Territory
Total
% water surface 50th in the world
514,000 km²
0,4% Population
Grade ()
Density
65,479,453 people (20th)
130.5 people/km² Currency ฿ baht (THB) Internet domain .th Telephone code +66 Timezone +7

Christianity is also represented in Thailand, which became known from the 16th-17th centuries AD. e., thanks to Catholic missionaries. Currently, there are Catholic and Protestant communities in the country, as well as a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church. In total, according to various estimates, from 0.7% to 1.7% of the country's population profess Christianity - these are mainly inhabitants of the mountainous northern regions.

Architecture

Thai house

Before the formation of the first major Thai state of Sukhothai, regions of Thailand (and from the 12th century the whole country) were part of the Mon and Khmer states of Bapnom, Dvaravati, Chenla and Kambujadesh. After the fall of Cambodia, the Thai states of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok became the main heirs of Cambodian culture, since Cambodia did not have the conditions for its development. Thai architecture originates from Cambodian.

The entire development of Thai artistic culture is associated with Buddhism, which in the Thai version also included some Hindu motifs. In monumental architecture, the main types of buildings are stupa and temple. Thai stupas go back to Mon and Khmer prototypes (prasang, prasat, chedi; the prefix “pra” means “holy”). The basis for the development of temples is vehan- a building with brick or stone columns and a wooden roof.

The most striking example of Thai architectural creativity is the complex of temples and the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok. The buildings located on the territory of temples have different shapes and meanings - these are usually sanctuaries, halls for religious ceremonies, libraries and schools. The walls can be decorated with scenes from the Hindu epic ("Ramakien": King Rama 2 translated the Ramayana into Thai) and images of mythological animals. The sacred Bodhi tree is often found in the courtyards of monasteries. There are also numerous sculptures of mythical creatures possessing supernatural powers who guard the monastery.

Music

Music has always occupied an important place in the ceremonial, court and religious life of the Thai people. A traditional orchestra consists of gongs, bells, strings, and xylophones. For Europeans, Thai music sounds quite unusual. It still accompanies important public ceremonies and classical theater performances today.

Arts and Crafts

Thailand is famous for its folk arts and crafts. They are found everywhere - the largest fishing centers are in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Thailand is one of Asia's largest producers of silk and cotton products, furniture and carved wood products. Numerous shops offer ceramics, boxes, painted fans and umbrellas, bronze and brass items, Thai dolls, etc. In Thailand you can find a lot of inexpensive jewelry made of silver and traditional Asian “yellow” gold with precious stones (rubies, emeralds , sapphires).

Agriculture

Main article: Agriculture in Thailand

Thailand is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of rice: annually the country supplies up to 9 million tons of rice of various varieties to the world market. Including the famous “jasmine” rice, so named because of its delicate natural aroma. The share of agricultural products in Thailand's GDP is currently around 10%, with an increasing trend. Other popular crops are cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, pineapples, coconuts (mainly in the southern region), bananas. The country receives large incomes from the export of the “king of fruits” - durian, which was first learned to be cultivated here.

Rice fields in Chiang Mai

Story

Periods of Thai history
Primitive Thailand
Early history of Thailand
First states of Thailand (3000–1238) Suvarnnabhumi Haripunjaya Singhanavati Raktamaritika Langkasuka
Sukhothai (1238–1448) In parallel there were: Lanna (1296-1558) Nakhon Si Thammarat (1283-1468)
Ayutthaya (1351–1767)
Thonburi (1768–1782)
Rattanakosin (1782–1932)
Kingdom of Thailand Military dictatorship (1932–1973) Democracy (1973–present)

The history of the country dates back to the kingdom of Sukhothai, formed in 1238. Its successor was the kingdom of Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya), founded in 1350. Thai culture has been heavily influenced by China and India. In the 18th century, Siam suffered from predatory raids by the Burmese, which were stopped by Thaksin and Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke. The latter, after Thaksin's death in 1782, ascended the throne as King Rama I, founding the Chakri dynasty. Thanks to his successors Kings Rama IV and Rama V, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. However, Thailand was forced to leave three southern provinces, which later became the three northern states of Malaysia. This was caused by the interests of Great Britain, which was trying to conquer Thailand.

