PICTURES
OF HEAVEN
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The unified Thai kingdom of Siam was
established in the mid-14th century; it was known as Siam
until 1939. The Kingdom of Thailand ( King Bhumibol
Adulyadej (Rama IX) ) 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's
islands and beaches get you out of the shadows and dangers
of the multinational hotels... The Cambodian and Myanmar
border areas contain a volatile mixture of land mines,
bandits, smugglers and rebels. Travelers should steer well
clear of the borders or contact their embassy to receive the
latest reports on the security situation. An incident in
March 2000 in which one Australian tourist was murdered and
his partner attacked in the Doi Ang Khan National Park in
Chiang Mai has prompted embassy warnings not to camp in
undesignated areas in national parks. Don't accept free
air-tickets and a new set of luggage from sudden friends in
Bangkok.
Population: 62 million ... Capital
city: Bangkok (pop 6 million) ...People: 75% Thai, 11%
Chinese, 3.5% Malay, also Mon, Khmer, Phuan and Karen
minorities ... Language: Thai ... Religion: 95% Buddhism, 4%
Muslim
76
provinces
(changwat,; Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao,
Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai,
Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi,
Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang,
Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham,
Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon
Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan,
Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum
Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun,
Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,
Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong,
Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut
Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun,
Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat
Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon
Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon
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