Situated in the heart of the Southeast Asian mainland, Thailand covers an area
of 513,115 square kilometers. It is bordered by Laos to the northeast, Myanmar
to the north and west, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south.
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.
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
The
Thai unit of currency is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100 satang.
Note are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50
(blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50
satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.
Major currency bills and travellers cheques
are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks,
shopping centres and money changers. Travellers cheques are best
changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at
banks or authorized money changers are better than those at hotels and
department stores.
Any amount of foreign
currency may be brought into the country. Visitors may take foreign
currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount stated in the
customs declaration made on arrival. Travellers leaving Thailand may
take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.
Currency Notes
Paper baht comes in denominations of 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue),
100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige).
Currency Coins
There are 100 satang in one baht; coins include 25-satang and 50-satang
pieces and baht in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10.
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.
For lost cards :
American Express Tel : (662) 273 5100 or (662) 273 0022
Diners Club Tel : (662) 238 2920 or (662) 238 2680
Master Card Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
Visa Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
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
and 10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.
Bargaining
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.
V.A.T. Refunds
Visitors
entering the Kingdom on a tourist visa are entitled to refund of the 7%
V.A.T. on goods purchased at registered retail outlets.
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
BangkokThe
capital city of Thailand, known as one of the world’s most
exciting cities with world –class facilities. Bangkok was four
times Winner of " Best City in The World"
PhuketThe largest island of Thailand is
a world-class destination. Full of well-appointed accom, choices
of entertainment and great food.
PattayaThailand's premier beach
destination. Spend your days under the sun with the variety of
entertainment and beach activities.
