THAILAND

- located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia.

Official Name
-Ratcha Anachak Thai (Kingdom of Thailand)
Form of Government
-Constitutional Monarchy with 220 member interim legislature
Head of State
-King Maha Vajiralongkorn
Head of Government
-Prime Minester: Prayuth Chan-ocha
Life Expectancy at Birth
Male: 71.7 years (2017)
Female: 78.3 years (2017)
Population (2018)
-68,015,000
HISTORY OF THAILAND
1.)Nanchao Period (650-1250 AD)- after founding a Thai kingdom in southern china, the Thai people migrated further
south where they settled on the Central Plain under the rule of the Khmer Empire.
2.) Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 AD) - Thai history’s “: golden era”, the 13 th Century was a time when the Thais become
a powerful force in independence and forged an ideal state governed by kind rulers. However, the more powerful
Ayutthaya asserted itself over Sukhothai.
3.) Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767 AD) - reverting back to Khmer principles, Ayutthaya gained more power over its
sovereigns which saw conflict between neighboring principalities. After diplomatic relations began in the 17 th Century,
the Burmese invaded in 1767, capturing Ayutthaya, although control didn’t last for long.
4.) Thon Buri Period (1767-1772 AD) - fearing another attack, Ayutthaya’s capital transferred to a site closer to the sea
to facilitate defense, procurement and foreign trade. Anew capital was established in Thon Buri and rules were tough,
however, the kingdom disintegrated quickly due to a lack of authority.
5.) Rattanakosin Period (1782- present) – A new ruler transferred the capital to Bangkok and established the Grand
Palace.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THAILAND
1.) It is used to be called Siam.
2.) Thailand is the home of world’s smallest mammal, bumblebee bat.
3.) In 1997, staff at Bangkok Mercure Hotel made the World largest log cake with 2300 kg.
4.) In 1997, Hoo Sateow had his hair measured at a world record length of 16 feet eleven inches.
5.) In 1996, two cats were married creating the world most expensive pet wedding.
6.) Never colonized by Europeans.
7.) Has been an active member in the regional Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN).
Most Notable Person
1.) Chao Phraya Chakri (Rama I)
- Tong Duang, his given name. Born on March 20, 1736.
-founded the Chakri dynasty or the house of Chakri whose descendants are still ruling Thailand up to this day.
- didn’t have a royal name when he ascended to the throne and he was instead called Phan Din Ton or The First
Kingdom.
-He transferred the capital to a place he named the Rattanakosi, which is on the other side of the Chao Phraya
River, this is known Bangkok today.
-he authored a Thai Buddhist version of Ramakien, a Ramayana epic. Until today that version remains as the
only complete version known to exist.
- died on September 7, 1809 at the age of 73. Ruled for over 27 years.
- He was bestowed the title Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramintharamaha Chakri Borommanat Phra Buddha Yodfa
Chulaloke posthumously, or Rama I.
2.) Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX)
- TheSD longest reigning King in Thai history, ruled for over 65 years.
-not born in Thailand but in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 5, 1927.
-he survived 16 constitutional reforms, 27 prime ministerial changes and about 15 coup attempts.
Thailand’s Flag
Red- Blood of life
White- Purity of the Buddhist Faith
Blue- Monarchy
-officially adopted on September 28, 1917, was decreed by king Rama VI as the official flag.
-designed by Vajiravuh.
 THAILAND HAS A TWO ANTHEM
 NATIONAL ANTHEM
-the current Thai anthem is actually the latest of many used in the history of the country.

