 Thailand
Profile The Kingdom
of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometers,
lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between
India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west
and north, Laos to the northeast, Kampuchea to the east and
Malaysia to the south. Topographically the country is divided
into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile
Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and
the peninsula South distinguished by its many beautiful tropical
beaches and offshore islands.
Overview
Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:
Hot (March-May), Rainy (June-October) and Cool (November-February).
Average temperatures are around 27° c.
People
Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais
form the majority, though the area has historically been a
migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese,
Lao, Malay, Indian and, most strongly, Chinese stock produce
a degree of ethnic diversity.
Religion
The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, practised by
more than 90 percent of all Thais. The remainder of the population
adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths, all
of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism
continues to cast a strong influences on daily life.
History
The Thai people originated in Southeastern China where, in
650 AD they founded the independent kingdom of Nanchao which
thrived for 600 years. However, invasions and an unwillingness
to be incorporated into mainstream Chinese society led to
waves of migrations southward into what is now Thailand. Eventually
several groups of Thai migrants united and established Sukhothai
as their capital in the mid 13th century.
Although other civilizations
had existed on Thai soil much earlier,Sukhothai was the first
sovereign kingdom of Thailand. It flourished for over 100
years during which time the distinctive forms of Thai art,
architecture and culture were firmly implanted.
At approximately the same time,
King Mengrai, an ally of Sukhothai, was establishing the northern
Lannathai Kingdom, centered on Chiang Mai which was founded
in 1296.
In the mid 14th century a new
and more powerful dynasty arose at Ayutthaya, an island city
in the Chao Phraya River 85 kilometers north of present day
Bangkok.
Quickly gaining in wealth,
military might and prestige, Ayutthaya absorbed the former
kingdom of Sukhothai and remained Thailand's capital for 417
years, holding sway over most of the country except the North.
Ayutthaya prospered steadily,
reaching the height of its power in the 17th century when
diplomatic relations with the West were established and trade
agreements made with the leading European powers of the day.
Weakened by internal conflicts, Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese
in 1767.
After fleeing south, the survivors
of Ayutthaya were rallied under king Taksin who founded a
new capital at Thonburi and eventually succeeded in expelling
the Burmese from Thai soil.
On the death of Taksin in 1782
Chao Phraya Chakri was proclaimed king and as Rama I was founder
of the present Chakri dynasty. For strategic purposes, he
moved his capital across the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok.
Under the Chakri Kings the
borders of Thailand were consolidated and other parts of the
country were gradually brought under the full control of the
central government. Rama VI (King Mongkut, 18511868), secured
ties with the West, especially with France and Britain, while
at the same time, assuring his country's independence and
avoiding the colonial fate of all Thailand's neighbours.
King Mongkut's successor, Rama
V (King Chulalongkorn, 1868-1910), brought about many social
and political reforms that firmly guided Thailand into the
20th century.
The absolute monarchy was to
continue through the reign of Rama IV (1910-1925) and into
that of Rama VII (1925-1934). But in 1932 a coup d'etat succeeded
in bringing about a change to a constitutional monarchy. Rama
VII accepted the situation although he abdicated two years
after the coup.
The throne passed to the young
King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) who was succeeded by his brother
King Bhumipol (Rama IX), the present monarch.
Customs
One litre of alcoholic beverage and 200 cigarettes, plus reasonable
personal effects(such as one still camera, one movie or video
camera, personal jewellery etc) may be brought in duty free
and taken out on departure.
Narcotics, drugs, pornographic
material and firearms are strictly prohibited. Unlimited foreign
currency, traveller's cheques, money orders etc may be brought
into the country, but any amount over US$10,000 must be declared
on entry. Amount taken out of the country may never exceed
that declared upon entry.
Visas
Most nationalities do not require a visa for a stay of up
to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward travel.
Longer visits require a visa obtainable from Thai embassies
and consulates. Tourists visas permit stays up to 90 days.
For full details, contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.
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Activities
Travel to Thailand
Most visitors arrive through Bangkok's Don Muang International
Airport which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North
America, Asia and Australia. Flights, from Singapore, Kuala
Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land on a regular basis at Chiangmai,
Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai. Charter flights sometimes land
in Bangkok, Phuket, and at U-Taphao for Pattaya.
