Thai food has become in recent years one of the world's favorite cuisines. When we speak of "Thai food ", we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into public domain.
Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand's most popular dishes can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China, India, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. So all these different factors come together under the label "Thai food", and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you care to visit, anywhere in the world.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another function, in addition to providing flavour, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical and therapeutic benefits.
Thailand has a long history, going back to ancient times, of the use of herbs for medical purpose, and this in turn has permeated the ways of cooking and preparing food. Coupled with its low-fat qualities and its essential freshness, this helps make thai food one of the healthiest anywhere. Another important aspect about Thai food is the hospitality and friendiness, the sheer enjoyment of good companionship and of eating that is such a powerful element of the Thai personality. Sharing a meal is an important part of the day for any Thai person, and meal are very seldom taken alone. That is why all the dishes are generally served at once during Thai meal, and why there is a communal spoon placed alongside each dish for people to help themselves and to serve others.
A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate.
Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts.
Thanks information by Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The Past
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture. When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country's second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
Thanks information by Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Linked to the health-and-holiday concept is the promotion of long-stay visitors, with is mainly targeted at getting retirees from countries that have harsh winters and a higher cost of living to stay for extended periods in Thailand, where it is both warmer and less expensive.
Thailand owes much of its international popularity to the remarkable variety of its natural attractions. On offer is a tremendous choice of settings – blissful beaches and islands, rugged hills and jungles, teaming rivers and waterfalls.
Now a related product of this diverse environment, the country's rich natural healing heritage has started to attract a new generation of discerning tourists. With the increasing international popularity of health centred holidays, Thailand is pushing to the fore its world-renowned traditional massage, herbal steam baths, healing arts,
meditation, aromatherapy, yoga, acupuncture, cookery and beauty treatments, as will as an ever-expanding selection of world-class spas.
Longer stays are the order of the day as visitors seek not just to experience these healthy ways fleetingly but to absorb maximum benefits over an extended period, while at the same time experiencing the country's history and culture at a deeper level. Once the process of rejuvenation and enlightenment starts to bear fruit, the logic of making this choice becomes beautifully apparent and quite irresistible.
What to do during your long-stay in Thailand
- Enjoy the healthy Thai food and learn the art of Thai cooking
- Enjoy the benefits of traditional Thai massage or learn the techniques for yourself at numerous resorts and spas, as well as the famous Wat Po in Bangkok
- Enjoy traditional Thai healing in the form of a herbal steam bath designed to improve circulation, reduce stress and muscle fatigue, enhance the respiratory system, ease allergies and cure skin ailments.
- Meditate your way to health and happiness.
- Rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit in a distinctively Thai atmosphere at the finest of spas
- Take up yoga and achieve harmony of mine, body and spirit
- Experience the rejuvenating power of the 4,000 -year-old Chinese art of acupuncture, a technique that awakens the body's self-healing responses and restores the balance of yin and yang.
- Experience the holistic healing power of aromatherapy and wave good-bye to negative energies and depression.
- Pamper yourself with all kinds of beauty treatments, modern and traditional, at amazing Thai prices.
- Learn the Thai language for a better understanding of the country and its people, so making your long-stay more fun and meaningful.
Suggested programmes
HEALTH & ADVENTURE
Day 1: By road to Chachoengsao to pay homage to the revered Luang Pho Sothon Buddha image at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan. Visit Wat Pho Bangkhla to see the fruit bats living there. After lunch, by road to Prachin Buri for inspection of Phraya Abhaibhubet Hospital's facilities. Dinner and overnight at Prachin Buri.
Day 2 : Spent the whole day taking part in the various health programmes or enjoy Thai massage and herbal sauna facilities at Phraya Abhaibhubet Hospital . Dinner and overnight in Prachin Buri.
Day 3 : Depart for Sa Kaeo, stopping to buy silk items at Kabin Buri. Lunch at Aranyaprathet on Cambodian border, followed by shopping at Rong Kreua market. On to Nakhon Nayok. Dinner and overnight at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
Day 4 : Briefing and visit to academy's museum. Enjoy a orning of activities from tower parachute jumps to biking, canoeing and swimming. Lunch at the clubhouse. Depart for Bangkok
Thanks information by Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals ... More
Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation. Unlike other beach resorts, where natural su... More
Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk... More
Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world – the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.
Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.
All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.
For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.
Underwater experience
Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.
Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.
Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is one dive at Surin Island.
Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark.
Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket.
Andaman adventure
Day 1 : From Patong Beach, Phuket, sail overnight to the Similan Islands.
Day 2 – 3 : Wake up at a Similan dive site and after breakfast, explore the area. Surroundings Range from delicate sloping reefs to giant boulder drop-offs The variety of marine life here is exceptional, with diverse corals and an enormous huge range of fish. Set sail For the Myanmar Banks in the evening.
