 Satellite view of Thailand | |
| Continent | Asia |
|---|---|
| Region | Mainland Southeast Asia |
| Coordinates | 15°00′N100°00′E / 15.000°N 100.000°E /15.000; 100.000 |
| Area | Ranked 50th |
| • Total | 513,120 km2 (198,120 sq mi) |
| • Land | 99.57% |
| • Water | 0.43% |
| Coastline | 3,219 km (2,000 mi) |
| Borders | Total: 5,656 km (3,514 mi) Myanmar: 2,401 km (1,492 mi) Laos: 1,810 km (1,125 mi) Cambodia: 798 km (496 mi) Malaysia: 647 km (402 mi) |
| Highest point | Doi Inthanon 2,565 m (8,415 ft) |
| Lowest point | Boh Yai mine[1] −106 m (−348 ft) |
| Longest river | Nan–Chao Phraya 1,112 km (691 mi) Mekong River 980 km (610 mi) Chi River 765 km (475 mi) |
| Largest lake | Songkhla Lake 1,040 km2 (400 sq mi) |
| Climate | Tropical savanna climate (most), Tropical monsoon climate (majority of south and far east) Tropical rainforest climate (part of south) |
| Terrain | High mountains, a central plain, and an upland plateau |
| Natural hazards | Droughts,rising sea levels, soil erosion |
| Exclusive economic zone | 305,778 km2 (118,062 mi2) |
Thailand is asovereign state located in the center ofMainland Southeast Asia. The country extends from the southeastern foothills of theHimalayas to theMekong river, further south to theGulf of Thailand, and roughly to the middle of theMalay Peninsula and theAndaman Sea of theIndian Ocean. It has a total size of 513,120 km2 (198,120 mi2) which is the50th largest in the world.[2][3] The land area lies between latitudes 5° 37' North and 20° 27' North, and between the longitude 97° 22' East and 105° 37' East.[3]
Thailand shares a 4,863 km (3,022 mi) long international land boundary withMyanmar,Laos,Cambodia andMalaysia. The nation's axial position influenced many aspects of Thailand's society and culture.[4]Southern Thailand is the only land route from mainlandAsia toMalaysia andSingapore. It has anexclusive economic zone of 305,778 km2 (118,062 mi2).[5]
A fertile floodplain andtropical monsoon climate, ideally suited towet-rice (tham na) cultivation, attracted settlers to this central area in preference to the marginal uplands and thehighlands of the northern region or theKhorat Plateau to the northeast.[4]
By the 11th century AD, a number of loosely connected rice-growing and trading states flourished in the upper Chao Phraya Valley.[4] They broke free from domination of theKhmer Empire, but from the middle of the 14th century gradually came under the control of theAyutthaya Kingdom at the southern extremity of the floodplain.[4]
Successive capitals, built at various points along the river, became centers of great Thai kingdoms based on rice cultivation and international commerce.[4] Unlike the neighboringKhmer andBurmese, the Thai continued to look outward across theGulf of Thailand and theAndaman Sea toward foreign ports of trade.[4]
European colonisation of Southeast Asia brought a new phase of Southeast Asian commerce in the late-1800s.Thailand (then called Siam) was able to maintain its independence as a buffer zone betweenBritish-controlled Burma to the west,British Malaya to the south, andFrench Indochina to the east.[4] However, Thailand lost over 50% of its former territory to the expanding claims of French Indochina until 1907. Its central location made theKingdom of Thailand's position a regional hub that has greatly influenced its society, culture and history.Southern Thailand has a long, narrow shape. It is the only land connection to Malaysia and Singapore.
The mountain ranges that run parallel from north to south acrossMainland Southeast Asia are one of Thailand's most distinctive geographical features.[6] The country's highest peak isDoi Inthanon, with an elevation of 2,565 meters.[7] Major mountain ranges include theThanon Thong Chai Range, theDaen Lao Range on Thailand's northern edge, and theTenasserim Hills on the border with Myanmar. The average elevation decreases southward.[8] There are no volcanoes.[9] There are 10 mountains over 2,000 m (6,600 ft). 148 mountains exceed 1,000 m (3,300 ft).