1.) “Jom Raj Jong Charoen” (Long Live the King) - written by Phraya Sri Sunthornvoharn
2.) ‘Bulan Loy Luen” (Moving Moon)-composed and written by King Rama II
3.) Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami” (A salute to the Monarch)- become the royal anthem today.
4.) Chart Mahachai”- a short lived song
-was the national anthem for a while, but the coup planners wanted to have the composer Peter Feit , compose an
anthem for the citizenry in the spirit of La Marseillaise,with lyrics by Khun Wichitmatra the new anthem was played for
the first time in in July 1932. Two years past it was rewritten by Chan Kamwilai.
- When the nation’s name changed to Thailand from Siam in 1939, it was decided new lyrics should be written and lyrics
by Luang Saranuprapan won the contest and remain lyrics today.
 ROYAL ANTHEM (SANSOEN PHRA BARAMI)
- composed by the King Chalalongkorn (Rama V) half-brother, Prince Naris. Modified slightly by King Rama VI in
1910-1925.
-was used to herald the king, bid him farewell or otherwise pay tribute to him. Usually used when the king arrives
and departs from official events, and also at large sports or entertainment events. This song is also played before every
movie at the cinema, for which you will be prompted to stand.
LANGUAGE
-Thai is the official language, a tonal language from the Tai-Kadai family of East Asia.
-derived from the Khmer script.
- Has a 44 consonants, 32 vowels, and five tones.
BANGKOK
BANGKOK FACTS
1.) Longest City Name in the World
2.) One of the World’s Most Popular Cities
3.) Bangkok has 50 Districts
4.) The Chao Phraya River
5.) World’s Hottest City
6.) Highest Sky Bar in Bangkok
7.) Largest Chinatown in the World
8.) The Largest Market in the World
9.) Sea Life Bangkok
10.) World’s sex change capital
BANGKOK- Thai Krung Thep, city, capital, and the chief port of Thailand.
- The only cosmopolitan city in the country in a country of small towns and villages.
- It is the Thailand’s cultural and commercial center.
- located on the delta of the Chao Phraya River, about 25 miles from the Gulf of Thailand.
*Bangkok was the fourth capital of the kingdom of.
-King Taksin the Great or Boromraja IV, the only ruler of Thon Buri showed signs of mental and physical distress and
believed himself to be Buddha after years of facing turmoil and trying to solve economic and social problems. His
madness and erratic behavior caused chaos and disarray in the government and a coup was put in place to force him to
step down. Chao Phraya Chakri, his friend who still fighting the war when news reached him about the coup. He
returned to Thon Buri and restored order, he also ordered that the deposed king be put to death. King Taksin beheaded
on April 10, 1782. Chakri installed himself as the new king.
-it was Chao Phraya Chakri (Rama I) who moved the capital to a place he named the Rattanakosin which is on the
other side of the Chao Phraya River after the fall of Thon Buri due to lack of authority.
The Name
*The name Bangkok commonly used by foreigners, it was derived from a name that dates to the time before the city
was built-the village of district (bang) of wild plums (makok).
*Comes from the name of the original settlement on the other side of the river, currently the Thonbori district of the city,
which dates back to 1782.
-Krung Thep is just an abbreviation
*The entire name has 169 characters making it as the longest city name in the world
“Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom
Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit”
*The Thai call Bangkok KRUNG THEP Which is the part of its mellifluous and lengthy official name meaning:
“The city of gods, The Great city, The Residence of the Emerald Buddha, The Impregnable city(Ayutthaya) Of
God Indra, The Grand Capital of the World Endowed with Nine Precious Gems, The Happy City Abounding in
Enormous Royal Palace that resembles the Heavenly Abode where reigns the Reincarnated god, A city given by Indra
and Built by Vishnukarm”
*The abbreviation Krung Thep is often translated to “city of angels’.
PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
CLIMATE
-The World Metrological Organization declared Bangkok the hottest city in the world, with median air temperature of 28
degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees F.).Bangkok is warm all year long and never gets cold.
THE CITY LAYOUT
*Modern Bangkok has undergone explosive growth. It was formerly enclosed by a wall, has long been densely
developed. Later expansion has sprawled outward well beyond the administrative boundaries into the surrounding
agricultural areas.
*Some districts evolved into functional units as the inner city has become more institutional and commercial and the
outer city more residential and industrial.
*Throughout the city, walled Buddhist temples and monasteries called wats, often sumptuously ornamented, serve as a
focal point for religious, cultural, and even commercial life.
HOUSING
Homes are consists of small, detached one or two story wooden houses or row houses. Mostly of it are overcrowded
because there are far too few of them to house the expanding population.
The GOVERNMENT
*Government programs alone are lacking to meet the housing shortage, funds from the World Bank have been used to
build Low-income housing like the Din Daeng and Hua Mak developments.
*The Government allows the squatters to occupy the unused public land. The number of squatters are small and most
of them are located in the Khlong Toei are near the port.
-In 1960shousing developed rapidly in the city. From the mid-1970s and mid-1980s more the 100,000 new units were
built.
-Luxury houses mostly for the wealthy foreign community, commonly form of large, modern, two-story masonry
structures set in private compounds and equipped with separate servants’ quarters and kitchens.
-BANG KAPI perhaps the most affluent neighborhood. High- rise offices, hotels, and condominiums are increasingly
common.
TRADITIONAL AREAS
The government and commercial districts of the city occupy traditional sites.
*Government offices were originally housed in the walled compound of the 18th century grand palace.
