Thailand

Thailand lies in mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia with coastlines on the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. The north features misty mountains like Doi Inthanon, the central plain follows the Chao Phraya River through Bangkok, and the south narrows into a peninsula dotted with limestone cliffs and beaches. Monsoon rains water rice paddies, while mangrove forests and coral reefs shelter tropical wildlife.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a king as head of state and a prime minister leading the government. Citizens elect members of the National Assembly, which includes a House of Representatives chosen by voters and a Senate partly appointed. The country is divided into provinces that manage schools, public health, and transport, and Bangkok functions as a special administrative area with elevated trains, canals, and expressways.

Thai history includes ancient kingdoms such as Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which created early writing systems and temple art. The modern kingdom of Siam avoided European colonization by balancing diplomacy and reforms, eventually taking the name Thailand in 1939. The nation experienced coups and protests in the 20th and 21st centuries but remains a founding member of ASEAN and participates in United Nations peace missions.

The economy blends agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services. Farmers grow rice, rubber, sugarcane, and tropical fruit like durian and mangosteen, while fisheries supply shrimp and tuna. Industrial zones near Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor assemble automobiles, electronics, and petrochemicals, and the country exports clothing, processed food, and medical devices. Renewable projects add floating solar farms on reservoirs, and railway upgrades aim to link Bangkok with Laos and Malaysia.

Culture showcases Theravada Buddhist temples, spirit houses, and festivals such as Songkran, the water-splashing new year, and Loy Krathong, when candle boats float along rivers. Thai cuisine balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in dishes like pad Thai, tom yum soup, and green curry. Classical dance, khon masked theater, and muay Thai martial arts appear at celebrations, while modern pop music and film reach regional audiences. Schools teach Thai language and English, and children learn respect through the wai greeting—palms pressed together with a slight bow.