Thailand
The country covers an area of 513,000 Sq Km (198,000 square miles), stretching from 5 to 21 degrees north of the equator. It lies between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. It is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the west and north, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. The kingdom has four very different regions.The North is mountainous. The Central Plains are a fertile rice bowl. The Northeast is an upland plateau. The South is a peninsula lined with stunning tropical beaches and enticing islands. Getting around is easy. All major places are connected by a good modern road network. Air-conditioned buses run regularly between towns and cities. Local buses are plentiful. The railway system connects Bangkok with all four regions.
Travellers Essentials: Things you need to know
Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate
with three seasons: hot from February to May, rainy from June to October (but
the downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours) and cool from November
to January. Temperatures range from 35° Celcius in April to a pleasant 20° Celcius
in December.
People
Thailand has a population of about
60 million. The majority are ethnic Thais, but historically the area has been
a migratory crossroads, and you will find Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian
and, especially, Chinese. Despite this diversity, the country has a great cultural
and social harmony. Everyone speaks the same Thai language, even though there
are subtle differences of dialect in the various regions and localities. Each
region also has a unique identity, moulded by the landscape and people. The
North is an area of forested mountains, populated by hill peoples and lowlanders.
In the South, the beaches and islands contrast with rainforests and rubber plantations
in the interior. The Malay-Muslim element in the population gives this region
its special cultural flavour. Between North and South lies the Central Plains,
the country's ricebowl and cradle of Thai civilization. The Northeast has a
tougher climate but has a rich culture from its long historical association
with Laos and Cambodia to the east.
History
Archaeological discoveries around
the northeast hamlet of Ban Chiang suggest that the world's oldest Bronze Age
civilization was flourishing in Thailand some 5,600 years ago. By the early
1200s, Thais had established small northern city states in Lanna, Phayao and
Sukhothai. In 1238, two Thai chieftains rebelled against Khmer suzerainty and
established the first truly independent Thai kingdom in Sukhothai (literally,
"Dawn of Happiness"). Sukhothai saw the Thais' gradual expansion throughout
the entire Chao Phraya River basin, the establishment of Theravada Buddhism
as the paramount Thai religion, the creation of the Thai alphabet and the first
expression of nascent Thai art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture
and literature. Sukhothai declined during the 1300s. And it eventually became
a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a dynamic young kingdom further south in the Chao
Phraya River valley. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya remained the Thai capital until
1767 when it was destroyed by Burmese invaders. During Ayutthaya's 417 years
as the capital, under the rule of 33 kings, the Thais brought their distinctive
culture to full fruition, totally rid their lands of Khmer presence and fostered
contact with Arabian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and European powers. Ayutthaya's
destruction was as severe a blow to the Thais as the loss of Paris or London
would have been to the French or English. However, a Thai revival occurred within
a few months and the Burmese were expelled by King Taksin who later made Thon
Buri his capital.In 1782, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty, Rama
I, established his new capital on the site of a riverside hamlet called Bangkok
(Village of Wild Plums). Two Chakri monarches, Mongkut (Rama IV) who reigned
between 1851 and 1868, and his son Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) saved Thailand
from western colonization through adroit diplomacy and selective modernization.
Culture
Thailand's world-renowned style
of kick boxing draws big crowds. Another local sport is takraw, which is played
rather like volleyball but with feet instead of hands, which requires some acrobatic
skill. Kite-flying is a popular favourite. Festivals linked either to Buddhism
or to the changing seasons are celebrated with exuberance throughout the year.
Language
Thais are very proud of their language.
It is the carrier of the cultural and artistic heritage, and also a mark of
Thailand's long-standing independence and sovereignty. There are 44 consonants,
32 vowels and five tones in Thai pronunciation, and a script which has its origins
in India. However, English is now quite widely understood, particularly in Bangkok
where it is almost the major commercial language. It is even difficult to give
a precise rendering of Thai words in the western alphabet. Although the tones,
some vowels and consonant sounds have no English equivalent, don't be completely
discouraged. Here are some basic greetings and phrases for you to try.