Day 4 – 5 : Two days are spent on the Myanmar Banks exploring marine life including many different varieties of shark The area is subject to strong currents and changing underwater visibility visibility so it is strictly for experienced dives.
Day 6 : Dive at Richelieu Rock and Ko Ta-chai. Return to Similan in the evening
Day 7 : The last full day of diving around Similan, visiting several important reefs such as Shark's fin and Elephant's Head. Evening departure for the return passage to Phuket.
Day 8 : Early morning arrival at Patong. Participating divers should be certificated, but there is plenty of action on these tours for non-divers and various entertainments on board the mother ship, plus the chance to explore ashore.
Divers' paradise
Day 1 : Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occa-sional and harmless whale shark.
Day 2 – 7 : Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful under-water world with experienced divers.
Day 8 : Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumpon.
Dive sites
ANDAMAN SEA : Dive sites are found off the coast of Phuket with prime spots such as Shark Point, Red Rock, Ko Yao, Ko Yai, and the twin islands of Ko Racha, extending to the Similan and Surin islands to the west, Krabi and Trang to the east.
GULF OF THAILAND : Sites are around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Nang Yuan, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, and Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Combodian border.
EAST COAST : On the east coast of the Gulf, Pattaya offers dive trips out to Ko Larn, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Rin, Ko Pai and Ko Marn Vichai. There are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to any level and in any language.
Misconceptions about learning
IT IS DANGEROUS.
v Not true. All the recommended dive companies listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared, there is less danger than swimming in the sea.
IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO LEARN AND IS EXPENSIVE v Not true. All PADI centres offer beginner’s courses in a swimming pool for a half or full day. Becoming PADI certified will take four days in Thailand. Anyone over eight years can do a “Bubble Blowers” course in a pool for free. A Discover Scuba Diving course will cost around 4,000 baht and take one day. A full Open Water PADI course will take four days and cost around 10,000 baht
IT’S DIFFICULT AND YOU HAVE TO BE VERY FIT.
v Not true. Anyone over the age of 12 can do a PADI certified course. As long as they are in good medical condition and have no history of asthma, heart or breathing problems, a severe cold or problems with your ears, then they are ready to dive.
Precautions & preparations
There are some precautions and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether you are experienced or a beginner.
vNever go diving too soon after or before flying. The change in atmospheric pressure can cause “The Bends” either underwater or in the air, so divers should always consult an instructor to time diving and training to flight schedules.
vNever dive after a heavy meal. The blood flows to the stomach to aid digestion and may cause cramp.
vNever consume alcohol before diving (including the night before). The underwater effect of alcohol is multiplied many times, leading to disorientation and lack of judgment.
vIf a heavy smoker, cut down before beginning to dive.
vAlways follow safety procedures as advised by the instructor.
vNever go diving alone.
vIf a diver has experience but has not been diving for a while (six months or more), they should tell the instructor and ask for a quick refresher course on procedures, safety and practices.
vLook for PADI certified dive shops only. Ask around at the resort to see who is recommended. Don’t take the first option or the cheapest (necessarily).
vIf sure to dive before leaving on a trip, access the official PADI site at Padi.com and look for PADI certified dive shops at the destination.
v Read as much as possible about the destination. If experienced, a diver should know about the best dive sites before they even get to a resort.
Thailand, formerly Siam, officially Kingdom of Thailand, kingdom in Southeast Asia, bounded by Burma (Myanmar) on the north and west, by Laos on the northeast, by Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand (Siam) on the southeast, by Malaysia on the south, and by the Andaman Sea and Burma on the southwest. The total area of Thailand is 513,115 sq km (198,114 sq mi). The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok.
Land and Resources Thailand lies within the Indochinese Peninsula, except for the southern extremity, which occupies a portion of the Malay Peninsula. The country's extreme dimensions are about 1770 km (about 1100 mi) from north to south and about 805 km (about 500 mi) from east to west. The physiography is highly diversified, but the mountain systems are the predominant feature of the terrain. A series of parallel ranges, with a north-south trend, occupy the northern and western portions of the country. Extreme elevations occur in the westernmost ranges, which extend along the Burmese frontier and rise to 2595 m (8514 ft) atop Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand. The peninsular area, which is bordered by narrow coastal plains, reaches a high point of 1786 m (5860) atop Khao Luang. Another mountain system projects, in a northern and southern direction, through central Thailand. At its southern extremity, the system assumes an east-west trend and extends to the eastern frontier. Doi Pia Fai (1270 m/4167 ft) is its highest peak. The region to the north and east of this system consists largely of a low, barren plateau, called the Khorat Plateau. Making up about one-third of the country, the plateau is bordered by the Mekong River valley. Between the central and western mountains is a vast alluvial plain traversed by the Chao Phraya, the chief river of Thailand. This central plain, together with the fertile delta formed by the Chao Phraya near Bangkok, is the richest agricultural and most densely populated section of the kingdom.
