THAILAND

BY : Maulana Azhari & Ihsan Nabil

HISTORY
 HISTORY
The Thai people established their own states in the early 20th century, with the Ayutthaya
kingdom showing itself to be the most dominant for a time. The states were all constantly
threatened by the Khmers, Burma, and Vietnam, not to mention the presence of the French and
British who were vying for colonies in Southeast Asia at the time. When European colonial
powers threatened in the 19th and 20th centuries, Thailand managed to escape as the only
country not to fall under colonial rule. This was due to a compromise between the French and
British to keep it as a neutral territory between them. The Siamese Revolution was sparked by
young military personnel and other civil workers in 1932. This event ended the absolute
monarchy of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and established a constitutional monarchy that was
largely overseen by military personnel. Civilian and military factions bickered over power in
the newly established government, and fear of communism and ultra-nationalism caused
instability amongst them. Thailand endured sixty years of military rule, oftentimes with no
clear direction or leader aside from the top general.
GEOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHY
The Kingdom of Thailand is located at a strategic crossroads in Southeast Asia.
With an area of over 200,000 square miles, Thailand is the second largest nation
in Southeast Asia.
Topographically, Thailand presents a varied landscape of forested mountains, dry
plateaus, fertile river plains, and sandy beaches. Mountain ranges extend along
the border with Myanmar and down to Malaysia. Another range splits the
country in half from north to south.
Located at 20 degrees north latitude, Thailand is generally hot and humid with a
climate that is classified as tropical monsoon. A pronounced rainy season lasts
from July to October. From November to February, the northeast monsoon brings
a cooler, drier period, when the humidity drops from an average high of 95
percent to an average low of 58 percent. During this season, temperatures
typically range from the mid-60s in the early morning to the mid-80s during the
day. The period from March to June is Bangkok's summer, which is usually hot
and humid; temperatures can reach 100° Fahrenheit.
TOURISM
 TOURISM
There’s a reason why Thailand is a bucket-list vacation spot for so many travellers! With epic
tropical beauty, ancient temples, amazing food scene and vibrant nightlife, Thailand truly has a
chaotic charm to it that attracts people from across the globe.
For example, the one that’s in the background is known as Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai is
usually overlooked when brought side by side with its sister city Chiang Mai, don’t let its
seemingly provincial atmosphere deter you from exploring the charming town rich in arts and
culture. Originally the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, the city was founded in the late 1200s
and retains many of its Lanna influences in architecture, language, and cuisine.
CULTURE
CULTURE
Often referred to as 'the Land of Smiles', Thailand is renowned for
the welcoming and warm disposition of its culture and people.
Much of Thailand’s culture comes from the ethnic Thai people. One of
the most important influences on culture in Thailand is Buddhism.
Many of the traditions and beliefs of the people in Thailand stem
directly from Buddhist principles.
Hinduism has also made important contributions to Thai culture, and
the close links between Thailand and India can be seen in art,
literature, and in many Thai customs.
Of Thailand’s nearly 70 million people, roughly two thirds are from
Thai ethnic groups. Although the ethnic Thai people can be divided
into dozens of different subgroups, their traditions, languages, and
cultures differ only slightly. This leads to a population with a strong
sense of shared traditions and cultural identity.