Formerly known as the Kingdom of Siam, Thailand is a continental country in the central Southeast Asian region. It is part of the Indochinese Peninsula.

Geographical Location

Thailand is bordered by two maritime coastlines: the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand opening into the South China Sea to the east. It covers 514,000 km², with 3,219 km of coastline. It shares borders with Myanmar (Burma) to the west, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south. Its silhouette resembles an elephant's head, gazing toward Burma.

Thai Islands

Off its coasts, Thailand comprises approximately 85 islands, of which only about a dozen are significantly populated. Among these ocean jewels, Phuket—a province in its own right—is Thailand's largest island. It dominates the western coast of the Thai Isthmus across 810 km². Following Koh Chang, Koh Samui ranks third. Situated off the southeastern coast, it extends over approximately 250 km².

Considering its topography, Thailand divides into four distinct regions, generally characterized by high mountains, plains and elevated plateaus.

In the north, the Kingdom of Siam is dominated by high mountains, notably Doi Inthanon, the country's highest peak at over 2,590 meters altitude. Mountains extend along the Burmese border through the Kra Isthmus and the Malay Peninsula. Northern Thailand encompasses some 15 provinces, the most renowned being Mae Hong Son, Phetchabun, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The northeast, called the Isan region, is a challenging yet captivating area. The provinces of Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Buri Ram and Surin feature on this part of Thailand's map. They are considered the country's poorest provinces, separated from the great plain by the Petchabun mountain range. They largely comprise the arid Khorat Plateau.

The Central region—including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Bangkok metropolis and Saraburi—is marked by a vast, well-watered fertile basin fed by the Chao Phraya River. It is often called "Asia's Rice Bowl." Rivers are abundant here, soils are mineral-rich and the climate favors rice cultivation. The Bangkok region sits just kilometers from this river's mouth.

Southern Thailand is home to the most beautiful Thai beaches, fostering remarkable tourism development. Southern Thailand encompasses Surat Thani, Narathiwat, Phatthalung and Phetchaburi provinces. Here lie magnificent beaches such as Hua Hin and Phuket. Yet, given its remaining relief—as in Krabi province—this region favors palm plantation and rubber production.

Hydrography

Thailand's hydrography includes the Mun and Chao Phraya rivers and their tributaries, which flow into the northern Gulf of Thailand between central and western mountains. With the Mekong, these rivers form the country's largest water reserves, draining most of Thai territory. The Chao Phraya irrigates one-third of the country, while the Mun waters the Khorat Plateau before joining the Mekong. Originating from northern mountains, this river spawns numerous confluences including the Ping, Yom and Nan rivers.

With the Chao Phraya, the Mekong forms the basis of Thailand's economy. This great river originates in Tibet and waters the country's northern region after flowing through China and Laos. It is the world's 8th longest river and Asia's 3rd longest. It also feeds Songkhla Lake, the country's largest water body.