The Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, occupies part of the western strip of the Malay Peninsula on the south eastern tip on the Eurasian continent. It is bounded by China on the North and by both Laos and Cambodia in the East. With a land surface area of approximately 500,000 square kilometres, it supports a population of approximately 67,000,000 people.

The history of Thailand is characterized by invasion, rebuilding, changing political alliances, and more recently, coup d’états. Thailand is at the centre of south-east Asia and has had to contend with both powerful and sometimes unstable neighbouring regimes. It has been both a destination and a transition point for refugees from adjacent nations fleeing persecution in the changing political fortunes of the region. It has the honour of being the only region in South-east Asia to avoid being conquered by a European nation. Very effective diplomatic strategies by monarchs in the 18^th and 19^th centuries enabled this to occur.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. Democracy has been a spasmodic experience over the last seventy years with 32 separate, generally bloodless, coup d’états resulting in short-term military interim governments until a new election is held.

Thailand has a diverse and developing economy. Originally a major rice producer in the fertile lowlands, it has a long history of trading with its neighbours. Thailand has now branched into the electronics and auto manufacturing industries with some success.

Thai is the official language with several other languages spoken largely dependent upon the region. English is increasingly used due to growing international tourism, trade links and greater relationship with English-speaking countries and business interests. Thai is a Buddhist nation with approximately 95% of the population adhering to this belief. Many of the remaining 5% represent the Muslim-practicing Malay of the southern peninsula region.