Thailand

  1. When was the country established/gained independence?

We are always independence.

  1. Where is the country situated?  (attach an interactive map if possible)

Southeast Asia

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/th.html

  1. What is the capital city?

Bangkok

  1. What are the major cities besides the capital city?

Chaingmai, Phuket, Pattaya

  1. What is the population?

64,865,523

  1. What is the predominant religion in the country?

Buddhism

  1. What is the area in square miles? (compare it to something known in the USA: e.g. the area is twice the size of the state of Washington, etc.)

514,000 sq km (slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming)

  1. What is/are the official language(s)?

Thai language

  1. What is the currency called?

Thai baht (฿)

  1. What is the exchange rate now?

38.55 Thai baht per 1 $US

  1. What is the percentage of income that residents spend on basic necessities (e.g. food, clothes, rent, entertainment, etc.; provide charts if possible!)

Nationwide the average is Bt13,418 (USD$320) and Bt10,908 (USD$220).

  1. What is the political regime in the country?

Democracy

  1. Which are the major political parties and which is in power now?

Thai Rak Thai is the major political party and it is in power now.

  1. What is the country famous for?

Temple, food and fruit.

  1. Is there corruption in the country and how it is dealt with it?

Yes, there is the corruption in Thailand. Government now tries to deal with it by issuing many new laws to protect.

  1. What are the cultural do’s and don’ts in the country?

Thai people are very friendly and like to help each others.

  1. What kind of greeting behavior is suitable in the country?

Pay respect (salute).

  1. What are some major things to know about the culture?

Respect the older generation.

  1. What kinds of gifts should not be given in the country?

Handkerchief means you will have a sad thing happened.

  1. Is the country a part of any trade blocks or country unions?

I have no idea.

  1. What are some major things to know about the culture?

It is very general such as when you meet an important, you should pay respect (salute).

  1. What do different colors symbolize in the country?

White, red and blue (flag color).

  1. What are the official holidays in the country?

New year, Thai new year, Father’s day, Mother’s day, Thai traditional day and Labor day.

  1. What kinds of gifts are suitable for different holidays or occasions in the country?

It depends upon the people you give (personal preference).

  1. Useful links with country specific information.

http://www.travelblog.org/World/th-info.html