Location - Thailand

Thailand, or ‘prathet Thai’ translates as ‘the land of the free’, a name that stems from the fact that Thailand is the only country in its region that has never been colonized. A constitutional monarchy, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej recently celebrated 60 years on the throne and remains the world’s longest reigning monarch. He is fervently revered and respected by the Thai people, indeed by world leaders for his numerous achievements and devotion to improving the lives of his people.

Geography & Climate

Thailand has three distinct seasons:

Thailand’s mountainous North and North-East plateau experience much cooler conditions and the Southern peninsular boasts year round averages of 28-30 degrees Celsius.

The country has 76 provinces and is geographically divided into four regions, each with a different dialect, traditions and lifestyle:

• The north, home to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Thailand’s first capital Sukhothai, is mountainous, enjoying a temperate climate. The region is home to Thailand’s many ethnic minorities who live in hill tribe villages. The north is popular for jungle trekking, handicrafts and more recently spectacular fruit and flower gardens.
  
  

• Isarn, the north-east plateau, is full of historic sites of both archeological and anthropological intrigue. Isarn food is found across the country, in particular somtam, spicy green papaya salad, sticky rice and grilled chicken.
  
  

• The Central Plains incorporates the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, colourful modern Bangkok and the beaches of the east coast. With rich, fertile soil and abundant rainfall, the Central Plains is verdant with rice paddies, fruit and flower farms.
  
  

• The southern peninsula, home to the beautiful islands of Phuket, Phi-Phi and Samui, boasts aquamarine seas, clean white sand beaches and remarkable sailing and diving conditions.
  

Industry

Major Thai industries include agriculture, fishing and predominately tourism. The real estate sector has burgeoned from touristic exposure and today the markets in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Samui and Phuket are very strong with international buyers keen to own a piece of the Thai lifestyle.

Language & Religion

While the official Thai language is a complex symphony of sing-song vowel sounds to foreigners, English is wide-spread in major tourist resorts and Thai people love to teach visitors the basics of their proud language. There are also a number of minority languages spoken across the country as a result of Thailand’s geographical position as a migratory crossroad.

Approximately 95% of the Thai population is devoted to Theravada Buddhism. There are also large communities of Islamic, Christian and Hindhu faiths.

Life in Thailand

Thailand beats with its own unique rhythm; the pace of life is a little slower and everything seems just a little less important. Thai people never seem to hurry and visitors can’t help but unwind after spending time with them. In Thai culture, to take care of someone, to welcome them and be hospitable is one of the most admirable things to do. As a result, Thailand’s own brand of warm, gentle hospitality is famous the world over. From fresh and fragrant meals to decadent spa treatments to gentile female golf caddies, Thailand is a country where service is regarded as an art form.

Life may be more leisurely in Thailand but not at the expense of modern technology. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are major international destinations, with the infrastructure to host VIPs and major international events. As the country has become increasingly developed, the economy has grown steadily and is now one of the most stable in the region. Likewise, the kingdom is politically secure.