Welcome to Thailand

Thailand, what a meaningful name... it literally means 'Land of the Free', and it alludes to the fact that its inhabitants resisted to the European settlers during the Colonialism at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. For this reason, the name "Thailand" is a huge source of proud for Thai people. The official date of foundation of the country is 1238, when Thai citizens rose up against the Khmer sway and established the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Its flag, as you can see in the cover photo, is formed by a blue stripe in the center, white bands up and down it and red stripes at the top and the bottom. The colour in the middle represents the monarchy of Thailand, white is for the religion, Buddhism, and the last one represents Thai people. It is called "Thong Trairong", what means 'tri-coloured flag'.

BASIC INFORMATION

• Population: almost 70 million people.

• Area: 514,000 square meters (maps above).

• Climate zone: tropical monsoon (south) and tropical savanna (north).

• Government: Monarchy.

• National Anthem: Sansoen Phra Barami (video above).

• Capital city: Bangkok - a megalopolis that has about 10 million inhabitants.

• Official language: Thai - although there are five other languages that are also recognised by the Royal Government: Kra-dai, Austroasiatic, Sino-Tibetan, Austronesian and Hmong-Mien.

• Currency: Thai Bath (THB) - at this current moment one euro equals 34,65 THB and one dolar 30,89 THB.

• Religion: Buddhism - it is followed by a 95% of the population.

• Electricity: 220V and 50 Hz; types A, B or C.

• Emergency calls: 191 (police); 199 (fire brigade) and 1155 (tourist service).