History

Thailand was known for centuries by outsiders as Siam. It first made a real impression on the West at the end of the 17th century, through the reports of a series of inquisitive Frenchmen. They were not the first Europeans to spend time in the kingdom, however. The Portuguese sent an envoy to the capital in 1511, shortly after they seized Malacca. The Portuguese joined resident Chinese, Japanese, Malays and Persians to make the Siamese capital one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the vast region now known as Southeast Asia. Modern and predominantly Buddhist, it is a Southeast Asian kingdom whose ancient equilibrium and present standing mingle in evolving harmony.
Substantially, Thailand’s distinctive and unparalleled characteristics stem from Indian and Chinese influences (harmoniously blended by Thai eclecticism), rich ethnic diversity, abundant natural and human resources, and over seven hundred years of cherished independence (Thailand is the only important Southeast Asian society never to have been colonized by Westerners). Thailand’s traditional culture is delicately tuned to the time-honored Buddhists non-confrontational approach to life, and ideals of charity, tolerance and loving-kindness.

Typography

Thailand is naturally divided into four topographic regions: 1) the North, 2) the Central Plain, or Chao Phraya River basin, 3) the Northeast, or the Ko rat Plateau, and 4) the South, or Southern Isthmus.
The North is a mountainous region characterized by natural forests, ridges, and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys.
Central Thailand, the basin of the Chaos Pray River, is a lush, fertile valley. It is the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country and has often been called the Rice Bowl of Asia. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located in this region.
The Northeastern region, or Ko rat Plateau, is an arid region characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills. Harsh climatic conditions often result in this region being subjected to floods and droughts.
The Southern region is hilly to mountainous, with thick virgin forests and rich deposits of minerals and ores. This region is the center for the production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops.

Population

The population of Thailand is approximately 62 million (January 2001). The most important ethic minority is Chinese.

"The Sanctuary of Truth"

click on the picture above to enter their site

The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province.
The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch of the building is covered with wooden carve sculpture. The purposes of decoration with wooden carve sculptures are to use art and culture as the reflection of Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. With in this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia. There are also dolphins there which they are possible to have a swim with.

Pattaya’s new walk-through underwater aquarium

UNDERWATER WORLD

Underwater World Pattaya is Pattaya’s newest tourist attraction and is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 100-meter-long, 6.4-centimeter-thick acrylic pedestrian tunnel through an underwater environment filled with dozens of marine species.

“The aquarium houses more than 4,000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from overseas,” added David Hong, general manager and an investor in the project. Hong stressed visitors must-see the rare shovelnose ray, a hybrid between a shark and a stingray. “There are three of them at the aquarium that we purchased from local fishermen, who normally kill them for consumption,” he said.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VISITING HERE MAKE SURE TO TELL OUR REPRESENTATIVE- AND THEY WILL ARRANGE THIS FOR YOU.

See the wonders of the deep without getting wet !

SRIRACHA TIGER ZOO

Not far from Pattaya is this famous zoo.The zoo boasts Thailand's largest number of Bengal tigers,bred successfully by the farm itself. Apart from tigers,there are also a large number of other animals and an aviary of exotic birds.

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ALANGKARN

ALANGKARN is located 155 kilometers on Sukhumvit Road Jomtien, Pattaya with an area of 80 rais. The entire project includes prototype Hexa Stage Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant. ALANGKARN is aiming towards a new concept of presenting the Thai Culture to our clienteles, instead of the standard Thai traditional dancing that could easily be founded elsewhere. The unique features are the combination of multi dimension technique presentation through the use of multi-colored laser show, real surrounds sound system and more. All Thai performances are professionally choreographed by the team of “Supaksorn” or Mr. Supawat Jongsiri, director of Performances at Alangkarn. There by making it a modern Thai Multi-Dimension Extravaganza Show called “ALANGKARN”.

Click picture to enter their site

At the heart of ALANGKARN is the “Theatre”, a state-of- the-art theatre that seats 2,000 max Decorated in Thai-Modern Style with a 70 meters length Hexa stage, big sized 11 x 15 meters movie screen, water track 30 meters for presenting “Modern Thai Multi-Dimension Show” with combination of multi-dimension technique presentation, such as pyrotechnic, multi-color laser show, real surround system and more. All synchronized to be a modern Thai Multi-Dimension Extravaganza show called “ALANGKARN”

NONG NOOCH TROPICAL GARDENS & RESORT

Covering over 600 acres it was opened in 1980 and boasts the largest variety of orchids in Thailand!

It takes about 20 minutes to get to this mecca to flora, nong Nooch tropical Garden, has emerged as a fascinating

tourist destination renowned for its wide-ranging orchid species,a palm garden,

various flowering and decorative plants from all corners of the world.

click here to see web site

DID YOU KNOW?

There is no need to be in the sun to get tanned.
It is unavoidable even in the shade. it is wise to use the sun protective lotions at all times!

Dining in Pattaya

Dining can be classed as one of most pleasant activities to enjoy in Pattaya, especially for those who enjoy their the seafood: there are numerous kinds of fish, lobsters, shrimp, crabs, oysters, squids, among all the other marine delicacies. All are fresh and alive just from the ocean displayed on ice in front of these seafood restaurants, looking as it was meant to- perfect. These restaurants invite you to choose any style you like to prepare the seafood, actually the same as with beef, pork, chicken and so forth.here is always a succulent variety and excellent quality of vegetables, mushrooms, sauces and spices along with boiled or "sticky" rice are always at hand. Hundreds of food-stands around the night spots are serving great food long after midnight. Hundreds of restaurants, variety of styles, some with dancing and live music, offering a selection of flavors to satisfy any taste.We also have popular American fast-food networks catering hamburgers, fried chicken, steaks and pasta. Restaurants of virtually any Asian and European cuisine are found here. Swiss,German,Indonesian, Italian, French, Russian, Belgian, Arab, Muslim, Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. Still, the Thai cuisine and seafood cooked in Thai style are the best. Traditional Thai restaurants offer not only the tastefully prepared food, but it goes along with a pleasant atmosphere with Thai folk music and dancing. In some of our restaurants the guests are invited to take the shoes off.
You can be assured that these sweet memories of nights in these restaurants will last for a long time.

The Pattaya Park at Jomtien features a large water park with giant slides and a tower that is 240m tall,to enjoy the views of Pattaya, and the surrounding islands.here is also a revolving restaurant, on the52nd floor! The restaurant has an international buffet lunch and dinner,with seafood.AT the base there is also funnyland,with a tower shot,roller coaster, and much more.

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Visit there web site by clicking here

Ancient Khmer ruins