Thailand is a Southeast Asian, predominantly Buddhist kingdom almost equidistant between India and China. For centuries known by outsiders as Siam, Thailand has been something of Southeast Asian migratory, cultural and religious cross-roads. With an area of some 510,000 square kilometers and a population of some 57 million, Thailand is approximately the same size as France. Thailand shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the north-east, Kampuchea to the west, and Malaysia to the south.
Geographically speaking, Thailand is divided into six major regions: the mountainous north where elephants work forests and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; the sprawling north-east plateau, largely bordered by the Mekong River, where the world's oldest Bronze Age civilization flourished some 5,000 years ago; the central plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas; the eastern coastal plain, where fine sandy beaches support the growth of summer resorts; western mountains and valleys, suitable for the development of hydro-electric power: and the peninsular south where arresting scenic beauty complements economically vital tin mining, robber cultivation and fishing.
Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official 2000 census population of 6,355,144. Bangkok is located at 13.45’N 100.31’E, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.
Bangkok is a fast growing, economically and culturally dynamic city in Southeast Asia. The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world's hottest large city. Moreover, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons – summer from March through May, rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October through February. The average annual temperature is 28C (83F), ranging, in Bangkok, for example, from 30C in April to 25C in December.
Bangkok is a tropical city so it's pretty warm throughout the year! Avoid April, May when the weather is especially hot and sticky (temperatures around 34 C) although one of Thailand's most celebrated festivals - Songkran, takes place in April and involves lots of water throwing to cool down. Best time to visit is from October until February - temperatures around 25- 28 C light breezes and only the occasional shower...
June to September still has plenty of sunshine and is much cooler (around 24-28 C) but is the season for rain and is actually quite refreshing! The advantages are less visitors and better hotel rates. Its also to dodgers and won't interfere with any sightseeing tours or general activities.
What to Wear Forget the tight pants and clinging dresses (at least for the day) and go for light, loose cotton clothing. When visiting temples, certain museums and the Grand Palace remember to dress appropriately. Shorts, singlets, spaghetti straps and open backed sandals are not acceptable.
Time
Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+ 7).
History
Archaeological discoveries around the north- east hamlet of Ban Chiang suggest that the world's oldest Bronze Age civilization was flourishing in Thailand some 5,600 years ago. Successive waves of immigrants, including Mons, Khmers and Thais, gradually entered the land mass now known as Thailand, most slowly traveling along fertile river valleys from southern China.
By the 11th and 12th centuries, Khmers ruled much of the area from Angkor. By the early 1200s, Thais had established small northern city states in Lanna, Phayao and Sukhothai. In 1238, two Thai chieftains rebelled against Khmer suzerainty and established the first truly independent Thai kingdom in Sukhothai (literally, 'Dawn of Happiness'). Sukhothai saw the Thais' gradual expansion throughout the entire Chao Phraya River basin, the establishment of Theravada Buddhism as the paramount Thai religion, the creation of the Thai alphabet and the first expression of nascent Thai art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture and literature.
Sukhothai declined during the 1300s and eventually became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a dynamic young kingdom further south in the Chao Phraya River valley. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya remained the Thai capital until 1767 when it was destroyed by Burmese invaders. During Ayutthaya's 417 years as the capital, under the rule of 33 kings, the Thais brought their distinctive culture to full fruition, totally rid their lands of Khmer presence and fostered contact with Arabian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and European powers. Ayutthaya's destruction was as severe a blow to the Thais as the loss of Paris or London would have been to the French or English. However, a Thai revival occurred within a few months and the Burmese were expelled by King Taksin who later made Thon Buri his capital. In 1782, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty, Rama I, established his new capital on the site of a riverside hamlet called Bangkok (Village of Wild Plums).
Two Chakri monarchs, Mongkut (Rama IV) who reigned between 1851 and 1868, and his son Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) saved Thailand from western colonization through adroit diplomacy and selective modernization. Today, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. Since 1932, Thai kings including the present monarch, H.M. King Bhumipol Adulyadej have exercised their legislative powers through a national assembly, their executive powers through a cabinet headed by a prime minister, and their judicial powers through the law courts.
People
Throughout her long history, Thailand has gently absorbed immigrants. Many were skilled as writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians and architects, and helped enrich indigenous culture. People inhabiting Thailand today share rich ethnic diversity – – mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian stock – – with the result that there is no typically Thai physiognomy or physique. There are petite Thais, statuesque Thais, round-faced Thais, dark-skinned Thais and light-skinned Thais. Some 80% of all Thais are connected in some way with agriculture which, in varying degrees, influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals that help make Thailand such a distinctive country.
Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the professed religion of more than 90% of all Thais, and casts strong influences on daily life. Buddhism first appeared in Thailand during the 3rd Century B.C. at Nakhon Pathom, site of the world's tallest Buddhist monument, after the Indian Buddhist Emperor Asoka (267-227 B.C.) dispatched missionaries to Southeast Asia to propagate the newly established faith. Besides molding morality, providing social cohesion and offering spiritual succor, Buddhism provided incomparable artistic impetus.
