1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Originally called Siam, Thailand is a country rich in culture and natural beauty. It has been blessed with expansive natural parks, fertile plains, remote jungles, beaches washed by turquoise waters and tropical islands bathed in endless sunshine. The country has more visible historical evidence of its past cultures than any other country in Southeast Asian. Its history is very complex, involving the invasion of many different peoples, the rule of different kings, the establishment of various kingdoms
and the interaction of diverse cultures. The period of time from the mid 1800's until now is probably the most important in terms of the formation of modern day Thailand. King Mongkut, who ruled the country from 1851 to 1868, was a well educated, ex-monk who kept Thailand safe from European expansion. His son, Chulalongkorn, took over in 1868 and continued the enlightenment and modernization of Thailand. King Chulalongkorn made great strides in improving the country, however he refused to allow his people democratic rights. This finally led to a takeover by Thai intellectuals, along with military help, in 1932. The name of the country was changed from Siam to Thailand in 1939 by Prime Minister Phibun Songkhram, mainly because he wanted to disassociate his country from the past. Translated literally, Thailand means "Land of the Free".
The Thai race was previously believed to have originated somewhere near Mongolia, later moving southward. However, new theories based on historical discoveries regard the northeastern part of Thailand as the birthplace of the Thai race. Over the years, the country has become home to many immigrants. The Thai people have managed to preserve the traditions of their unique culture, at the same time absorbing the practices of modern living. Nevertheless, the combination of cultures and backgrounds
of these immigrants make Thailand an interesting and memorable country to visit.
Tourism has become an important industry in the country. More people visit Thailand than any other country in Southeast Asia. In 1992, six million people visited Thailand.
2. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Thailand has a humid, tropical climate, and it is hot all year round. Summer is from March to May with average temperatures around 93ºF (34ºC), but the temperature can reach over 105ºF (40ºC) for extended periods. Summer monsoons begin as the warm humid air masses flow towards the north from the Indian Ocean. The monsoons end in the fall when the wind reverses direction with the dry southwesterlies. The rainy season, with periods of sunshine, lasts from June to September, with temperatures ranging from 80ºF to 89ºF (27ºC to 32ºC). The amount of rainfall varies with topography. The northeast receives the least rain, while the south is flooded during the summer months. The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, from October though February, when it is not as humid as during the summer and the rainy seasons. The average temperature is around 65ºF to 89ºF (18ºC to 32ºC). During this season, it can be very chilly in the north, with temperatures dropping to 44ºF (7ºC) at night.
3. PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Over the years, Thailand has attracted many immigrants. The people of Thailand share a rich ethnic diversity consisting of Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian descendants. As a result, it is not possible to speak of a typical Thai physique.
The Thais are, on the whole, a group of people who believe that life should be enjoyed, but no one should infringes on others' rights. The Thais are tolerant and hospitable, and it is easy to get along with them. Good manners, common sense and a smile are necessities in Thailand.
Women have considerable influence in Thai society. Although the men's role is usually accentuated in public, in private, all affairs such as finances and all other trading transactions are generally managed by women.
Monarchy and religion are sacred in Thailand, and it is against the law to criticize them, especially in public. Mocking the monarchy, or joking about it, is a serious offense and is punishable by imprisonment.
Ethnic Groups:
75% Thai, 14% Chinese and 11% other.
Languages:
The national language is Thai. English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok, where it is almost the major commercial language. English is spoken in most hotels and restaurants and at major tourist destinations.
Religion:
95% of the population practice Buddhism, 4% are Muslim and the remainder are Christians, Hindus or Sikhs.
4. LOCAL CUSTOMS General
The Thais are extremely tolerant and forgiving people with an easygoing approach to life. Nevertheless, there are certain moral, social and religious customs visitors should know and observe to avoid embarrassment and misunderstanding.
Never lose your temper or raise your voice no matter how frustrating the situation is. Only patience, humor and chai yen (cool heart) yield results in Thailand.
Thais believe that the head is the most sacred part of the body,
so never touch or pat anyone in Thailand on the head, even in the
friendliest of circumstances.
Standing over someone, especially someone older or wiser, is considered rude behavior since it implies social superiority. As a sign of courtesy, lower your head as you pass a group of people. When in doubt, watch the Thais.
