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Thailand Study Abroad Programs

Three students in front of a Thai temple (wat) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

  • Capital: Bangkok
  • Official Language: Thai
  • Currency: Thai baht (THB)

Thailand is strategically located in the heart of Southeast Asia and though relatively small, it is an important center of the region. Known as Siam until 1939, the Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with a prime minister and a royal family. It has a population of 62 million people, 95% of whom are Buddhist.

The saying that Thailand is the “land of smiles” is still true, especially in the rural areas where traditional agrarian lifestyles survive. While eastern and southern Thailand is famous for its seaside resorts, the north and west are well known for its peaceful mountains and hill-tribe treks. Thailand is a tourist gateway and the friendliness of Thai people makes travel in Thailand and the surrounding region easy.