In common with medieval European cathedrals, Thailand's innumerable multiroofed temples inspired major artistic creation. Another reason for Buddhism's strength is that there are few Thai Buddhist families in which at least one male member has not studied the Buddha's teachings in a monastery. It has long been a custom for Buddhist males over twenty, once in their lifetimes, to be ordained for a period ranging from days to months.
This usually occurs daring the annual Rains Retreat, a a-month period during the Rains Season when all monks forego travel and stay inside their monasteries. Besides sustaining monastic communities, Thai temples have traditionally served other purposes – – as the village hostelry, village news, employment and information agency, a school, hospital, dispensary and community centre – – to give them vital roles in Thai society. The Thais have always subscribed to the ideal of religious freedom. Thus sizeable minorities of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs freely pursue their respective faiths.
Language
Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and other European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nation-wide.
Click Here are some basic Thai word that you'll always hear Thai people say and it's really helpful to know their saying.
Thai Festival
New Year Celebrations: January 1
To welcome in the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities that begin with early morning Buddhist merit making, and afternoon and evening folk entertainment are conducted in various parts of the country.
Magha Puja: February 8
This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious occasion when 1,250 of Lord Buddha’s aherents spontaneously congregated to hear him give a sermon. Merit-making ceremonies are held during the day at temples throughout the country, while at night, triple candlelit cireumambulation are staged around major temples.
Songkran Festival: April 13-15
The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated citywide, most notably at Sanam Luang, the large field fronting the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees, and at Wisutkasat where a Miss Songkran Beauty Contest is accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road in Banglampoo area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.
Visakha Puja: May 7
This is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist religious days, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. All over the country, people go to temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset. candlelit circumambulations take place around major temples.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony: May 15
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful tradition costumes. This ceremony is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
Asalha Puja: July 5
The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching of Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around the country.
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration: August 12
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
Thai Beer Festival: November - January , Citywide Bangkok
Every year, the various Thai breweries get together to conduct a Thai Beer Festival, which highlights sales of barbecued food, exotic Thai cuisine and of course beer. To add to this atmosphere of merriment, there are music and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy. Tourists can see this event, especially at the Central World and other locations around the city.
Loi Krathong: Full moon of November
It is an impressive and fascinating festival observed in all parts of the country on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, when the moon is in its splendor and water in all rivers and streams are full. It is intended primarily as an act of atonement to Mother River. Small receptacles made of banana leaves fashioned in the shape of lotus containing incense and candles, flowers and money are floated as a gesture of expiation. In Bangkok the festival is celebrated along the Chao Phraya River and canals. Hotels on the bank of the river also hold special events.
Trooping of the Colors: December 3
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colorful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations: December 5
The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occasion for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes all over the country are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue are spectacularly illuminated.
On December the 5th a big celebration can be seen at Sanam Luang at night when thousands of people gather to lit their candles and sing a song to honour H.M. the King. A long and impressive set of firework is displayed for this special occasion. Apart from these major events, Bangkok is also a venue to hold various events throughout the year. Check the festival calendar in Festivals & events in the main menu.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 Volt AC with flat 2 pin plugs. You can buy an adapter for shavers, laptop computers, mobile chargers, etc., on arrival at most department stores.
Currency and Exchange Services
Thai Currency The Thai unit of currency is the Baht which is worth a little less than 4 US cents. One US dollar = approximately 40 baht. The baht is divided into satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. "Silver" coins are in denominations of 1' 2 and 5 baht. A 10 baht coin is composed of both "silver" and "copper". Banknotes are valued at 10 baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (purple) and 1,000 baht (khaki).
Traveller's Cheques/ Cheques/Credit Cards US dollar traveler cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money changers. Traveler cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail. Generally, hotel exchange rates are lower then those offered by banks and authorized money changers. Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners, Carte Blanche, Master Card and VISA are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops. Thai and foreign banks provide standard services nation-wide, Monday through Friday, except public and bank holidays, between 8.30 AM and 3.30 PM.
Major banks such as Bangkok Bank, Thai Danu Bank, Thai Farmers Bank and Siam Commercial Bank operate currency exchange centers in most tourist areas from 7.00 AM to 9.00 PM, seven days a week, including holidays. Many first-class hotels provide 24'-hour money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American dollars, British pounds, German marks and Swiss francs. Traveler’s cheques are generally accepted only from bona fide hotel guests.
Exchange Control
Foreign tourists may freely bring in foreign banknotes or other types of foreign exchange. Upon leaving Thailand, a foreign tourist may freely take out foreign means of payments which he brought in with him, with the exception that foreign notes or coins are limited to a maximum equivalent of US$ 10,000 or the amount declared in writing to Customs upon arrival. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and/or prosecution.
For travelers leaving Thailand, the maxi- mum amount permitted to take out without prior authorization is 50,000 Baht per person
Foreign visitors may bring in personal effects and other goods which are not prohibited by current customs regulation. Other than personal effects, departing visitors are also allowed to take out merchandise bought from duty free shops, precious stones, gold and platinum ornaments.