Climate Thailand has a moist, tropical climate, influenced chiefly by monsoon winds that vary in direction according to the season. From April to October the winds are mainly from the southwest and are moisture laden; during the rest of the year they blow from the northeast. Temperatures are higher, ranging from 25.6° to 36.7° C (78° to 98° F), while the country is under the influence of the southwestern winds. During the remainder of the year the range is from 13.3° to 33.3° C (56° to 92° F). Temperatures are somewhat higher inland than they are along the coast, except at points of great elevation. Annual rainfall is about 1525 mm (about 60 in) in the northern, western, and central regions, 2540 mm (100 in) or more on the Thai portion of the Malay Peninsula, and 1270 mm (50 in) or less on the Khorat Plateau. Most rain falls in summer (June through October).
Natural Resources. Thailand is rich in natural resources. Among the known mineral deposits are coal, gold, lead, tin, tungsten, manganese, zinc, and precious stones. In addition, the country has many large forests that produce teak for export. The rich alluvial soil along the Chao Phraya and other rivers constitutes another important resource.
Plants and Animals Jungles and swamps, scattered through the coastal areas of Thailand, have extensive tracts of tropical trees, including mangrove, rattan, ironwood, sappanwood, ebony, and rosewood. The upland areas are also heavily wooded, the most valuable species being teak, agalloch, and oak. In addition, a wide variety of tropical plants and fruit trees, including orchid, gardenia, hibiscus, banana, mango, and coconut, occur in Thailand. Many species of animal inhabit the jungles and forests. Elephants, widely used as beasts of burden, are abundant. Other large quadrupeds include the rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, gaur, water buffalo, and gibbon. The Siamese cat is, as its name implies, indigenous to Thailand. Thailand has more than 50 species of snakes, including several poisonous varieties. Crocodiles are numerous, as are various species of fishes and birds.
Population The inhabitants of Thailand are primarily Thai, a people who are thought to have originated in southwestern China and migrated to Southeast Asia at the beginning of the 1st millennium AD. An ethnic distinction is often made, however, between the Thai proper, who occupy the central regions, and the Lao people of the northwestern and eastern regions, who are related more closely to the people of neighboring Laos. The Thai proper constitute about 54 percent of the population; the Lao people make up about 28 percent of the population. The largest minority group consists of the Chinese, who make up about 1 percent of the total population and many of whom are Thai nationals. Other minority groups include the Malay-speaking Muslims in the south, the hill tribes in the north, and Cambodian (Khmer) and Vietnamese refugees in the east. The population of Thailand is about 77 percent rural.
Population Characteristics The population of Thailand was 58,722,437 (1993 estimate), yielding an overall population density of about 114 persons per sq km (about 296 per sq mi). The population is unevenly distributed, however, with the greatest concentration of people in the central region.
Political Divisions Thailand is divided into 73 provinces, called changwads. The provinces are further subdivided into 655 districts, called amphurs, more than 6600 communes, called tambons, and more than 58,600 villages, known as moobans.
Principal Cities Bangkok is the capital, chief seaport, and largest city (population, 1990 preliminary, greater city, 5,876,000). Other important towns include Chiang Mai (population, 1980 census, 101,594), the largest in northern Thailand; Songkhla (population, 1980 census, 172,604), on the Malay Peninsula; and Nakon Si Thammarat (population, 1980 census, 102,123), also on the Malay Peninsula.
Religion Buddhism is the prevailing religion of Thailand. The head of the Buddhist hierarchy, called the supreme patriarch, is generally a member of the royal family. About 95 percent of all Thais are Buddhists, and the country has approximately 18,000 Buddhist temples and 140,000 Buddhist priests. Nearly all Buddhist men in Thailand enter a wat (monastery) for at least a few days or months. Muslims, the majority of whom live in the area just north of Malaysia, constitute approximately 4 percent of the population, and the country also has some small Christian and Hindu communities.
Language Thai, a member of the Sino-Tibetan language family, is the chief language (see SINO-TIBETAN LANGUAGES). Four regional dialects are in use. Lao, Chinese, Mon-Khmer, and Malay are also spoken in Thailand. English is taught in some secondary schools and colleges and is also used in commerce and government.
Education Education in Thailand is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 7 and 14, but the available school facilities, both public and in Buddhist monasteries, are insufficient to provide a primary education for all children. The literacy rate is nearly 90 percent, higher than that of most other countries of Southeast Asia. Elementary and Secondary Schools In the late 1980s primary schools numbered about 34,100, with 349,200 teachers and about 6.5 million pupils. More than 1400 secondary schools with 103,400 teachers had about 1.7 million pupils, and at least 1500 vocational and teacher-training schools were attended by more than 330,000 students. An additional 1 million students were enrolled in higher educational institutions.
Universities and Colleges Thailand has several universities, the largest of which include Chulalongkorn University (1917) in Bangkok and Chiang Mai University (1964) in the north. In addition, the Asian Institute of Technology (1959), in Bangkok, enrolled about 650 graduate students in the late 1980s.