The feet are considered the lowest part of the body, so don't point at things with your feet. When sitting down, make sure the soles of your feet are not facing anyone.
Wearing shorts is considered improper and low-class attire, but
acceptable for children. No matter how hot it is, long pants
should be worn in urban areas. If you are planning to visit a
Buddhist temple, dress conservatively and remember to take your
shoes off when you enter the temple.
Public display of affection and nudity at beaches are offensive.
Never have your picture taken with any Buddhist images. They are
considered extremely sacred, no matter what their age or
condition.
Buddhist monks must be treated with respect at all times. Women
are not allowed to touch the monks nor can the monks accept
anything from a woman's hand.
Rear seats on buses are reserved for the monks, and other
passengers have to vacate these seats when necessary. Never stand
over a seated monk, since a monk should always remain at the
highest elevation.
Business:
The Thais are not fanatical about productivity or deadlines. Foreign visitors are often frustrated with their resistance to the Westerners' fast-paced life.
The Thais detest any form of conflict and will go to great pains to avoid confrontation and preserve harmony.
Traditionally, Thais greet each other not with a handshake but with the wai (a prayer-like posture with the palms of the hands pressed together).
Meetings are usually held in offices, hotel lobbies and restaurants.
The Thais are sociable and often mix business with pleasure. The person who has extended the invitation pays for the meals or drinks. If it isn't clear who extended the invitation, the senior most person at the table has the honor of paying. If you are the only foreigner present, it is polite to offer to pay.
Avoid scheduling a meeting after 3:30pm, because the Thais like to get an early start on the evening rush-hour trip home.
5. CURRENCY
The unit of currency in Thailand is the Baht. It is divided into 100 satang. There is no currency black market in Thailand. Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks throughout the country - even small towns have foreign exchange services. Visitors are allowed to bring up to B2,000 per person and unlimited foreign currency, although amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.
A maximum amount of B500 per person is allowed to be taken out of the country.
Copper coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang while silver coins are in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 Baht. A 10-Baht coin is composed of both silver and copper.
Bank notes come in denominations of 10 Baht (brown), 20 Baht (green), 50 Baht (blue), 100 Baht (red), 500 Baht (purple) and 1000 Baht (gray).
25 Baht = US$1
For detailed currency exchange rates, click here to visit the Interactive Currency Exchange Converter from Laem Thong Bank Thailand.
Diving
Maps
Seasport
Hotels
Pictures
6. THINGS TO KNOW
Population: 56,000,000
Capital: Bangkok
Flag: The flag of Thailand has five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white and red (bottom).
Shop Hours:
Stores are generally open Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm. Larger shops are open from 10am to 7pm.
Bank Hours:
Bank hours are usually open Monday-Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. They
are usually closed Saturday and Sunday. Many banks close for lunch.
Holidays:
January 1 - New Year's Day
February 14 - Makha Bucha (Full Moon Day)
April 6 - Chakri Memorial Day
April 12-14 - Sonkran Festival (Thai New Year)
May 1 - National Labor Day
May 5 - Coronation Day
May 13 - Wisakha Bucha (Full Moon Day)
July 11 - Asanaha Bucha (Full Moon Day)
July 12 - Buddhist Lent Day
August 12 - H.M. The Queen's Birthday
October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day
December 5 - H.M. The King's Birthday
December 10 - Constitution Day
December 31 - New Year's Eve
Time:
Thailand has one time zone. It is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean
Time. It is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 11 hours
ahead of Pacific Standard Time.
Tipping:
Tipping is not customary, except in big hotels. If a service charge has been added to the bill, tipping isn't necessary.
Shop Hours:
Stores are generally open Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm. Larger shops are open from 10am to 7pm.
Bank Hours:
Bank hours are usually open Monday-Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. They are usually closed Saturday and Sunday. Many banks close for lunch.
7. VISAS AND PASSPORT
All visitors must have a passport valid at least six months beyond than their intended stay in Thailand. Those who are staying for 30 days or less and have a ticket for an onward journey may enter the country without a visa. Visitors who stay longer than their limit are fined B100 for each day upon departure at the airport. Foreign nationals who intend to stay more than 30 days must obtain a visa in advance from a Thai diplomatic mission.
8. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Duty-Free Items: Cigarettes, cigars or smoking tobacco must not exceed a total of 250 grams in weight. Cigarettes not exceeding 200 in quantity and one liter of wine or spirits may be brought in free of duty. One still camera or one movie camera, five rolls of still camera film or three rolls of 8 to 16mm movie camera film may be brought into the country. All kinds of narcotics and obscene literature, pictures or articles are prohibited.
9. TRAVEL TO THE COUNTRY
Airports
Don Muang International Airport
Located 14 miles (22km) north
of Bangkok
Vibhavadi Rangsit Hwy.
Tel (02) 535-1301 or (02) 535-1254
Airlines
Air Canada: (02) 233-5900
Air France: (02) 233-9477
American Airlines: (02) 252-3520
Bangkok Airways: (02) 535-2498
British Airways: (02) 236-8655
Canadian Airlines: (02) 251-4521
Cathay Pacific: (02) 233-6105
China Airlines: (02) 253-4438
Continental Airlines: (02) 231-0113
Delta Airlines: (02) 237-6837
Japan Airlines: (02) 233-2440
Korean Airlines: (02) 234-9283
Philippine Airlines: (02) 233-2350
Qantas: (02) 235-9193
Singapore Airlines: (02) 236-0440
Swissair: (02) 233-2930
Thai: (02) 233-3810
TWA: (02) 233-7290
United Airlines: (02) 251-6006
Trains:
The International Express will take you from Butterworth (Penang) to Hat Yai and Bangkok without a change of trains. There are also connecting services to or from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The
train, which offers only first- and second-class tickets, now operates every day. Border delays, which used to be a problem on the trains, are less frequent.
The International Express that departs from Singapore every morning arrives in Kuala Lumpur by nightfall. Visitors may stay overnight in the Malaysian capital or continue north by night train to Butterworth (Penang). This train, which links Singapore and Bangkok, has a romantic appeal and is probably the most luxurious train in Southeast Asia. The journey can be a long and exhausting and may be best experienced in shorter segments.
Buses:
The only road access into Thailand is from Malaysia. There are
occasional buses that run back and forth between countries. The
main overland border crossings into Malaysia are near Betong in
Yala Province and at Sungei Golok in Narathiwat Province.
10. TRAVEL WITHIN THE COUNTRY
Cars
Thailand is an outstanding country to tour with rented transport. Traffic is moderate and manageable, except in Bangkok. Highways are in good condition, and directional signs are often in English. Less expensive rentals are available from local agencies, but make sure to check the condition of the car thoroughly before handing over your money. An international driver's license is required, and insurance is mandatory to be able to drive in Thailand.
Trains
An efficient rail system links major northern and northeastern towns with the capital. A southern route permits the visitor to travel by train into Malaysia and Singapore. Domestic express trains include first-, second- and third- class cars. Slower trains may have only third-class seats.
For more information regarding railway schedules, contact:
Bangkok Railway Station
Tel (02) 223-7010 or (02) 223-7020
Buses
Bus transport in Thailand is fast, clean and reasonably comfortable for shorter journeys. Most buses provide reclining airline-style seats and video movies. Both air-conditoned and non-air-conditioned buses are available on major routes. The cheapest are the ordinary coaches operated by the government bus company called Bor Kor Sor. Air-conditioned buses operated by independent companies are usually 30 to 70% more expensive but complimentary meals and transportation from your hotel to the bus terminals are often included.
Bangkok's Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal
Phahonyothin Road
Air-conditioned: Tel (02) 279-4484 or (02) 279-4487
Regular: Tel (02) 271-0101 or (02) 271-0105
Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal
Pinklao-Nahkon Chaisri Road
Air-conditioned: Tel (02) 435-1190 or (02) 435-1200
Regular: Tel (02) 434-5558
Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal
Sukhumwit Road
Air-conditioned: (02) 392-9227 or (02)391-9829
Regular: (02) 391-2504 or (02) 392-2521
11. SIGHTSEEING
For additional information on the following sights, contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tourist Assistance Center
4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10100
Tel (02) 281-5051 or (02) 282-8129
Fax: (02) 280-1998
Ancient City
(Muang Boran)
This outdoor museum is filled with replicas of Thailand's most
magnificent monuments and temples.
