THAILAND PRACTICALITIES

 

Facts and Figures

Area: 517,000 sq km / 199,614 sq miles

Population: 65,000,000

Capital: Bangkok

Passport/Visa requirements

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. No visa is required unless staying 30 days or less.

Geography

Thailand is situated in the heart of South East Asia, bordered by Myanmar to the west and North, Lao to the north and north east, Cambodia to the south east and Malaysia to the south. Its range of geographical characteristics divides it into four natural regions. There is the semi-arid farmland of the north-east plateau, mountains and forests in the north, the fertile central region, which is dominated by vast rice fields, and the southern peninsula comprising of tropical islands which surround the long coastline. It is divided into 76 provinces.

Climate

Thailand has a tropical climate that is divided into three distinct seasons. Between February and May it is hot and dry, June to October is the rainy season, and between November and January the temperatures cool down slightly and a sweater can sometimes be needed at night.

Language

The official language is Thai although English is very widely spoken.

Money

The unit of currency is the Thai Baht. Most towns have banks with ATMs, which can be used to withdraw cash by any card with the cirrus logo. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely taken credit cards. Traveller’s cheques denominated in most major currencies can be exchanged in provincial centres.

Religion

95% Buddhism, 4% Muslim, 1% Other.

Time

7 Hours ahead of GMT

Electricity

220 V AC (50 Cycles). Mainly plugs need to be the round two pole type however some outlets have flat two bladed terminals.

Brief History

The earliest civilisation in Thailand (known as Siam until 1939) is believed to be the Mons. The Mons, known as the Dvaravati civilisation, brought a Buddhist influence from the Indian culture. In the 12th century, this met a Khmer culture moving from the east, the Sumatran-based Srivijaya culture moving north, and citizens of the Thai state of Nan Chao, in what is now southern China, migrating south. In the beginning of the 13th century they gradually succeeded in becoming free of the reign of the Khmer. The first Thai kingdom was Sukothai in the Central Plains from which originated an independent Thai culture. Ayutthaya, to the north of Bangkok, was the capital of the kingdom from the early 14th century, until its destruction by Burmese invaders in 1767 when Bangkok become first a temporary and later the permanent capital of Thailand. The Burmese were quickly forced out and the monarchy re-established.

The 20th century brought great change to Thailand. The absolute rule of the monarchy lasted until 1932, when it was replaced by a system of constitutional monarchy and the name of the country was changed in 1939 by Prime Minister Phibun Songkhram to "Thailand" (the literal translation means "Land of the Free".) After WW2 Thailand was dominated by the military and experienced more than twenty coups and countercoups interspersed with short-lived experiments with democracy. Democratic elections in 1979 were followed by a long period of stability and prosperity as power shifted from the military to the business elite.

The 1997-98 Asian financial crisis affected the Thai Baht badly and Thailand relied largely on external demand from the United States and other foreign markets to help it recover. By the turn of the new century, Thailand's economy had stopped going into free fall, but rebuilding had only just begun. Genuine attempts to weed out corruption seem underway, but the poverty-stricken of Thailand are still wary of promises and agitating for more reforms.

Today the Prime Minister is Thaksin Shinawatra, who leads the relatively new Thai Rak Thai Party (Thais Love Thais). Although Thaksin has so far been able broadly to deliver on his promises, he has faced opposition from anti-reform elements within his own Thai Rak Thai party, as well as accusations of corruption during his time as deputy prime minister in 1997.

Thailand’s most recent set back came in December 2004 when the west facing Andaman coast was hit by a tsunami, killing more than 5000 people. Worst affected were small family-run businesses and fishermen, whose buildings and boats were lost to the waters. However Thailand coped remarkably well and many tourist resorts were reopened within weeks of the event.

Natural History

Thailand provides potential habitats for an astounding variety of flora and fauna. It has 112 designated National Parks, which are home to many species including tigers, elephants, leopards, Malayan sun bears and sambar deer. Thailand has more species of bamboo than any other country outside China and 27,000 flowering species including Thailand's national floral symbol, the orchid. Thailand also has an extensive array of marine species living in the coral reefs surrounding the southern coastlines and islands.

Special Events

There are many more festivals and events that take place in Thailand but this is a short list of the main ones.

