In these hills there is rubber tree cultivation, which provides one of Thailand's major exports. The region is also rich in tin deposits, providing the biggest source of income from Thailand's minerals. Since 1975 natural gas production offshore in the gulf has become significant in supplying the country's fuel needs. Climate Thailand has a monsoon, or wet-dry, climate. From May to October the monsoon, meaning seasonal wind, blows from the southwest across the tropical sea.
Days are hot and humid.
In October the northeast monsoon begins to blow from continental Asia. It brings a cool, dry season that both Thais and tourists find delightful for travel. Starting in late March and continuing into May, the tropical sun begins to warm the land again, but the monsoon resists shifting because of circulation patterns in the upper atmosphere. The weather becomes very hot but remains dry. Fields and roads turn to dust, wells sometimes become dry or polluted, and cities swelter, waiting for the monsoon to break and cool the land.