Northern Thailand's mountainous regions likeChiang Mai andDoi Inthanon have chilly air and misty mornings.[10] However, at high altitudes it does not get colder than 5 °C to 10 °C due to the tropical climate.[10] There is no snow and frost is rare in the coldest months.[10] In 1955, snow-like frost was reported in Doi Inthanon.[10]
The 10 tallestmountains in Thailand are all located inNorthern Thailand. The highest peaks are:
| Rank | Name | Thai name | Range | Province | Elevation (m) | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doi Inthanon | ดอยอินทนนท์ | Thanon Thong Chai | Chiang Mai | 2,565 m (8,415 ft) | [7] Highest point in Thailand. Formerly known as Doi Luang |
| 2 | Doi Pha Hom Pok | ดอยผ้าห่มปก | Daen Lao | Chiang Mai | 2,285 | [11] Donner: 2,296 m; highest peak of theDaen Lao Range on the Thai side of the border |
| 3 | Doi Chiang Dao | ดอยหลวง เชียงดาว | Daen Lao | Chiang Mai | 2,175 | [12]: 665 Also known as Doi Luang Chiang Dao. 2,225 m in some sources |
| 4 | Khao Kacheu La | เขากะเจอลา | Tak | 2,152 | [13] | |
| 5 | Phu Soi Dao | ภูสอยดาว | Luang Prabang Range | Uttaradit | 2,120 | [14] Highest point of theLuang Prabang Range in Thailand |
| 6 | Phu Khe | ภูเข้ | Luang Prabang | Nan | 2,079 | [15][16] |
| 7 | Phu Lo | ภูโล | Luang Prabang | Nan | 2,077 | [13] Also known as Doi Lo[17] |
| 8 | Doi Mae Tho | ดอยแม่โถ | Khun Tan | Chiang Rai | 2,031 | [18] Highest point of theKhun Tan Range; also known as Doi Lang Ka or Doi Langka Luang |
| 9 | Doi Mae Ya | ดอยแม่ยะ | Mae Hong Son | 2,005 | [19] | |
| 10 | Doi Phong Sa Yan | ดอยโป่งสะแยน | Mae Hong Son | 2,004 | [13] |
The geographic shape of Thailand resembles anelephant's head with a long trunk.[20][21][22] There are 2 big ears, theBay of Bangkok is a mouth andSouthern Thailand is a long trunk that reaches down theMalay Peninsula.[21] The westside is the front of the head. The elephant holds deep cultural significance and it's anational symbol of Thailand.[20][23] The elephant also symbolizes Thailand’snatural heritage and fills a vital role in the ecosystems of the region.[24] It's also considered a "golden axe".[22][25] The broad northern regions are thedouble-bitted part of the axe like alabrys. The narrow southern “tail” is the handle.[25] The shape changed during the various kingdoms such asSukhothai,Ayutthaya, andRattanakosin.[22]
Thailand has large plains, valleys and basins.
Theforest cover rate was 63% in the 1940s, but declined to 53.3% in the 1960s and 26.6% in 1991.[26] It had been declining due to timber exports, urbanization, and development.[27] Since the late 1980s, the decline has been halted since protective measures such as banning logging of natural forests were implemented.[26] As of 2020, theRoyal Forest Department has classified the country's forests as 31.6% and 38.9% according to theFAO, remaining stable.[27][a]
The Royal Forest Department classifies the country's forests into six categories:mangrove/coastal forest,evergreen forest,evergreen forest,mixed deciduous forest, deciduousdipterocarp forest, andsavanna.[28] Exotic plantations such aseucalyptus andrubber are classified as agricultural land.[27] Of these,mangrove forests and coastal forests are more prevalent in the south and east, mixed deciduous forests in the north, and deciduous dipterocarp forests and savannas in the northeast.[28]
The main rivers are theChao Phraya River and theMekong,[29] as well as theSalween River,Mae Klong,Mun River,Chi River,Tha Chin River, andBang Pakong River.[30]Southern Thailand has short and steep rivers due to the narrow peninsula.[31] The Mekong is partially anatural border between Thailand and Laos for 920 km. It flows from theGolden Triangle in Northern Thailand toKhong Chiam district in Northeastern Thailand.
These are the 10 longest rivers of Thailand:
There are around 8000 natural lakes and swamps.[32] This includes a few large lakes and thousands of small lakes.Songkhla lake is the largest natural lake at 1,040 km2 (400 mi2).
These are the 9 largest lakes of Thailand:
| Rank | Name | Thai name | Province | Region | Type | Watersalinity | Area (km2) | Max Depth (m) | Altitude (m) | Volume (km3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Songkhla Lake | ทะเลสาบสงขลา | Phatthalung province | Southern Thailand | Natural lake, lagoon lake | 1040 | 5-6 | 0 | 1.6 | |
| 2 | Bueng Boraphet | บึงบอระเพ็ด | Nakhon Sawan province | Central Thailand | freshwaterswamp andlake | 224 | 4.4 | 25 | ||
| 3 | Cheow Lan Lake | เชี่ยวหลาน | Surat Thani province | Southern Thailand | artificial lake | 185 | 90 | 200 | ||
| 4 | Nong Han Lake | หนองหาน | Sakon Nakhon province | Northeastern Thailand | freshwater lake | 125.2 | 10 | 158 | ||
| 5 | Bueng Khong Long Lake | ทะเลสาบบึงโขงหลง | Bueng Kan | Northeastern Thailand | reservoir lake | 22 | 1 | 181 | ||
| 6 | Phayao Lake | กว๊านพะเยา | Phayao province | Northern Thailand | freshwater lake | 19.8 | 4 | 393 | ||
| 7 | Bueng Si Fai | บึงสีไฟ | Phichit Province | Central Thailand | freshwater lake | 8.6 | 2 | 480 | ||
| 8 | Chiang Saen Lake | ทะเลสาบเชียงแสน | Chiang Rai Province | Northern Thailand | freshwater lake | 4.3 | 4 | 332.7 | ||
| 9 | Tung Kula Lake | ทะเลสาบทุ่งกุลา | Surin province | Northeastern Thailand | artificial lake, reservoir | 1.2 | 4 | 129 |
There are over 50 waterfalls in Thailand.[33] These are the top 10 tallest.
