About Thailand
Thailand is the world’s 50th largest country, and is ranked as being the 21st most popular place to visit and live. With around 63million people populating Thailand, it’s obviously a great place to be in!
The Kingdom of Thailand (as it is preferred to be named) is an independent country that lies in the heart of South East Asia.
Buddhism
Thailand is also one of the most devout Buddhist countries in the world to this day and with a percentage of 94.7% of people following this. Muslims make up 4.7% of a different religion with a further 0.7% making up another. Buddhism in this country has a huge following.
The King
For 63 years, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the 9th king of the House of Chakri has been the ruler of this great country and has been the longest serving person in any Monarch in the world to date. The king is recognized as the Head of State, Head of Buddhism, Head of Army Forces and Defender of Faith. His job is vastly spread and with 63 years in the Monarch, the people of Thailand worship this man.
Economy
Rapid economy growth happened from 1985-1995 with the newly industrialized country flourishing exports and the tourism trade with visitors from all over the world.
Cultures
Like most Asian cultures, the Thailand people believe in good hospitality and loyalties to their families and their ancestors. Thais have a strong sense of generosity, but also a strong sense of hierarchy as well. Seniority is an important concept in Thai cultures where the elders in the families have a big hand in making decisions and rulings in ceremonies. Older siblings have duties with respect to younger ones.
Greetings
With having made mention of the friendly and warm hospitality you will receive in Thailand, the Thai greeting. The wai, is generally offered first by the younger of the two people meeting, with their hands pressed firmly together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch their face to their hands. This is usually coincided with the spoken words of, ‘Sawat-dii-khrap’ for males and. ‘Sawat-dii-ka’ for females. The elder then responds in the same way.
Cuisines
Thailand food blends five fundamental tastes on their menu’s. Sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. A nice range for any taste buds. Some common ingredients you might find in Thai food is, garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is of course rice, particularly jasmine rice which has long been their favorite. You will find this included in almost every meal that is on the menu.
Languages
Thia’s society has been greatly influenced in recent years by it’s widely available multi- language press and media. There are numerous English, Thai and Chinese newspapers in circulation, most Thai magazines are in English as well. Thailand is the largest newspaper market in the South East of Asia with an estimated circulation of at least 13million copies daily that were distributed in 2003 alone.
Sports
Rugby is a fast growing sport in Thailand with Thailand national rugby union team rising to be ranked 61st in the world. Thailand became the first country ever to host an international 80kg water weight rugby tournament in 2005 and the nation domestic Thailand rugby union competiiton included several universities and service teams that all competed in this ever popular game.
The Sights
No other country on earth can offer such diversity as Thailand, which is situated right in the heart of South East Asia. Every thought, and availability has gone into creating a wide range of adventures for those who live in, and those who visit Thailand. This tropical country is privileged with an abundance of things to do and see on nearly every part of the country you could possible imagine to travel to.
Beaches, mountains and cities are just some of the wondrous sights to take in while you visit Thailand.
When to Travel
Traveling in the Green Season is the most perfect time of the year to take in some sights, and the climate is just perfect. Super savings on travel, accommodation, free nights, and food are all on offer as you enjoy some of the most attractive savings at popular hotels and resorts.