Thailand

Located wholly within the tropics, Thailand encompasses diverse ecosystems, including the hilly forested areas of the northern frontier, the fertile rice fields of the central plains, the broad plateau of the northeast, and the rugged coasts along the narrow southern peninsula.

With soaring limestone islands, white sandy bays and colorful shacks, Thailand is one of the world's quintessential paradise destinations.

The capital is Bangkok.

Thailand is one of the biggest exporter of rice in the world, followed by textiles, seafood, jewellery and electrical appliances.

About Thailand

Short Name

THA

Capital

Bangkok

Language

Thai

Population

65,493,298

Area

513,115 km²

Calling Code

+66

Downloads

Thailand, National Anthem

National Olympic Committee

NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

National Olympic Committee of Thailand

NOC President

Mr Pimol Srivikorn

Secretary General

Mr Thana Chaiprasit

Recognition Year

1950

Address

Banampawan Sriayudhaya Road 226, Dusit Bangkok 10300

Contact Details

Tel: +66 2 282 4914

Fax: +66 2 280 3758

Web Address

www.olympicthai.org/en/

E-mail

info@olympicthai.org

Sports

Thailand first competed in the Summer Olympic Games in 1952 and in the Winter Games in 2002. Thailand has had its best success in boxing events, and in 1996 featherweight boxer Somluck Kamsing earned the country’s first Olympic gold medal.

The country's captial Bangkok has hosted the Asian Games for four times which is more than any other countries/cities in Asia.

Thai people are great sports enthusiasts and sports lovers. Thailand sports play a major part in the life of every Thai national. Thais enjoy both traditional and indigenous games as well as modern games.

There are wide array of sport activities to choose from in Thailand. Golf is the most popular Thai sport apart from badminton, football, boxing, snooker, tennis and bowling. Traditional games of Thai boxing, kite-fighting, boat racing and takro are also practiced in Thailand.

Golf is one of the most popular Thailand sports. The soothing weather of Thailand makes golfing possible all throughout the year in the various golf courses spread at various places in the country. Because of the closeness of the sea to Thailand, deep-sea fishing is a vital sport in the country.

Water sports activities are very popular in Thailand. Presence of some world-class beaches provides opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are abundant diving facilities at Pattaya, Samui Islands, Phuket, Phi-Phi islands and in many more islands and beaches. Boat racing as a custom is also popular in some parts of Thailand.In 2014, Phuket successfully hosted the 4th Asian Beach Games.

Sports in Thailand also include horse racing and motor sports activities. Almost all the leading hotels and resorts in Bangkok have badminton, squash and tennis courts for tourists and visitors. Windsurfing has also become a popular sport in Pattaya's Jomthien Beach. Thai boxing, kite-fighting and takro are some traditional Thailand sports, which are enjoyed till date.

Climate

The majority of Thailand has a wet tropical climate with the south and the eastern tip having a tropical monsoon climate.

In the centre of the country there is little change in temperature throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 30 °C to 38 °C, sometimes peaking over 40 °C in the hottest month of April.

The rainy season begins in May and lasts until mid November, dropping an average of 7.5 inches of rain during those months.

Culture

Thailand has been practicing Theravada Buddhism since at least 100 AD and it has left a deep impact on Thai culture, although Hinduism has also impacted art and literature.

The piphat, composed of wind and percussion instruments often accompanies the traditional Thai theatrical performances including khon (masked dance drama) and Nang Yai or shadow puppetry.

Nang Yai originated in the early 15th century AD and features puppets made from buffalo hide, manipulated by highly skilled puppeteers to tell a classical story narrated by music, singing and chanting.

The magnificence of the architecture holds strong to the culture of Thailand and can be realized in the ruins of many temples and palaces. From temples in typical Buddhist fashion in Ayutthaya to sky-soaring skyscrapers in Bangkok, Thailand is bound to captivate at every turn.