There are approximately 1,430 islands.[34] They are relatively small-sized islands and uninhabitedislets. Many islands areprotected areas in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. Most islands are near the coasts ofSouthern Thailand andEastern Thailand. The largest island isPhuket 543 km2 (210 mi2) in theAndaman Sea.[35]
These are the 10 largest islands of Thailand:[36]
| Rank | Island name[36] | Thai name | Area (km2) | Area (sq mi) | Island group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phuket | ภูเก็ต | 543 | 209.65 | |
| 2 | Ko Samui | เกาะสมุย | 229 | 88 | |
| 3 | Ko Chang | เกาะช้าง | 211 | 81 | |
| 4 | Ko Tarutao | เกาะตะรุเตา | 152 | 58.68 | |
| 5 | Ko Pha-ngan | เกาะพะงัน | 125 | 48 | |
| 6 | Ko Kut | เกาะกูด | 105 | 40 | |
| 7 | Ko Yao Yai | เกาะยาวใหญ่ | 92 | 35.5 | |
| 8 | Ko Phra Thong | เกาะพระทอง | 88 | 33.97 | |
| 9 | Ko Lanta Yai | เกาะลันตาใหญ่ | 81 | 31 | |
| 10 | Ko Yao Noi | เกาะยาว | 36 | 13.89 |
Present-day Thailand is theorized to have formed during theTriassic period when two continental fragments:Shan-Thai andCimmeria formed during the breakup ofGondwana.[37] Shan-Thai and Cimmeria collided and merged, eventually moving northward and connecting withLaurasia.[37] Geologically, Thailand is divided into the Western Zone, which belongs to theShan-Thai terrane; the Northeastern Zone, which belongs to theIndochina Block; and the Central Zone, which is located between the Western and Northeastern Zones.[38]
The northeastern part of Thailand is a relatively stable plateau, with only theMesozoic,Jurassic andCretaceoussandstone andshale being uplifted by Tertiary tectonic activity.[30] Most of the rest of the country exhibits a complex geological structure, consisting primarily ofPaleozoiclimestone and othersedimentary rocks, and Precambrian metamorphic rocks.[39] Late Mesozoicgranite is found in the Western Zone, while Paleozoic and Mesozoic neutral or acidicvolcanic rocks are abundant in the Central Zone.[40]
Although seismic activity is not particularly high, there are 13 knownactive faults, mainly in the northwest and central-southwest, and in 2014 the northern part of the country experienced one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded (the2014 Mae Lao earthquake), measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale.[41]
| Type | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Soils of the alluvial plains and the lower terraces |
|  |
| Soils of the higher terraces and the low plateaus |
| |
| Soils of the Hills and the mountains |
|
| Type | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Land forms in transported material |
|  |
| Land forms in organic material |
| |
| Land forms in residual material |
|
| Type | Description | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Soils and surface rocks (estimated conditions in 1949) |
|  |
The Gulf of Thailand was historically called the Gulf of Siam until the country was renamed to Thailand in 1939. It is geographically defined by Thailand which encloses thebody of water for circa 3/4th of the coastline.
The Thai sea territory of the gulf has 5 noteworthy bays:
| Bay name | Thai name | Surface area | Country | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay of Bangkok | อ่าวกรุงเทพ | 8,640 km2 (3,340 mi2) | Thailand | |
| Prachuap Bay | อ่าวประจวบ | Thailand | ||
| Ao Manao | อ่าวมะนาว | Thailand | ||
| Sattahip Bay | อ่าวสัตหีบ | Thailand | ||
| Bandon Bay | อ่าวบ้านดอน | Thailand |
The most conspicuous features of Thailand's terrain are high mountains, a central plain, and an upland plateau.[4] Mountains cover much of northern Thailand and extend along the Myanmar border down through theKra Isthmus and theMalay Peninsula.[4] The central plain is a lowland area drained by theChao Phraya River and itstributaries, the country's principal river system, which feeds into the delta at the head of theBay of Bangkok.[4] The Chao Phraya system drains about one-third of the nation's territory.[4] In the northeastern part of the country theKhorat Plateau, a region of gently rolling low hills and shallow lakes, drains into theMekong River via theMun River.[4] The Mekong system empties into theSouth China Sea and includes a series of canals and dams.[4]
Together, the Chao Phraya and Mekong systems sustainThailand's agricultural economy by supporting wet-rice cultivation and providing waterways for the transport of goods and people.[4] In contrast, the distinguishing natural features of peninsular Thailand are long coastlines, offshore islands, and mangrove swamps.[4] A recent global remote sensing analysis suggested that there were 559 km2 (216 sq mi) of tidal flats in Thailand, making it the 45th ranked country in terms of tidal flat extent.[42]
Thailand is the 50thlargest country in the world and the 3rd largest country inSoutheast Asia afterIndonesia andMyanmar.[43]
| Total | Land | Water | Comparative area |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
| Land boundaries | Coastline | Water |
|---|---|---|
|
|
| Territorial sea | Exclusive economic zone | Continental shelf |
|---|---|---|
|
| Extremity | Name | Thai name | Altitude | Province | Coordinates | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest | Doi Inthanon | ดอยอินทนนท์ | 2,565 metres (8,415 ft) | Chiang Mai Province | 18°35′32″N98°29′12″E / 18.59222°N 98.48667°E /18.59222; 98.48667 | |
| Lowest (man-made) | Boh Yai mine[1] | เหมืองบ่อยาย | −106 metres (−348 ft)[1] | Kanchanaburi Province | Abandoned mine, closed in 1997. Surveyed up to -106 m.[1] | |
| Lowest (natural) | Gulf of Thailand | อ่าวไทย | 0 metres (0 ft) | Surrounding provinces |
Thailand is a unitary state; the administrative services of the executive branch are divided into three levels by theLaw on the Organization of National Government, BE 2534 (1991): central, provincial and local. Thailand's regions are divided into a total of76 provinces (จังหวัด , changwat) plus Bangkok, which is a special administrative area. These are first-level administrative divisions.
