Geography
At 514,000 km², Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in land mass, whilst it is the world's 20th largest country in terms of population. The Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country which lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country is bordered to the north by Laos and Burma, to the east by Laos and
Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Burma. By the maritime boundary, the country is bordered to the southeast by Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, to the southwest by Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea.
The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok. It is also the country's centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities
A turbulent, and often bloody history has left Thailand scattered with ruins, forgotten temples and deserted cities that reveal a rich tableau of past eras to those willing to explore.
Thailand’s booming tourist economy, driven largely by Hollywood (the country has been the setting for
The Man with the Golden Gun, The Bridge over River Kwai and most recently Alex Garland’s The Beach)
has resulted in the opening of a number of expensive and luxurious international hotels. Those looking for the
rustic splendour of the beaches and islands will find plenty of cheap and comfortable accommodation.
The size and geographical diversity of Thailand provides for a variety of activities. Snorkelling, diving and a
host of watersports are very popular around the Islands, while inland enthusiasts can trek into the
mountains or cycle across the flat river areas of the northeast.
Climate
High temperatures and humidity levels are experienced throughout the year.
The country is hottest between March and May, and monsoon season runs from June to October.
In September and October much of the country suffers from flooding, particularly in the north,
north eastern and central regions. The cool season, most favoured by visitors, runs from November to February.
Tourism
Tourist numbers have grown from 336,000 foreign visitors to over 14 million international guests visiting
Thailand in 2007.
Asian tourists primarily visit Thailand for Bangkok and the historical, natural and cultural sights in its vicinity. Western tourists not only visit Bangkok and surroundings but in addition many travel down to the southern beaches and islands. The North is the main region for trekking and adventure travel with its diverse ethnic minority groups and forested mountains. The region receiving less tourists is Isan in the north-east.