Culture Thailand is unique in Southeast Asia in that the country has never been a dependency of another nation. Another notable difference is that Thai women, unlike women of some other East Asian countries, are active in business affairs, the professions, and the arts. No single culture has ever dominated the entire area. The period of greatest cultural development was the Sukhotai period (1238-1378), when the Thai absorbed elements of various civilizations with which they came in contact, including the Indian and the Chinese. Libraries and Museums The largest library in Thailand is the National Library in Bangkok. In addition, important technical collections are maintained in Bangkok at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Asian Institute of Technology Library, and the Thai National Documentation Center. Thailand has a National Museum in Bangkok, which houses a large collection of ancient artifacts illustrating the development of Thai culture. Another important collection of Thai art was assembled by Jim Thompson, an American businessman who lived in Bangkok from the late 1940s to the 1960s. His reconstructed Thai house, filled with art, furniture, and ceramics, is now a museum.
Literature Classic Thai literature is based on tradition and history. The Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu epic Ramayana, is the leading classic on which Thai art and music are also based. Modern writing is more Western in style, and Thailand has many women among its authors of popular writing.
Art Among the most celebrated works of architecture in Thailand are the wats in Bangkok. Thai sculpture, dating from the 14th century, is a mixture of Chinese, Burmese, Hindu, and Khmer influences and is best seen in the temples and representations of Buddha. Thai religious paintings have been less well preserved; paintings are rarely older than 50 or 100 years. Thailand is known for producing beautiful silk textiles.
Music and Dance Thai music is very intricate and is a usual accompaniment of Thai drama. The instruments, primarily woodwind and percussion, are usually grouped in five- or ten-piece ensembles. Musicians sit on the floor to play, and generally play by ear. The dance in Thailand is equally intricate, following or deriving from Indian dancing and involving a series of gestures and swaying that interpret a story. Even the smallest movements reflect important story threads, carefully woven by performers dressed in elaborate costumes and headgear.
Economy The cultivation, processing, and export of agricultural products, especially rice, has traditionally been the mainstay of the Thai economy. Although Thailand has long been among the most prosperous of the Asian nations, its dependence on a single crop rendered it exceedingly vulnerable to fluctuations in the world price of rice and to variations in the harvest. The government has attempted to diminish this vulnerability by instituting a number of development programs aimed at diversifying the economy and by promoting scientific methods of farming, particularly controlled flooding of the rice fields, so that the rice harvest might remain stable even in years of scanty rainfall. Spurred largely by Japanese investment, Thailand industrialized rapidly during the 1980s and early 1990s. Tourism has also become an important part of Thailand's economy over the past decade. The estimated annual national budget in the late 1980s included revenue of about $10.4 billion and expenditure of about $11.3 billion.
Agriculture Thailand is one of the world's leading producers of rice, despite the fact that the yield per hectare is low. In the late 1980s Thailand annually produced approximately 20.8 million metric tons of rice, up from about 11.3 million metric tons per year in the 1960s. The second most important crop in value is rubber, which is raised mainly on plantations on the Malay Peninsula. In the late 1980s approximately 860,000 metric tons of rubber were produced each year. Other important crops included maize (5.2 million metric tons), sorghum (215,000), cassava (22.3 million), sugarcane (27.2 million), cotton lint (35,000), tobacco (54,000), coffee (31,000), coconuts (1.4 million), and kenaf (201,000), a fiber used in making canvas. Livestock totaled about 6 million buffalo, 5 million cattle, 4.3 million pigs, and 85 million chickens.
Forestry and Fishing About 28 percent of the total land area of Thailand is forested. The most valuable forest product is hardwood (especially teak). The annual timber harvest in the late 1980s totaled about 37.6 million cu m (about 1.3 billion cu ft). Fishing is also an important industry, and in the late 1980s the annual catch included 2.7 million metric tons of prawns, fish, and shellfish.
Mining Tin, of which Thailand is one of the world's largest producers, is the leading mineral; it is found chiefly on the Malay Peninsula. The country's chief mineral products include (with annual output in the late 1980s) tin concentrate (20,500 metric tons), lignite (7 million), gypsum (4.5 million), zinc ore (400,000), lead concentrate (55,300), iron ore (97,000), tungsten concentrate (1270), antimony ore (1000), and manganese ore (9100).
Manufacturing Manufacturing employs about 12 percent of the labor force. Food-processing industries, especially rice milling and sugar refining; textile and clothing manufacture; and the electronics industry predominate. Other important manufactured goods included cement (12 million metric tons), motor vehicles (250,000 units), cigarettes (37 million units), and various chemicals and petroleum products.
Energy In the late 1980s Thailand annually produced about 30 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, up from about 3 billion kilowatt-hours in 1968. More than 85 percent was produced in thermal installations, largely burning locally produced coal or imported petroleum; the remainder was generated in hydroelectric facilities.
