The Isthmus of Kra is a narrow strip of land in southern Thailand that separates the Gulf of Thailand from the Andaman Sea. The pronunciation of this word is [ˈɪs.məs əv kɹɑ]. The "isthmus" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the stress falls on the first syllable. "Kra" is pronounced with a long "a" sound and the stress falls on the second syllable. The spelling of this word follows conventional English spelling rules, with the "th" combination representing the voiceless dental fricative sound.
The Isthmus of Kra refers to a narrow strip of land located in southeastern Thailand that connects the Malay Peninsula with the mainland of Asia. It stretches across the shortest distance between the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. This region is of significant geographical importance as it serves as a natural land bridge linking the Indian Ocean with Southeast Asia.
With a length of approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) and a width varying between 44 and 116 kilometers (27 to 72 miles), it is considered one of the narrowest parts of the Malay Peninsula. The Isthmus of Kra has substantial implications for trade and transportation, as it offers the possibility of a shorter sea route between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, as well as connecting the South China Sea and the Andaman Sea.
The area is known for its biodiversity, with a mixture of both tropical rainforests and coastal mangroves. Furthermore, the region has significant economic potential due to its strategic location, attracting various infrastructure projects and discussions, including proposals for a canal that could potentially rival the Panama and Suez canals.
In conclusion, the Isthmus of Kra is a narrow land bridge in Thailand that connects the mainland with the Malay Peninsula. With its strategic position, this region possesses both geographical significance and economic potential, making it a subject of interest for trade, transportation, and development projects.