A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict. Thailand is currently facing armed violence in its three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces.

Thailand is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma.

Capital: Bangkok, 1782: Bangkok Hotels
Largest City: Bangkok : Bangkok Hotels

Lowest Point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m 

Highest Point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Religion: Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%

Languages Spoken: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
 

See also: Languages spoken in Asia, Languages of the world

Introduction - Brief History
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict. Thailand is currently facing armed violence in its three Muslim-majority southernmost provinces.