About Thailand
Country
Thailand is located in the center of South East Asia sharing common borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
Population
The population is approximately 60 million people, 80 per cent of which are ethnic Thais, 10 per cent Chinese, 4 per cent Malays and Lao, Mons, Khmers, Indians and Burmese - reflecting the country's long history at the crossroads of South East Asia.
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons - summer from March to May, rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October through February. The average annual temperature is 28*c (82*f), ranging in Bangkok for example, from 30*c in April to 25*c in December.
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.
Time
The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Immigration
Citizens of most countries, holding valid passports or travel documents, are entitled to visit Thailand for the purpose of pleasure for a period of 30 days without applying for a visa. For further information, please check with the Royal Thai Embassy nearest to you.
Health Regulations
As in most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area.
Health & Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that all travellers purchase a health and travel insurance for their travel to Thailand.
Custom
Personal: Custom regulations allow you to bring in a reasonable amount of personal effects, a still camera, a video camera, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco and one litre of wine and spirits. Narcotics and pornography are strictly prohibited.
Professional: The import of stationery items for the use during conventions is not subject to import duties, as is professional presentation equipment imported under an ATA Carnet.
Currency
The Thai currency called baht, is based on the decimal system. One baht is divided into 100 satangs. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, one bath, 5 baht and 10 baht. Notes are in 10, 20, 50 100, 500 and 1,000 baht.
Business Hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, uaually from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Many stores open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a noon to 1.00 p.m. lunch break, Mondays to Fridays except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on public holidays.