Samut Prakarn
Bangkok
Tel (02) 224-1057
Crocodile Farm and Zoo
This is the world's oldest and largest crocodile farm.
Bangkok
Tel (02) 387-0020
Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Keo)
This is the most respected Buddha image in Thailand, carved
from green jade.
Maharaj Rd.
Bangkok
Tel (02) 222-8181
River Kwai Bridge
This is it! - the famous bridge from the novel and the movie.
Kanchanaburi
Rose Garden Country Resort
Thai cultural village with dance performances, elephants at work
and Buddhist ordination ceremonies.
Petkasem Rd.
Tel (02) 253-0295
Saphran Elephant Ground and Zoo
Filled with elephants and numerous other forms of animal life.
117 Moo 6 Petchakasem Highway
Samphran
Nakhon Pathom
Bangkok Office: Tel (02) 284-0273
Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun
This is the tallest tower in Thailand.
Arun Amarin Rd.
Bangkok
Tel (02) 282-1143
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
(Wat Pho)
This temple is the oldest center of learning in Thailand with a
145ft (46m) long, 49ft (15m) high, gold-plated, reclining
Buddha.
Chetuphon Rd.
Bangkok
Tel (02) 222-0933
Thailand Cultural Center
This is the center for domestic and international cultural
exchange. It is often the venue for art shows by the country's
leading artists.
Ratchadaphisek Road
Bangkok
Tel (02) 245-7711
Vimanmek Palace
This is the world's largest building made entirely of golden
teak. Rachvithi Rd.
Tel (02) 222-0859
Ocean World Amusement Park
Kids will enjoy the water-oriented activities in this amusement
park.
Beach Rd.
Bang Saen
Nao National Park
This beautiful park has caves, waterfalls and assorted flora.
Phetchabun
Northern Thailand
Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village
Acres of lush greenery and breathtaking orchid gardens.
5/11 Moo 6 Thepkasattri Rd.
Phuket
Tel (076) 214-860
Phuket Butterfly Garden and Aquarium
A large display of different kinds of butterflies and fish.
71/6 M. 5 Soi Paneang
Phuket
Tel (076) 210-859
Siam Park City
This is a water world, theme park and fair rolled into one.
101 Sukhapibarn 2 Rd.
Bangkapi, Bangkok
Tel (02) 517-1032
Sukhothai Historical Park
Among the attractions here are the remains of the Royal Palace,
several Buddhist temples and a system of canals and ponds.
Sukkothai
North Thailand
Kamthieng House
Ethnological Museum
Preserves the traditional technologies and folk arts of Northern
Thailand.
131 Soi 21 (Asoke) Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok
Tel (02) 258-3491
Museum of Forensic Medicine
This is one of the more unusual sights in Thailand. On display
are preserved bodies of infamous murderers and a bisected head
with a bullet lodged in the brain.
Sirirat Hospital
2 Prannok Road
Thon Buri
Bangkok
Tel (02) 411-2003 or (02) 411-0241
National Museum
Artifacts here date back to the Neolithic times. Guided tours are
available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
4 Na Phrathat Rd.
Bangkok
Tel (02) 224-1396
Prasat Museum
This is a private collection of Thai arts.
Bangkok
Tel (02) 253-9772
SPORTS
The Thais have adopted a number of such modern forms of recreation as golf, tennis and bowling, but the local sports of boxing and kite fighting are still very much enjoyed in the country.
Kick boxing is one of the most popular and exciting spectator sports as well as a means of self-defense for the Thai people. Unilke the Western-style boxing, kick boxers are allowed to use their feet, elbows, legs and shoulders. Bouts are held at the Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.
An ancient local sport played and patronized by the kings of Thailand for centuries is kite fighting, a contest which is held from March to April at the Sanam Luang in Bangkok. The Thais make kites in hundreds of different forms and colors. Each kite is huge in size and require a number of people to fly it. Kites are classified as "chulas" (male) or "pukpaos" (female). The object of the contest is to force the opposition's kite to land in your half of the field while thousands of people cheer.
Takraw is another traditional Thai game. It involves the use of atakraw ball, five to six inches in diameter, made of rattan. Using their head, feet, knees or elbows, players hit the ball over a net to another team.
