THAILAND – THE LAND OF SMILES

The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The country’s famous beaches can be found on both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Officially, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy: King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the head of state until a few years ago. Since 2016, his son Maha Vajiralongkorn has been the Thai king. Currently, the country has approximately 60 million inhabitants, with about 10 million residing in the capital city of Bangkok. Other important cities include Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Thailand’s name in Thai translates to “Land of the Free”. Indeed, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European nation. Thais take great pride in this fact to this day. The freedom of the people is evident in various aspects, whether it be in women’s rights, questions of sexual identity, or the diversity of religions. The predominant religion is Buddhism, but all other religions are also peacefully recognized. With its breathtaking dream beaches, exotic nature, and magnificent temple complexes, Thailand is undoubtedly an incredibly fascinating travel destination. Its unique culture captivates travelers from around the world year after year. Added to this is the warmth of the Thai people, which has earned the country its nickname “Land of Smiles”. Politeness, tranquility, and serenity in everyday interactions are highly valued here.