Smiling Country (Thailand Style Trip)

Author: Ye Tong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is undoubtedly the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. Upon stepping onto Thai soil, you will experience the traditional Thai etiquette of "wai," a unique custom that gives you a sense of warmth. Thailand is often called the "Land of Smiles," a result of the Thai people's tradition of smiling and respecting others, which has been passed down through centuries of culture and tradition long before tourists arrived. This land boasts countless breathtaking attractions, unique cultures, and enduring customs. The people of Thailand are genuinely hospitable, welcoming foreign friends with warmth at all times, making it both a friendly nation and a leisurely paradise.
Thailand is located in the center of the Indochinese Peninsula, bordered by Cambodia to the east, Myanmar to the west and northwest, Laos to the northeast, and Malaysia to the south. The country covers approximately 513,115 square kilometers, comparable in size to France, with a coastline of over 2,600 kilometers. The terrain can be divided into four major regions: the northeastern highlands, which are geologically arid with an elevation of about 150 to 300 meters, and are naturally bounded by the Mekong River, which also serves as the border between Thailand and Laos (the upper reaches of the Mekong River are known as the Lancang River in China, while the Mun River flows through the region). The western part of the highlands is slightly higher in elevation, forming a natural boundary for the central plain of the Chao Phraya River. The main city in this region is Nakhon Ratchasima. The world's oldest bronze age civilization emerged here about 5,000 years ago in the Phanom District.
The southern part is the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, characterized by hilly terrain. The eastern coast has multiple excellent ports and is a major producer of rubber and tin, as well as home to many beautiful beaches. The main cities in this region include Hat Yai and Songkhla. Abundant marine resources are also a distinctive feature. The northern part is mountainous, covered in tropical forests, with Doi Inthanon, at 2,570 meters, being the highest peak in the country. The four major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River—the Ping, Wang, Tha Pho, and Nan—flow south through the valleys, forming four major river valleys. These valleys are one of Thailand's primary agricultural regions, while the mountains are rich in teak forests. The main city in this region is Chiang Mai, known for its lychees, rambutans, and strawberries. The central part is the famous Chao Phraya River Plain, the country's main rice-producing and fruit-growing region, as well as its heartland. The capital, Bangkok, is located here and serves as Thailand's political, economic, transportation, cultural, and trade center.
Thais compare the shape of their country to an elephant's head: the north represents the "elephant's crown," the northeastern region the "elephant's ears," the Gulf of Thailand the "elephant's mouth," and the southern strip the "elephant's trunk." This region is also an excellent destination for tourism and leisure.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The constitution recognizes the king as the head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and protector of Buddhism and all religions, and he is considered a sacred and inviolable individual. The current king is King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX. The parliament is divided into two houses, and since 2000, the upper and lower houses have been operating according to the new constitution. Previously, upper house members were appointed by the Council of Ministers from various fields, but under the new constitution, 200 upper house members are now elected directly by the people. These members cannot belong to any political party, and the elections are overseen by an electoral committee established under the new constitution. The first direct election for upper house members was held in March 2000, but due to electoral fraud, some candidates were disqualified by the electoral committee. As a result, five rounds of elections were held before the final 200 members were elected on July 22. This term for the upper house is six years, making it the first directly elected upper house with significantly increased power, including the ability to approve laws, oversee the government, and even participate in debates to demand a new government.
In the lower house, members of parliament (MPs) are elected in two parts: 100 MPs are elected from party lists, while 400 are elected from individual constituencies. The new parliament will consist of 500 MPs, and the government will be formed based on the number of MPs each party wins. If one party secures more than half of the seats, it will form a single-party government; otherwise, a coalition government will be formed. The lower house elections were completed in 2001.
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (changwat), 573 districts, and numerous sub-districts and villages. The mayor of Bangkok is elected every four years by the people, while other provinces are governed by governors appointed by the central government. These governors serve as important bridges between the central government and the people in their provinces. Below the districts are sub-districts (tambon) and villages (muang).
The king is deeply beloved and respected by the Thai people, and any disrespect toward him can be punished as a legal offense. In cinemas and theaters, people are expected to stand when the national anthem is played.
Throughout its long history, Thailand has generously welcomed immigrants from various ethnic groups. The total population is over six million. Today, the people of Thailand share a vibrant ethnic diversity—primarily Thais, Khmers, Mons, Laotians, Malays, Chinese, Iranians, and Indians. As a result, there is no typical Thai appearance or physique; instead, Thais can be categorized as petite, statuesque, round-faced, dark-skinned, or light-skinned. Through long-term social interactions, one can observe some common facial features among Thais. The most notable common trait is: large, dark, and bright eyes, double eyelids, a flat nose bridge, slightly thick lips, and large earlobes. Thais have twice won the Miss World title.
In addition to the majority Thai population, there are also small mountain ethnic groups (such as Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Yao, Akha, Lahu, and Karen). As recent immigrants, the Chinese, Laotians, Malays, and Indians have largely integrated into Thai society.
In Thailand, 73% of Thais are farmers, 11% live in Bangkok, and 16% reside in other towns. The population density is approximately 120 people per square kilometer, with the central plain exceeding 400 people per square kilometer, where over one-third of the population is concentrated.