Click the points on the map to learn more.
 |
AyutthayaA UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Destroyed in the 18th century by the Burmese, Ayutthaya’s remains are now just a memory of the splendor this expansive city once held. |
| Back to Map | |
 |
BangkokWith a population of over 8.3 million, Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand. Built originally as a city marked by waterways and canals in place of streets, Bangkok was once referred to as “the Venice of the East.” Bangkok is now one of the most important economic centers in Asia, as well as a renowned tourist destination. Filled with towering skyscrapers, as well as ancient temples and palaces, Bangkok is world famous both for its fascinating history and sizzling nightlife. |
| Back to Map | |
 |
PhuketLocated in southern Thailand, in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the nation's largest island. It is a popular tourist destination, drawing over five million people every year. The island and surrounding area is known for its spectacular scenery and expansive snorkeling and diving opportunities. In 2004, Phuket was devastated the tsunami caused by the Indian Ocean earthquake. |
| Back to Map | |
 |
Chiang MaiChiang Mai was built in 1296 to be the capital city of the Lan Na Kingdom, now part of northern Thailand. The city was the main trading center between southern China and the sea ports of Burma. The Lan Na Kingdom became part of Siam (later Thailand) in 1892, and now Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. The city is now a travelers’ paradise, with access to trekking and excursions across northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is located near Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand (8,415 feet). |
| Back to Map | |
 |
Chiang RaiChiang Rai serves as the main commercial hub for the Golden Triangle - the name for the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Chiang Rai is located in the mountainous area of northern Thailand. For tourists, Chiang Rai is the northernmost city in Thailand. |
| Back to Map | |
 |
Khao Sok National ParkKhao Sok is located across 285 square miles of southern Thailand. Many believe its jungle is over 160 million years old. It is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, and holds limestone mountains, deep valleys, lakes, caves, and many rare species of plants and animals.
|
| Back to Map | |
 |
Mekong RiverAt 2,703 miles in length, the Mekong River is the world's 12th longest river. It forms much of the northern border of Thailand and serves as a major trade route between western China and southeast Asia.
|
| Population: | 65,002,000 |
| Area: | 198,117 square miles |
| Capital City: | Bangkok |
| Largest City: | Bangkok |
| Currency: | Thai Baht |
| Official Language: | Thai |
| GDP (Gross Domestic Product) | $1.1 trillion |
- Until 1939, Thailand’s official name was Siam
- Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country to never have been colonized by a European power
- 93.6% of the population is Buddhist, with Buddhism being Thailand’s official religion
- “Thailand” means “land of the free"
- The King’s Anthem is performed before movies and cultural performancesin Thailand. Everyone must stand.
- Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice.
- The majority of the population is Thai and Buddhist, though about three million Muslims reside in southern Thailand
- Thailand is home to about 130,000 refugees from neighboring Myanmar
- Siamese cats are native to Thailand
- Thailand is the only land connection between mainland Asia and Malaysia and Singapore
|
|
 |
|
The red stripes on the flag represent the blood shed to maintain Thailand’s independence. White is the color of Buddhism, and represents purity. The blue stripes represent the Thai monarchy. |
|