The National Research Council divides Thailand into six geographical regions, based on natural features including landforms and drainage, as well as human cultural patterns.[44] They are:
Although Bangkok geographically is part of the central plain, as the capital and largest city this metropolitan area may be considered in other respects a separate region.[4]
Each of the six geographical regions differs from the others in population, basic resources, natural features, and level of social and economic development.[4] The diversity of the regions is in fact the most pronounced attribute of Thailand's physical setting.[4]
| Name | Thai name | Area total | Provinces | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Thailand | ภาคเหนือ | 96,077 km2[46] | Northern Thailand is amountainous area. Parallel mountain ranges extend from theDaen Lao Range (ทิวเขาแดนลาว), in the southern region of theShan Hills, in a north-south direction, theDawna Range (ทิวเขาดอยมอนกุจู) forming the western border of Thailand betweenMae Hong Son and theSalween River,[47] theThanon Thong Chai Range (เทือกเขาถนนธงชัย), theKhun Tan Range (ดอยขุนตาน), thePhi Pan Nam Range (ทิวเขาผีปันน้ำ), as well as the western part of theLuang Prabang Range (ทิวเขาหลวงพระบาง).[48] These high mountains are incised by steep river valleys and upland areas that border the central plain.[4] Most rivers, including theNan,Ping,Wang, andYom, unite in the lowlands of the lower-north region and the upper-central region. The Ping River and the Nan River unite to form theChao Phraya River. The northeastern part is drained by rivers flowing into the Mekong basin, like theKok andIng. TheThi Lo Su Waterfall inTak province is claimed to be the tallest and highest waterfall in Thailand. Traditionally, these natural features made possible several different types of agriculture, including wet-rice farming in the valleys and shifting cultivation in the uplands.[4] The forested mountains also promoted a spirit of regional independence.[4] Forests, including stands of teak and other economically useful hardwoods that once dominated the north and parts of the northeast, had diminished by the 1980s to 130,000 km2.[4] In 1961 they covered 56% of the country, but by the mid-1980s forestland had been reduced to less than 30% of Thailand's total area.[4] |  | |
| Northeastern Thailand | ภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ | 167,718 km2[49] | Northeastern Thailand provinces list
| The northeast (aka Isan), with its poor soils, is not favoured agriculturally.[4] However, sticky rice, the staple food of the region, which requires flooded, poorly drained paddy fields, thrives and where fields can be flooded from nearby streams, rivers and ponds, often two harvests are possible each year. Cash crops such as sugar cane andmanioc are cultivated on a vast scale, and to a lesser extent, rubber.Silk production is an important cottage industry and contributes significantly to the economy. The region consists mainly of the dryKhorat Plateau which in some parts is extremely flat, and a few low but rugged and rocky hills, thePhu Phan Mountains.[4] The short monsoon season brings heavy flooding in the river valleys.[4] Unlike the more fertile areas of Thailand, the northeast has a long dry season, and much of the land is covered by sparse grasses.[4] Mountains ring the plateau on the west and the south, and the Mekong delineates much of the northern and eastern rim.[4] Some varieties of traditional medicinal herbs, particularly of the GenusCurcuma, familyZingiberaceae, are indigenous to the region. |  |
| Central Thailand | ภาคกลาง | 91,798.64 km2 | Central Thailand provinces list
| The "heartland",central Thailand, is a natural self-contained basin often termed "the rice bowl of Asia".[4] The complex irrigation system developed for wet-rice agriculture in this region provided the necessary economic support to sustain the development of the Thai state from the 13th centurySukhothai Kingdom to contemporary Bangkok.[4] Here the rather flat unchanging landscape facilitated inland water and road transport.[4] The fertile area was able to sustain a dense population, 422 people per square kilometre in 1987, compared with an average of 98 for the country as a whole.[4] The terrain of the region is dominated by the Chao Phraya and its tributaries and by the cultivated paddy fields.[4] Metropolitan Bangkok, the focal point of trade, transport, and industrial activity, is on the southern edge of the region at the head of the Gulf of Thailand and includes part of the Chao Phraya delta.[4] |  |
| Eastern Thailand | ภาคตะวันออก | 34,481 km2 | Eastern Thailand provinces list | Eastern Thailand lies between theSankamphaeng Range, which forms the border of the northeastern plateau to the north, and the Gulf of Thailand to the south. The western end of theCardamom Mountains, known in Thailand asThio Khao Banthat, extends into eastern Thailand. The geography of the region is characterised by short mountain ranges alternating with small basins of short rivers which drain into the Gulf of Thailand. Fruit is a major component of agriculture in the area, and tourism plays a strong part in the economy. The region's coastal location has helped promote theEastern Seaboard industrial development, a major factor in the economy of the region. |  |