Currency and Banking The basic unit of currency of Thailand is the baht, which is divided into 100 satang (25.40 baht equal U.S.$1; 1992). The Bank of Thailand, established in 1942, issues all currency. Thailand also has many commercial bank branches, as well as several foreign banks.
Foreign Trade In the late 1980s Thai exports were valued at about $15.8 billion annually, and imports were valued at about $17.9 billion. Principal exports were textiles and clothing, electronic components, rice, rubber, tin, cassava, sugar, and prawns. Imports included petroleum and petroleum products, nonelectrical machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, and electrical machinery. Primary trading partners were Japan, the United States, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, China, and the Netherlands.
Transportation The Thai railroad system, which totals about 3735 km (about 2320 mi) of track, is owned and operated by the state. Consisting of a network of lines radiating from Bangkok, the system extends as far north as Chiang Mai, southward to the frontier of Malaysia, eastward to Ubon, and northeastward through Udon Thani to Vientiane, Laos. Another line extends northwestward to the Burmese frontier. The Chao Phraya, navigable for about 80 km (about 50 mi) from its mouth, is an important inland waterway. The highway system was improved in the 1970s and now includes about 84,760 km (about 52,670 mi) of roads, of which 40 percent are paved. Thai Airways operates both domestic and international services. The port of Bangkok, one of the most modern in Southeast Asia, also serves neighboring landlocked Laos.
Communications More than 4.8 million television sets and 9.5 million radios were in use in the late 1980s in Thailand. Bangkok has more than 20 daily newspapers, including 2 in English and 6 in Chinese, which have a combined circulation of more than 2.3 million. Periodicals are published in Thai, English, and Chinese, and several weekly papers serve the provinces.
Labor In the late 1980s the labor force totaled 27.7 million, of which about 54 percent was engaged in agriculture. Organized labor is represented by more than 530 unions with a combined total of nearly 300,000 members.
Government A revolution in 1932 transformed Thailand into a constitutional monarchy after centuries of rule by absolute monarchs, but since then the country has been largely controlled by the military. The nation's 15th constitution took effect in 1991 and was amended in 1992.
Executive Under the 1991 constitution the king is Thailand's head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces. A cabinet is headed by a prime minister, who in theory is the country's chief executive official. By the 1992 amendment to the constitution, the prime minister must be an elected member of the house of representatives. The prime minister may take any steps necessary to preserve the stability of the throne, to maintain public order, or to ensure that the economy functions smoothly. In practice, however, high-level military officers play a major role in government.
Legislature Legislative power in Thailand is vested in the bicameral National Assembly, which is made up of a house of representatives, with 360 members elected to four-year terms, and a senate, with 270 members appointed by the military for four-year terms.
Judiciary The highest court is the supreme court (Sarn Dika) sitting in Bangkok, which is the court of final appeal in all civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases. A single court of appeals (Sarn Uthorn) has appellate jurisdiction in all cases. Courts of first instance include magistrates' courts with limited civil and criminal jurisdiction, provincial courts with unlimited jurisdiction, and civil and criminal courts with exclusive jurisdiction in Bangkok and Thon Buri. Under the 1991 constitution the independence of the judiciary is recognized.
Local Government Each of Thailand's 73 provinces, called changwads, are under the control of a governor appointed by the national government. District (amphur) officials are also appointed. Larger towns are governed by elected and appointed officials, and elected heads hold power at local levels.
Health and Welfare The Department of Public Welfare is charged with disaster relief, child welfare, and protection of the disabled and destitute. Special programs were initiated in the 1980s to assist the hill tribes of the north and the refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia in the east. A new and serious public health problem in Thailand is the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In 1993, due largely to widespread prostitution, the estimated number of HIV-positive cases in Thailand numbered 450,000, a dramatic increase over the estimated 50,000 cases three years earlier. Thailand has some 12,700 physicians and 90,000 hospital beds.
Defense Military service is compulsory for two years for all able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 30. In the early 1990s the armed forces included an army of 190,000 members, an air force of 43,000, and a navy of 62,000.
