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Why learn Thai?
Thailand is a fascinating
country. The stereotypical images of it as an earthly paradise
for holidaymakers and as a seedy den of vice where drugs and
prostitution are rife both have elements of truth to them
but they are just the surface. Underneath, there is an enormous
wealth of ancient culture - and a repressive political régime
that jars with the country's name (thai
means freedom).
If you want to get beyond
the usual tourist routes and attitudes, to dig deeper into
Thai life and culture, not to be considered just another farang,
you need to speak the language.
The
Thai language is very different from English, of course, and
it is bound to be more difficult for a Westerner to learn
than a European language would be. However, once you get over
the initial strangeness of having no point of reference, Thai
is not so terribly hard.
Recommended Reading
If you are interested
in learning Thai, have a look at the Thai
language books we recommend to accompany any course you
take or for maintaining/improving your Thai by yourself.
If you are interested
in the life and culture of Thailand, have a look at our recommendations
for books about or set
in Thailand. These books are in English, a range of fiction
and non-fiction that we have enjoyed and hope you will too.
If you are planning a
trip to Thailand, don't go without your Lonely Planet Guide
to Thailand.
Some Quick Facts About Thailand
Language:
Thai
Capital
city:
Bangkok
Regions:
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces:
Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat,
Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri,
Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen,
Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun,
Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon
Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon
Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu,
Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung,
Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra
Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap
Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon
Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara
Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan
Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani,
Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon
Population:
64,631,595 (July 2006 est.)
Currency:
Baht
Religion:
Buddhist
Government:
Monarchy (King Bhumibol Adulyadej). Bicameral parliamentary
system.
Internet domain:
.th
Country
calling code:
+66
If you are interested in learning
more about Thailand, you might also like to look at the following
websites:
Thailand
Guidebook
Discovery
Thailand
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