There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Thailand than in any other South-East Asian country, so if you're
interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. For pure holiday-making magic, Thailand's islands
and beaches are working definitions of heaven (once you get out of the shadows of the evil multinational hotels). And as for
urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, although it can alarm with its chaos and its scale, tends to so charm visitors
with its energy and cultural treasures that the steamy soupy diesel mixture that passes for air in this city is more than
forgiven.Thailand is an easy country to travel in, with efficient transport, cheap accommodation and a delicious national
cuisine. The Thais are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality to strangers. Although they're often depicted as fun-loving,
happy-go-lucky folk (which they often are), they are also very strong-minded and have struggled for centuries to preserve
their spirit of independence.WarningThe Cambodian and Myanmar border areas contain a volatile mixture of land mines, bandits,
smugglers and rebels, and are the scene of occasional low-level military stoushes. Travellers should steer well clear of the
borders or contact their embassy to receive the latest reports on the security situation. An incident in March 2000 in which
one Australian tourist was murdered and his partner attacked in the Doi Ang Khan National Park in Chiang Mai has prompted
embassy warnings not to camp in undesignated areas in national parks.Anyone foolish enough to accept free air-tickets and
a new set of luggage from sudden friends in Bangkok deserves to be called a mule. Full country name: Kingdom of
ThailandArea: 517,000sq km Population: 61 million Capital city: Bangkok (pop 6 million)People: 75% Thai, 11% Chinese,
3.5% Malay, also Mon, Khmer, Phuan and Karen minoritiesLanguage: ThaiReligion: 95% Buddhism, 4% MuslimGovernment: Democratic
constitutional monarchy Prime Minister: Chuan Leekpai Head ofstate: King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) GDP:
US$166 billionGDP per head: US$2740 Annual growth: -8.5% Inflation: 5.6% Major products: Computers, garments,
integrated circuits, gems, jewellery Major trading partners: ASEAN, USA, European Union Disclaimer: Although
we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury
or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any
critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health
and safety, customs, and transportation.
Click here for the online Lonely Planet Thailand guide.
The Facts about Thailand.
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