Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand (Prathet Thai, or “Land of the Free”), country in Southeast Asia. Central Thailand is dominated by a large fertile plain, formed by the country's chief river, the Chao Phraya, and its tributaries. Much of the country's rice and other crops are grown in this region. Mountains and plateaus surround the central plain on the west, north, and east. The western mountain ranges extend south onto the Malay Peninsula (Malaya). Bangkok, located on the Chao Phraya near the Gulf of Thailand, is Thailand's capital and largest city.

            Thai people form the large majority of Thailand's population, and most of them practice Theravada Buddhism. Other ethnic groups within the population include Chinese, Malays, and indigenous hill peoples, such as the Hmong and Karen. Thailand is known for its highly refined classical music and dance and for a wide range of folk arts.

           Thailand's official language is standard Thai, formerly known as Siamese, which is spoken by about 40 percent of the population. Thai is the predominant member of the Tai family of languages, which includes about 60 languages spoken throughout Southeast Asia.

General Information

Taxi - Fares should be negotiated before boarding as most taxis are not metered.

Tuk-tuk - Three-wheeled motorised vehicles are usually cheaper.

Bus - Fast, air-conditioned coaches serve larger towns and cities.

Driving - Driving is not recommended as the roads are congested.

Public telephones accept Bht 1 coins for local calls. The central General Post Office provides 24 hours international telephone and telegram services. Use registered post for urgent or important mails.

Economy

Major Exports : Rice, textiles, rubber, tin, rubies, sapphires, corn and tapioca.

Major Imports : Machinery, vehicles, oil and petrochemicals, minerals, raw materials and metals.

Major Trading Partners : ASEAN, USA and EU Countries.

Business Hours

Government offices and business open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Banks

The Bank of Thailand is the central bank. Major local banks include Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayutthya and Thai Farmers Bank. Several foreign banks are represented in Thailand. Banking hours are from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Health

There are numerous good hospitals and clinics in Bangkok and at major resorts. Drink only bottled or boiled water and ensure that food is well cooked.

Climate

Thailand experiences a typical monsoon climate. Winds blow from the northeast during the winter months of October to March or April (known as the “dry season”), while rain-bearing monsoon winds blow from the southwest during the summer months of April or May to September (the “wet season”). This remarkable annual wind reversal is related to changes in air pressure and temperature taking place above the high Tibetan Plateau. Due to these shifting winds, Thailand's climate varies markedly throughout the year. Conditions depend on the direction of the winds in relation to the north-south trending mountain systems. During the wet season each year, average rainfall is 1,500 mm (60 in), and during the dry season, rainfall averages between 150 and 250 mm (6 and 10 in). 

The Thai portion of the Malay Peninsula typically receives a large amount of rainfall, averaging 2,600 mm (100 in) per year, whereas northeastern Thailand normally experiences much less rainfall (1,300 mm/50 in per year). Temperatures are somewhat higher inland than they are along the coast, except at points of high elevation. In the south and center of the country, temperatures vary little from month to month, while in the northern hills temperatures are cooler during the wet season. In Bangkok, highs average 35°C (95°F) in April (usually the hottest month) but fall to 21°C (70°F) in December.

Traveller's Tips

Thais are generally easy-going and tolerant. Social customs are important, do not touch another person's head and avoid pointing your feet or crossing your legs in front of anyone. Visitors are expected to show respect for Thai monarchy and Buddhism. 

Eating Out

Thai cuisine is ich and spicy with liberal quantities of chilli. In cities and resorts, restaurants serve almost every national cuisine from East to West. Seafood is considered the national speciality.

Visas

Most visitors can stay for 30 days without a visa.

Light and cool clothes are suitable. For business, meetings, dining in top restaurants and some social functions, a jacket is appropriate. A light jacket or sweater is always advisable for Northern Thailand. Modest dress is required in temples and shrines.

For Further Information

Tourism Authority of Thailand
Le Concorde Building, 202 Ratchadapisek Road
Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
Tel : (662) 694 1222
Fax : (662) 694 1220 / 1
Email : centre@tat.or.th

The Thai Chamber of Commerce
150 Rajbopit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel : (662) 6221860
Fax : (662) 2253372
Email : tcc@tcc.or.th

More about Thailand

Back to Top