*In the 19th century they occupied surrounding palaces and mansions.
*The bureaucracy then spread outward into nearby colonial-style or Thai- style office buildings and homes along
Ratchadamneon Road.
*Multistoried buildings have been erected to meet the ever-increasing demand for space, and the traditional government
compounds have become overbuilt.
*A number of large camps around and north of the National Assembly Hall constitute the military area.
CULTURE
-Thailand is rich in tradition a spirituality that is heavily influenced by ethnic groups from India, Cambodia, China and
Southeast Asia.
- They believed in ghost and animism is practice for many Thai people.
Example of their Cultural Norms and Etiquette:
*Pointing with your feet or touching a person’s head are taboos, as the feet are considered the dirtiest body part while
the head is most sacred.
*Remove your shoes when visiting a temple or entering someone’s home.
*Barbers are usually closed on Wednesday because it is considered unlucky to have haircut on this day.
BELIEFS
1.) Lucky person finish the last piece.
2.) Don’t leave home if you hear a gecko!
3.) If you dream of a snake, you will meet your soul mate.
4.) If your right eye twitches it means something bad is going to happen to you, but if it is the left eye you will have good
luck.
5.) To single ladies: do not sing while cooking or eating, or you will end up with an old husband.
6.) You will see a ghost if you bend down between your legs.
7.) Never say cute to a baby because a ghost will come and take it away. Most Thai people will compliment a cute baby
with the expression adorable and unpleasant.
8.) If you sneeze, it means someone is missing you or someone is talking about you.
9.) If you are talking to someone and suddenly he/she shows up or hear from him/her, it means that person will live
long.
10.) Always consult the monk or fortune teller to get the good date for wedding or taking a new car out of the showroom,
prior to installing the foundation pile for a new house, and arranged house warming party.
RELIGION
THERAVADA BUDDHISM- NATIONAL RELIGION
- 95% of the population is a Buddhist.
- There are over 29,000 temples in Thailand where the monks follow their daily routines.
- The monkhood demonstrates extreme dedication in their social work and spiritual work. Every man in Thailand
is required to become a monk for a period of time before the age of 20 in order to receive good karma.
ISLAM- Is the second most dominant religion, 4% of the population and that is around 6 million people.
CHRISTIANITY- 1% of the total population in Thailand.
- major Christian group is Roman Catholic which is more than half of the Christian population, Protestantism and
Orthodoxy.
HINDUISM- there are more than 52,000 Hindus living in Thailand.
CLOTHING
BEFORE:
Chong Kraben- it is a cotton or silk wrap- around garment.
- can be wore for women and men.
DURING RATTANAKOSIN ERA:
-Western fashion became mainstream, females were encourage to wear skirts rather than wrapped pieces of
cloth.
MID-20TH CENTURY
- born of Chut Thai.
Chut Thai phra ratcha niyom or Chut Thai (Thai dress that has been royally endorsed)- national clothing of Thailand.
- Queen Sirikit, wife of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol, was responsible for establishment of chut Thai.
OFFICIAL CHUT THAI FOR WOMEN:
1.) Ruean Ton- most casual national Thai outfit. Worn for non-official functions where a smart standard of dress is
required.
- is a long, tube-style skirt, known as sinh, and a long-sleeved collarless blouse.
2.) Chakkri- a long tube skirt with two front pleats. The upper garment, kown as sabai, is an elegant shawl- like item that
wraps around the upper body and trails to the ground at one side. Covers just one shoulder.
- The fabric is often made using a traditional weaving technique called yok, which results in a thicker finish
3.) Siwalai- type of formal evening attire that is often worn at royal ceremonies.
- the name siwalai is a corruption of the English word “civilized”.
- made with two separate items sewn together: a tube skirt with two front pleats and around- necked blouse with
elbow-length sleeves that buttons up the front or the back.
- the outfit is finished with a sabai draped over the shoulder.
4.) Boromphiman- similar to siwalai except for the shawl-like sabai. It can be worn for formal and semi-formal functions.
5.) Chitlada- used as formal ceremonial wear for daytime events. It comprises a long sinh with brocade embroidery at
the bottom and a long-sleeved silk blouse with ornamental buttons at the front.
6.) Amarin- formal evening events.
- a long sinh and a broad, almost square-like, long sleeved blouse with a round neck and buttons all the way up
the front to the throat. No belt is needed and the garments are not particularly fitted and do not show the shape of the
body much.
7.) Chakkraphat- more formal and modest. Used for royal ceremonies.
- the upper part of the body is wrapped in a luxurious shawl with one shoulder left bare. The fabric is thick and
rich with lots of detailed embroidery.
8.) Dusit- westernized form, often worn at international events and less- formal evening functions. The silk dress has a
round neck and no sleeves and it reaches almost to the ankles. Often worn with a belt to add greater definition to the
waistline.
OFFICIAL CHUT THAI FOR MEN:
Suea phraratchathan (royally-bestowed shirt)- shirt is fastened up the front with buttons, has a long collar,and can have
sleeves of any length.
- long-sleeved shirts are generally worn with a sash- most formal type. Suit jacket may added for greater degree
of formality.
* The shirt is similar to the older raj pattern. The raj pattern shirt is typically worn with the wrapped chong kraben and
long socks.
POPULATION
Bangkok is considered a primate city
-One that serves as the population, political, and financial center of a country with no other rival city. In 1930s Bangkok
population growth fast because of the discovery of antibiotics improved healthcare.In 1980, Bangkok was 51 times
larger than Kat Yai or Songkhla in terms of population, which made the city most prominent primary city in the world.
2019 10,350,204 2.43% 947,433

