As Thailand enters the 21st Century, the tourism industry continues to play a major role in the economic and social development of the kingdom. Known round the world for the enduring hospitality of its people, its ancient culture and Thai cuisine, record numbers of tourists continue to take advantage of the myriad tourist destinations and products the kingdom has to offer. The number of foreign visitors to Thailand has steadily increased over the last 10 years, resulting in the "Golden Decade" of Thai tourism during the period 1987-1996.

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand borders four countries (Myanmar, Laos PDR, Cambodia and Malaysia) as well as the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The country is endowed with a wealth of natural resources which serve as a backdrop for both business and leisure travellers. The scenery is rich and varied, ranging from misty mountains and lush rain forests in the north, through the flat emerald rice fields of the central plains, to white sandy beaches and magnificent tropical islands along the eastern seaboard and throughout the south.

Tourism policy in Thailand supports not only promotion of its own destinations but of those of its neighbours in the Greater Mekong Subregion (Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Yunan Province of China and Thailand); BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sir Lanka and Thailand), and those of all Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has worked closely with other government agencies and the private sector to develop a sophisticated array of tourism products for visitor. From sports to eco and agro tourism, shopping to health spas, culture, heritage and architecture: Thailand offers something for everyone.