History Tai-speaking peoples, originating in western China, moved into Yunnan in the 2nd or 1st century BC. In the confusion following the collapse of the Han dynasty in AD 220, Tai leaders founded the kingdom of Nan Chao, which endured until the Mongol conquest in the mid-13th century (see NAN CHAO, KINGDOM OF). Long before that time, however, the Tai had begun a southward migration that, during the following centuries, led them far down the Malay peninsula and as far east as Cambodia. Here they were subject to Indian influences and adopted the Buddhist religion. By the end of the 13th century the Tai had formed a political entity and emerged as a nation afterward known as the Thai. In 1350 a unified Thai kingdom was established by a ruler known posthumously as Rama Tibodi. He founded the kingdom of Ayutthaya and made the city of Ayutthaya his capital. Despite intermittent warfare with the Cambodians and Burmese, the Ayutthaya kingdom flourished during the next four centuries, conquering Cambodia and the surviving states in the north. Meanwhile, the Thai had come into contact that was not always friendly with various European and Asian nations, including Portugal, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and China. Sovereignty Embattled
In 1767, following a four-year siege, Burmese troops captured and destroyed Ayutthaya. The rule of Burmese overlords in Thailand was shortly terminated in a Thai uprising led by General Pya Taksin, who proclaimed himself king. On his death the crown passed to General Pya Chakri, founder of the present dynasty of Thai kings, who ruled from 1782 to 1809 as Rama I. The British and Thai governments concluded a commercial treaty in 1826. Because of the rights and privileges obtained by this agreement, British influence increased in Thailand throughout the remainder of the 19th century. Owing to the statesmanship of two rulers, however, Thailand was spared the fate of colonization that befell its neighbors. Interested in Western science and civilization, King Mongkut, who reigned from 1851 to 1868, invited many European advisers to assist him in modernizing the country. His son, King Chulalongkorn, who reigned during the height of the onslaught of European colonization, continued the vigorous modernization efforts of his father and managed to maintain the country's independence, albeit at considerable cost in territorial concessions. For example, in 1893 Thailand became embroiled in a boundary dispute with France, then the dominant power in Cochin China, Annam, Tonkin, and Cambodia. The French dispatched warships to Bangkok and forced the Thais to yield Cambodia and all of Laos east of the Mekong River. Additional Thai territory, situated west of the Mekong, was acquired by France in 1904 and 1907. Thailand gave up control over four states in the Malay Peninsula to Great Britain in 1909. In exchange, the British relinquished most of their extraterritorial rights in the rest of the kingdom. The Thai government entered World War I (1914-1918) on the side of the Allies in July 1917. Thailand subsequently became a founding member of the League of Nations.
In June 1932, during the reign of King Prajadhipok, a small group of Thai military and political leaders organized a successful revolt against the government, until then an absolute monarchy. The insurgents, led by Pridi Phanomyong and Colonel Phibun Songgram, proclaimed a constitutional monarchy on June 27. Royalist opposition was finally overcome in October 1933. In March 1935 King Prajadhipok abdicated in favor of his nephew, Prince Ananda Mahidol. Thailand invalidated all of its treaties with foreign nations in November 1936. Under the provisions of new treaties negotiated in the following year, the government obtained complete autonomy over its internal and external affairs. World War II
With Japanese encouragement and support, Phibun's government made demands on France, beginning in 1940, for the return of the territory ceded in and after 1893. The dispute was settled, with Japanese mediation, in May 1941. By the terms of the settlement, Thailand received about 54,000 sq km (about 21,000 sq mi) of territory, including part of western Cambodia and all of Laos west of the Mekong River. The relations between Japan and Thailand became increasingly friendly thereafter. On December 8, 1941, a few hours after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Thai government granted Japan the right to move troops across the country to the Malayan frontier. Thailand declared war on the United States and Great Britain on January 25, 1942. Phibun's pro-Japanese government, however, was overthrown in July 1944; Pridi took over, and under his leadership considerable sympathy for the Allied cause developed among the Thai people. Thailand concluded a treaty with Great Britain and India in January 1946, renouncing, among other things, its claims to Malayan territory obtained during the war. Diplomatic relations with the United States were resumed in the same month. In November 1946 Thailand reached an agreement with France providing for the return to France of the territory obtained in 1941. Thailand was admitted to the United Nations (UN) on December 15, 1946, becoming the 55th member. Meanwhile, on June 9, 1946, King Ananda Mahidol had died under mysterious circumstances. A regency was appointed to rule during the minority of his brother and successor, King Rama IX. Domestic Instability
On November 9, 1947, a military junta led by Phibun seized control of the government. Except for a brief interlude early in 1948, Phibun thereafter retained control of the government until 1957. His regime, essentially a dictatorship, based its foreign policy on maintaining close relations with the United States and Great Britain. King Rama IX assumed the throne on May 5, 1950. After the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, Thailand assigned approximately 4000 men to the UN forces. On November 29, 1951, a group of army officers seized control of the government in a bloodless coup d'état and reestablished the authoritarian constitution of 1932, with some changes. Phibun was retained as premier. Meanwhile, a Free Thai movement, supported by the Chinese Communists and nominally headed by Pridi, had been formed in China.