Regular rail services link
Singapore and Bangkok intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur,
Butterworth, Penang and major southern Thai towns.
Overland entry to Thailand
is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai- Malaysian
border, and the bridge spanning the Mekong River between Laos
and Thailand at Nong Kai.
There are no regular steamship
connection with Thailand. Cargo ships calling at Bangkok's
Khlong Toei port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities.
Cruise ships, such as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II, periodically
visit Pattaya.
Travel within Thailand
Thai Airways International (THAI) operates a wide domestic
network with daily flights linking virtually all major towns
with Bangkok. Ground transportation is extremely comprehensive
and comparatively inexpensive. There are convenient rail connections
with the North, Northeast and South, while air conditioned
coach and government bus services are operated from Bangkok
to all town throughout the country. Rental cars are also readily
available.
See Domestic flight schedule
Recreation
The Thais have adopted a number of modern forms of recreation
such as golf, tennis, ice skating, and bowling. But the local
sports of boxing and kite fighting are still very much the
preferred spectator sport in Thailand.
Thai Boxing is the most popular
and exciting spectator sport in Thailand, as well as a means
of self-defense for the Thai people. It also holds the prestige
of being the largest spectator "ring sport" in the
world. Unlike the Western-style of boxing, Thai Boxers are
allowed to use their feet, elbows, legs and shoulders. Bouts
are held at the Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.
Thai Boxing may also be seen on television every day, usually
in the evening. This is truly an unbelievable sport to see
in person, yet the squeamish probably should not attend, as
it is quite violent.
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
requires 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 a takraw 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.
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Business
Banks
Banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through
Friday, except public and bank holidays, between 10.00 AM.
and 3.30 PM. Bank currency exchange centres operate from 7.00
AM. to 9.00 PM, seven days a week including holidays.
Business hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day
week. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 AM
and 4.30 PM with a noon to 1.00 PM lunch break, Monday through
Friday, except on public holidays Private businesses maintain
much the same hours -perhaps 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM with certain
exceptions. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a
week.
There are also efficient business centres available if you
are on a business trip to Thailand for a few days.
Car hire
The Bangkok Yellow Pages lists local and international automobile
rental companies. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven automobiles
are widely available. Car hire companies also operate in Pattaya,
Hat Yai, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Those possessing valid International
Driver Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles.
Thai currency
The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins
are valued at 25 and 50 satang. Silver coins are in denominations
of 1,2 and 5 baht. Bank notes are valued at 10 baht (brown),
20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 bath (red). 500 baht
(purple) and 1000 baht (khaki)
Travellers cheques
/ credit cards
US dollar travellers cheques can be conveniently cashed at
all provincial banks and authorized money changers. Travellers
cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where
better rates prevail.
Major international credit
cards, such as American Express, Diners Club and VISA are
accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.
Currency exchange
Exchange facilities for cash and traveller' cheque are available
in banks, hotels, and foreign exchange booths located in tourists
areas.
Airport tax
Outgoing passengers on international flights from Bangkok's
Don Muang airport must pay 500 baht. 30 baht per person is
collected for domestic flights.
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Taxis
Hotel taxis have fixed tariffs. Taxis cruising the streets
of Bangkok have meters.
Telephone & Fax
In Thailand, you can contact virtually any city in the world
without any difficulty. International phone calls, telegraph,
telex, and bureau fax services are available at International
Telecommunication Services Center, near Bangkok's Central
Post Central as well as in most hotels.
Tipping
It is customary to tip hotel personnel who have given good
personal service. A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants,
particularly where service charge is waived.
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SERVICE
Health regulations
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are
coming from or passing through contaminated areas.
Clothing
Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Nylon should be avoided.
Sweaters are needed during cool season evenings or if visiting
mountainous areas and remote national parks.
Electricity
Thailand operates exclusively on 220 volt, 50 cycle AC power
Postal services
To send letters or packages to any desired destinations is
very convenient for visitors to Thailand. Post offices as
well as most hotels offer good postal services.
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