Thailand has many major rivers including the Mekong and the Chao Phraya, and has shores on both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The kingdom consists of four regions divided into 76 provinces. Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29 C, ranging in Bangkok from 35 C in April to 17 C in December. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity.
Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors. Thai people hold their King and Queen and the Royal Family in great reverence, and so won't tolerate foreigners talking about them in disrespect. Dress properly when entering a Buddhist temple, Mini-skirts and shorts are not allowed. Take your shoes off before going inside the hall of worship. Ladies must not on any account touch a Buddhist monk, give things direst to him or receive things direct from him.