Thailand has never been a colony. One reason for this was the desire of the colonial empires to keep Thailand as a buffer between parts of Asia that had already been colonized by Britain and France. The second reason is that Thailand had very strong rulers at that time. But a largely peaceful revolution in 1932 resulted in Thailand becoming a constitutional monarchy. Formerly known as Siam, Thailand first received its current name in 1939, and a second time, definitively, in 1949, after World War II. During this war, Thailand supported Japan, and after its end it became an ally of the United States.

One of the most famous representatives of Thai culture from this period was Prince Damrong Ratchanubab. He became the founder of the country's modern education system and provincial government system. He was also a historian and one of Thailand's most influential intellectuals of his time. Damrong Ratchanubab became the first Thai to be included in the UNESCO list of most distinguished people.

2006 Thai coup

Political structure

Phra Nang beach in Thailand

Form of government- A constitutional monarchy. Head of State- king. The King has lost absolute power, but still remains the protector of Buddhism, the symbol of unity and the Supreme Commander. The current king enjoys the full respect of the nation, which is sometimes used during political crises. Parliament of Thailand- bicameral National Assembly, consists of a Senate with 150 seats and a House of Representatives with 480 seats. The leader of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister. Members of both houses are elected by the people of Thailand, with the exception of 50% of the Upper House (Senate), they are appointed by the monarch. The lower house (House of Representatives) is elected for 4 years, the Senate for 6 years. Until March 2000, the Senate was appointed exclusively by the king.

Thailand is an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Administrative division

Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (Changwat) and one municipality - the capital of the country, Bangkok.

Foreign policy

History of Russian-Thai relations

At the end of the nineteenth century. Thailand (then Siam) saw the Russian Empire as a possible ally, counting on help in defending its independence from the colonial powers of Europe and maintaining political sovereignty. Relations between the two states gradually strengthened. In 1882, under the command of Rear Admiral A.B. Aslambekov, a squadron arrived from Russia to Siam on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the establishment of power of the Chakri dynasty. In 1888, the Russian composer P. A. Shchurovsky wrote the music of the anthem of Siam, which since 1932 has become the personal anthem of the royal family. In 1891, Russian Crown Prince Nicholas visited Bangkok. In the same year, the Siamese prince Damrong arrived in Crimea, where he received an audience with the Russian Emperor Alexander III. In 1896, Prince Chira attended the coronation ceremony of Emperor Nicholas II as a guest.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Siam were officially established during the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to Russia from July 2 to July 10, 1897. On December 4, 1897, Alexander Olarovsky was appointed Charge d'Affaires and Consul General of the Russian Empire in Siam. The Russian Consulate General was opened in Bangkok, and it was subsequently expanded into a mission that existed until 1917. On June 23, 1899, the Declaration regarding Jurisdiction, Trade and Navigation was signed in Bangkok. Due to the friendly nature of Russian-Siamese relations and the expansion of cultural ties, the Royal Guards of Siam until the 70s. wore the uniform of Russian life hussars; some elements of this uniform have survived to this day.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of Siamese royals and dignitaries visited Russia. Many young aristocrats were educated in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The son of King Chulalongkorn, Prince Chakrabon, lived in Russia for several years, studied at the Corps of Pages and the Army Academy, and served in the Russian army. In 1906 he married Ekaterina Desnitskaya.

After 1917 there was a short break in bilateral relations. Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Thailand were established on March 12, 1941. In 1947, an Agreement on the exchange of diplomatic missions was signed between the two countries, and a year later the embassy began its work in the capital of Thailand. During the Cold War and until the end of the 70s. bilateral relations were neutral.

A new period of relations was marked by the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand Kriangsak Chamanan to the USSR in 1979. During this visit, the Soviet-Thai Friendship Society was created. Since the mid-80s. In connection with positive changes in the world political arena, bilateral relations gradually began to strengthen again. In 1987, the first exchange of visits between the foreign ministers of the two countries took place. In May 1988, General Prem Tinsulanon, Prime Minister of Thailand, paid an official visit to Moscow. In February 1990, N.I. Ryzhkov, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, arrived on an official visit to Bangkok.

