The Kingdom of Thailand is neiboughring the countries of Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia , Malaysia and the Andaman Sea. Thailand was named Siam until 1939 and also for a short time after World War II. It is the only country in South East Asia which always was independent and could withstand the various colonisation efforts of different countries. This is the reason why it is named Thailand which means the "Land of the Free People".

At the time being Thailand has a population of about 65 million people, 75 % are Thais, 14 % are Chinese, the rest ist a mixture of hill tribes, Khmer, people from Laos, Malays, Moken, Indians, Vietnamese, Lolos and the westerners (Farangs).

Main Religion is Buddhism, it is central to modern Thai identity and belief, though in practice it has evolved over time to include many regional beliefs originating from animism as well as ancestor worship. In areas in the southernmost parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent. Several different ethnic groups, many of which are marginalized, populate Thailand. Some of these groups overlap into Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and have maintained a distinctly traditional way-of-life despite strong Thai cultural influence. Ethnic Chinese also form a significant part of Thai society, particularly in and around Bangkok. Their successful integration into Thai society has allowed for this group to hold positions of economic and political power.

Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generousity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture. Thais will bow to their feet of their parents or grandparents to honor them. In addition, the elders always rule in family decisions or ceremonies.

The local climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid.

More than 60.000 km² of the land area and more than 6.000 km² of the sea and islands are declared as National Parks.

Information about Khao Lak and the surrounding area

Facts:

Official language	Thai
Capital	Bangkok (auf Thai: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon etc., Stadt der Engel)
Government	Temporary military junta /Constitutional Monarchy
King	King Rama IX. (Bhumibol Adulyadej)
Prime Minister	Surayud Chulanont (Premierminister)
Area	513.115 km²
Population	64.185.502 (July 2005)
Population density	126,4 people per km²
Currency	Baht
National anthem	Phleng Chat
Time zone	UTC+7
Internet-TLD	.th
Calling Code	+66

Spices on a local thai market in Bangniang

Khao Lak Riverside Resort & Spa

9/75 Moo 2 A. Takua Pha - T. Khuk Khak, 82190 Ban Bang Kaja - Phang Nga - Thailand
Tel./Fax ++ 66 (0) 76 487 556 - e-mail: info@khaolakriverside.com - www.khaolakriverside.com
Thailand's sunset coastthe best in the west