Thailand is the 51st largest country in the world in terms of total surface area, slightly smaller than Yemen and little bigger than Spain. It's divided up into 76 provinces - Changwat in Thai language - assembled in 5 groups subdivided into localities. There are also two special districts: the capital city Bangkok and Pattaya.
Each province is divided into districts, which are further subdivided into sub-districts. Some parts of the provinces bordering Bangkok are also named Greater Bangkok. These provinces are Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon. The name of each chief town is the same of that of the province itself. For example, the capital city of Chiang Mai province is Mueang Chiang Mai, better known simply as Chiang Mai.
Map of Thailand
Thailand includes several different geographic regions, partly corresponding to the groups of provinces. The north of the country is the mountainous area of Thai plateaus, whose highest point is Doi Inthanon, 2565 m above sea level. The north-east, Isan, made up of Khorat, borders river Mekong to the east. The center of the country is dominated by the mainly flat valley of river Chao Phraya, flowing into the Gulf of Thailand.
Southern Thailand includes Kra Isthmus, extending into the Malaysian peninsula.
Chao Phraya and Mekong are the main rivers in Thailand and the most important resource in the rural areas.
Seaside in Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand, covering 320,000 square kilometers, is fed by rivers Chao Praya, Mae Klong, Bang Pakong and Tapi. It makes a fundamental contribution to the tourist sector thanks to its clear waters flowing along the coasts in the southern region and in the area of Kra Isthmus. Besides tourism, the Gulf of Thailand is also the industrial center of Thailand thanks to the kingdom's port situated in Sattahip and the access point to Bangkok port.
The Andaman Sea is considered as the most precious natural resource of Thailand, being home to the most popular tourist destinations in all Asia. Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga and Trang are among the most marvellous islands and resorts located along the coasts of the Andaman Sea. These dream places, in spite of the tsunami in 2004, still remain among the most beautiful in the world and in fact every year million of tourists come here, a place that can be regarded as a vast national park thanks to its unique beauty.