Thai representatives took part in the Geneva Conference of April 1954, which temporarily ended the war in Indochina. In September 1954, Thailand was a founding member and Bangkok became the headquarters of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). In September 1957, Phibun's government was overthrown by a military coup d'état led by Marshall Sarit Thanarat, commander in chief of the Thai armed forces. A coalition government was formed in January 1958 under the premiership of Lieutenant General Thanom Kittikachorn. Another coup in October 1958, again headed by Sarit, overthrew the Thanom government. The constitution was suspended, a state of martial law was proclaimed, and all political parties were banned. In the early 1960s the government showed increasing concern over a rapidly growing Communist guerrilla movement in the north. The increase in terrorist attacks was one of the major problems faced by Thanom, who became prime minister again on Sarit's death in December 1963. The new government was also concerned about the deteriorating position of the pro-Western government in neighboring Laos and about the Vietnam War (1959-1975). Struggle for Democracy
On the political front, the government took gradual steps toward the restoration of political rights suspended in 1958. Elections to municipal councils were held for the first time in a decade in December 1967. A permanent constitution was promulgated in June 1968. Parliamentary elections were held in February 1969, in which the United Thai People's party won a plurality of 75 seats in the house of representatives. The largest opposition group, the Democratic party, won 56 seats. Beginning about 1969, the United States changed its role in Southeast Asia by gradually withdrawing its forces from Vietnam and by seeking friendly relations with China. These developments caused Thailand to establish a more flexible foreign policy, especially toward China and North Vietnam. At the same time, Thailand continued to face guerrilla activities in the north and along the border with Malaysia. The U.S. withdrawal from Southeast Asia had an adverse effect on the Thai economy. The declining economy and guerrilla activities were given as reasons for the establishment of a military government in November 1971. The military, led by General Thanom, abolished the constitution and dissolved Parliament. In December 1972 a new constitution was proclaimed.
In 1973 a series of student-led demonstrations against the military government resulted in Thanom's resignation in October and the appointment of a civilian cabinet. In late 1974 a new constitution was approved, and a freely elected government was formed in early 1975. Stability, however, remained elusive, and new elections in April 1976 made little difference. In September of that year the return of former Prime Minister Thanom from exile in Singapore led to bloody battles in Bangkok between leftist students and his right-wing supporters. In early October, as disorder was spreading, a military group led by Admiral Sa-ngad Chaloryu seized control of the country and installed a conservative government. A year later, however, that government also was brought down by Sa-ngad and his group. Sa-ngad instructed a new cabinet to try to bridge the divisions of Thai society and improve relations with the neighboring Communist regimes. Yet another constitution was promulgated in December 1978, and in April 1979elections were held for a new house of representatives. The military-installed government, however, remained in power until March 1980, when it was replaced by a new cabinet, headed by General Prem Tinsulanonda. Elections in 1983 left General Prem as head of a new coalition government. He dissolved the National Assembly in 1986 and called new elections. His party won, without a majority, and he again formed a coalition government. After elections in July 1988, Chatichai Choonhavan became prime minister. A military junta ousted him in February 1991 and installed an interim civilian government. After pro-military parties won the elections of March 1992, demonstrations in Bangkok calling for democratic reforms were violently suppressed. New elections in September resulted in another coalition government, with a veteran politician, Chuan Leekpai, as prime minister.
Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young at heart. The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to be found in the northern reaches of the central region.
TAK This mountainous province south of Chiang Mai is an increasingly popular adventure destination. The hub of activities is Umphang District on the border with Myanmar which is now accessible via a winding mountain route from Mae Sot, the centre of border trade. The forests of Umphang are the source of many rivers, the most important being the Huai Mae Klong, a popular rafting route with its many rapids and scenic backdrops of jungle. There’s also a rafting route from the breathtaking Thi Lo Su Waterfall which takes three to four hours.
MAE HONG SON There are five levels of expertise, and all require experienced guides to lead them. Mae Hong Song’sPaiRiver is perhaps the most famous venue, as it smashes its angry path towards Myanmar. A raft trip starts at Ban Nam Kong, 65 km from Pai and continues through virgin forests, waterfalls and 15 sets of rapids, a journey time of about five hours.
CHIANG RAI One of the oldest rafting destinations in the country, Chiang Rai continues to draw adventure seekers from all over the globe. In Chiang Rai, bamboo rafts and inflatable boats are available for the journey down the Mae Kok, the province’smajor artery.
CHIANG MAI Rafting down the Mae Chaem through Ob Luang George in inflatable boats is available through Mae Sot Travel. Another challenging route is the Mae Tuen in Omkoi District, where the river rushes through virgin forests to end at the Pha Dam Waterfall. No rubber raft is available at the site, so it’s best to book a trip with a tour agen in Chiang Mai.
NAN
Nam Wa stream in Nan is recognised as an ultimate rafting adventure. During rainy season the stream is swollen and rates 3 – 5 on the difficulty scale. Local rafting operators are offering soft adventure tour for rafting buffs wanting to test out their skills. The three – day tour features rafting through a series of rapids, such as Sop Huai Duea and PhiPa, on specially – designed rubber rafts. Visitors can also use the opportunity to explore the cool jungle setting of Doi Phu Kha and Mae Charim mountains
PRACHINBURI
At KhaoYaiNational Park, the Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Nadi district of Prachin Buri is a stretch of river noted for its wild beauty. The water is very vigorous During the rainy months (June – October), and some stretches are designated Level 5 , the uppermost limit to whitewater rafting.