| Western Thailand | ภาคตะวันตก | 53,769 km2 | Western Thailand provinces list | Thailand's long mountainous border with Myanmar continues south from the north intowestern Thailand with theTenasserim Hills, known in Thailand asThio Khao Tanaosi (เทือกเขาตะนาวศรี). The geography of the western region of Thailand, like the north, is characterised by high mountains and steep river valleys. Western Thailand hosts much of Thailand's less-disturbed forest areas. Water and minerals are also important natural resources. The region is home to many of the country's major dams, and mining is an important industry in the area. |  |
| Southern Thailand | ภาคใต้ | 73,848 km2 | Southern Thailand, part of a narrow peninsula, is distinctive in climate, terrain, and resources.[4] Its economy is based on tourism, and palm oil and rubber plantations.[citation needed] InKrabi Province, for example, palm plantations occupy 980,000rai (1,568 km2), or 52% of the province's farmland.[50] Other sources of income include coconut plantations,tin mining.[4] Rolling and mountainous terrain and the absence of large rivers are conspicuous features of the south.[4] North-south mountain barriers and impenetrable tropical forest caused the early isolation and separate political development of this region.[4] TheSongkhla Lake is the largest natural lake in Thailand. International access through theAndaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand made the south a crossroads for bothTheravada Buddhism, centered atNakhon Si Thammarat, andIslam, especially in the formerPattani Kingdom on the border with Malaysia.[4] |  |
Thailand's climate is influenced by seasonalmonsoon winds (the southwest and northeast monsoons).[51]: 2
Most of Thailand has a "tropical wet and dry or savanna climate" type (Köppen'sTropical savanna climate).[52] The majority of the south as well as the extreme east have atropical monsoon climate. Parts of the south also have atropical rainforest climate.
Thailand has three seasons: summer, rainy, and winter.[53][51]: 2
| Season name[53] | Thai name | Month | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ฤดูร้อน | Mid-February until mid-May | The summer season (aka pre–monsoon) runs from mid-February until mid-May and brings warmer weather.[53][51]: 3 |
| Rainy | ฤดูฝน | mid-May to mid-October | The rainy season (aka southwest monsoon) is mid-May to mid-October and prevails over most of the country.[53][51]: 2 Moist air moves from the Indian Ocean to Thailand, causing abundant rain over most of the country.[51] August and September are the wettest period of the year.[51]: 2 This can occasionally lead to floods.[51]: 4 In addition to rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon, theIntertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and tropicalcyclones also contribute to producing heavy rainfall during the rainy season.[51] Dry spells commonly occur for one to two weeks from June to early-July.[51]: 4 This is due to the northward movement of the ITCZ to southern China.[51]: 4 |
| Winter | ฤดูหนาว | mid-October to Mid-February | The winter season (aka northeast monsoon) is active from mid-October till mid-February.[53][51] It brings cold and dry air from China over most of Thailand.[51]: 2 In southern Thailand, the northeast monsoon brings mild weather and abundant rainfall on the eastern coast of that region.[51]: 2 However most of Thailand experiences dry weather and mild temperatures during this season.[51]: 2 : 4 An exception is the southern part of Thailand which receives abundant rainfall, particularly during October to November.[51]: 2 |
Due to their inland location and latitude, the north, northeast, central, and eastern parts of Thailand experience a long period of warm weather.[51]: 3 During the hottest time of the year (March to May), temperatures usually reach up to 30 °C (86 °F) or more, with the exception of coastal areas where sea breezes moderate afternoon temperatures.[51]: 3 In some areas (particularly the north and northeast) close to or below 0 °C (32 °F).[51]: 3 Southern Thailand has mild weather year-round, with less diurnal and seasonal variations in temperatures, due to maritime influences.[51]: 3
Most of the country receives a mean annual rainfall of 1,200 to 1,600 mm (47 to 63 in).[51] However, certain areas on the windward sides of mountains such asRanong Province on the west coast of southern Thailand and eastern parts ofTrat Province receive more than 4,500 mm (180 in) of rainfall per year.[51] The driest areas are the leeward sides of the central valleys and the northernmost portion of south Thailand, where mean annual rainfall is less than 1,200 mm (47 in).[51]
Most of Thailand (north, northeast, central, and east) has dry weather during the northeast monsoon and abundant rainfall during the southwest monsoon.[51]: 4 In the southern parts of Thailand, abundant rainfall occurs in both the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons, with a peak in September for the western coast and a peak in November–January on the eastern coast.[51]: 4