12. DINING AND DRINKING
" Sorry, this section is under development" . We are compiling
about 15 homepages from Bangkok's top restaurants that serveThai, Japanese, Chinese, French and many other delicious food.
Senior Pico Mexican Restaurant (Mexican)
Rang Mahal Restaurant (Indian Food)
Akamon Restaurant (Japanese)
The Compass Rose Lounge
The Goodies
The Bai Yun
The Romsai
13. ENTERTAINMENT
Cinemas in Thailand are inexpensive, with daily scheduled showings and matinees on weekends and holidays. There are a number of cinemas that show American or French movies. Remember to stand when the National Anthem (780KB) is played at the beginning of every performance.
Thai classical dances are very elegant and considered to be the country's highest form of art. Influenced by the great Indian epic called Ramayana, the country's famous masked dance drama or "khon" is a form of entertainment that requires strict discipline from the performer. Nowadays, khon performances are very rare, but there are occasional performances at the National Theater. Sometimes performances are held at several Thai restaurants catering to tourists. "Lakhon" and "likay" are very famous dances similar in costume and movements to khon but without the use of face masks.
Aside from the theaters and cinemas, nightlife in Thailand includes bars and nightclubs. During the day, Thais enjoy watching or participating in local and international sports.
14. EMERGENCY NUMBERS
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
Bangkok: 02
Chiang Mai: 053
Pattaya: 038
Phuket: 076
Koh Samui: 077
Hat Yai: 074
When calling from within the same city, delete the city code from the number. When calling to another city within Thailand, use the entire city code. When calling from outside Thailand, delete the first digit (0) from the city code.
15. VISITORS INFORMATION
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Tourist Assistance Center
4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10100
Tel (02) 281-5051 or (02) 282-8129
Fax: (02) 280-1998
TAT Airport Office
Arrival Lounge
Bangkok International Airport
Vibhavadi Ragsit Road
Bangkok 10210
Tel (02) 523-8972 or Tel (02) 523-8973
Other TAT offices:
Cha-am: Tel (032) 471502
Chiang Mai: Tel (053) 248604 or 248607
Chiang Rai: Tel (053) 717433
Hat Yai: Tel (074) 243747
Kanchanaburi: Tel (034) 511200
Khon Kaen: Tel (043) 244498 or (043) 244499
Nakhon Ratchasima: Tel (044) 243751
Nakhon Si Thammarat: Tel (075) 356356
Pattayà: Tel (038) 428750
Phitsanulok: Tel (055) 252742 or (055) 252743
Phuket: Tel (076) 211036 or (076) 212213
Surat Thani: Tel (077) 281828
Ubon Ratchathani: Tel (045) 243770 or (045) 243771
Tourism Authority of Thailand
12th Floor, Royal Exchange Bldg.
56 Pitt Street
Sydney, 2000
Australia
Tel (02) 247-7549
Office National du Tourisme de Thailand
90, av des Champs Elysées
75008 Paris
France
Tel (01) 4562-8656
Thailandisches Fremdenverkehrsburo
Bethmannstrasse 58
D-6000 Frankfurt
Germany
Tel (069) 295704
Ente Nazionale per il Turismo Thailandese
Via Barberini, 50
00187 Roma
Italy
Tel (06) 487-3479
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Hibiya Mitsui Bldg.
1-2 Yuracucho 1-chome
Chyada-ku, Tokyo
Japan
Tel (03) 3580-6776
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Rm. #2003 20th Flr.
Coryo Daeyungak Center Bldg.
25-5 , 1-Ka, Chungmu-Ro
Chung-ku, Seoul
South Korea
Tel (02) 779-5418
Tourism Authority of Thailand
2B Central Commercial Bldg.
16-18 Nanking Wast Road
Section 4, Taipei
Taiwan
Tel (02) 778-2735
Tourism Authority of Thailand
49 Albermarle Street
London WIX3FE
United Kingdom
Tel (071) 499-7679
USA
Tourism Authority of Thailand
5 World Trade Center, Suite 3443
New York, NY
Tel 212-432-0433
Tourism Authority of Thailand
3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA
Tel 213-382-2353
Tourism Authority of Thailand
303 East Wacker Drive, Suite 400
Chicago, IL
Tel 312-819-3990
16. TOUR OPERATORS