Foreign visitors are welcome to open a foreign currency account with any commercial bank in Thailand. As a special gesture to non-residents, no restrictions are imposed on the maintenance of and withdrawal from the account, as long as the funds originate from abroad.
For additional information concerning foreign exchange regulations, please contact any authorized banks.
Do's and Don't in Thailand
Getting Along in Thailand:
Thailand is justly celebrated for its tolerance and hospitality and the average tourist will have no difficulty in adjusting to the local customs. All the same, as when coming into any unfamiliar society, a visitor may find it helpful to be aware of certain do's and don'ts and thus avoid giving accidental offense. Basically, most of these are simply a matter of common sense and good manners - not really all that different from the way one would behave in one's own country - but a few are special enough to be pointed out.
The Monarchy:
The Thai peole have a deep traditional reverence for their Royal Family and a visitor should also be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children. In a cinema for example, a portrait of the King is shown during the playing of the national anthem and the audience is expected to stand. When attending some public event at which a member of the Royal Family in present, the best guide as to how to behave is probably to watch the crowd and do what it does.
Religion:
When visiting a religious place
- Dress neatly. Don't go shirtless or in shorts, pants or other unsuitable attire. If you look at the Thais around you, you'll see the way they would prefer you to be dressed which, in fact is probably not very different from the way you'd dress in similar place back home.
- It's acceptable to wear shoes while walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Don't worry about dirt when you have to take them off; the floors of such places are usually clean.
- In a Muslim mosque, men should wear hats and women should be well-covered with slacks or a long skirt, a longsleeved blouse buttoned to the neck and a scarf over the hair. All should remove their shoes before entering the mosque and should not be present if there is a religious gathering.
- Buddhist priests are forbidden to touch or to be touched by a woman or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk or novice, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. Or in case of a woman who wants to present it with her hand, the monk or novice will spread out a piece of saffron robe or handkerchief in front of him and the woman will lay down the material on the robe which is being held at one end by the monk or novice.
- All Buddha images, large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred objects. Hence, don't climb up on one to take a photograph or generally speaking, do anything that might show a lack of respect.
Social Customs:
The do's and don'ts of Thai social behavior are less clearly defined than those concerning the monarchy or relogion - especially in a city like Bangkok where Western customs are better known and more widely accepted. However, what is acceptable in Bangkok may be much less so in the countryside where the old ways are still strong. Here, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally, a younger person wais an older, who returns it.
- It's considered rude to point your foot at a person, so try to avoid doing so when sitting opposite anyone and following the concept that the foot is a low limb, don't point your foot to show anything to anyone, but use your finger instead.
- Thais regard the heads as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively. As a result they don't approve of patting anyone there, even in a friendly gesture.
- Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
- Don't be surprised if you are addressed by your first name as for instance, Mr. Bob or Miss Mary - instead of by your surname. This is because Thais refer to one another in this manners, usually with the title "Khun" (Mr., Mrs. or Miss) in front.
Advice to Visitors:
1. Visitors are advised to use the Authorized Transportation Service for transfer from airport to town and other areas. Taxis are availble and an air-conditioned bus service costing 70 baht per person has been recently introduced.
2. Those who need help on accommodations, consult the Thai Hotel Association counter located next to the Transportation Service counter.
3. Beware of unauthorized persons who offer to take you around. Contact any reliable travel agents for a guide or Tourism Autherity of Thailand (TAT) counters for all tourist information.
4. Visitors are advised to use hotel taxi service at their hotel if they do not know their way around or can't speak local language.
5. Observe all normal precautions as regard to personal safety, as well as the safety of your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables - money, jewelry, airline tickets - are properly protected from loss.
6. Travel information is obtainable at Tourism Authority of Thailand counters located within the incoming passenger lounge Tel: 523 8973-3 and at the Main Office, 327 Bamrung Muang Rd. Tel. 226 0060 during working hours.
7. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, security, unethical practices or other matters, please call Tourist Assistance Center immediately at these telephone number: 281 5051, 282 8129 or contact Tourist Police Tel: 652 1721-6 or 1699.
8. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
Shopping Advice:
A great variety of souvenirs made from local products are available at fair prices in Thailand. For those who have not got very much time and do not want to bother bargaining, certain items are available at fixed prices in several department store while a bargain can be made at small shops or with street vendors. Some of the preferred items include silk products, leather products, silverware, ceramics and wood products.
Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellely at an unreasonable price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Gewellery Trades Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established so that visitors to Thailand who purchase gems and jewellery in the Kingdom are protected.
It is listed that establishments displaying this Emblem of Standard be patronized.
When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the
Jewel Fest Club :
your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate datailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees a refund less 10% if you return the merchandise to the point of sale within 30 days. A refund less 20% is guaranteed if the items are reeturned after 30 days but within 45 days of purchase.
For information on a regular list of the Jewel Fest Club's members, visitors may look at www.tourismthailand.org or contact the Jewel Fest Club (Tel: 267-5233-7, 235-3039 Fax. 267-5238, 235-3040)
Information from: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 911
Highway Patrol : 1193
Crime Suppression : 195 or 0 2513 3844
Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672
Immigration Bureau : 0 2287 3101-10
