Where is Thailand Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Thailand located on the map? Thailand is an independent nation located in Southeastern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Thailand on maps.

Thailand Location in World Map

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia on the Gulf of Thailand. Myanmar (Burma) is to the west and Cambodia to the east. It borders Malaysia in the south and Laos in the northeast. With its 513,115 square kilometers, Thailand is around one and a half times the size of Germany.

Most of the country is on the Indochinese Peninsula. The narrow, southern part of the country is part of the Malacca Peninsula. This protrudes into the Andamian Sea on the western side and into the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern side.

If you look at Thailand on the map, the shape of the country is a bit reminiscent of an elephant’s head.

Location Information of Thailand

Thailand, officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Thailand is bordered by Myanmar to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south. The country is also bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the south and the Andaman Sea to the west.

Latitude and Longitude

Thailand is situated approximately between 6° and 20° North latitude and 97° and 106° East longitude. Its strategic location in Southeast Asia places it at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, giving it a diverse geography, ranging from beaches and islands to mountains and plateaus.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Bangkok

The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok (known locally as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon), which is located in the central part of the country. The city has a population of over 8 million in the city proper, with more than 14 million people in the metropolitan area. Bangkok is a vibrant, fast-paced city, famous for its skyscrapers, street markets, temples, and palaces. It lies at 13.7563° N, 100.5018° E and serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Thailand.

Key features of Bangkok include:

The Grand Palace: A must-see landmark, this historic palace complex was once the residence of the Thai Kings and is now a cultural and ceremonial center.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): This temple is home to a 46-meter-long Buddha statue and is one of Thailand’s oldest and largest temples.
Khao San Road: A famous street known for its lively atmosphere, backpacker culture, and affordable accommodations.

Major Cities

Chiang Mai: Located in the northern part of Thailand, Chiang Mai is the second-largest city and is known for its temples, mountain views, and traditional festivals. The city is a hub for Thai handicrafts, especially silverware, textiles, and wood carvings. Chiang Mai is also the gateway to the Golden Triangle region, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. It lies at 18.7870° N, 98.9936° E.
Pattaya: A popular coastal city located southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is known for its vibrant beaches, nightlife, and water sports activities. Pattaya attracts both local and international tourists, particularly from East Asia. The city is located at 12.9296° N, 100.8762° E.
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a major tourist destination known for its beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. The island is located in the southern part of Thailand at 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E and is surrounded by the Andaman Sea. It is famous for its Phi Phi Islands, Patong Beach, and Phang Nga Bay.
Ayutthaya: The ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok. The city is known for its historical ruins, temples, and ancient architecture. The coordinates of Ayutthaya are approximately 14.3556° N, 100.5764° E.
Hat Yai: Located in the southern region of Thailand near the border with Malaysia, Hat Yai is a commercial hub and is known for its shopping and food scene. It is the largest city in Songkhla Province and lies at 7.0044° N, 100.4701° E.

Time Zone

Thailand operates on Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC +7:00. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time. As a result, the time remains constant throughout the year, offering a consistent experience for visitors.

Time difference with New York City: Thailand is 12 hours ahead of New York City during Standard Time (EST), and 11 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time (EDT).
Time difference with Los Angeles: Thailand is 14 hours ahead of Los Angeles during Standard Time (PST) and 13 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time (PDT).

Climate

Thailand has a tropical climate, characterized by three distinct seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The country’s weather patterns are influenced by the monsoon system, which causes significant seasonal variations.

Hot Season (March to June): The hot season in Thailand runs from March to June, with temperatures often reaching over 35°C (95°F), especially in the northern and central regions. This period is also marked by high humidity and frequent thunderstorms in the late afternoon.
Rainy Season (July to October): The rainy season in Thailand is caused by the southwest monsoon winds and lasts from July to October. During this period, Thailand experiences the heaviest rainfall, particularly in the central, southern, and eastern regions. Average rainfall can range from 100 mm to 400 mm (4 to 16 inches) per month, and temperatures remain warm at around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 89°F).
Cool Season (November to February): The cool season is considered the best time to visit Thailand, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is the peak tourist season, especially in the north and central regions. The southern part of the country remains warm year-round, making it a popular beach destination during this season.
Humidity: Humidity levels in Thailand are high, particularly during the rainy season, with some areas seeing humidity levels close to 90%. Coastal regions and tropical forests tend to have higher humidity than the urban centers.

Economic Status

Thailand has the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia. It is a newly industrialized economy and one of the world’s leading exporters of electronics, automobiles, tourism, and agriculture products. The country is also a major player in global trade and investment, benefiting from its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and business-friendly environment.

Key Sectors of the Economy:

Manufacturing and Industry: Thailand is a major exporter of electronics, automobiles, textiles, rubber, and chemical products. The country has well-developed industrial zones and is home to numerous global manufacturing companies, particularly in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Rayong.
Agriculture: Agriculture remains an important sector, though its share of GDP has declined in recent years. Thailand is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice, rubber, seafood, and tropical fruits. It is also a major producer of cassava, maize, and sugar.
Tourism: Tourism is a significant contributor to the Thai economy, with millions of international visitors arriving each year to enjoy the country’s beaches, cultural heritage, food, and natural beauty. The major tourist hubs include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and the Gulf of Thailand islands.
Services and Retail: The services sector, particularly finance, real estate, and retail, has been growing in recent years. Thailand has a strong presence of multinational companies and is considered a regional hub for business and finance.

Tourist Attractions

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, offering a variety of attractions ranging from natural wonders and cultural landmarks to modern cities and vibrant nightlife.

1. The Grand Palace (Bangkok)

The Grand Palace is one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks. This former royal residence is a complex of stunning buildings, including Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha. The intricate architecture and historical significance make it a must-see attraction in Bangkok.

2. Wat Pho (Bangkok)

Known for the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temple complexes in Thailand. Visitors can admire the beautiful golden statue of Buddha, which measures 46 meters (151 feet) long, and explore the vast grounds filled with other sculptures and shrines.

3. Phi Phi Islands (Phuket)

The Phi Phi Islands, located near Phuket, are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and white sandy beaches. These islands are famous for their role in the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and are popular for scuba diving, snorkeling, and boat tours.

4. Ayutthaya Historical Park (Ayutthaya)

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient city known for its well-preserved ruins and temples. The city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and offers a fascinating glimpse into Thailand’s rich history.

5. Erawan National Park (Kanchanaburi)

Known for the Erawan Falls, this national park features stunning emerald pools and lush jungle. It is a popular destination for hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The park’s Erawan Falls are a major highlight, consisting of seven tiers of waterfalls.

6. Sukhothai Historical Park (Sukhothai)

The Sukhothai Historical Park is another UNESCO World Heritage site that contains the remains of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The park is known for its historical temples, sculptures, and lotus-filled ponds.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand for tourism do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less if entering the country by air or land. For stays longer than 30 days, travelers must apply for an extended visa before their trip or upon arrival. A tourist visa for a longer stay is valid for 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days.

Visa Requirements: A valid U.S. passport (with at least 6 months of validity), a completed visa application form, and proof of sufficient funds for the stay are required.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance from Bangkok to New York City: Approximately 13,000 km (8,078 miles), with a flight time of around 17 hours with one or two layovers.
Distance from Bangkok to Los Angeles: Approximately 13,300 km (8,270 miles), with a flight time of about 18 hours, typically requiring one or two layovers.

Thailand Facts

Size	513,115 km²
Residents	67.95 million
Language	Thai
Capital	Bangkok
Longest river	Chao Phraya (370 km)
Highest mountain	Doi Inthanon (2,565 m)
Currency	Bhat