On December 28, 1991, the Thai government recognized the Russian Federation as a sovereign state and confirmed its intentions to develop mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

Since the beginning of the 21st century. Bilateral relations have consistently gained momentum in key areas of cooperation. The culmination of this process was the visit to Thailand in October 2003 of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin and his wife, which became the first visit of the head of the Russian state to the Kingdom of Thailand since the collapse of the USSR. This trip was also unique from the point of view of international diplomatic protocol, incorporating a private visit by the Russian President at the invitation of the then Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, an official visit at the invitation of the Thai Prime Minister, participation in the summit of the member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and, finally, a state visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej. In total, the trip took more than 5 days.

The parties managed to reach a number of constructive agreements, in particular, on the settlement of the debt of the former USSR to Thailand in the amount of $36.5 million.

Armed forces

Set phrases and terms

Data

Notes

	Portal
	in Wiktionary
	on Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography

• K. Kinel, D. Mishukova. Thailand. Kingdom of temples and palaces. M., Veche, 2011 (Historical guide).

Links

see also

• List of Russian-speaking researchers in Thailand (contains basic bibliography)

in topics

Southeast Asian countries

Pictured is the capital of Thailand

Capital: Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital and one of the largest cities of Thailand. Previously, on the site of what is now the largest and most modern city in Thailand, there was a small trading village and part-time port called Bangkok. Translated from Thai - the place where olives grow. The capital is inhabited by about 9 million people.

The full name of the city is: Krun Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintarayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopparat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Avatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Vitsanukam Prasit - the name is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest name in the world. Children at school learn the name of the city by heart, but few local residents are able to remember and repeat the name.

The official language of Thailand is Thai and the national currency is the Baht (THB). The exchange rate of the Baht against the Russian ruble is: 100 THB = 89 RUR.

Thailand is a popular resort among foreign tourists, which attracts with its nature, climate, as well as low prices and fairly high service.

Residents of Bangkok and other Thai cities are religious, they revere the elderly, teachers, and the royal family. A tourist is highly discouraged from pointing a finger at images of the royal family or saying unflattering comments, otherwise he risks going to prison, since the royal family in Thailand is revered as sacred.

The Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful sights in the country's capital. The palace consists of several buildings, some of which are still considered government buildings, but the royal family has not lived here for a long time. The construction of the palace itself began in 1782. The total area of ​​the palace is 218 thousand square meters. You should not enter the territory of the palace in beach or open clothes, since there are also several temples on the territory of the palace, which implies the presence of an appropriate appearance.

The Marble Temple, which is only a little over a century old (and by the standards of Thailand’s attractions, this is not at all a significant “age”), has become one of the favorite temples among local residents. The marble from which the temple was built was brought from Italy. The construction was closely monitored by King Rama V. The entire complex shines with white marble, from which the name of the temple follows.

The crocodile farm is definitely included in the excursion program; this is something that will really make viewers “tickle their nerves”. The crocodile farm not only houses and breeds some of the most dangerous predators, but also organizes spectacular shows. Watching crocodile tamers stick their heads into the predator’s mouth is not a sight for the faint of heart. The nursery houses about 60,000 crocodiles of various species. In addition to crocodiles, you can see monkeys, shooting galleries, and birds here.

The ancient history of Thailand is sometimes as mysterious as the country itself. Scientists all over the world are struggling with its secrets, but Siam does not give everyone the keys to its secrets.

For thousands of years, the territory of present-day Thailand was covered with impenetrable jungle. The construction of roads through these thickets was carried out by the then monopolists in this industry - elephants. Other animals and, a little later, people used their paths.

The impenetrable jungle of Thailand

The fertile territory came to the taste of the first people in the history of Thailand a long time ago - five hundred thousand years ago, who populated the territory of Siam with entire civilized tribes. According to scientists, he was a homo erectus, and he lived in the northwestern part of the country. There, ten thousand years ago, these tribes left the first rock paintings in Thailand.

Ancient rock paintings in Thailand

In addition to drawing, they were engaged in farming and pottery, and also quite successfully processed metal. There is an assumption that later the metal processing technology of these tribes migrated to China, but where the settlers themselves went is not known for certain.

River beds - the main trade routes of Ancient Thailand

It is generally accepted that the modern people inhabiting Thailand descended from settlers from China, mentioned in history as tribes " Tai" (Chinese 泰; pinyin: tài) - which means "Dawn". Migrants moved deep into the new land along river beds for several centuries until they reached the Khmer Empire with its capital in the city of Angkor.

