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The Central Plains

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Central Thailand includes Bangkok, the regions in the upper Gulf of Thailand, and areas from Burma to Cambodia. The language spoken in central Thailand is called just that, “central Thai” and it is the standard version of the language for the entire country: it is taught in schools, used in the newspapers, etc. Even if someone speaks another dialect most of the time, it would be highly unusual for him or her not to speak central Thai. The area has highly significant historical areas, including Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, and of course, Bangkok. Ayutthaya was the glorious center of Thai civilization from the 14th century to the 18th century. Nakhon Pathom was one of the significant Mon settlements and birthplaces of Buddhism in Thailand. Bangkok is an extensive metropolitan area, and yet, a drive down a small side street will mimic many of the daily scenes of life found all over Thailand. Bangkok is just a lot noisier! The soil is the best in the country and crops include rice, sugarcane, pineapples, cassava, and other fruits. There are many canals that attribute to the agricultural richness of this area. Manufacturing is a growing business in this area, especially in areas near the Gulf. Recovery following the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 has included the introduction of car manufacturing, which as meant a huge boost to this region. Though this area is not the primary tourist area for beaches, the areas of Pattaya, Rayong , Koh Si Chang and Koh Samet, Hua Hin, and Cha-am have always been popular vacation spots for Thais and are increasingly grabbing the interest of foreigners. Besides all the tourists’ attractions in Bangkok, many Americans, in particular, find it very important to visit the World War II monuments in Kanchanaburi related to the Death Railroad and the Bridge over the Khwae River.

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