Ethnic Groups:75%
Thai, 14% Chinese and 11% other.
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 29oC, ranging in Bangkok from 35oC in April to
17oC 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.
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