By the way, the mysterious Angkor, forgotten in the jungle and overgrown with vines, still exists. You will hardly find a more mysterious and enigmatic place on earth, exactly created for the adventure stories of books and films.

The once prosperous city with the highest level of culture was abandoned by its inhabitants to the will of fate and Mother Nature. The latter gradually destroys the stone, and with it the traces of a person’s presence in its womb.

Cultural and social development proceeded at a rapid pace

But let's return to the ancient Thais, also known as the Pro-Thais. The first Tai appear in chronicles as Siamese. The Tai quickly reached a fairly high level of culture, had a developed social organization, and after some time the newcomers began to play a very important role in the life of the Khmer Empire. They maintained active contacts with both local residents and other tribes, thanks to which they rose highly in the level of their culture and social life.

The birth and formation of a new country

The history of Thailand is generally very peaceful. There are practically no bloody coups or heavy wars, although there are some armed conflicts. Having settled on the territory of the Khmers, the Siamese first achieved autonomy, and already in 1238 independence.

Everything, of course, is peaceful and without bloody civil wars. Having received the long-awaited freedom and independence, the Thais founded their own state - as it is traditionally called, or Sukhothai, as it sounds in modern transcription.

Kingdom of Siam - how it was

It was located in the north of the central lowland territories. Small separate principalities of the Thais also arose in the northern part of Thailand (the Principality of Lanna), in the south of what is now Laos (the Principality of Phayau), as well as in the southern part of the central plains (the Principality of Lop Buri).

The kingdom of Sukhothai happily existed for only 150 years, until the fourteenth century, when it was subjugated by another state - Donburi, also called the kingdom of Ayutthaya. Its capital was, now known as Ayutthaya.

Donburi subjugated the southern territories of Laos and Burma, most of the peninsula. The history of Thailand received a new page - the so-called Ayutthaya period.

Ayutthaya period

Over the four centuries that this period lasted, a unique culture of Thailand was formed, and a management system was also formed and streamlined. This is a period of unprecedented flowering of all kinds of arts, and the desire of various segments of the population to move to Ayutthaya.

Traditional Thai painting on the wall of Ayutthaya temples

The first contacts began with Europeans, in particular the Portuguese, who at that time were active sailors and very influential people in the region. The Thais were among the first in Asia to establish diplomatic relations with Europeans. It was the Portuguese who shared the secrets of weapon making with the Thais. But the Thais still used it extremely reluctantly.

In the north, Ayutthaya was adjacent to another kingdom - Lanna, with its capital Chang Mai. Now this is the north of modern Thailand. The two young states fought with Burma and the Khmer Empire until one day it ended quite as expected: in 1569, the Burmese captured Ayutthaya, but the ruler, Prince Naresuan, managed to defend his country and drive out the invaders. He had to rebuild the city again. The common victory united the kingdoms. Ayutthaya and Lanna unite with some other neighboring lands to form the Kingdom of Siam.

The Quiet Life of Siam

For almost two more centuries, Siam successfully developed its culture and economy, but its prosperity collapsed again. Inspired by previous successes, the Burmese rush into the city of Ayutthaya and burn it, this time to the ground. Thousands of people were forced into Burmese slavery.

This time the country was defended by General Piya Thaksin - under his leadership the Burmese were defeated and expelled from the country. The country was headed by an ally of the general. The newly proclaimed king Pya Chakrit (Rama I), who founded the Chakri dynasty of kings, which still rules in Thailand, moved the capital to another city, 30 kilometers to the south.

So the main city of Siam in 1782 became at that time a small Thai settlement, which was sharply different from the developed and successful Ayutthaya.

About kings and kingdoms

The history of Thailand is usually of little interest to most tourists. We believe that it is completely in vain. It may not be as famous and popular as the history of Greece or Egypt, but it is no less interesting. Unlike almost all neighboring countries, Siam was not colonized by Europeans, and managed to preserve its originality as much as possible.

England and France directly threatened Siam with colonial seizure of territories

England and France, having shared influence in the region with other European countries, decided to leave Siam as a buffer, “no man's” zone. There is a period in the history of Thailand that is conventionally called “colonial,” but it was not fully so. Colonization manifested itself only in the signing of a large number of cooperation agreements with various European states.

