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Situated in the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand serves as a gateway to the emerging economies of the Greater Mekong Subregion. With its well-developed infrastructure, political and social stability, and consistent openness to foreign investment, it has been a magnet for overseas companies looking for a strategic location to set up or expand business.
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Geography
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People & Society
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Government
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General
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Geography
Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq.km. (approx. 127,008 acres) bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Laos (North & East) and Cambodia (Southeast). The country's east coast borders the Gulf of Thailand and the west coast abuts the Andaman Sea. The country is divided geographically into four main zones -- the fertile central plains, dominated by the Chao Phraya River; the 300-metre-high northeast plateau, the kingdom's most barren region; the mountainous North; and the tropical southern peninsula.
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Seasons |
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There are three seasons in Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand - hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to February). And there are two seasons in the South - rainy (April to November) and hot (December to March).
In the North and Northeast in winter, the temperatures are much lower during night time, especially on the mountains, with temperatures lower than 10°C.
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Climate |
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The temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C with the annual average at about 29°C. The humidity is from 66% to 82.8%.
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Capital |
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Bangkok
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Local time |
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GMT +7 hours. |
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Government
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy headed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej or King Rama IX. The country comprises 76 provinces, each sub-divided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub district) and muban (village).
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People & Society
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People |
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75% Thais, 11% Chinese, 3.5% Malays, and others are Mons, Khmers, Burmese, Laotians, Indians and a variety of hill tribes. |
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Language |
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Thai is the national language. English is widely understood in Bangkok and big cities. |
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Religion |
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Buddhists 94.2%, Muslims 4.6%, Christians 0.8%, others 0.4%. |
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General
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National flag |
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The red, white and blue horizontal bands symbolize the nation, religion, and the monarchy respectively.
Largest provinces Nakhon Ratchasima 20,493 sq. km., Chiang Mai 20,107 sq. km., Kanchanaburi 19,483 sq. km.
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Largest islands |
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Phuket 543 sq. km., Chang 429 sq. km., Samui 247 sq. km. Highest peaks Doi Inthanon 2,565 m., Doi Pha Hom Pok 2,285 m., Doi Chiang Dao 2,195 m.
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Principal rivers |
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Chi 765 km., Mun 750 km., Nan 740 km., Chao Phraya 370 km. or 1,110 km. if the Nan, its main tributary, is included. Major agricultural exports rice, tapioca, rubber, maize, pineapples, durians, longans, palm oil and herbs.
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Major manufactured exports |
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Computer and computer accessories, integrated circuit, textiles, electronics, cars and spare parts, gems and jewellery, televisions and television accessories.
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