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Thailand
The
country has a population of about 60 million with
about three-fourths of the population being ethnic
Thais. There are many minorities to be found in
Thailand, but the largest group is comprised of the
Chinese, with almost fifteen percent of the
population. Other races to be found include
Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malays and hill tribes.
The
population density for Thailand is about 116 people
per sq km, although this may seem deceptive since
the majority of the population lives in central
Thailand. Although Bangkok is a
large city and has a population of over 5 million,
about 80 percent of Thais live in rural areas.
The
state owns the Thai railroad system and it runs
along a total of 3870 km of track. There is a
network of railway lines that go from Bangkok to
surrounding cities in all directions. It goes
to Chiang Mai in the north to the frontier of
Malaysia in the south. There is another line
available that extends to Myanmar in the northwest.
The
highways in Thailand were improved upon in the 1970s
and are comprised of roads totaling about 65,000 km.
An important alternative to the highways is the Chao
Phraya, the most important inland waterway in
Thailand, which can be navigated to about 50 miles
from its mouth (80 km).
The
Thai Language
The Thai language is comprised of 44 consonants, 32
vowels and five tones in Thai pronunciation, along
with a script that has Indian origins. The Thai
language, belonging to the Tai family, is the main
language in Thailand although there are several
regional dialects as well.
Other
languages spoken in Thailand are Chinese, Lao, Malay
and Mon-Khmer, while English use is becoming more
prevalent in government and commerce.
English is also being taught as a second language in
secondary school and universities, which enables the
English speaking visitor in Thailand to have little
trouble conversing.
Geography
Thailand,
known for centuries as Siam, is now officially
known as the Kingdom of Thailand. Thailand is
found in Southeast Asia surrounded by Myanmar to its
north and west, Laos on its northeast, Cambodia and
the Gulf of Thailand on its southeast and by
Malaysia and Myanmar on its south and southwest,
respectively.
The
largest city in Thailand is Bangkok, with about 5.5
million people living there in 1992. In
addition to being the largest city, Bangkok has the
distinction of being the capital of Thailand as well
as the chief seaport.
Dominating
Thailand's terrain are mountainous areas, which can
be found all through the country. Taking up a
third of Thailand is the Khorat Plateau, a flat,
barren plateau that borders the Mekong River valley.
The main river in Thailand, Chao Phraya, goes
through an alluvial plain that is sandwiched between
the central and western mountains. This plain,
along with a fertile delta near Bangkok, which was
created by the Chao Phraya, is the most productive
agricultural part of Thailand, and is the most
densely populated.
Huai
Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
This
sanctuary includes a massive area of pristine forest
along the hills dividing Thailand and Myanmar. The
habitat varies between tropical rain forest, dry
evergreen, hill evergreen, and mixed deciduous,
creating the right conditions for a wide variety of
different animal species including elephants,
tigers, leopards and panthers. Current records count
95 species of mammals, 386 birds, 84 reptiles, 34
amphibians, and 77 freshwater fish. Two rare animals
facing extinction which are found in this sanctuary
are wild water buffaloes and Thai peacocks.
Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary
The
main feature of this sanctuary is the large expanse
of savannah or open grassland dotted with palm trees
such as Cycads and Phoenix palms. This environment
has plentiful food supplies for wild animals. Traces
have been found of hog deer, tapirs, mountain goats,
wild water buffaloes and many others. Situated at
the end of the Thanonthongchai Mountain range,
Kanchanaburi province and also some parts are in
Umphang, Tak province, the Sanctuary is the source
of the Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi rivers.
Khao
Son-Khao Sanam Phriang Wildlife Sanctuary
This
limestone mountain rears up some 870 meters above
sea level. On the flat table-top are pine forests
which are normally rare in this central region. The
sanctuary is located in tambon Kosamphi of Kamphaeng
Phet province.
Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Doi
Chiang Dao is a massive horseshoe-shaped mountain
zone including Thailand?s third-highest peak at
2,225 meters. The limestone formation is too porous
to hold rainwater, but serves as the perfect habitat
for several types of birds, butterflies and Alpine
plants. The views are magnificent. Doi Chiang Dao
lies around 60 kms north of Chiang Mai.
Doi Mon Chong Wildlife Sanctuary
Doi
Mon Chong in Omkoi district of Chiang Mai is covered
with rich virgin forests and rare flora with scenic
views. It is also the habitat of the protected
mountain goats of the type found only in the
Maekhong basin.
Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary
This
sanctuary occupies a huge tract of forest in Umphang
district of Tak. It forms part of the western
forests which is one of the largest zones of
unspoilt forest in Southeast Asia. Flora include
tropical fig trees and wild strawberries, while
fauna include moorhens, rails and lesser whistling
ducks. The highlight of the park is the stunning Thi
Loh Su waterfall, the tallest and possibly the most
picturesque in the kingdom.
Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary
The
Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary in Mae Hong Son
province is a dramatic limestone mountainous
landscape which is home to many species including
boars, bears and antelopes. There are also many
fascinating caves and caverns including Tham Mae
Lana which is home to a variety of fish which have
adapted to living in dark caves by becoming both
blind and colorless.
Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Khao
Soi Dao is the highest peak in the Eastern region at
1,675 meters. From this peak run many streams and
rivers which create the perfect habitats for birds
and butterflies. The views are superb and, the Khao
Soi Dao waterfall is a major attraction. The
sanctuary is situated in Pong Nam Ron district of
Chanthaburi
Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary
Located
in Chaiyaphum province, this sanctuary is the center
for the preservation of wild animals such as
peacocks, common barking deer and mouse deer. Mon
Lake, surrounded by hilly landscapes and forests, is
home to many varieties of bird including rare
oriental darters.
Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary
Phu
Luang is a table-top mountain in Loei province
covered with variegated woodland which is famous for
the variety of its wild flowers, particularly wild
orchids. Over 160 species of wild orchid have been
found, including the popular lady's slipper orchids,
and many types which are exceptionally rare. The
sanctuary also boasts rhododendrons, white heather,
magenta balsams and blue gentians. Views from the
cliffs fringing the plateau are quite stunning. The
best season runs from February to May.
Khao Pra-Bangkhram Wildlife Sanctuary
This
sanctuary is located in the largest and best
preserved low plateau forest in the South of
Thailand. It is home to many rare and colorful wild
birds including the Gurney's pitta which is found
only in southern Thailand and Myanmar. The sanctuary
is located in parts of Krabi, Trang, and Nakhon Si
Thammarat provinces.
Khlong Naka Wildlife Sanctuary
This
sanctuary, the second largest in Thailand, includes
a large area of rain forest on the western slopes of
the southern. Several rivers rise in the park and
there are many beautiful waterfalls. The high peaks
provide wonderful viewpoints. The rain forest is the
habitat of numerous plants and rare wild animals.
The sanctuary covers over 331,000 rai in Ranong and
Surat Thani provinces.
Ton Gha Chang Waterfall Wildlife Sanctuary
Located
in Songkhla province, this most enchanting waterfall
in the south has altogether seven tiers. The
highlight is at the third tier, where the water
flows in the shape of elephant tusks. The white sand
and rocky boulders in the stream provide a habitat
for many types of fish and aquatic life.
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Information
Provided by the Thai Embassy
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