January 1 New Years Day

April 6 Chakri Day

April 13-15 Thai New Year

May 1 Labour Day

May 5 Coronation Day

August 12 Queens Birthday

October 23 Chulalongkorn Day

December 5 King’s Birthday

December 10 Constitution Day

December 31 New Years Eve

Music and Arts

Thai traditional music is a blending of musical elements from a number of cultures, namely Chinese, Indian and Khmer. Shadow puppet theatre has been a South East Asian tradition for perhaps five centuries and performances are often found in the south.

Immunisations/Malaria

Visitors to Thailand are typically advised to make sure they are up to date with their Diphtheria and Tetanus, Polia, Hepatitus A and Typhoid. Malaria can be a risk in some areas so we recommend you take your doctors advice, based on your travel itinerary, on whether or not you need to take anti malarial medication.

Getting Around:

Air: There are three domestic carriers, Thai Airlines International (THAI), Bangkok Airways and Angel Airways that make use of domestic airports in 26 cities across the country.

Transfers: Whilst we use reputable companies to transfer our clients from place to place there may be occasions when the ‘Thai time’ clashes with the ‘English time’ and the driver does not arrive as promptly as we may wish. If this is the case do wait for a good half-hour before ordering a taxi and call our local operator if possible.

Baggage

We strongly recommend you use lockable luggage, and don’t leave any valuables in unlocked side pockets.

Airports

If you have arranged a transfer, look out for your local representative outside the arrivals area. Please wait outside the arrival area for a reasonable amount of time e.g. half an hour. If your flight was late and you think they may not have waited please ring your contact number (provided by Magic of the Orient before you depart). If your plane is delayed or connection missed please try to phone the contact number and leave the new arrival time.

Honesty

The Thais are generally very friendly and helpful but unfortunately the tourist areas in Thailand can sometimes attract con artists. People may approach you on the streets offering you a one off bargain but always be wary and do not make a hasty decision. Be careful when shopping to count your change and don't change money with street touts.

British Embassy

1031 Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathurnwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. (02-305-8333)

Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 11:00 / 13:00 – 15:30 CHECK

Friday: 08:00 – 12:00

Useful Numbers

From Thailand to the UK: 00144 and number CHECK

To Thailand from abroad: international code is 66

Communications

Internet cafes are available in most towns and are the cheapest way of keeping in touch. Fax machines are becoming increasingly available in most towns as well as large hotels and post offices. Phone cards are widely available, as are phone booths in tourist areas, which provide a fairly cheap way to call Europe.

Media

There are two English language papers, The Nation and Bangkok Post, which are available daily in most provincial capitals. The most popular Thai language papers are Thai Rath and Daily News. Satellite and cable TV are available in most resorts.

Food and Drink

Thailand is well known for its excellent, if a little spicy at times, food. A main meal may consist of rice, soup, curry and a variety of condiments. Common flavours found in Thai food include garlic, chilli, ginger, lemon grass and coriander. Three Typical Thai dishes are Chicken in coconut milk with Laos (Tom Ka Kai), Fried noodles with a peanut sauce (Phat Thai), and Hot and Sour prawn soup spiced with lemon grass, coriander and chills (Tom yam Kung). For those who are brave enough you might like to try the pungent Durian fruit!

The three main beers brewed in Thailand are Singha, Kloster and Leo. The most popular local drink is Mekong Whisky, which is distilled from rice.

Tipping

Tipping is not normal practice although they are getting used to it in more expensive hotels and restaurants.

Shopping

Thailand's ethnic diversity means that it is host to a huge variety of arts and crafts including tailor made clothes, ceramics, hill-tribe crafts, jewellery and textiles. Bartering is expected except in major department stores.

Opening Hours

Most businesses are open between 08:30 and 17:00 Monday to Friday. Banks open 09:30 – 15:30 Monday to Friday.

What to pack

Thailand is hot all year round so lightweight cotton and linens are the most comfortable. A light jumper may be needed for the evenings especially if visiting in the cool season and a lightweight waterproof will be needed if visiting between June to October. You may like to take your own mask and snorkel, although the beach hotels do provide a selection that you can use. An international driving permit is necessary if you intend to drive while in Thailand.