Thailand is characterised by its fertile fields, its beaches and the warm hospitality that makes it a tourist haven. Thailand is a kingdom with King Bhumibol Adulyadej the world's longest-serving current head of state. The largest city in Thailand is Bangkok, the capital, which is also the country's center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.
Thailand is the world's 50th largest country and the 20th most-populous country, with approximately 66 million people. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thai, the rest are of Chinese origin, Malay, Mons, Khmers and various hill tribes. There are approximately 2.2 million legal and illegal migrants in Thailand. The country's official language is Thai. Its primary religion is Buddhism, which is practiced by around 95% of all Thais.
Thailand's cool season runs from November until the end of February. With its lower humidity and clear skies, the cool season is the best time to visit, though regular days of high 20s and low 30s might leave you wondering just who came up with the term ‘cool’. Get off the tourist trail and you will find there are a huge numbers of migrants and many social challenges that need to be addressed in the big cities and at hot spots along the Thain-Burma border. Chiang Mai, in the north, is a great stepping off point to explore Thai culture, cusine and language; while climbing into the mountain ranges along the northern borders you'll find communities engaged in a range of projects to help them develop sustainable and more secure livings.