‘An ancient land of grace and harmony’

Where else but Thailand can you cruise on a converted rice barge, roar upriver in a long-tail boat and take a white-knuckle ride on a bamboo raft, then stay in jungle tree houses, as guests in the homes of hilltribe villagers, or on rafthouses floating on a river? Equally memorable are the trails leading deep into the rainforest past cooling waterfalls, and the simple beauty of the translucent sea lapping onto endless white, soft sand.

A holiday in Thailand can combine the beauty of the Golden Triangle’s temples and remote hill tribes north of Chiang Mai, the beaches of Pattaya and more pristine Krabi, and the dynamic capital Bangkok with its futuristic high-rise buildings juxtaposed against the exquisite beauty of the gleaming Grand Palace. In every town and city, bargain-hunters thrive in the street markets crammed with all manner of goods, where good-natured bartering is the norm.

Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and with the reverence the people have for the monarchy, a dynasty that has maintained the independence of the country for centuries, the result for the Thais is a blend of tradition with contemporary living.

Anita Sach

South-East Asia.

GMT + 7.

513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles).

63.1 million (2003).

122.9 per sq km.

Bangkok. Population: 7.5 million, including Thon Buri (UN estimate 2001).

Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos. Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River.

Constitutional monarchy since 1973. Head of State: HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) since 1946. Head of Government: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra since 2006. Recent history: Thailand’s recent past has been characterised by economic boom and bust, unstable Government, unrest in the Muslim south and, of course, in common with other countries in the region, the effects of the December 2004 tsunami disaster. After a quarter of a century of military rule, civilian Government was restored to Thailand following student riots in Bangkok, but this was to last only three years before the military took over again in 1976. This eventually became a civilian Government again in 1983, but eight years later yet another military coup took place. This time, though, a civilian Prime Minister was installed, and following this, despite various Government collapses and allegations of corruption in high places, Parliamentary democracy has prevailed. Thailand was one of the ‘Asian Tiger’ economies in the 1980s and 1990s, but suffered with the regional economic collapse of 1997. Recovery began a couple of years later, and things have gradually picked up since then. In 2001, newly-elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra overcame accusations of corruption, and he remained in power following re-election in 2005. However, during his term of office, he has been forced to address growing unrest in the Muslim south of the country, as well as the devastation caused by the tsunami. He has also presided over controversial crackdowns on the drugs industry, in which many people were killed. In April 2006, he was forced to call a snap election following mass protests and corruption allegations. Despite claiming over 50 per cent of the vote, a boycott by the opposition parties meant 39 Parliamentary seats were left empty. Shinawatra announced he would stand down, and the deputy Prime Minister, Chidchai Vanasatidya, took over until a new Government could be formed. The Constitutional Court then ruled that the election was invalid. A re-run will have to take place later in the year. Meanwhile, Shinawatra declared himself back at work and reinstated himself as Prime Minister.
Under the most recent version of the constitution, finalised in October 1997, the legislature is the bicameral Ratha Sapha (National Assembly). The 393-member Saphaphuthan Ratsadon (House of Representatives) is elected for a four-year term. Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers, with the former drawn from the ranks of the Ratha Sapha – normally the leader of the largest party (or largest party in the governing coalition).

Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.

The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5 per cent are Muslim and there are Christian minorities.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. American- and European-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Present-day Thai society is the result of centuries of cultural interchange, particularly with China and India, but more recently with the West. Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting someone. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head, the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way. The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of 'face'. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one's feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple. Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. A traditional Thai shirt is the most suitable attire for men at any official function. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.