Hello (female speaker) sawasdee kaa
How are you? sabai dee reu
Fine thanks sabai dee
Thank you kop koon
Never mind mai pen rai
I don't understand mai kao chai
Do you understand? kao chai mai
Where is the rest room? hong nam yoo tee nai
How much does this cost? nee tao-rai
What is this? nee arai
Administration
Today, Thailand is a constitutional
monarchy. Since 1932, Thai kings including the present monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol
Adulyadej haveexcercised their legislative powers through a national assembly,
their executive powers through a cabinet headed by a prime minister, and their
judicial powers through the law courts.
Religion
Over 90 percent of Thais follow
Theravada Buddhism (a branch of Hinayana Buddhism), and Buddhism is the most
powerful force in the nation's culture. In keeping with Buddhist teaching, the
Thais are a peace-loving nation. Muslims are the second-biggest religious group,
but there are also Christians, Hindus and other faiths. Tolerance is total,
and there is no history of religious conflict.
How to get to Thailand?
Travelers can make their way into
Thailand by plane, boat, or train. Most people enter Thailand by air, via Bangkok's
modern Don Muang Airport. The airport has restaurants, an inoculation center,
banks and shops. There are also international airports at Chiang Mai, Phuket,
Hat Yai, and Chiang Rai. Travelers are advised to use only authorized baggage
handlers and taxis to get to town. In addition to the air-conditioned airport
bus and limousine service, shared-seat mini-buses operate between the airport
and hotels. Taxi fares are quite reasonable, and rates between Don Muang and
Bangkok are fixed.
Entry by sea is likely to be via the Eastern Gulf of Thailand into Pattaya, the resort island off the southern tip of the country. Passenger ferries connect Bangkok with Samui and Songkhla and hydrofoil service with Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chumphon, Samui, and Songkhla. Cruise passengers are expected to be transported in small craft for sightseeing excursions in Bangkok or for relaxing on Pattaya's beaches. Cunard Line, Cunard/NAC, Royal Cruise, and Royal Viking Line often schedule port calls in Pattaya. The Eastern & Oriental Express (Tel. +1 (800) 524-2520) offers luxury service linking Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Fares for the complete three-day/two-night trip include all meals. Shorter trips can also be booked.
Getting Around
Local transportation in Thailand
ranges from good to bad and can be tricky. There is excellent transportation
from Bangkok to other parts of the country via bus, train, or domestic plane
service, and within the cities via taxi, three-wheeled motorized tuk tuks, bicycle-powered
samlors (rickshaws), or songthaews (pick-up trucks with benches for seats).
Taxi drivers keep the meter running, so each new passenger must bargainover
the fare before the journey begins. Bangkok in particular has a crazy traffic
system, with noise, fumes, and heat at every curve. Many hotels suggest that
their guests use the hotel taxi system. It's relatively expensive but not a
bad idea for a short visit, and the air-conditioning provides a break from Bangkok's
heavily polluted air. The city's thousands of tuk tuks are less expensive than
taxis.
Buses operate regularly from the city to Pattaya (21/2 hours), and to the north, east, and south. There are three different bus terminals, so make sure you have the right one for your destination. Fares are very reasonable.
Trains in Thailand are well-run and usually on time, and they're an excellent way to see the lush landscape. Three classes of service are offered on lines that run to the north, northeast, east and south. Fares are relatively reasonable, especially in second class.
For local flights, Thai Airways is one of the best carriers in Southeast Asia, offering frequent daily flights between the capital city and popular tourist areas. For those planning a lot of air travel in Thailand, a special Discover Thailand's Natural Heritage fare is available. Call +1 (800) 426-5204 for information.