BANGKOK FESTIVAL
 SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
-THE Thai New Year’s Festival.
-take place every 13th up to 15th of April
-traditional way of celebrating the water festival involves Thai people splashing water on their elders family members,
close friends, and neighbors as a way of looking for good fortune.
 NAVARATRI HINDU FESTIVAL
-Nine nights in Sanskrit
-Celebrated on the month of October every year.
-the annual nine-night religious festival where devotees gather up at Sri Maha Uma Devi Temple to worship nine forms
of Hindu priests and statues along Sathorn and Silom roads, joined by local Hindus, enthusiasts, and tourist.

BANGKOK’S BEAUTY
1.) The Chao Phraya River
-is as important as the river Thames is to London in defining the city’s geography.
-runs right through the heart of Bangkok and serves as a great way for locals and tourist to get around the city.
2.) Bangkok’s Chinatown
-It is the largest Chinatown in the world. The vast area, known locally as Yaowarat,is full of streets and alleys that are in
turn full of shops and restaurants and countless street food vendors.
3.) Sea Life Bangkok
-One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. It is previously known as Ocean World.
4.) Khao San Road
-best known street in the city.
-where night out happen.
5.) The Grand Palace
-Thailand’s most sacred site.
-house of the Emerald Buddha.
-former residence for King Rama I to Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.
-today place where remains of kings and high-ranked members of the royal family were situated before cremation.
-also, place is used for hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming the king’s guest.
6.) DEMOCRACY MONUMENT
-is a large western-style symbol of Thailand’s adaptation of democracy and liberty.
-the four giant wings representing Thailand’s armed forces: air, land, navy, and police protecting a book-the constitution,
carried by two offering bowls. It reflects the vision of Phibun, the military ruler at that time was made in 1939.
7.) WAT ARUN
- Located on the west bank of Chao Phraya river. One of the most stunning temples in Bangkok because the design is
very different from the other temples, it made up of colorfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water.
- The temple of the Down because when Ayutthaya was fell to the Burmese and was reduced to rubble and ashes,
General Taksin and the remaining survivors vowed to march “until the sun rose again” and build a temple there.
8.) WAT PHO
Also known as Wat Chetuphon. The temple was built by King Rama I.
-place for healing. Best known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a 45m long and 15m high statue. The sole of the
feet, inlaid with a myriad of precious stones, are particularly interesting with the 108 sings of true faith. The earlobes
signifying noble birth, and the lotus-bud configuration of the hand to symbolize purity and beauty.
9.)WAT TRAIMIT, TEMPLE OF THE GOLDEN BUDDHA
- It is a 3.5 m Buddha cast from 5.5 tons of solid gold when some monks found it. No one knows the origin of this
priceless statue but it assumed to date from the Sukhothai period, when marauding invaders threatened the country and
its treasures.
BANGKOK BEST CUISINE
1. CRAB BEE HOON (POO AOB WOONSEN)
- doesn’t reek of only gravy, and is well seasoned with pepper, spices with the fragrance of crab that springs right
through.
3. THAI STYLE PORRIDGE
-comforting for a cold day
-remedy for a long night of partying
-food that instantly boost anyone’s energy levels
- Quite similar to Cantonese porridge. The locals add copious amounts of additional fish sauce/sugar/chili and others.
2. SPICY THAI SEAFOOD SOUP (TOM YUM GOONG)
- Pee Aor in Bangkok is a hotpot for this dish. They serve it in a creamy version.
-The AA Hawkers usually achieve this texture by adding condensed milk but for Pee Aor add the prawn herd's
innards into the soup mixture so it melts and intensifies the taste.
*Cooking in Bangkok places great emphasis on dishes that are prepared lightly but feature a very spicy edge and some
strong aromatic elements. Bangkok demonstrates attention to details, intricacy, taste, color, and texture. They are lies to
the sea so mostly their cuisine is also abundant n seafood.

