Where is Thailand - Thailand Geography

I’m often asked Where is Thailand? Thailand geography has changed considerably since the days when Thailand was known as Siam. Thailand is in S.E. Asia, almost in the centre, and is bordered by Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Malaysia and Cambodia. The boundaries of today’s Thailand were partly laid out by Great Britain and France who “persuaded” Thailand to sign several treaties in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, some of Thailand’s border areas adjoining Laos and Cambodia are still in dispute and especially in the case of the land dispute with Cambodia, are a source of constant friction with frequent minor military skirmishes.

Thailand has a population of 65 Million people and covers an area of 510,000 sq.km which is roughly the same size as France. Just 50 years ago, more than half of Thailand’s landmass was covered in forests which are now reduced to about 20%. Thailand’s terrain is made up of mountains, a central plain and an upland plateau and there are 25 major river systems throughout the Country.

Thailand is divided into 6 diverse geographical regions:(which are in turn subdivided into Thailand Provinces)

1. Southern Thailand
2. Western Thailand
3. Eastern Thailand
4. Central Thailand
5. Northeastern Thailand
6. Northern Thailand

Southern Thailand is part of the narrow Malay peninsula. The terrain is mountainous and there are no large rivers in the region. Because of the long coastlines, the Southern region of Thailand benefits greatly from tourism. Rice, rubber, coconuts and tin are the other resources in the region.

Western Thailand borders with Myanmar and has mountains and steep river valleys. Many of Thailand’s large Dams are situated in this region.

Eastern Thailand lies between the Gulf of Thailand in the south and and the northeastern plateau to the north. This is an important area for fruit growing in Thailand.

Central Thailand which includes Bangkok is Thailand’s Political and Economic centre. Situated in a large river basin, the Central region is extremely fertile and has been called “the rice bowl of Asia”. large numbers of people from all over Thailand have moved into this region looking for employment making it the most densely populated region in Thailand.

Northeastern Thailand is in an area called the Khorat Plateau which is very flat but hemmed in by mountain ranges. The monsoon season often brings flooding to the area which also suffers from a very long dry season.

Northern Thailand is a mountainous region with several major rivers and large areas of forest. The highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, is in this region where the temperature is cooler than in the other regions, especially in the cold season.