About Thailand

History: Formerly known as Siam. Now known as Thailand, and as the people refer to it "Land of the Free." Thailand boasts a great history in having never been colonized by any country from the West. Ruled by a monarch, Thailand now has it's 9th king, King Bhumibol Adulyade (title: King Rama IX) who ascended in 1946 and has since brought stability to the country. He is sincerely well loved by the people, and is the world's longest-serving head of state. 

Geography: Mountains in the north and west, plains in the east, high mountains and narrow plains in the south, and in the center, rice (and a lot of people)!

Climate: a moist, tropical climate (this is code for really hot and humid). Inlands are the hottest. 

Language: Thai language (and people from Thailand are called "Thais" as well)

Religion:

92% Buddhist

30,000 Buddhist temples

250,000 Buddhist monks

5% Muslim

Less than 2% Christian

Fun Fact:

Did you know that the Rodger's and Hammerstein film, "The King and I," as well as all of portrayals of this movie are illegal in Thailand? While this movie stars a great cast, it's a rather embarrassing and very inaccurate depiction of Thailand and it's people. So, when the first film came out, the King of Thailand at the time had it banned from being sold, bought, and distributed inside Thailand.