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The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.
Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.
Thai food is reknowned for being one of the best, and healthiest, cusiines in the world. A few common dishes that will most likely be on the menu are:
Tom yam goong (Thai ?????????) - hot & sour soup with shrimp
Tom yam gai (Thai ????????) - hot & sour soup with chicken
Tom kha gai (Thai ?????????) - hot sweet soup with chicken and coconut
Satay (Thai ??????) - grilled meat served with peanut sauce (originated in Indonesia).
Pad Thai (Thai ??????) - rice noodles pan fried with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice or tamarind pulp and egg combined with chicken, seafood, and tofu.
Red curry (Gaeng Pet = 'hot curry') (Thai ???????) - made with dried red chillies
Gai yang (Thai ???????) - marinated and grilled chicken
Green curry (Gaeng khiew-waan) (Thai ????????????) - sweet green curry, made with fresh green chillies and flavoured with cumin
Yellow (Massaman) curry (Thai ??????????)
Neua pad prik - Thai chili beef or Thai pepper beef
Panang beef - dry beef curry
Panang Chicken
Panang Pork
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