So, second up is Southeast Asia! While in Southeast Asia, I will be going to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Two of these counties are “closed countries,” meaning it is illegal to spread the Word of God openly to the people there. During my time in those two countries, I will have my blog’s password protected! Head on over to my Facebook or Instagram (@thats___so___regan) for the password. I’ll be using the same password for both of the countries, so it will always be the same!
So, next up for Southeast Asia is Thailand! #BlackBunsForever
MAP OF THAILAND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
MAP OF THAILAND
Summary
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Behind Thailand’s beautiful beaches, its people’s smiling faces, and the tropical jungles lies a terrible secret: modern day slavery.
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In Buddhist culture, women work to support their families so men can earn spiritual merit as monks. Many parents send their daughters to work in cities where the only option is prostitution.
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As the country’s natural beauty continues to draw visitors, sexual tourism continues to grow. It’s estimated 60% of tourists visit the Red Light Districts—and 90% of Thai men visit local karaoke bars for the same reason.
Area
- 513,120 sq km (Thailand is about the same size as Texas)
Culture
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While Thai culture is marketed overseas as a tourist-friendly, “anything-goes destination” where normally outlandish behavior is celebrated, most Thais are traditional and conservative.
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There is a great cultural divide between the Bangkok urban area and the more conservative and rural regions of northern Thailand.
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You should be respectful around important Buddhist temples and shrines, should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts at temples or religious sites, and also avoid touching locals on the head or hair, as the head is the most sacred part of the body in Buddhism.
What I am going to do there?
- I will be working in Chiang Mai at the Adventures in Missions base. We aren’t exactly sure what we will be doing, but we will be at the base with the other all-girls team, Freedom Writers!
Climate
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Thailand’s climate is influenced by monsoons that generate three seasons in Northern, Eastern, North Eastern and Central Thailand. There are two seasons in Southern Thailand which is wet and dry with slight temperature dissimilarity between the two. The hottest months of the year are April and May, with temperatures approximately from 80°F to 95°F. The effects of South West Monsoon are recognized on June starting the rainy season and extend until October. Hot and humid in Southern Isthmus start on November to mid-March, with temperature ranging from 75°F to 89°F at this period. This is the prime tourist season and the best period to visit Thailand. The temperature is generally moderate and warm. There are also lots of activities and festivals during this time of the year.
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In the North, particularly in Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Mai the dry season last six months, five months on most parts of Central and North-eastern Thailand, and only two months in Surat Thani. In Mae Hong Son the temperatures fall as low as 36°F. In Phuket, it rains in May and in October. The rainy season in Central Thailand is during August and September. The north-east and north are commonly frigid than Bangkok in winter and warm in summer. Bangkok’s temperature is mostly hot, intense in April around 95°F and decreases approximately 86°F in December. Rainfall, but not as heavy compared to Bangkok, may build an obstacle to trekking from July through September. October to January is the most restful period for trekking.
Language
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The official language of Thailand is Siamese Thai.
Fun Facts
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Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by a European country. In fact, in the Thai language, the name of the country is Prathet Thai which means “land of the free.”
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Thailand is where you’ll find both the smallest and the largest creatures. The smallest mammal in the world, the bumblebee bat, calls Thailand home. You can also find the largest fish, the whale shark, in Thai waters.
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You’re lucky that you know Bangkok as “Bangkok.” Its real name is one of the longest names of a place in the world, made up of Pali and Sanskrit root words: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. What does that name mean? It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”
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Thailand is home to many, many animals. About a tenth of all of the animal species on the planet call Thailand home, and a tenth of all bird species. To put that into perspective, Thailand has more birds than Europe and America combined!
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Thailand has a few big snakes. You can find the reticulated python in Thai jungles, the world’s largest snake. The biggest one found was over 33 feet long. It doesn’t stop there, though. The longest poisonous snake in the world, the king cobra? Yep. You can find those in Thailand, too.
Is it safe?
- Well of course!
If you want to read other blogs in the Where in the World series, click on the country below!
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