Thailand

I

Introduction

Thailand, formerly Siam, officially Kingdom of Thailand, constitutional monarchy in South East Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the north and west, by Laos to the north-east, by Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand (Siam) to the south-east, by Malaysia to the south, and by the Andaman Sea to the south-west. The total area of Thailand is 513,115 sq km (198,115 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Bangkok.

II

Land and Resources

Thailand lies within mainland South East Asia, except for the southern extremity, which occupies a portion of the Malay Peninsula. The country’s maximum dimensions are about 1,770 km (1,100 mi) from north to south and about 805 km (500 mi) from east to west. The physiography is highly diversified, but the mountain systems are the predominant feature of the terrain. A series of parallel ranges, with a north-south trend, occupy the northern and western portions of the country. Extreme elevations occur in the westernmost ranges, which extend along the Burmese frontier and rise to 2,595 m (8,514 ft) at Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand. The peninsular area, which is bordered by narrow coastal plains, reaches a high point of 1,786 m (5,860 ft) at Khao Luang. Another mountain system projects, in a northern and southern direction, through central Thailand. At its southern extremity, the system assumes an east-west trend and extends to the eastern frontier. Doi Pia Fai (1,270 m/4,167 ft) is its highest peak. The region to the north and east of this system consists largely of a low, barren plateau, called the Khorat Plateau. Making up about one-third of the country, the plateau is bordered by the Mekong River valley. Between the central and western mountains is a vast alluvial plain traversed by the Chao Phraya, the chief river of Thailand. This central plain, together with the fertile delta formed by the Chao Phraya near Bangkok, is the richest agricultural region and most densely populated section of the kingdom.

A

Climate

Thailand has a moist, tropical climate, influenced chiefly by monsoon winds that vary in direction according to the season. From April to October the winds are mainly from the south-west and are moisture laden; during the rest of the year they blow from the north-east. Temperatures are higher, ranging from 25.6° to 36.7° C (78° to 98° F), while the country is under the influence of the south-west winds. During the remainder of the year the range is from 13.3° to 33.3° C (56° to 92° F). Temperatures are somewhat higher inland than they are along the coast, except at points of great elevation.

Annual rainfall is about 1,525 mm (60 in) in the northern, western, and central regions, 2,540 mm (100 in) or more on the Thai portion of the Malay Peninsula, and 1,270 mm (50 in) or less on the Khorat Plateau. Most rain falls from June to October.

B

Natural Resources

Thailand is rich in natural resources. Among the known mineral deposits are coal, gold, lead, tin, tungsten, manganese, zinc, and precious stones. In addition, the country has many large forests that produce teak for export. The rich alluvial soil along the Chao Phraya and other rivers constitutes another important resource.