RSU International Programs Beta 2013 | Page 6

thailand: some fast facts Country Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers, is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand. Geography Thailand is the fiftieth largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain. Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level. Thailand covers 510,890 sq. km. of land and the coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km. long. 6 Temperature Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees Centigrade (66 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Language More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of its regional dialects. While the Thai language is the official language of Thailand, English is spoken and understood throughout much of Thailand. Time Thailand Standard time is GMT +7. Thailand does not observe daylight savings time.