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| General Information |
| Capital |
Bangkok |
| Language |
The Thai language is liberally sprinkled with words from Pali and Sanskrit (the classical languages, respectively, of Theravada Buddhism and Indian Hinduism). Written Thai employs an alphabet of 44 consonants and 32 vowels that combine to form syllabic sounds. |
| Typography |
Thailand is naturally divided into four topographic regions: 1) the North, 2) the Central Plain, or Chao Phraya River basin, 3) the Northeast, or the Korat Plateau, and 4) the South, or Southern Isthmus.
The North is a mountainous region characterized by natural forests, ridges, and deep, narrow, alluvial valleys.
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 Northeastern region, or Korat Plateau, is an 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.
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| Population |
The population of Thailand is approximately 70 million (January 2004). The most important ethic minority is Chinese. |
| Language |
The Thai language is liberally sprinkled with words from Pali and Sanskrit (the classical languages, respectively, of Theravada Buddhism and Indian Hinduism). Written Thai employs an alphabet of 44 consonants and 32 vowels that combine to form syllabic sounds. |
| Passports and Visas |
Aliens visiting Thailand must possess valid passports or acceptable travel
documents and appropriate visas before entering the country. Visitors from
certain countries are permitted to stay for up to 15 day without visas, provided
they possess tickets confirming departure within 15 days, while visitors from
several other countries are allowed to apply for tourist visas at all ports of
entry. Transit visas are granted for up to 30 days and tourist visas for up to
60 days; diplomatic and official visas are valid for up to 90 days |
| Customs |
Narcotics and pornographic materials are strictly prohibited. Permits must be obtained for firearms and certain species of animals and plants. The export of Buddha images, images of deities and antiques is strictly forbidden without first obtaining approval from the Fine Arts Department. Any amount of foreign currency may be brought in for personal use. |
Climate and Weather
|
Thailand is a warm and rather humid tropical country. The climate is monsoonal, marked by a pronounced rainy season lasting from about May to September and a relatively dry season for the remainder of the year. Temperatures are highest in March and April and lowest in December and January. The average temperature is 23.7 to 32.5 degrees Celsius (75 – 91 Degrees Fahrenheit). |
| Money and Currency |
| Business Hours |
The private sector operates from 9 am to 5 pm, while the public sector operates from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. General banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. |
| Currency |
Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50 (blue), and B20 (green). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht coins, and 50 and 25 satang. There are 100 satang in 1 baht. |
| Credit Cards |
All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the kingdom. Most foreign currencies and traveler's checks are easily changed at banks, hotels or moneychangers in cities mainly. |
| Tipping |
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated. |
Bargaining
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Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art. |
| Useful Contact Numbers |
Main Tourism Office
Tourism Authority of Thailand
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1600 New Phetburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee, Bangkok 10310
Tel: (66) 2250 5500 Fax: (66) 2250 5511
Email : center@tat.or.th
Website : http://www.tourismthailand.org |
Emergency Numbers
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Police : ............................... 191
Tourist Police : ................195
Fire : ................................... 199
Ambulance : ....................(02) 252-2171 |
| International Access Code |
Call directory assistance : 13 (Bangkok), and 183 (other) to speak
with an English-speaking operator |
| Country Code |
66 |
City Codes
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Bangkok : ..........................02
Chiang Mai : .....................053
Pattaya : ............................ 038
Phuket : ............................. 076
Koh Samui : ...................... 077
Hat Yai : ..............................074 |
| Foreign Embassies |
The Australian Embassy
37 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120
Tel: (02) 287-2680, 287-3485, 287-4843
Fax: (02) 287-2028-9
British Embassy
1031 Wireless Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10300
Tel: (02) 253-0191 Fax: (02) 254-9579
Consular Section Tel: (02) 267-9689
Fax: (02) 255-6051 Visa Section Tel: (02) 267-9699
Fax: (02) 254-9579 Mon-Tues 8-11.00am Fri 8-12.00pm
France- French Embassy
35 Soi Rong Phasi Kao 36, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. Mon-Fri 8.30-12.00pm
Tel: (02) 256-9306-9, 285-6104-7Fax; (02) 256-9310
French Consulate 29 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120 tel: (02) 287-1592-8
Fax: (02) 287-1019
Germany -Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
9 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Tel: (02) 285-6627-8, 679-1120
Fax: (02) 287-1776. Mon-Fri 8.30-11.30am
Japan - Embassy of Japan
1674 New Petchburi Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: (02) 252-6151-9 Fax: (02) 255-6999, 258-6877 Consular Section Tel: (02) 260-8502
Fax: (02) 258-9716 Japan Information Service
9th Flr, 159 Sermmit Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110 Tel : (02) 259-0234-7
Fax: (02) 258-6877. Mon-Fri 8.30-12.00pm
United States of America
US Embassy
95 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500. Mon-Fri 7-4.00pm
Tel: (02) 205-4000
Fax: (02) 205-4131
Ireland
The Consulate of Ireland
11th Flr, United Flour Mill Bldg, 205 Rajawong Rd. Bangkok 10100 Tel: (02) 223-0876, 226-0680
Fax: (02) 224-5551
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