The constitutional monarchy of Thailand (Thai ประเทศไทย, Kingdom of Thailand) in Southeast Asia with its capital Bangkok covers 513,115 km² including around 500 islands. Until 1939, the country, which was located roughly on the territory of today's state, was known as Siam. The state extends south-east of the last foothills of the Himalayas to the Malay Peninsula and surrounds the Gulf of Thailand, a marginal sea of the South China Sea. It borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Andaman Sea (part of the Indian Ocean) and the Gulf of Thailand.
Climate
The tropical climate is characterised by the monsoons with a dry season from November to February, high temperatures from March to May and a rainy season from June to October. Vines were not planted around the capital until the early 1960s. Harvest time is usually between February and April. Due to the tropical climate, up to three harvests a year are possible.
Grape varieties
The vineyards cover around 5,000 hectares in the "floating vineyards" in the Chao Phraya Delta, as well as in Khao Yai and Hua Hin to the south-west of Bangkok. However, the wine production volume is extremely low, as 95% is planted with table grapes. The winegrowing areas cover only 208 hectares of vineyards. The grape variety index of the 2016 wine grape varieties:
Wine production
The Siam Wine Company near Samut Sakorn on the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, south-west of Bangkok, was founded in 1982 by Chalerm Voovidthya. The founder also invented the original version of the Austrian energy drink "Red Bull". Founded in 1991, Château de Loei is located in the north-east in the Phurua highlands in the Loei River district. One of the wine-growing areas is located in the Asoke Valley directly next to the "Khao Yai" National Park, north of Bangkok, with producers including Alcidini, Gran Monte Estate and Village Winery (with the "Château des Brumes" brand). Another area is located in the north-east in the Phurua highlands in the Loei River district (with Château de Loei).
The most popular alcoholic drinks in Thailand are traditionally arrack and beer. Practising Muslims and Buddhists are prohibited from drinking wine for religious reasons. The Ministry of Finance levies an extremely high tax of 400% on wine. There are around 20 producers. The first real wines were produced in 1997 from Malaga Blanc and Pokdum(Black Queen) under the names "Chatemp" and "Monsoon Valley" with French advice.
Map: © Goruma
Flag: by Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, Link
Coat of arms: by Sodacan - Own work, Public domain, Link
