“To know what we know, and that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge”.
Confucius, The Analects
• King Mongkut (Rama IV) and his son Chularlongkorn were both infected with malaria during an expedition to Malaysia in 1868 to witness a solar eclipse. King Mongkut died from the disease the same year and his son, who recovered, inherited the throne (Rama V).
• Fourth-quarter economic growth is projected to reach 5.5%, according to Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn.
(Bangkok Post, December 22 2007)
• Thailand and Burma share a 1,800km border.
• An average of 2,650 children drown each year in Thailand.
(Thai National Injury Survey 2007)
• The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TOT) is targeting to attract 15 million international tourists for 2007.
• Until 1939 Thailand was called Siam.
• The average yearly rainfall in Bangkok is 140cm (56in).
• Bangkok’s full name is Krungthepmahanakhon Amornrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.
• The official retirement age for the civil service in Thailand is 60.
• 72% of Thailand's fuel for electricity production comes from gas.
(Bangkok Post, June 26 2006).
