in the 480-seat house.
This eventually became a civilian government again in 1983, but eight years later yet another military coup took place. This time, though, a civilian prime minister was installed, and following this, despite various government collapses and allegations of corruption in high places, parliamentary democracy prevailed until September 2006 when there was a peaceful military coup.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to stand down, his term of office since 2001 being constantly marred by accusations of corruption. An interim prime minister was put in place by the military, and endorsed by the king until elections took place in December 2007. Samak Sundaravej's People Power Party (PPP), which is allied to Mr Thaksin, won 228 seats in the 480-seat house.
Language
Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.
Religion
The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
Social Conventions
Present-day Thai society is the result of centuries of cultural interchange, particularly with China and India, but more recently with the West. Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting someone. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head - the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way.
The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of 'face'. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one's feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple.
Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.
The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of 'face'. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one's feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple.
Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.
