Welcome to Thailand

Introduction to Thailand from Microsoft Encarta© Concise
Thailand, country in Southeast Asia, east of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and the Andaman Sea and west of Laos and Cambodia. Its total area is 513,115 sq km (198,115 sq mi). Bangkok is the capital and largest city.
Thailand lies within the Indochinese Peninsula, although its southern extremity extends into the Malay Peninsula. Parallel north-south mountain ranges occupy the northern and western portions of the country. Another mountain system projects south through central Thailand, turning east and extending to the frontier. The barren Khorat Plateau lies to the north and east of this system. Between the central and western mountains is the densely populated and agriculturally fertile plain of Thailand's chief river, the Chao Phraya.
Thailand has a tropical climate. Most rain falls from June through October. Temperatures range from lows of about 13 Celsius (56F) in the dry season to highs of about 37 Celsius (98F) in the wet months. Thailand is rich in mineral deposits, including coal, gold, lead, tin, and precious stones. Natural gas deposits were discovered offshore in the 1970s. The country is heavily wooded with a wide variety of tropical plants and trees, including orchid, hibiscus, mango, and coconut. Large animals include the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, water buffalo, and crocodile.
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