| Thailand, originally called Siam, is situated in the | | | | and Khmer from the east. In addition, there was |
| center of Southeast Asia. It covers an | | | | a tinge of Indian influence as well. So armed with |
| approximate area of 5,133,115 square kilometers. | | | | a blend of various cultures, it has developed a |
| It is geographically divided into two areas, the | | | | culture, which is unique to Thailand yet faintly |
| large expanse in the north and the comparatively | | | | reminiscent of other cultures. |
| smaller peninsular portion in the South. The | | | | Religion of Thailand |
| country is bordered by Burma on the west, Laos | | | | Buddhism is the basis of religion and spirituality of |
| on the north and east, Cambodia on the | | | | Thailand. The country is dotted with numerous |
| southeast and the Gulf of Thailand on the south. | | | | Buddhist temples. |
| People of Thailand | | | | Culture and Art of Thailand |
| Several stories revolve around the origin of Thai | | | | To appreciate the art of Thailand, one should look |
| people. Some say they came from China. Others | | | | at the beautifully sculptured images of Buddha in |
| believe that they came from Vietnam. Wherever | | | | temples. The temples also reflect the typical Thai |
| they came from, there is an undeniable influence | | | | architectural style as indicated by the |
| of Chinese culture over their lives. There is also a | | | | multiple-structured temple compounds. The temple |
| blend of other cultures arising from various | | | | and the idols are adorned with ornaments gilded |
| dynasties and clans, such as Mon and Burmese | | | | and embedded with glass mosaic, gold leaf, |
| people from the west, Javanese from the south, | | | | mother of pearl, and so on. |