It was almost always like a fairy tale here - the kingdom of Thailand and its kings, the quiet life of a peaceful ancient country, mysterious and unlike anyone else.

Peaceful life of the Kingdom of Siam

After unification into one state, Siam continues to actively develop and gently, as is typical for the inhabitants of this country, resists the colonization of Europeans. During its first 100 years as the capital, Bangkok grew from a small village into a thriving city of half a million inhabitants.

Streets of historic Bangkok

In 1878, the Thai army captures and plunders Vientiane (Laos), and captures several thousand enemy Lao, who are then sent to central Thailand.

King Rama V[

In the first half of the 19th century, during the reign of two kings, Rama the Second and Rama the Third, Siam developed unusually quickly. The reason for this is the policy of trade and openness, which is rarely practiced by other states. Rama the Fourth expanded relations with Europe, and the management system was also modernized under him. The next king, Rama the Fifth, was the only one in Thai history to receive the name "Great". Rama the Great actually brought Siam to the international level as an independent country.

Siam-Thailand in the 20th and 21st centuries

In 1932, an almost peaceful revolution took place, making Siam a constitutional monarchy. In the new century, compulsory education was introduced, Thais received surnames (before that there were only first names). In 1939, which became significant for the whole world, Siam was renamed the Kingdom of Thailand, which translated into Russian means “land of the free.”

Coup d'etat in Siam in 1932 - the change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one

In World War II, the country sided with Japan; after the war, Thailand was supported by the United States.

The Thais are fighting on the side of Japan

For the next two decades, all kinds of political upheavals took place in the country. Now the Kingdom of Thailand has become a democratic state. Secular laws reign here along with Buddhism. This is a unique country with a similar history that is worth exploring more closely. Despite the sometimes aggressive colonial policies of various countries, the speed of the modern world and globalization,

Thailand-Siam remains popular among tourists mainly due to its unique culture preserved over the centuries, which is so sharply and vividly different from the culture of other Asian countries.

Thailand is perhaps one of the most advanced countries in terms of tourism. Well, who hasn’t heard of the famous Thai massage or boxing? Where is Thailand located on the world map? Read about the geographical location and features of this country further in the article.

Thailand, Southeast Asia: general description

The state traces its history back to 1238. At that time, the Kingdom of Sukhkotai was located on the territory where Thailand is located. The modern name is derived from the word “thai”, which translates as “freedom”. The name fully corresponds to the country, because Thailand has never been a European colony. Where the state is located partly influenced this fact. England and France, having subjugated many Asian lands, wanted to leave Thailand as a neutral territory.

And now the state remains independent, successfully developing agriculture and tourism. The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok. The country ranks 20th in the world in terms of population - approximately 70 million inhabitants. The main language is Thai, which is also perfectly understood by the residents of Laos.

The head of state is the king. His role is extremely important. The King of Thailand is considered the ruler, and in addition, the patron of the country's religion and a national symbol. The state religion is Buddhism. It is professed by 94%. The rest of the population adheres to Islam, most of them Malays.

Thailand on the world map

The country occupies the northern part and southwestern part of Indochina. Thailand is located almost in the center of Southeast Asia. What countries does Thailand border with? It is surrounded in the east by Laos and Cambodia, Myanmar in the west, and Malaysia is its southern neighbor. The state border is mainly divided by natural objects. The border is defined by a mountain range; in the northeast, the edge of the country adjoins the Mekong River.

The outline of Thailand resembles an elongated part of the territory (the supposed trunk), bordering Malaysia, washed by the seas on both sides - in the west by the Andaman, in the east by South China. The southern and eastern coasts of the country are also washed by waters. The length of Thailand from north to south reaches 1650 kilometers, from west to east - about 780 kilometers.

The country includes a large number of islands, they are located near the Malay Peninsula. The largest is Phuket. Thailand is well endowed with water resources. There are many deep rivers flowing through the country, the largest being the Chao Phraya. On the contrary, there are few lakes in the country, but there are several reservoirs. The largest lake in Thailand is called Thaleluang.

Climate

The location of Thailand and its considerable extent are the main factors in shaping the climate in the country. Due to these reasons, the climatic conditions in different parts of Thailand differ. This allows for multiple harvests throughout the year, because after the end of a favorable season at one end of the country, one begins at the other. The same applies to tourism, so Thailand can be visited all year round.

