About Thailand

Area and Population:

Covering an area of 518,000 square kilometers (about the same size as France), Thailand has a population of some 62 million people, of whom almost ten million live in the capital city, called Bangkok.

Politic:

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with a democratic system of government and a much beloved monarch, HM King Phumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX of the Chakri dynasty. The Thai people are believed to have migrated originally from Southern China, but archaeological remains have been discovered dating civilization here back over six thousand years.

Religion and Language:

Over 95 percent of the population are Buddhist, with Muslim, Christian, Hindu and animist minorities. Their national language is Thai, although many speak local and Chinese dialects. English is also widely spoken, especially in cities and beach resorts.

Climate:

Thailand's climate is tropical, with three main seasons:The weather is generally cooler in northern and mountainous regions.

Hot: March to June
Rainy: July to October and
Cool: November to February
Average daytime temperatures range from 20-35°C.

Geography:

Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq.km. boarded by Malaysia(South), Myanmar(West and North), Laos (North&East) and Cambodia ( Southeast).

Clothing:

Thin cotton is the best. A jacket or sweater may be necessary in the cool season, especially in a moutainous area in the North or Northeast.

Custom and Currency Regulations:

Visitors are permitted to bring in duty-free 200 cigarettes and one liter of wine or spirits. Strict restrictions apply against the import of weapons, narcotics, pornography etc.

Any amount of foreign exchange in travelers cheques or draft may be imported, but cash in excess of US$ 10,000 must be declared on arrival. It is not permitted to export more than 50,000 Thai Baht per person in cash. Genuine antiques and Buddha images require export licenses.

Money, exchange and Credit Cards:

Thai currency is the Baht, divided into 100 Satang. Cash and travelers cheques can be exchanged freely, with bank or money exchangers giving much better rates than hotels. Major international credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc.

Time, office and banking times:

Thailand time is GMT plus seven hours. Government offices work five days a week, Monday to Friday during 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Business offices usually opened rather later and some work on Saturday mornings. Banks open Monday to Friday, 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.