Thailand Travel

It is also the name of the Thai people - leading some inhabitants, particularly the sizeable Chinese minority, still to use the name Siam .

» The king has little direct power under the constitution but is the annointed protector of Thai Buddhism and a symbol of national identity and unity. The present monarch enjoys a great deal of popular respect and moral authority, which has on occasion been used to resolve political crises. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the king from among the members of the lower house of parliament

» Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural), which are grouped into 5 groups of provinces. Each province is divided into smaller districts.

» Thailand 's population is dominated by ethnic Thai and Lao, who make up three quarters of the population. There is also a large community of ethnic Chinese, who have historically played a disproportionately significant role in the economy. Other ethnic groups include Malays in the south, Mon, Khmer and various indigenous hill tribes. Around 95% of Thais are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition, but small minorities of Muslims, Christians and Hindus also exist.

» Legally, prostitution is prohibited in Thailand. However, direct and indirect revenues from sex tourism are huge, so this law is ignored. Neither corrupted policy nor goverment nor ordinary citizens want to harm the sex industry which brings tourists to the country.

» There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Thailand than in any other South-East Asian country, so if you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. For pure holiday-making magic, Thailand 's islands and beaches are working definitions of heaven. On the other side the evidence of history, culture, and heritage catches more tourist attraction.