Geographically and climatically, the country is divided into five regions: Northern, Northeastern, Central, Southern and Eastern. In the center and south the climate is subequatorial, near Malaysia it is equatorial, and in the north it is tropical humid. Thailand is characterized by a rainy season. In total, it rains in the country for about 6-8 months. In some areas they begin in May, in the central and eastern parts - in August.

Temperature differences decrease as you approach the equator. In December the temperature ranges from +20 to +27 degrees. At night the temperature drops, in the mountains it can reach zero. The highest temperature is observed from April to May, when it can reach +40 degrees.

Tourism in Thailand

Rarely does a traveler not know where Thailand is, because millions of tourists arrive here every year. During the day, hundreds of beaches are available for swimming, and in the evening, noisy entertainment and discos await guests. The northern part of Thailand is rich in historical monuments and religious architecture. There are ancient temples and ruins here. In this area of ​​the country there is one of the most ancient Thai capitals - the city of Chaeng Mai.

The largest metropolis, Bangkok, is located in the central part. In this region, tourists get acquainted with urbanized Asia, visit national parks and nightingale farms. The southern part of the country offers a lazy coastal getaway. There are many picturesque islands here, and some of them have even appeared in cinema.

about country

Thailand is a country of exoticism, heavenly holidays and first-class beaches that seem to have come straight out of a picture. It will be interesting for both adults and young travelers - among the mosaic of fascinating sights, noisy parties, memorable entertainment and the original culture of the local residents, everyone will choose something of their own.

Climatic features

The kingdom is dominated by several climatic zones: tropical, humid and subequatorial. At the same time, several “seasons” are distinguished in the central part of the country:

• in November-December it is quite “cool” here, the temperature sometimes drops to +17 degrees;
• in March-May it becomes very hot and the thermometer often freezes at +40-+42 degrees;
• in June-October it rains, lowering the temperature to +25 degrees.

	Jan.	Feb.	March	Apr.	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
around the country	26	27	29	30	-	-	-	-	-	-	26	25
Bangkok	26	27	29	30	29	28	27	27	27	26	26	26
Chiang Mai	21	23	25	28,5	28	27,5	26,5	26,5	26	25	24	22

In the southern resorts, from the beginning of March to the end of November, a rather humid climate reigns, which becomes comfortable from the first days of February. And the north of Thailand is characterized by cool nights. If you choose this particular part for your vacation, take some warm clothes with you.

The only thing that can overshadow a trip to Thailand is the rainy season. It starts at different times in each part of the country. For example, in November, showers sweep across Koh Samui, and in August – across Phuket. When the Thais themselves talk about this phenomenon, they mean the period from June to August. It is during these months that the Kingdom suffers from precipitation brought by the southeast monsoon.

However, this does not mean that you should not come here in the summer. A feature of local tropical showers is their short duration. It can rain for a maximum of three hours, then the sky becomes soft blue, the air is filled with freshness, and the aromas of exotic plants become even stronger.

How to get there

There are regular direct flights to the Kingdom from the Russian capital. To get to Bangkok airport, you will have to spend at least 9.5 hours on the plane. There are options with transfers, but they will take even longer.

The rest of Thailand's resorts can be reached by bus, plane, railway line or ferry.

It is worth keeping in mind that any traveler over two years old is charged a special airport tax for visiting the country. In Phuket and Bangkok it is 700 baht, and in Pattaya Utapao it is 300 baht less. Now most airlines include this amount in the final cost of tickets.

Beaches of Thailand

Almost all local beaches boast a gentle slope into the sea, soft golden or white sand, crystal clear water and stunning scenery along the coastline. In many of them you can rent the necessary accessories for a comfortable stay: a chaise longue, a wide umbrella or a sun lounger. All this is free only on the territory of hotels with their own access to the sea.

By the way, there is one curious law associated with the Phuket beach: the use of sun loungers is prohibited here. The governor of the island had to take such drastic measures to preserve the natural beauty of this part of Tai.

Each beach has its own unique features. Karon Beach will appeal to vacationers with children, Nai Harn is chosen by locals for relaxation because of its silence, Kamala Beach is also considered very secluded. The beaches of Patong are popular among lovers of discos. Wong Amat and Jomtien are recognized as the cleanest in the country. And Dongtan is the most famous LGBT beach in Thailand.

