It's very warm here: the temperature varies between 19 degrees C to 38 degrees C. Average temperatures are about 29 degrees C but the humidity makes it feel much warmer (at least 10 degrees). The humidity is between 66% and 82.8%.
The hot season is March to May and this is the time when school kids are on holiday from school (yes, three months). The rainy season is June to October and I can't believe this is the cool season from November to February! It's so hot!
The official population at the end of 2006 was 62,828,706: about 50/50 male and female ratio. of the total almost 5,695,956 live in Bangkok.
Thai is the national language and English is widely understood in the larger cities.
94.2% of the population are Buddhist, 4.6% Muslim, .8% Christian and .4% other.
The government is a constitutional monarchy with 76 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (subdistrict) and muban (village).
The National Flag: red, white and blue bands symbolise the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy respectively.
The largest provinces are Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi.
The largest islands are Phuket, Chang and Samui.
The highest peaks are Chi at 2565 m; Mun at 2285 m; and Doi Chiang Dao at 2,195 m
The principal rivers are Chi 765 km,Mun 750 km, Nan 740 km, and Chao Phraya 370 km
Major agricultural exports are rice, tapioca, rubber, maize, pineapples, durians, longans, palm oil and herbs.
Major manufactured exports are computer and computer accessories, integrated circuit, textiles, electronics, cars and spare parts, gems and jewellery, televisions and television accessories.
Thailand occupies an area of 513,115 sq km (just a bit larger than Spain) in Southeast Asia. Of its population of 65 million, the majority are Thais and the largest minority group is Chinese, who have mostly been assimilated through inter-marriage and long-time residence.
The origin of the Thai race is still unclear today. Some believe they have migrated from southwestern China, others say they have lived in border areas between China, Laos, Burma and Thailand for at least 2000 years, and still others suggest they originated in what is today's Thailand and then moved northwards.
Anyway, it was recorded in history that two Thai chieftains, Khun Gang Kang Hao and Khun Pha Muang, established the first independent Thai kingdom in Sukhothai in 1238 after driving away the Khmers who had ruled the region in the 11th and 12th centuries.
During the early part of the Chakri Dynasty, arts, culture and literature were in full bloom. Relations with the Western countries were restored by King Rama III. In the reigns of Rama IV and Rama V, Western culture was introduced to Thai society, leading to its modernization.
But Thailand also lost large pieces of its territory during this period due to the expansion of Western colonialism. Yet the Thais pride themselves on their ability to maintain independence while all their neighbours were reduced to the status of a colony one after the other. In 1932, a group of foreign-educated military officers and students staged a peaceful revolution and Thailand changed its political system from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy which has remained up to this day.
Although the Thais have always referred to their country as Muang Thai or Prathet Thai, meaning Land of the Free, the country had been known to the outside world as Siam until 1949, when the Thai government formally adopted Thailand as the official name of the country. After that Siam and Siamese became historical names.
Although Thailand is no longer an absolute monarchy, the love and reverence felt by the Thai people toward their King have not diminished in any way.
The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej remains the stabilizing element of the country and is generally recognized as one of the most beloved rulers in Thai history. Although he recently celebrated his 80th birthday, the many many photos depict him as a young man.
Because Thailand is a Buddhist country Buddha images are held sacred. Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors.
Traditionally Thais greet each other with a wai (by pressing the palms together at the chest. If someone wais you, you should wais them back.
The head is the noblest part of the body so it is offensive to touch a person's head or ruffle his/her hair.
The foot is the lowest part of the body and should stay low. You should never put your feet on a table or touch any part of the body of anyone with your feet. Oh! and never use your foot to point to things. (I always do that)
Bargaining is an art long practised in Asian countries so people expect you to make a counter-offer when they quote you a price. Erik is really into this as he was born to debate. He amuses himself by talking to any and every vendor and is remarkably good at this "art." I don't know how he'll ever adjust to shopping at Winners again.
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