Geography : The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometres, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.

Topography : Thailand is divided into four distinct areas : the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Climate : Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29^oC, ranging in Bangkok from 35^oC in April to 17^oC in December. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October), though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours.  

Population : Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

People and Culture : Over the years, Thailand has attracted many immigrants. The people of Thailand share a rich ethnic diversity consisting of Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian descendants. As a result, it is not possible to speak of a typical Thai physique.

The Thais are, on the whole, a group of people who believe that life should be enjoyed, but no one should infringe on others' rights. The Thais are tolerant and hospitable, and it is easy to get along with them. Good manners, common sense and a smile are necessities in Thailand.

Women have considerable influence in Thai society. Although the men's role is usually accentuated in public, in private, all affairs such as finances and other transactions are generally managed by women.

Monarchy and religion are sacred in Thailand, and it is against the law to criticize them, especially in public. Mocking the monarchy, or joking about it, is a serious offense and is punishable by imprisonment.

Ethnic Groups:75% Thai, 14% Chinese and 11% other.

Languages: The national language is Thai. English is widely understood in Bangkok, where it is almost the major commercial language. English is spoken in most hotels and restaurants and at major tourist estinations. However, taxis, small food stands and remote areas outside Bangkok lack English education. It is advisable to bring a Thai/English dictionary or buy one in Bangkok if you intend on travelling outside the major cities.

Religion: 95% of the population practice Buddhism, 4% are Muslim and the remainder are Christians, Hindus or Sikhs.