ABSTRACT
The rains are generated by monsoonal storms originating, in the case of Thailand and other parts of mainland Southeast Asia, primarily over the South China Sea, and the dryness comes from other monsoonal winds originating over the Asian landmass. The peoples of Thailand have adapted themselves to a tropical climate and have distributed themselves throughout the country with reference primarily to mountains and rivers. Northern Thailand is characterized by the ridge-and-furrow type of geography found throughout most of northern mainland Southeast Asia and southern China. Like many other Third World countries, Thailand has recently experienced a dramatic growth in its urban population. If a survey were made in which ethnic self-identification were taken into account, the population of Thailand would appear to be much more ethnically diverse. Adherence to Islam is a primary component of the distinctive identity of the Malays who live in the southernmost provinces of Thailand.