Thetropical savanna climate inNorthern Thailand vs thetropical monsoon climate inSouthern Thailand has notable differences. The average temperature inPhuket (Southern Thailand) is warmer thanChiang Mai (Northern Thailand) year-round. However, Phuket has more rainy days and rainfall per month than Chiang Mai.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai | Max Temp Av. | 29 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 34 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | |
| Min Temp Av. | 13 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 15 | ||
 | hours/day | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
 | mm/month | 7 | 11 | 15 | 50 | 140 | 155 | 190 | 220 | 290 | 125 | 40 | 10 | |
| days/months | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 18 | 10 | 4 | 1 | ||
| Phuket | Max Temp Av. | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | |
| Min Temp Av. | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | ||
| hours/day | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| mm/month | 35 | 40 | 75 | 125 | 295 | 265 | 215 | 246 | 325 | 315 | 195 | 80 | |
| days/months | 4 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 8 | ||
| Reference: "Saisons et climats 2003" HachetteISBN 2012437990 | ||||||||||||||
The capitalBangkok has atropical savanna climate (Aw) as per theKöppen climate classification. TheAsian monsoon system influences the city's three seasons: summer (hot), rainy, and winter (cool). The winter is rarely below 23 °C (41 °F): circa 23.2 °C (73.8 °F) in December to 35.7 °C (96.3 °F) in April. The annual average temperature is 28.9 °C (84.0 °F).
The summer begins in mid-February and it's usually dry with occasional storms.[54] The rainy season is caused by the southwestmonsoon around mid-May. September is the wettest month with around 335.9 millimetres (13.22 in) rainfall. The cool northeast monsoon causes the winter season from mid-October till mid-February.
Bangkok'surban heat island causes a temperature increase of 2.5 °C (4.5 °F) during daytime and 8.0 °C (14 °F) at night.[55]Bangkok metropolis' highest temperature was 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) on 7 May 2023.[56] and the lowest 9.9 °C (49.8 °F) in January 1955.[57]
| Climate data for Bangkok Metropolis (1991–2020, extremes 1951–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 37.6 (99.7) | 38.8 (101.8) | 40.1 (104.2) | 40.0 (104.0) | 41.0 (105.8) | 38.8 (101.8) | 38.4 (101.1) | 38.2 (100.8) | 37.4 (99.3) | 37.9 (100.2) | 38.8 (101.8) | 37.1 (98.8) | 41.0 (105.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 32.7 (90.9) | 33.7 (92.7) | 34.7 (94.5) | 35.7 (96.3) | 35.1 (95.2) | 34.1 (93.4) | 33.5 (92.3) | 33.3 (91.9) | 33.2 (91.8) | 33.3 (91.9) | 33.1 (91.6) | 32.3 (90.1) | 33.7 (92.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 27.4 (81.3) | 28.6 (83.5) | 29.7 (85.5) | 30.7 (87.3) | 30.3 (86.5) | 29.7 (85.5) | 29.2 (84.6) | 29.2 (84.6) | 28.6 (83.5) | 28.4 (83.1) | 28.4 (83.1) | 27.3 (81.1) | 28.9 (84.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 23.4 (74.1) | 24.8 (76.6) | 26.4 (79.5) | 27.2 (81.0) | 26.9 (80.4) | 26.4 (79.5) | 26.1 (79.0) | 25.9 (78.6) | 25.4 (77.7) | 25.2 (77.4) | 24.7 (76.5) | 23.2 (73.8) | 25.4 (77.7) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 9.9 (49.8) | 14.9 (58.8) | 13.7 (56.7) | 19.9 (67.8) | 21.1 (70.0) | 21.1 (70.0) | 21.9 (71.4) | 21.2 (70.2) | 21.3 (70.3) | 18.3 (64.9) | 14.2 (57.6) | 10.5 (50.9) | 9.9 (49.8) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 23.6 (0.93) | 21.4 (0.84) | 51.0 (2.01) | 93.3 (3.67) | 216.8 (8.54) | 198.5 (7.81) | 189.7 (7.47) | 227.1 (8.94) | 335.9 (13.22) | 288.7 (11.37) | 44.6 (1.76) | 11.6 (0.46) | 1,702.1 (67.01) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm) | 1.9 | 1.9 | 3.4 | 5.4 | 12.4 | 13.4 | 14.1 | 15.6 | 18.0 | 14.4 | 3.8 | 1.0 | 105.3 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%) | 67.9 | 70.5 | 72.6 | 72.0 | 74.4 | 75.2 | 75.5 | 76.4 | 79.3 | 78.0 | 68.8 | 65.6 | 73.0 |
| Averagedew point °C (°F) | 20.4 (68.7) | 22.2 (72.0) | 23.9 (75.0) | 24.8 (76.6) | 24.9 (76.8) | 24.6 (76.3) | 24.2 (75.6) | 24.2 (75.6) | 24.4 (75.9) | 23.9 (75.0) | 21.7 (71.1) | 19.2 (66.6) | 23.2 (73.8) |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 216.0 | 215.8 | 234.2 | 226.6 | 196.2 | 158.4 | 140.7 | 128.9 | 129.6 | 157.5 | 194.8 | 213.5 | 2,212.2 |
| Averageultraviolet index | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 11 |
| Source 1:NOAA,[58] Thai Meteorological Department (Feb–May record highs, 1951–2022;[59] Nov–Feb record lows, 1951–2021[57]), CNN (May record high),[56] Ogimet (other record highs/lows)[full citation needed] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Weather Atlas (UV),[60] Meteo Climat (record)[61] | |||||||||||||
In 2022, circa 46% is agricultural land. 38.8% is forest.[2] The remaining 15.2% is divided by residential, water (surface, rivers, waterways), roads and wilderness.[2] The exact stats are unavailable.
