Thailand is divided into four natural regions: the North; the Central Plain, or the Chao Phraya River Basin; the Northeast, or the Korat Plateau' and the South, or the Southern Peninsula.
The North is a mountainous region comprising natural forests, ridges, and deep, narrow alluvial valleys. The leading city of this region is Chiang Mai.
Central Thailand, the basin of the Chao Phraya river, is a lush, fertile valley. It is the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country and has often been called the "Rice Bowl of Asia." Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located in this region.
The northeast region, or the Korat Plateau, is as arid region characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills. Harsh climatic conditions often result in this region being subjected to floods and droughts.
The southern region is hilly to mountainous, with thick virgin forests and rich deposits of minerals and ores. This region is the center for the production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops.
It is the only Southeast Asian country not colonized by Europeans (Neither British or French although it did fall under Japanese occupation during World War II and was, nominally, a part of the Axis Powers).
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