Thailand is a country in southeast Asia with 65 million inhabitants. Neighboring countries are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. The kingdom has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and the Straits of Malacca. Half of Thailand consists of mountainous area. Central Thailand consists of swampy lowlands. In the northeast lies the dry and inhospitable Khorat Plateau. In the southern tropical rainforests, flanked by narrow coastal strip, with pearly white beaches. Along the coast many islands. The Western landscape is defined by limestone mountains with caves and waterfalls. There is a tropical monsoon climate, to be divided in three seasons. The capital Bangkok has 8 million inhabitants with sights as the Royal Palace, the floating market, the emerald green Buddha, the Lumphini Park, the temple Wat Phra Kaew. Furthermore, the many museums, zoos, parks, markets, amusement parks, shopping centers and temples. Other major cities are Hat Yai, cultural capital Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phitsanulok and Pattani. At the World Heritage list of UNESCO included the historic cities Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, the Ban Chiang archaeological site, the Thungyai Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife and the forest area Dong Phayayen Khao Yai.