| Land use type | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forest |
| |
| Agricultural land |
| |
| Residential area | ? | |
| Water surface, rivers, waterways | ? | |
| Roads | ? | |
| Wilderness | ? | |
| Other |
|
Pattamawadee Pochanukul, a lecturer from the Faculty of Economics atThammasat University, estimates that about 59% of all arable land in Thailand belongs to the state. As of 30 September 2015[update] theTreasury Department owned 176,467 plots of land, consisting of about 9.9 million rai (15,769.6 km2).[62] TheMinistry of Defence owns about 2.6 million rai (4,230 km2) or about 21.2% of total public land. Information from the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) shows that members of the house of representatives in 2013 owned a total of 35,786 rai of land (about 57.3 km2).[63]
Thailand has the world's 64th largestexclusive economic zone (EEZ), with an area of 305,778 km2 (118,062 mi2).[64][5] It claims an EEZ of 200 nmi (370.4 km; 230.2 mi) from its shores, which has long coastlines with theAndaman Sea andStrait of Malacca to the west and theGulf of Thailand to the east, although all of its EEZ is limited bymaritime boundaries with neighboring countries. Circa 3/4th of the coastline around the Gulf of Thailand is part of Thailand.
Over 150 fish species have been identified in catches from inland waters. 20 of these are economically important.[32] The most common fish is thecarp (represented byPuntius gonionotus,Puntioplites proctosyzron,Cirrhinus jullieni,Osteocheilus hasselti,Labiobarbus lineatus,Morulius chrysophekadion etc).[32] The favorite fish ofThai people are 2 species ofSnakehead (fish) calledChanna striata andChanna micropeltes.[32] The maincatfish species areClarias batrachus,C. microcephalus,Pangasius sutchi,P. larnooudii,P. siamensis,Kryptopterus pogon andOmpok bimaculatus.[32]Corcia siamensis is the only representative of theclupeidae family.[32]
| Inland fishery resources of Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resource | Number | Area (ha) |
| Rivers and canals | 47 | 120000 |
| Natural lakes and swamps | 8000 | 300000 |
| Large reservoirs | 21 | 292590 |
| Medium and small reservoirs | 1745 | 425500 |
| Village ponds | 4947 | 25676 |
| Brackish water lakes | 1 | 96000 |
| Other public waters | 10859 | 143000 |
| Total | 1285420 | |
| Source: modified from Pawaputanon, 1992[32] | ||
In 2014, 75% of Thailand's electricity production was fueled by natural gas.[65] Coal-fired power plants produced an additional 20% of the electricity, with the remainder coming from biomass, hydropower, and biogas.[65]
Thailand produces about a third of the oil it consumes. It is the second-largest oil importer in Southeast Asia. Thailand is a major producer of natural gas, with reserves of at least 3 trillion cubic meters. AfterIndonesia, it is the largest coal producer in Southeast Asia, but it needs to import more coal to meet domestic demand.
Thebiogeographic realm is part of theIndomalayan realm, spanning the Indochina and Sunda subrealms.[70] According to ONEP (2007), there are 302 recorded mammal species, 982 bird species, 350 reptile species, 137 amphibian species, and 2,820 fish species (720 freshwater fish species[66]).[67] The conservation status of 1,196 of these species was assessed in 2005, and 116 mammal species, 180 bird species, 32 reptile species, 5 amphibian species, and 215 fish species were listed as threatened.[68] Circa 264 mammal species inThailand are on theIUCN Red List.