KANCHANABURI
On the western border, Kanchanaburi is a popular adventure destination thanks to its mountainous terrain, covered with forests and crisscrossed with a network of rivers. Jungle rafting can be arranged from a mountain pass to the stunning LawaCave, a two-hour journey. Bamboo and inflatable rafts are also available for a trip down the Songkalia in Sangkhlaburi.
PHETCHABURI
The headwater of PhetchaburiRiver, the province’s major artery, lies within KaengKrachanNational Park. The river offers good rafting; a trip through its rapids and small tributaries takes about six hours.
NAKHON NAYOK
As a rule, canoeing and kayaking is available at the destinations that provide rafting. Nakhon Nayok, a small province to the north of Bangkok, is a new destination for adventure tourism. Its rivers originate in the Khao Yai range and flow down to meet the arterial BangPakongRiver, which empties into Gulf of Thailand.
Nakhon Nayok has several waterfalls, the most popular being Wang Takhrai. Canoeing here is relatively new. The best time to visit is June – October. Starting point for a canoe journey is the stretch of Wang Takhrai canal where it flows through a coffee plantation. The waterway is quite narrow and therefore unsuitable able for larger vessels. The route has on difficult rapids, but its many twists and turns more than make up for it.
Rafting trip on the NAM KEG River at Phitsanulok
The Khek river has its water source in the Phetchabun Mountain Range in Khao Kho county. It flows past Thung salaeng Luang National Park and forms the famous Sri Dit and Kaeng Sopha waterfalls of Phitsanulok. The water course passing Wang Thong county before joining the Nan river at Bang Krathum county is also called the Wang Thong river.
The level of difficulty of the current depends on the volume of water flow. In the rainy season, the river becomes swifter.
Keg River is the good place for rafting as it provides exciting routes for tourists for Ban PakYang, Sapraiwan sub-district, Wang Thong district to Kang Song waterfall which lasts 8 kms. Altogether. You can travel along this route within 3 hours, depending on the water level. You will experience the water speed at level 1-2 and gradually in crease the intensity to level 4-5 in the end. This allows you to practice your skill in rafting along the way.
Some cataracts last hundred meters. Travelling to Keg River is considered convenients as the river is near the road. After you get off a car you can get on a raft promptly, and when you get out of a raft you can get on a car or bus conveniently as well. No need to walk like going to other places.
Rafting on Kaeng Hin Phoeng
This is another stretch of river in KhaoYaiNational Park noted for its wild beauty. The water is especially challenging in the rainy season months of June to October, and it is a favourite place for whitewater rafting. The passage along this stretch of the river will take three hours or more.
Day 1:Depart Bangkok for a three-hour drive to Prachin Buri via Chachoengsao. After lunch, proceed to KaengHinPhoengRiver in KhaoYaiNational Park, swimming and relaxing at leisure. Then, on to an informal training session with an expert on local conditions to familiarise you with the contours of river, the safety equipment and procedures.
Day 2: After breakfast, a scenic drive into the National Park followedby walking tour through tour through the jungle. Arrive at the starting point of the rafling expedition: A wilder stretch of the river with spectacular rapids designated Level 5 throughout. Conditions for rafting here are not only scenically impressive, but also exciting. The passage along this stretch of the river will take three hours or more. Lunch, beside the river, then two more hours of rafting on fast-moving water before returning to base at the National Park. Drive back to Bangkok along the beautiful Khao Yai – Pack Chong – Muak Lek – Saraburi route.
River grading
LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY
Level 1 : Simple, easy rapids.
Level 2 : Simple rapids, but requiring some skill in manoeuvring the raft around obstacles and rocks.
Level 3 : Moderate rapids where rafting becomes exciting. It is necessary to hold on at times to stay in control of the raft.
Level 4 : Difficult rapids with continuous need to manoeuvre and control raft al all times. Very exciting rafting.
Level 5 : This level of whitewater is the uppermost limit to rafting. The river is wild, with a rapid current and difficult rapids, usually very steep.
Level 6 : Extremely difficult rapids, dangerous for rafting.
Preparation
Safety is paramount in whitewater rafting. Life jackets and helmets must be worm at all times. Your guide should explain to you all relevant safety procedures before you go, and check weather reports and the condition of the river. You should be able to swim if you wish to go whitewater rafting.
Age & health
It is important to ensure that you are in good health, and fit enough to enjoy this activity. Children over 12 but under 16 must be accompanied by responsible adults. For children under 12 years or for elderly people, only the Thi Lo Su Waterfall programme in May and June is recommended.
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. 
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai. 
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country's second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
