Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia and is bordered by Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west. Thailand is the world's 49th largest country. The north of the country is very mountainous with the highest point, Doi Inthanon at 8,415 feet. The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau and is bordered by the Mekong River. The center of the country is predominantly flat and contains the Chao river valley. The climate is very tropical and monsoons are very typical. From mid-May to September there is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon.
The politics of Thailand take place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, where the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. The Prime Minister and Cabinet appoints a military junta who exercises executive power. Legislative power is vested in a junta appointed legislature and Judiciary is independent of both. Thailand is run by a military junta called the Council for National Security. In 2006, the Council for National Security overthrew the elected government and since that time, they have been governed by a military junta. The junta appointed a 250 member legislature called a chamber of generals.
Thailand's national language is the Thai language and written in its own alphabet. Many ethnic and regional dialects also exist, as well as many areas where people speak predominantly Isan or Mon-Khmer languages. English is widely taught in schools, however spoken throughout the country as much. Thailand's culture is greatly influenced by India, China, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Over 95 % of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada traditions. Over the years, Thai Buddhism has evolved to include many regional beliefs from animism to ancestor worship. Like many Asian cultures, an essential part of Thai spiritual practice is showing respect toward ancestors. Thais have a strong sense of hospitatlity and generosity but a strong sense of social hierarchy as well. Seniority is very important and elders always rule in family decisions or ceremonies.
Quick Facts
Population: 65,998,436
Capital: Bangkok
Per-capita GDP: $ 8100
Size: 514,000 km2
Time Zone: (GMT + 7:00 hours) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
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