World Sex Capital

-The Bangkok’s Yanhee International Hospital handles 250-300 surgeries a year. 90% of the patients come from
abroad.
-Japan is a mojor source of customers for Yanhee’s sex change service.
*Thailand is known for its significant transgender population. “Thai society has a strong understanding” of transgender
individuals, said by Ismael Naypa- International Marketing Division Director at Bangkok’s Yanhee International Hospital.

Note: the influence of Buddhism, which teaches one “to be respectful of other people’s views and beliefs”

Thailand’s Currency
The reverse of Thai Bath coins depicts the most famous temples in Thailand.
*10 bath coin- Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok
*5 bath coin- Wat Benjamabophit (the Marble Temple) in Bangkok
*2 bath coin- Wat Saket (The Golden Mountain) in Bangkok
*1 bath coin-Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok
*50 satang coin- Wat Prathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
* 25 satang coin- Wat Phra Mnhathat

SPORTS
MUAY THAI
-Thailand’s National Sport
-a spectacular form of unarmed combat that is accompanied by a traditional music ensemble as well as frenzied
ringside betting.
-before the fight the boxers perform the ram muay, a five minute dance that pays tribute to their teachers and to the
guardian spirit of Thai boxing.
Well Known Thai Boxers
Khaosai Galaxy- who was inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Wijan Ponlid- who won a gold medal in boxing at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games.