Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma. Area: Total: 514,000 sq km Land: 511,770 sq km Water: 2,230 sq km Land boundaries: Total: 4,863 km. Border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km. Coastline: 3,219 km. Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation. Exclusive economic zone: 200 NM. Territorial sea: 12 NM. Climate: Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid. Terrain: Central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere. Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m. Highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m. Natural resources: Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land. Nuad pan boran is the name for traditional Thai Massage which dates back at least 2,500 years. It is recognized as a practical application of the Buddhist concept of metta, or loving kindness. Thai Massage is a known healing technique that places emphasis on the mind and body connection and, with a skilled therapist, it is also used as a tool in the treatment of emotional and spiritual disorders. Thai Massage is based on the principle that invisible lines of force run through the body. The focus is on 10 lines called “sen”. The massage seeks to release blockages that may exist along the sen to allow the free flow of energy throughout the body. The client is clothed and lies on a floor mattress. The therapist applies pressure using the thumbs, fingertips, hands, feet, arms and legs. Compression using the therapists’ body weight is also applied to large areas of the body, such as the back and hips. Pressures combined with manipulations stretch the spine and pull on joints to leave the body feeling loose and relaxed, ultimately maintaining flexibility and relieving tension. The therapist works kneeling or sitting on the floor alongside the client, working from the feet up to the shoulders and neck, over the face and onto the scalp. Thai Massage is a deep-massage technique that can be very relaxing. However, it can go beyond pampering and relaxation and the more advanced practitioners are trained to treat ailments and diseases as well. The Thai spa experience brings together a range of indigenous resources, folk wisdom and traditions that have been handed down through the centuries. It captures the very essence of traditional Thai living. Spa operators delve into this ancient treasure trove to create exceptional spa products so that alluring dimensions of this tropical paradise enrich the spa experience. Gracious hospitality and service is complemented by the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, adding a uniquely Thai touch to world-class service and hospitality. Kindness, compassion and the act of comforting and caring for others, as advocated by the Theravada Buddhist tradition, is very much part of everyday life. The gesture is instinctive and genuine. Many of the healing techniques and well-being therapies featured on the contemporary spa menu have been adopted and adapted from such practices. These include natural healing a tradition based on the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, holistic remedies specially formulated to restore balance and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit and a variety of other healing techniques, including meditative practices, which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences. For example, the act of performing traditional Thai Massage is considered to be an act of compassion in which the healer practices the physical application of metta (loving kindness) and bestows a healing touch in the spirit of giving. The Thai spa experience thus enables guests to experience various aspects of Thai-ness. Thailand excels in the quality and diversity of its spa offerings. Thai spas really do have it all variety and value framed in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian wellbeing therapies. Value for money is an added plus. A harmonious blend of cultural heritage and destination diversity makes Thailand an infinitely attractive spa destination.