Thailand

by Charles Coleman

Thailand, formerly Siam, is an enchanting Buddhist Kingdom that is renowned for its natural beauty, its welcoming people and its sumptuous cuisine. However, only a visit to the country can start to reveal the extent of its geographical attractions, the charm of its characters and the sheer variety of its dishes, which possibly explains why so many people who visit this country regularly return.

Thailand means "Land of the Free" and so it is perhaps unsurprising that it was never colonized by the Europeans, unlike its neighbours - Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Burma. It is approximately the size of France or Spain, and consists of four areas that are quite distinct: the hilly North, the beaches and rubber plantations of the South, the rural plateau of Isaan or the Northeast, and the Central Plains, home of Bangkok, the teeming capital.

Thailand has a tropical Climate with three seasons; hot (March to May), Green (June to October) and Cool (November to February). Average temperatures are 82 F, ranging, for example, in Bangkok, from 95 F in April, to 63 F in December.

Thai food is famous worldwide, but visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the freshness and taste of its authentic cuisine. It generally combines sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty flavours, and many regional varieties and specialities exist. Thai cuisine makes generous use of garlic, chilies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. Another common ingredient used is the peanut. Rice is widely grown in Thailand and is included in almost every meal.

Most visitors spend some time in Bangkok and then combine a trip to either the North or the Northeast with a stay on the beaches of the Kingdom's South. The Northeast is renowned for its friendly and fun-loving people as well as for its historic sites and numerous colourful festivals. The country offers adventure, eco-tourism, excellent shopping, pristine beaches, golf, medical tourism and a host of other attractions for individuals, families, honeymooners etc.