| It's certainly the mesmeric land of Thais that | | | | Khmer Kingdom. |
| attracts more visitants than any other country in | | | | King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, |
| the Southeast Asia. Thailand is the country known | | | | established Bangkok as the capital in 1782. |
| for beguiling scenic beauty, stunning beaches, | | | | Bhumibol Adulyadej, the current King of Thailand, |
| impressing culture, commendable hospitality, | | | | is also a Chakri Dynasty ruler. He is also known as |
| fantastic temples, ruins & souvenirs of fabulous | | | | Rama IX. He is the longest serving monarch in the |
| ancient kingdoms, gastronomic riches, and lovely, | | | | Thai history. |
| smiling, and welcoming people. | | | | 95% of the Thai people are Buddhists of the |
| Thailand certainly the destination that appeals you, | | | | Theravada tradition. 4.6% of the people are |
| bewitches you, captivates you, enthralls you....! It's | | | | Muslims. Malays are mainly concentrated on the |
| the place that makes you visit it again and again. | | | | southern tip of Thailand. 0.75% of the people are |
| It's the vacation destination that you dream of. | | | | Christians, mainly Catholics. Sikhs & Hindus are |
| Surely, you can find oodles of interesting things in | | | | tiny, but influential. The nation also has a small |
| Thailand, but here are the 10 most interesting | | | | Jewish community. |
| facts about Thailand. | | | | Thailand is also known as the "Land of white |
| It is often nicknamed as the "Land Of Smiles," | | | | Elephant." White elephants were highly esteemed |
| because of the perceived gentleness of its people. | | | | and valued by the Thai Rulers. Elephants are still |
| The country is really populated by smiling, inviting, | | | | highly revered in Thailand. They are considered as |
| and receiving people. Thais are really gentle, polite, | | | | the symbol of peace and prosperity. |
| soft spoken, friendly, and hospitable human beings. | | | | Thais do not like someone touching them on head. |
| Siam was the old name of Thailand. It was the | | | | They believe that soul, which is considered |
| official name of the country until 1949, when it | | | | extremely sacred, resides in head. So, don't ever |
| was changed to Thailand by official proclamation. | | | | touch a Thai on the head, not even a Thai child. |
| 'Thai' in the Thai language means 'freedom'. So, | | | | Thailand is the 49th country area wise, with its |
| Thailand means "land of freedom" or "land of the | | | | total land area of 514,000 km² (198,000 sq |
| free". | | | | mi). It is comparable to the size of France, and it |
| The Mon ruled over what is now known as | | | | is somewhat larger than the California State of |
| Thailand. The area was also held by Khmer. The | | | | the United States. |
| Mon Empire was a great Buddhist empire, and the | | | | Thailand has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, |
| empire had trading relations with Indians for | | | | which include Ban Chiang Archaeological Site near |
| centuries. | | | | Udon Thani, Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest |
| Thailand retains much of its original culture, | | | | Complex, Historic City of Ayutthaya & Associated |
| because it is the only Southeast Asian nation that | | | | Historic Towns, Historic Town of Sukhothai & |
| has never been colonized. Thai culture is kin to the | | | | Associated Historic Towns - including Kampang |
| Cambodian culture & religion, which was adopted | | | | Phet and Si Satchanalai, and Thungyai-Huai Kha |
| by Thais in the 13th century, after the fall of the | | | | Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries. |