Locatoin

Thailand is situated in the heart of southeast Asia between India and China.Thailand shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the north-east, Kampuchea to the west, and Malaysia to the south. With an area of some 510,000 square kilometres and a population of 60 million. Thailand is comprised of 76 provinces; Bangkok is the capital city and central of commercial, industrial and cultural activities.Thailand is divided into four major regions: the mountainous of the North; the sprawling north-east plateau; the rice fields of central plain; long coastline and fine sandy beaches of the peninsular south.

Language

Thai is the official language and English is widely understood, are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations.

People

Thai 80%, Chinese 10%, Malay 3%, and the rest are minorities ( Mons, Khmers, Hill tribes )

Time

The time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT)

Climate

Thailand’s weather is influenced to three distinct seasons; summer from February to May with average temperature 34 degrees Celsius; rainy from June to September with average temperature 29 degrees Celsius; cool from November to January with average temperature 20 degrees Celsius.
Electricity

The electricity current is 220 volt AC throughout the country; travelers should carry a plug adapter kit. However many hotels will make available 110 volt transformers.

Telephone Service

-  For Bangkok calls, the number is starting with 02 xxx xxxx, and for provincial calls, an area code is added to the existing numbers.
-  For mobile phones, all Thai mobile numbers will be extended to 10 digits.
-  The international dialing code for Thailand is 66. When would like to make an international call to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0.
-  When would like to make an international call from Thailand, dial 001+country code + area code + telephone numbers.
-  Direct assistance calls 1133 for local and 100 for international.

Useful Calls in Bangkok

-  Bangkok Tourist Bureau       02-225-7612
-  Thai Airways for Reservation    02-280-0060
-  Bangkok Railway Station      1690
-  Eastern Bus Terminal            02-391-8057
- Southern Bus Terminal          02- 435-1199
-  Northern Bus Terminal          02- 936-2852
-  Emergency                             1133
-  Tourist Police                         191
-  The Immigration Bureau        02-287-3101

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Money

The Thai unit of currency is the Baht. Note are in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 baht. Coins commonly used 1, 5 and 10.
Traveler’s cheques and foreign currency notes are best changed in bank or authorized money changer (they need your passport for exchanging). In addition credit card is widely accepted for hotels and tourist shops, add a 3% to 5% surcharge for payment.

For lost credit card;
American Express Tel : (662) 273 5100
Diners Club Tel : (662) 238 2680
Master Card Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
Visa Card Tel : (662) 256 7326-7

V.A.T. Refunds : Visitors entering the kingdom on tourist visa are entitled to refund of the 7% V.A.T. on goods purchased at registered retail outlets.

Shopping

Many department stores in Bangkok have fixed prices, but other shops bargaining are acceptable. No fixed rules can be given on the process depending on the bargainer’s skill and the shopkeeper’s mood. An important thing to keep in mind is Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour to be put off by loss of temper.

Visa

Any foreigner seeking entry into the kingdom of Thailand for business, study, medical treatment, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from Thai Embassy, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act and its related provisions.

Notes: Please check the period of stay stamped in your passport by the Immigration officer. Visitors who overstay their visa will pay 500 baht for each excess day at the time of their departure.

Custom

-  Thailand is a Buddhist country, Buddha images are held consecrated. Profanely acts punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors.
-  Thai people hold their king and queen and the royal family in great honors, and a visitors should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal.
-  Thai women are conservative. So do not touch them without their consent.
-  Traditionally, Thais greet each other with a wai ( by pressing the palms together at the chest)
-  Use the title “Khun” for adults, that is the same as Mr or Ms in English to call Thai people first names.

-  Do not touch person’s head. The head is the noblest part of the body. A sincere apology should be offered if you touch someone’s head unintentionally.
-  Should not use your foot to point things out or touch any part of the body of anyone which is considered rude.

Dinning

-  Salt shakers are rarely found on Thai dinner tables, so add colour fish sauce instead, if you find your food not salty enough.
-  English is spoken in large restaurant in tourist provinces; and most establishments have menus Thai and English
-  Normally, tip of 5-10% of the bill should be left when dining in a middle or high class restaurant.

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Transportation

Air : Local carried Thai Airways TG and Bangkok Airways PG fly to most major provincial airports, the popular routes Chiang Mai and Phuket are operated by Thai Airways, the wonderful destination Koh Samui and Sukothai are provided by Bangkok Airways.
Check in for a domestic flight is one hour prior to departure time and departure tax has alrady included in your ticket fare.

Buses : Air-conditioned buses service many provincial areas and bookings for both regular and tour coaches can be made through major hotels and travel agents.

Trains : The State Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok to various destination in Thailand at very reasonable prices for express.
On the express trains, sleepers are available in 3 classes; first and second class with air-conditioned, and second and third class with fans.

Taxis : Taxis on streets of Bangkok, and designate “taxi-meter” cabs charge 35 baht for the first 3 kilometers and around 5 baht for every kilometer.

Tuk Tuks : Three wheel taxis are popular for short journeys inside Bangkok. Fare rage from a minimum of 30 baht to 200 baht but can negotiated.

Sky Train : The Bangkok Mass Transit System BTS is new choice of public transportation in Bangkok. It consists of two major routes; the Sukhumvit and Silom line with an interchange at Central Station.
The train runs daily from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. the fare range from 10 to 40 baht depending on the distance of the journey.

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