Theelephant is a representative animal, andwhite elephants are considered symbols of kingship, have been featured on thenational flag, and are considered to be the incarnation ofBuddha in Buddhism, which is practiced by the majority of the population.[69] At the beginning of the 20th century, there were approximately 100,000 elephants in captivity, but as of 2023, the wild population had declined to approximately 2,250 and the captive population to approximately 2,400. The central government has taken measures to protect elephants, such as opening conservation facilities and dedicated hospitals.[69] See alsoelephants in Thailand.Water buffalo and bulls were also used as working animals, but by the 1980s, due to the diversification of transportation methods, they were rarely used as working animals.[70]
Thephytochorion belongs to thePaleotropical kingdom. It is estimated that approximately 1,900genus and 10,000species ofvascular plants inhabit the region, of which about 10% are considered endemic.[71] Santisuk et al. (2006) lists a total of 1,407 species distributed in Thailand, including 921 species ofdicotyledonous plants, 417 species ofmonocotyledonous plants, 42 species offerns, and 27 species ofgymnosperms.[72]
Major tree species include those of theDipterocarpaceae family andteak,[73] as well as species from theDiospyros genus,Artocarpus genus,Lagerstroemia genus, and inmangrove forests, species from theRhizophoraceae andMeliaceae families.[74][75]
These are notable flora and fauna that live in their naturalhabitats of Thailand.[24]
| Cervidae | Colubridae | Dugongidae | Elephantidae & Equidae | Felidae[24] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muntjac | Reticulated python | Dugong | Indian elephant (A subspecies of theAsian Elephant. It isherbivorous and lives in forests.National animal of Thailand.[23]) | Indochinese tiger |
| Fea's muntjac | Burmese python | Thai Pony (aka Thai Country Bred) | Malayan tiger | |
| Sambar deer | King cobra | Clouded leopard | ||
| Indian hog deer | Monocled cobra | Asian golden cat | ||
| Greater mouse-deer | Calloselasma | Siamese cat | ||
| Eld's deer (endangered, rare inWestern Thailand) | Banded krait | Korat | ||
| Rainbow water snake | Khao Manee | |||
| Chrysopelea ornata | Suphalak | |||
| Dryophiops rubescens | Indochinese leopard | |||
| Jungle cat | ||||
| Leopard cat | ||||
| Fishing cat | ||||
| Flat-headed cat (endangered in Southern Thailand) |
| Flora | Herpestidae | Lepidoptera | Leporidae | Manidae | Portunidae | Prionodontidae |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cassia fistula (National tree andNational flower.[23]) | Javan mongoose | Danaus genutia | Burmese hare | Sunda pangolin | Portunus pelagicus | Banded linsang |
| Nelumbo nucifera (lotus, Dok Bua, symbol of purity and Buddhism) | Crab-eating Mongoose | Junonia almana | Chinese pangolin | Mud crab | Spotted linsang | |
| Heliconia | Junonia orithya | |||||
| Crinum asiaticum | Parthenos sylvia | |||||
| Hoya (plant) | Oleander Hawkmoth | |||||
| Orchid (numerous species) | Ariadne ariadne | |||||
| Rafflesia | Pachliopta aristolochiae | |||||
| Dipterocarpaceae (evergreen or deciduous) | Attacus atlas | |||||
| Teak (tree) | ||||||
| Ficus religiosa (โพ or "Pho" tree) |
The unpredictability of precipitation, temperature changes and many other harmful events will intensify in the future.[81] This means that Thailand will have to face droughts in the middle of the rainy season, which will result in damage to young plants and flooding of rice fields.[81] It is therefore imperative for Thailand to adapt as quickly as possible to these changes to protect its population on the one hand and, if it wishes, to maintain a monopoly on the export of rice and not suffer significant losses.[81] Which would ultimately have a huge impact on the country's economy.[81] Particularly with the fluctuation in the price of rice, due to uncertainties, which prevents farmers from increasing their income.[81]
Thailand shares boundaries with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The territories ofChina andVietnam do not border Thailand, but they are within around 100 km distance.
Many parts of Thailand's boundaries follow natural features, such as the Mekong river.[4] Most borders were stabilized and demarcated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in accordance with treaties forced on Thailand and its neighbors by theBritish Empire andFrench Indochina.[4] In some areas, however, exact boundaries, especially along Thailand's eastern borders with Laos and Cambodia, are still disputed.[4]
Cambodia's disputes with Thailand after 1951 arose in part from ill-defined boundaries and changes in France's colonial fortunes.[4] Recently, the most notable case has been a dispute overPreah Vihear submitted to theInternational Court of Justice, which ruled in favor of Cambodia in 1962.[4] During the years that the Cambodian capital,Phnom Penh, was controlled by theKhmer Rouge regime ofPol Pot (1975 to 1979), the border disputes continued.[4]
Demarcation is complete except for certain Mekong islets. The border is marked by the Mekong: at high water during the rainy season, the centre line of the current is the border, while during low water periods, all islands, mudbanks, sandbanks, and rocks that are revealed belong to Laos.
In contrast to dealings with Cambodia, which attracted international attention, boundary disputes with Malaysia are usually handled more cooperatively.[4] Continuing mineral exploration and fishing, however, are sources of potential conflict.[4] One segment at the mouth of theGolok River remained in dispute with Malaysia as of 2023, along with a section of the continental shelf in the Gulf of Thailand.[82]
Sovereignty over three Andaman Sea islands remains disputed. The standing agreement, negotiated in February 1982, left undetermined the status of Ginga Island (Ko Lam), Ko Kham, and Ko Ki Nok at the mouth of theKraburi River (Pakchan River). Subsequent negotiations in 1985, 1989, and 1990 made no progress. The two parties have designated the islands as "no man's land". Ongoing tensions in the area resulted in minor clashes in 1998, 2003, and 2013.[83]
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