Thailand
Thailand, once called Siam, occupies an area of 518,000 square kilometres (about
the same size as France). The Kingdom has a population of some 60 million
people, of whom over ten percent live in the capital city, Bangkok.
Over 95 percent of the population are
Buddhist, with Muslim, Christian, Hindu and
animist minorities. Their national language
is Thai, although many speak local and
Chinese dialects. English is also widely
spoken, especially in cities and towns.
Thailand shares borders with Malaysia,
Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Cambodia.
THAI's international gateways: Bangkok,
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai.
Climate
Thailand's climate is tropical, with three
main seasons:
Hot: March to June
Rainy (monsoon): July to October
Cool: November to February.
Average temperatures range from 20-35C.
The weather is always cooler in northern and
forested hill regions.
Visas
Most nationalities do not need prearranged
visa, this being granted on arrival for a stay
of up to 30 days. other nationalities can obtain
a 15-day visa on arrival (two photos needed).
For a longer stay of up to 60 days, a tourist
visa can be obtained in advance from
overseas Thai diplomatic missions and
embassies.
Customs
Duty-free allowance for visitors is 200
cigarettes and one litre of wine or spirits.
Import of weapons or pornography is
forbidden. Penalties for attempted
smuggling of drugs are very severe.
Any amount of travellers cheques or
drafts may be imported, but cash in excess
of US$ 10,000 must be declared on arrival.
Not more than 50,000 Baht may be exported
in cash. Antiques and Buddha images require
export licences, applied for at Bangkok
Department of Fine Arts.
Health
Certificates of inoculation for cholera or
yellow fever are only required if arriving
from an infected area. Some border areas of
Thailand are malarial, so appropriate
precautions should be taken. Bangkok,
major cities and resorts have excellent
medical facilities and most hotels have
doctors on 24-hour call.
Do not drink tap water. Purified bottled
water is available everywhere.
Airport
In Bangkok, THAI operates a reliable airport/city transfer service. An air-conditioned
limousine costs between B500 and B650
depending on model, to any city destination.
A regular free shuttle bus operates between
Bangkok's International and Domestic air
terminals.
A THAI limousine from Bangkok
Airport to Pattaya costs B1,500 one-way.
THAI also operates a bus service, daily, from
the airport to Pattaya, fare is B200. In
Bangkok a multiroute Airport Bus service
operates to key points in the city centre, fare
B70. All airports have free baggage trolleys.
Airport departure tax: B500 for international
flights, B30 for domestic.
Currency, Credit Cards
& Tipping Click Here For Currency Exchange
Thai currency is the Baht, divided into
10O Satang. Notes are in denominations of
Bl,000, B500, B100, B50, B20 and B1O. Coins
are of B1O, B5, B1 and S50, S25. Cash and
travellers cheques can be exchanged freely,
with banks or money changers giving better
rates than hotels. Major international credit
cards are widely accepted in hotels,
restaurants and shops.
Tipping is widely practised. In restaurants
give 10% if service charge is not included.
Hall porters and bag boys BI1O-20. Taxis are
not tipped.
Travelling In Thailand
THAI operates regular domestic flights to
all major cities and towns throughout the
country. Thailand's rail services are efficient,
with overnight sleepers available on trunk
routes.
Car Hire
Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars
are available, with leading car rental
companies having desks at main airports.
Self-drive is not recommended in Bangkok,
but is a good way to explore upcountry
areas. An international driving licence is
required, although most agencies accept
American, EU or Australian national
licences. Driving is on the left.
Getting Around Bangkok
Most hotels operate reliable limousine
services, but these are more expensive than
public taxis, which are numerous at all times
of day. Use only those with rooftop 'taxi
meter' sign, and ensure that the meter is
switched on before you start. Take a hotel
card, with name in Thai, to assist return
journey. Tuk-tuks (three-wheel mini taxis)
are cheaper, but must be bargained for in
advance and drivers do not usually speak
much English. Bangkok has a new skytrain
system serving key central areas and comprehensive public bus service throughout
the city.
Local Time
Thailand time is GMT + 7 hours.
Electricity
Electric current is usually 220 volts A/C (50
cycles). Various plug sockets are in use; better hotels supply adaptors and transformers
for 110V equipment.
Business Hours
Government offices work a five day week,
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm., except
public holidays. Business offices usually
open and close half an hour later than these
times and some work Saturday mornings.
Banks open Monday to Friday 9.30am to
3.30pm.
Shopping
Bargaining is widely practised, except in
department stores and up-market shops
where prices are usually fixed.
Be cautious when buying jewellery,
insisting on a guarantee of quality and fully
descriptive receipt, in case of subsequent
claim. Visitors are strongly advised not to
accept the services of shopping touts who
may approach them in the streets. The shops
to which you are directed will pay the touts a
hefty commission, which will be included in
the price you pay.
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