Main recreation areas

Some resort towns and islands in Thailand are washed by the Gulf of Thailand, others by the Andaman Sea. The first include:

• Hua Hin(the town is famous for its elegant English-style hotels, and also for the fact that it is the favorite vacation spot of King Tai and his family);
• Koh Phangan(here, during the full moon, noisy beach discos are held, known throughout the world - Full Moon Party);
• Koh Chang(the island has a unique infrastructure - most of it is occupied by a national park called Mu Koh Chang);
• Samui(the third largest Thai island with excellent beaches and a huge number of coconut palms);
• Pattaya(“the source” of the country’s tourism industry, where you can find entertainment for every taste).

You can admire the Andaman Sea from the shores:

• Koh Yao Noi(the quietest island in the Kingdom);
• Phi Phi(several small islands attracting divers and night partygoers);
• Krabi(provinces with the famous cliffs from “Avatar” and a beach “covered” by tropical thickets);
• Khao Laka(a less crowded place with relaxation centers, diving schools and amazing nature);
• Phuket(the most visited and rich in attractions of the island).

Hotels in the “land of smiles” are distinguished by a fairly good level of service and affordable prices. Here you can find both elite “fives” and “fours”, as well as unpretentious bungalows. And many travelers prefer to rent villas during their holidays.

To Thailand with children

The kingdom is perfect for a quality family holiday. The best place to stay with a baby is Phuket. The island has hotels with the furniture necessary for a child (crib, special highchair), trained staff and playrooms on site. It will be especially convenient to check into a hotel with its own beach. This will protect the baby from unnecessary tedious trips.

For entertainment, the country will offer a lot of places that your child will be happy to visit with you. Among them:

• a large Fantasea amusement park with a show program, elephant rides, dancing, a shooting range and fairy-tale characters;
• a zoo with predatory and not so predatory animals, birds and an unusual aquarium in the shape of a crocodile’s mouth;
• a snake nursery where you can touch these reptiles and watch a show with pythons, cobras and other scaly creatures;
• an oceanarium with inhabitants of extremely unusual appearance and size;
• butterfly parks and bird park;
• mini golf in Dino Park, which is designed in the spirit of Jurassic Park;
• the jungle near the Bang Pae waterfall, where it is easy to take an unforgettable walk;
• theater and circus performances at Siam Niramit.

Thailand: attractions and interesting places

The main attractions of the “land of smiles” are numerous Buddhist temples and religious shrines. Of these, the most significant are those located in the ancient town of Ayutthaya (many years ago it was the prosperous capital of the state of Siam). Here you should definitely visit the luxurious royal palaces and at least a few of the almost 4 hundred monasteries and temples.

Most often, tourists visit Vang Luang Palace. It is now in great ruins, but it used to be home to members of the royal family. On the territory there is a shady garden, a burial mound, temple ruins and the head of Buddha, as if stuck in the roots of a tree.

At least three important religious centers in Phuket deserve attention:

• Phra Nang Sang is an almost three-century-old temple, which is also called the “Temple of White Blood”. It is distinguished by the absence of windows and a very discreet interior decoration, consisting of bells, gold foil leaves and picturesque pictures. There are also three tin Buddha statues (more precisely, one with two smaller ones in its stomach).
• Phra Thong. It is famous for its Buddha statue, which is half buried in the ground. It is believed that it is made of gold and covered with a layer of clay on top. Local residents believe that it has enormous power and carries an ancient spell, because no one has yet managed to completely dig it out.
• Chalong Temple. It will help those who want to pray in silence to receive a blessing or prediction for the future. Here are golden statues of monks revered in the country, and in one of the halls there is even a pond with goldfish.

Pattaya Buddhists come to the Wat Yang temple complex with the park of the same name for their meditation and relaxation. Thais consider this place miraculous.

In Bangkok, four temples can be called the main places of pilgrimage:

• Marble with 5 dozen statues and the ashes of King Rama V;
• Morning Dawn with many interesting statues, a 74-meter prang and decoration with pieces of multi-colored porcelain;
• the Emerald Buddha with a small green jadeite statue, which the king himself dresses in “seasonal” clothes three times a year;
• The Golden Buddha with the famous seated statue, made of gold and preserved during the war with the Burmese using plaster.