Thailand Information

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Neighboring countries:
1) Myanmar - west and north,
2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,
3) Cambodia - southeast and
4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;

The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;

The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;

The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide

Koh-Samui Information

Welcome to Koh Samuiand its archipelago We wish you a pleasant visit on Thailand's Koh Samui Information Gateway! Koh Samui, Kho Samui, Ko Samui, Samui, Koi Samui, Ko Samoi, Koh Samai, Smui are common ways of spelling the holiday paradise of Samui in Thailand. If you are not from Thailand, approximate spelling is accepted and all are welcome to join this Thai holiday island.

Tropical paradise soaking in the South China Sea, in the Siam Gulf, it is the third island of the Kingdom of Thailand, after Phuket and Koh Chang. Within less than two decades, Samui became a hard to bypass tourist destination in Asia! Edged by white sandy beaches, here you will discover diversified breathtaking landscapes flooded with sun throughout the year, numerous Buddhist landmarks, inland outing, smiling friendly people, etc. But the island and its archipelago (including Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Angthong Marine National Park as well as hundreds of small islets) have yet more other delightful surprises for you......

How To Get There....

Thai Airways to open Bangkok-Samui flights Thai Airways International (Thai) will inaugurate daily Bangkok-Samui flights on February 15, according to Chaisak Angkasuwan, director-general of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). Mr. Chaisak said the DCA on Thursday morning met executives of the natio nal flag carrier and Bangkok Airways, a private firm which owns Samui airport. After the meeting, he told journalists that starting from mid-February, Thai Airways would offer passengers two flights a day from Suvarnabhumi airport to Samui airport. The opening of the new route is in line with the policy of the Transport Ministry to give more alternatives to passengers. The airfare is expected to be similar to that currently offered by Bangkok Airways. The new route is expected to be popular among foreign tourists as they will be able to travel by a direct flight from Suvarnbhumi to Samui's tourist destinations in the southern province of Surat Thani. -Thai News Agency.