Thailand General Background

Location
On the Southeast Asian mainland, adjoining the Lao People Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar to the North; the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand to the East; the Union of Myanmar and the Andamann Sea to the West and Malaysia to the South.

Area
The area of Thailand, compoased of 99.6% of land and 0.4% of marine territory, is approximately 514,000 sq km.

Well-known Cities
Bangkok is the capital; Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Ubon Ratchatani and Udon Thani are major cities.

Population
Approximately 62.4 million, with many ethnic groups.

Climate
Tropical, with an average low temperature of 23.6 degrees celcius and high temperature of around 39-40 degrees celsius during summer. Three seasons: monsoon from July to October, cool from November until February and hot from March until June.

Language
Thai is the official language, though business people usually understand English and some Chinese dialects.

National Flag
The flag, first introduced by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917, succeeded in earlier design that featured a white elephant on a red background. Comprising five horizontal bands of red, white and blue, the outer bands of red symbolise the nation, enclosing equal inner bands of white, representing religion. The blue band, occupying the central one-third of the total area, symbolises the monarchy. The design expresses the complementary nature of these three pillars of Thailand;s society.

Religion
All major religion are represented. Buddhism is practised by the majority of the population, followed by Islam and Christianity.

History
From prehistoric time, there had been human settlements in Thailand forming successive kingdoms / city states since the 13th Century, including Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thon Buri and Bangkok, which was founded in 1782. From that time, nine kings of the Royal House of Chakri have reigned over Thailand, of which the current monarch is Rama IX, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch.

Government
A constitutional monarchy since 1932, Thailand has a bicameral parliamentary system of democracy. An elected governor administers the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Appointed provincial governors administer the other 75 provinces, divided into districts (amphoe), sub-districts (tambon and villages.

National Symbol of Thailand
The Sala Thai (pavillion) is the country's archiitectural symbol and represents the skill of Thai craftsmen. Chang Thai (elephant or Elaphas maximus) is a symbol historically and traditionally associated with Thailand. The national flower / tree is the Ratchaphruek (Cassia fistula Linn), in English known as the pudding Piper Tree or Indian Laburnum.

International Relations
A member of UNESCO since 1949; a founding member of the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) and host of its regional centres, Thailand is the host of the regional headquarters of FAO, ESCAP and UNEP.

Education
Comprise twelve years of free basic education, six years of primary and six years of secondary education. There are 39,432 schools in Thailand, 37,781 under Minister of Education, 28 privately-operated universities and colleges and 18 state universities, including two open universities. There are 45 universities and 36 teacher training colleges in Thailand offering Diplomas and Degrees.

Information for Travellers
Foreigners seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for tourism, study, business, investment, employment or other purposes must possess valid travel documents. Passport holders from certain listed countries and Hong Kong SAR, do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom up to 30 days. Visitors from Brazil, the Republic of Korea and Peru may stay up to 90 days. (Note : Please see our VISA SECTION for more details).

Passport holders from certain countries may apply for tourist visas upon arrival at the immigration checkpoints for periods not exceeding 15 days. The visitor must possess living expense of 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family and a paid ticket, which is usable within 15 days from the date of entry. ( Please see our VISA SECTION for more details)

Useful Information while in Thailand
Dress conservatively in temples and government offices. Short trousers and skirts, and shirts that expose the shoulders are not acceptable at religious sites. Remove the shoes when entering temple or home. It is not polite to point at anyone or anything with your feet. In addition, do not touch anyone on the head as this is consideredd the most sacrosanct part of the body. Women should never touch monks at all. Try to never show anger or strong feelings in public. The monarchy and religion are held in the highest esteem and any comments or actions considered derogatory to either are not tolerated.

Transportation

Air Transportation :

International Airports
There are eight international airports in Thailand : The Bangkok International Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, Hat Yai Airport, Ubon Ratchathani Airport, U-Taphao (alternate) Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Domestic Airports
There are 26 domestic airports, Bangkok Airways is a private company with its own airports in Koh Samui, Sukhothai and Trat.

Airlines
Almost 100 Thai and international airlines operate in Thailand. Those of Thailand include Thai Airways International (THAI).

As Thailand's national airline, Thai Airways International proudly carries the nation's flag and prestige to 35 countries around the world, playing an important role in the development of Thailand's economy and trade, especially contributing to the massive growth in tourism over the past four decades.

For full information on all THAI's services and innovations, consult the company website

http://www.thaiairways.com

Rail
Railways link all regions of the country. Service is provided by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), with a network covering 4,180 km. The Southern Line connects with the Malaysian rail network, allowing passengers to journey as fas as Singapore. The Eastern Line connects Bangkok with the Eastern Seaboard and the Cambodian border, while the Western Line links with the border of Myanmar. The Northeastern Line connects Bangkok with Chiang Mai. First and Second Class sleeping accomodation and Second and Third Class non-air-conditioned seating are available. There is a fast rail link to the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, with an in-town terminus for passengers going to the airport.

Due to the continuing rise in fuel prices, the Government will develop more double track rail around Bangkok and along Eastern Seaboard.

http://www.railway.co.th

http://www.thailandrailway.com

The Eastern Oriental Express
This very luxurious train operated by Venice Simplon Express Limited runs once a week between Bangkok - Butterwirth - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore.

http://www.orient-express.com

Mass Rapid Transit System in Bangkok
The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) has an elevated light railway serving two routes, from On Nut to Mo Chit and Saphan Taksin to the National Stadium.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) operates an underground train line from Hua Lamphong Central Railway Station to Bangsue Railway Station, with interchanges with the BTS elevated light railway.

http://mrta.co.th

http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th

Roads
All regions are accessible by road. Stae and privately owned air conditioned and ordinary coaches serve every province. Car rental services are available. Foreigners must have a valid international driving license.

http://doh.go.th

Expressways
Expressways are the responsibility of the Expressway and Rapind Transit Authority of Thailand (ETA). There are now 175.9 km, of expressways in service.

http://www.eta.co.th

Highway Links
Major highways link Thailand with neighnouring countries, such as Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Myanmar.

Water
Water transport for cargo and passengers in Thailand is mostly confined to the Chao Praya River and connected canals. Ferries and speedboat services are common between the mainland and popular tourist islands.

Major seaports are Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Songkhla and Phuket. Planned ports include Pak Bara Deep Sea Port, in Satun province; the Second Chiang Saen River Port in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand and Songkhla Deep Sea Port.

http://www.port.co.th

Currency
The Thai currency unit is the baht, which is divided into 100 satang. Coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang (brass-colored), 1 baht (nickel), 5 baht (nickel with copper rim), and 10 baht (nickel with brass centre).

Notes are in 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (Red), 500 baht (purple), 1000 baht (grey) denominations.

The exchange rate against US dollars in early 2006 averaged out at 38.9 baht to 1 US dollar.

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( Source : Thailand Executive Diary 2007 )