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Thailand
is a country in
South-East Asia
with coasts on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It borders
Myanmar (Burma)
to the north-west,
Laos to the
north-east,
Cambodia to the
south-east and
Malaysia to the
south. With great food, a
tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches,
Thailand is a magnet for travellers the world over.
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th
century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast
Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A
bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In
alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally
following the conflict. Thailand is currently facing separatist
violence in its southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces.
Culture
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The Thai Royal family
are well respected by the Thai people and should not be criticized.
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The feet are
considered dirty and should not be pointed directly at people or
raised.
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Shoes are usually
never worn indoors.
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The head is
sanctified, so avoid touching someone else on the head unless they
are intimate friend.
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Thais are quite
conservative and expect visitors to dress appropriately in formal
public places.
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They are also
discreet about showing affection, especially in public.
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Holding hands is
considered taboo among the older generation.
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There are many other
habits of etiquette which the foreigner will do well to observe.
People
Climate
Tropical with high
temperature & humidity and dominated by monsoon seasons.
April ~ May are the
hottest month of the year when even the locals complain about the
heat.
June ~ October is the
beginning of the South West Monsoon rainy season.
Nov ~ Feb have dryer
months & lesser humidity level with the cooling North East breeze.
This is also the best time
to visit Thailand.
The north & north-east
parts are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter & hotter in summer.
In the far north, around
Mae Hong Song (Chiang Mai) temperature can drop as low as 2 degree
Celsius.
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