Rivers and klongs (canals) are a vital part of life in Thailand. Many picturesque klongs that once crisscrossed the country have been sacrificed to modernization, but plenty of interesting river trips are still available to visitors. In Bangkok, these trips embark mainly from the pier beside the Oriental Hotel, which operates the posh Oriental Queen riverboat on daily trips to Ayuthaya and on dinner cruises every evening.
Touring the klongs by hang yao (long-tailed motorized boats) is one of the highlights of anyone's stay, for you can view a lively panorama of typical Thai life and the daily floating markets. The price of a seat is only a few baht per person, or you can charter your own by the hour. These crafts are not especially seaworthy, so children should be safely guarded. Expect to be splashed.
Water tours outside Bangkok are also popular but may be slightly dangerous. The United States State Department advises that travelers do not venture unaccompanied along the waterways of the Golden Triangle area because bandits have been known to harass and rob tourists. It is also advisable to stay away from the Cambodian border.
Business Hours
Most businesses, government offices
and shops usually open from 7:30AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday and half
days on Saturday. Many offices close for an hour or two at lunch time. Some
shops and markets close at 9:00PM.
Visa
Nationals from 56 countries can
now stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without an entry visa, according to a
new regulation adopted by theImmigration Division in early February 1995. For
visitors from 76 other countries,visas valid for 15 days may be obtained on
arrival at any of the four airports at Don Muang,Bangkok,Chiang Mai ,Phuket
and Hat Yai. Categories of visas in Thailand are : Transit,Visitor Transit Tourist,
Non–Immigrant and Non Quota Immigrant. A tourist who wants to overstay his visa
must apply to the immigration Division of the Police Department with the following:
The duplicate copy of his or her passport,one photograph and a medical certificate only in the case of being sick.
Clothing
Thin cotton is the best.A jacket
or pullover may be necessary in the cool season,especially when you are in mountainous
areas in the North or Northeast.
Shopping & Entertainment
Gaysorn Plaza
The Gaysorn plaza is ideally located at Ploenchit road and is famous for its wide selection of imported brand name
clothing, trendy restaurants and imported household furnishings.
Hua Hin - Khomapastr
The Khomapastr factory is well-known for its printed cotton material and ready-made household items such as cushion
covers, bags, table cloths, and drapes.
Hua Hin - Night Bazaar
This is a fun place to visit when the sun sets in Hua Hin. Popular with both locals and tourists, the bazaar has
stalls selling food and drink, clothes, sea shells and other gift items.
Peninsula Plaza
Located at Ratchadamri road, the
plaza is an ideal shopping center for those looking for imported brand name
labels, jewellery, top local fashion designers and gourmet shops.
Rayong/Chantaburi
Khap Ploy Waen
At Tambon Bang Kaja is the province's
first gem mine where villages mine, process, and market the gems. The area is
also a centre for gems coming from Trat.
Gem Market
At Sri Chan Road and Trok Krajang.
This is where the gems trade proliferates for both cut gems and gemstones. Uncut
stones are traded on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8.00am-3.00pm. The
noisy and chaotic atmosphere is part of the fun of Chantaburi.
Khap Ploy Waen
Sells local handicraft such as the
Chantaboon woven reed mats and other woven products, as well as Chantaburi rice
noodles.
Thailand Duty Free Shops
Thailand Duty Free Shops ( Tel. 2678550, 2678551 ) Located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center, Ratchadamri
Road, Thailand Duty Free shops (TDFS ) is the only government operator of downtown
Duty Free shops in Thailand. Open everyday from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm.
Weekend Market
Weekend Market at Chatuchak Park.
This large open public ground covers approximately 35 acres opposite the Northern
Bus station on Phahonyothin Road. Known as Suan Chatuchak, it hosts the popular
Weekend Market where people buy and sell a thousand local products. Items range
from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, dress materials, furniture,
toys, domestic utensils and pets. There is a particularly fine section for plants.
The Weekend Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm.