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Thailand Topography and Drainage
The most conspicuous features of Thailand's terrain are high
mountains, a central plain, and an upland plateau
(see
fig. 7).
Mountains cover much of northern Thailand and extend along the
Burmese border down through the Malay Peninsula. The central
plain is a lowland area drained by the Chao Phraya and its
tributaries, the country's principal river system, which feeds
into the delta at the head of the Bight of Bangkok. The Chao
Phraya system drains about one-third of the nation's territory.
In the northeastern part of the country the Khorat Plateau, a
region of gently rolling low hills and shallow lakes, drains into
the Mekong River through the Mae Nam Mun. The Mekong system
empties into the South China Sea and includes a series of canals
and dams.
Together, the Chao Phraya and Mekong systems sustain
Thailand's agricultural economy by supporting wet-rice
cultivation and providing waterways for the transport of goods
and people. In contrast, the distinguishing natural features of
peninsular Thailand are long coastlines, offshore islands, and
diminishing mangrove swamps.
Data as of September 1987
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