Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Thailand is a fascinating and exotic country to explore. Come and discover Thailand's scenic and cultural treasures with our team of locals and long-time residents. We all live and work here and share a love of Thailand, its people, culture, scenery, cuisine and overall lifestyle.

The kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam (which means gold) until 1949, occupies an area of almost 518000 sq. miles, bordering Burma, Laos, Kampuchea and Malaysia. The north is mountains, forested and relatively unspoiled. The north east has a large plateau that covers a third of the country while the south stretches along the gulf of Thailand bordered by wide open beaches. A population of approx. 56million, 8% of which is still agnanon, it is one of the few countries in the Far East that has never been colonized.

The kingdom of Thailand is about the same size as France (198,475 square miles). It lies in the heart of South East Asia. The north is mountainous, forested and relatively unspoiled, the north east has a large plateau that covers a third of the country while the south stretches along the Gulf of Thailand bordered by wide open beaches. A population of 56 million of which 6 million live in the capital, Bangkok. 94% of the population are Buddhist. The country is a constitutional monarchy where the king is revered. Literacy is the second highest in Asia after Japan. Most Thai's speak a good smattering of English.

The king of Thailand is much loved by the people and held in great respect. This includes the handling of coins and Thai currency notes that carry his image. Any derogatory act that can be construed as 'lese magesta' is a criminal offence.

To a Thai, three pillars support his country, represented by the three colours in the Thai flag. There is the land and it's people (red) the purity of religion (white) chiefly Buddhism and the monarchy (blue) binding together the other two elements.

  The Thai National Flag & Flags of the Provinces and The Thai National Anthem

Bicameral parliamentary system of government with a 100-seat appointed senate and an elected house of representatives with at least 240 seats. The present King Bhumipol Adulyaday The Great (Rama IX) is the constitutional monarch.

Thailand has traditionally been a major rice exporter and the crop is still important in foreign currency earnings. Recently tourism has been the top foreign income earner. Thailand is classified as a developing country.

The state of religion is Thiravade Bhuddhism (90%) though there are also Muslims (6%) and Christians (2%)

In addition to the famous Wat's tourists visit, there are literally hundreds of Buddhist Wats in the city of Bangkok and suburbs, usually sited in serene pockets of densely-packed neighbourhoods and serving as hubs for spiritual and social life.

Thai is the national language and is spoken throughout the country with only minor differences in the north and south. English is the best known of Western languages and will get you around tourist spots well enough.

  Thai Words and Phrases We have included a few Thai Words and Phrases that will help you when planning your holiday in Thailand.

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