Thailand Info

Thailand’s most celebrated landmark, pictured on hundreds of travel posters, rises high above the banks of Chao Phya river across from Bangkok. From a distance, the towering central spire of Wat Arun The Temple of Dawn seems solidly coated with some strange glittering substance flashing like a gigantic jewel in the tropical sunlight. When examined closely, the imposing structure turns out to consist of countless bits of coloured porcelain cunningly set in a vast mosaic.

A similar discovery lies in store for anyone who wants to get more than a distant, superficial glimpse of Thailand itself. Though unified culturally and politically, to a degree rare among the countries of South East Asia, Thailand nevertheless proves on closer acquaintance to be a Kingdom of surprising diversity;
and you are constantly being surprised by it the longer you stay.

For too long, perhaps, writers have emphasized the prettier, more picturesque Thailand, to the exclusion of almost everything else, and have been unable to resist such tempting labels as “The Land of Smiles.” The description may be justified to the extent that Thais are remarkably friendly and more apt to smile than scowl on most occasions, sometimes even on solemn ones; but it is also misleading because it suggests that Thailand is an other worldly Shangri La where beaming faces flit charmingly in and out of the original stage set for the The King and I. Such a preconception proves inadequate with Bangkok, where the fantastic temples and palaces of legend coexist with supermarkets, flyovers, luxury hotels, and air-conditioned shopping centers filled with every conceivable modern want.

Lying inland from the apex of the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok – the countries international gateway, seat of government and monarchy, and booming metropolis – can also seduce the unwary into thinking that it’s highly westernized surface is an accurate reflection of the entire nation; yet Thailand is still basically a country of villages and towns following traditional ways; a full 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture. Tradition still exerts a powerful influence, even in the clamorous streets of the capital.

Diversity and a wide range of contrasts also characterize Thailand’s geography. Within an area 517,000 square kilometers – which makes the country roughly the size of France or slightly smaller the US state of Texas – the landscapes includes tropical rain forests, agriculturally rich plains, and forest clad Himalayan hills. All these types of typography lie just 5º to 21° north of the equator, in the center of the geographical jigsaw puzzle of South East Asia.

Religion:
Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths - all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (Wat) is the heart of social and religious life. Wat, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundament

Topography:
Thailand is divided into four distinct areas : the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semiarid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Climate:
Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29 C, ranging in Bangkok from 35 C in April to 17 C in December. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October), though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours.

Population:
Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity

What To Wear:
Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during the cool season evenings or if visiting mountainous areas or national parks. Jackets and ties are required in a few restaurants and nightclubs. Neat clothes are required for entering temples or palaces.

Business Hours:
Most offices open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. General banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Currency:
There are 100 Satangs in 1 Baht. (B=Baht) Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50 (blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 Baht coin, and 50 and 25 satang. Most foreign currencies and traveller cheques are easily changed at banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the kingdom.

Electricity:
The electric system is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles). There are many plugs and sockets in use. Travellers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit.

What vaccinations do I need before coming to Thailand?
There are no required vaccinations, unless you are coming from an infected area.