Country Information
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors. [top]
Language
Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide. [top]
Religion
Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%) [top]
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 93 degrees Fahrenheit and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to under 68 degrees Fahrenheit with a drop in humidity).
Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rain-forest climate with temperatures averaging 82 degrees Fahrenheit almost all year round. [top]
Clothing
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area. [top]
Mobile Phones
A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai and foreign customers who are traveling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range. [top]
Getting Online & Checking E-mail
All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services. Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels and at the many " cyber cafés " that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations. [top]
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
Highway Patrol : 1193
Crime Suppression : 195 or 0 2513 3844
Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Center : 1672
Immigration Bureau : 0 2287 3101-10 [top]
Activities in Thailand
Advisory
Please be advised that you may not be able to participate in certain activities after receiving your medical treatment. (Bangkok nightlife, for example, doesn't always go hand-in-hand with heart-surgery) Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate activities in which you can participate. [top]
Pampering
Thailand is famous for its Spa’s all over the world, with the most famous being the traditional Thai Massage. We have selected a number of high-class Spa’s, Beauty Salons, Hair Salons and Nail studios that specialize in looking after you in a way only the Thai can. Your hotel concierge will be able to advise you which will be the most suitable for you and assist you in scheduling an appointment. [top]
Shopping
Bangkok is one of the best and most popular shopping locations in Asia, and with good reason. Prices are low, quality is high and the range and variety is amazing - silks, gemstones, tailor-made clothes and traditional handicrafts are all highlights of Bangkok shopping. Silks, niello ware, lacquer ware, silverware, bronze ware, pewter ware, pottery, gemstones and jewelry and all types of handicrafts are particularly good souvenirs of a trip to Thailand, while clothes and tailor-made clothes are widely available and inexpensive. Your hotel concierge will guide you to the shopping areas that coincide with your personal desires and budget. [top]
Sightseeing
There is so much to see in Bangkok that it is impossible to mention it all here. There is a vast amount of temples and places of worship holding some of the largest Buddha statues in the world, which are a must-see during your stay. [top]
Entertainment
Bangkok is famous for its nightlife and offers an exciting choice of clubs and watering holes. These include pubs, karaoke lounges, bars, clubs and discos. [top]
Eating out
With gastronomic choice galore, eating out in Bangkok is amazing and inexpensive. Eating places range from five-star restaurants to food shops, café and street-side stalls and food carts. Thai food, both authentic and nouvelle dishes, can be found almost everywhere at small, sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly ornate ones, along the pavements, and in the markets. [top]