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The Kingdom of Thailand
covering an area of 514,000 square kilometers, lies in the heart
of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It
shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the
northeast, Kampuchea to the east and Malaysia to the south.
Topographically the country is divided into four distinct areas:
the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid
plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South distinguished by
its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore Islands. |
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Climate :
Thailand has a tropical climate
with three distinct seasons: Hot (March-May), Rainy (June-October)
and Cool (November-February). Average temperatures are around 27°
c. |
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People :
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. |
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Religion :
The national religion is Theravada
Buddhism, practised by more than 90 percent of all Thais. The
remainder of the population adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu
and other faiths, all of which are allowed full freedom of
expression. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influences on
daily life. |
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History:
The Thai people originated in
Southeastern China where, in 650 AD they founded the independent
kingdom of Nanchao which thrived for 600 years. However, invasions
and an unwillingness to be incorporated into mainstream Chinese
society led to waves of migrations southward into what is now
Thailand. Eventually several groups of Thai migrants united and
established Sukhothai as their capital in the mid 13th century.
Although other civilizations had existed on Thai soil much
earlier, Sukhothai was the first sovereign kingdom of Thailand. It
flourished for over 100 years during which time the distinctive
forms of Thai art, architecture and culture were firmly implanted. |
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In the
mid 14th century a new and more powerful dynasty arose at
Ayutthaya, an island city in the Chao Phraya River 85 kilometers
north of present day Bangkok.
Quickly gaining in wealth, military might and prestige, Ayutthaya
absorbed the former kingdom of Sukhothai and remained Thailand's
capital for 417 years,holding sway over most of the country except
the North.
Ayutthaya prospered steadily, reaching the height of its power in
the 17th century when diplomatic relations with the West were
established and trade agreements made with the leading European
powers of the day. Weakened by internal conflicts, Ayutthaya fell
to the Burmese in 1767.
After fleeing south the survivors of Ayutthaya were rallied under
king Taksin who founded a new capital at Thonburi and eventually
succeeded in expelling the Burmese from Thai soil.
On the death of Taksin in 1782 Chao Phraya Chakri was proclaimed
king and as Rama I was founder of the present Chakri dynasty. For
strategic purposes he moved his capital across the Chao Phraya
River to Bangkok.
Under the Chakri Kings the borders of Thailand were consolidated
and other parts of the country were gradually brought under the
full control of the central government. Rama VI (King Mongkut,
18511868), secured ties with the West, especially with France and
Britain, while at the same time, assuring his country's
independence and avoiding the colonial fate of all Thailand's
neighbours. |
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King
Mongkut's successor, Rama V (King Chulalongkorn, 1868-1910),
brought about many social and political reforms that firmly guided
Thailand into the 20th century.
The absolute monarchy was to continue through the reign of Rama IV
(1910-1925) and into that of Rama VII (1925-1934). But in 1932 a
coup d'etat succeeded in bringing about a change to a
constitutional monarchy. Rama VII accepted the situation although
he abdicated two year after the coup.
The throne passed to the young King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) who
was succeeded by his brother King Bhumipol (Rama IX), the present
monarch. |
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Americas |
: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, U.S.A. |
| Asia |
: Bahrain,
Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, *Republic of Korea,
Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, United Arab Emirates |
| Pacific |
: Australia,
Fiji, *New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
Vanuatu, Western Samoa. |
| Africa |
: Algeria,
Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco,
Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen. |
| Europe |
: Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Slovene, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. |
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Persons
meeting the above conditions are exempted from visa and are
permitted to remain in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30
days, except for the nationals of the Republic of Korea and New
Zealand, who are permitted to stay in Thailand for maximum 90 days
from the days of entry.
Note : Please check the period of stay stamped in your
passport upon entry into the kingdom |
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Travel to Thailand:
Most visitors arrive through
Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport which is connected by
daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Flights, from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land
on a regular basis at Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai.
Charter flights sometimes land in Bangkok, Phuket, and at U-Taphao
for Pattaya.
Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok intermediary
stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang and major southern
Thai towns.
Overland entry to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings
on the Thai- Malaysian border, and the bridge spanning the Mekong
River between Laos and Thailand at Nong Kai.
There are no regular steamship connection with Thailand. Cargo
ships calling at Bangkok's Khlong Toei port sometimes have
passenger cabin facilities. Cruise ships, such as Cunard's Queen
Elizabeth II, periodically visit Pattaya. |
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Car hire:
Self-drive and chauffeur-driven
automobiles are widely available. Car hire companies also operate
in Pattaya, Hat Yai, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Those possessing valid
International Driver Licenses may prefer to hire automobiles.
Thai currency:
The baht is divided into 100
satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. Silver
coins are in denominations of 1,2 and 5 baht. Banknotes are valued
at 10 baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 bath
(red). 500 baht (purple) and 1000 baht (khaki)
Travellers cheques / credit cards:
US dollar travelers cheques can be
conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money
changers. Travelers cheques in other currencies are best changed
in Bangkok where better rates prevail.
Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners
Club and VISA are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and
shops. |
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Currency exchange:
Exchange facilities for cash and traveller' cheque
are available in banks, hotels, and foreign exchange booths
located in tourists areas.
Airport tax:
Outgoing passengers on
international flights from Bangkok's Don Muang airport must pay
500 baht. 30 baht per person is collected for Domestic flight
except Samui flight, at baht 400 per person is collected at Samui
Airport.
Clothing:
Light, loose cotton clothing is
best. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during cool
season evenings or if visiting mountainous areas and remote
national parks.
Electricity:
Thailand operates exclusively on 220 volt, 50 cycle
AC power
Taxis:
Hotel taxis have fixed tariffs.
Taxis cruising the streets of Bangkok have meters.
Telephone & Fax:
In Thailand, you can contact
virtually any city in the world without difficulty International
phone calls, telegraph, telex, and bureau fax services are
available at International Telecommunication Services Center, near
Bangkok's Central Post Central as well as in most hotels.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip hotel
personnel who have given good personal service. A 10% tip is
appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is
waived. |
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