Destination Guides - Thailand

Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia, bordering Laos and Cambodia to the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to the south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west. Last Modified On: Wednesday, 06/August/2008 22:05:26pm Back to Previous

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The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok. The country's official name was Siam and changed to Thailand. Thailand is divided into 75 provinces which are gathered into 5 groups of provinces by location. There are also 2 special governed districts: the capital Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) and Pattaya, of which Bangkok is at provincial level and thus often counted as a 76th province.

Each province is divided into districts and the districts are further divided into sub-districts (Tambons). As of 2006 there are 877 districts (Amphoe) and the 50 districts of Bangkok. Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in land mass, whilst it is the world's 28th largest country in terms of population. It is comparable in population to countries such as Iran and Peru, and is similar in land size to France and California in the US; it is just over twice the size of the entire United Kingdom, and 1.4 times the size of Germany.

Travelers from 39 countries do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days. The applicant however must posses instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly. For the list of those 39 countries please visit www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php

The Thai unit of currency is the Baht. Major currency bills and travelers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centers and money changers. Travelers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changes are better than those at hotels and department stores.

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34oC); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October 9 average day temperature 29oC); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32oC to below 20oC with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during night time. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28oC almost all year round.

Most businesses in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week, from 10 am to 10 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.360 pm except on public holidays.

Airport departures taxes for international departure cost 500 baht/person at Donmuang International Airport, while departure tax for domestic flight has already been added to your ticket fare.

With Bangkok serving as the international travel of South East Asia, the capital serves ast the landing port for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights from their destinations. Some chartered and regional flights may land at one of the other international airports within Thailand, consisting of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Ubon Ratchatani. The country’s national airline is Thai Airways. Local carriers are: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, PB Air, Orient Thai and Air Asia. ( Note : Angel Air and Air Andamam are no longer service )