About Thailand

                                                           

Thailand means “ land of the free “ and throughout its 800 years history, Thailand can boast the destination of being the only country in South East Asia never to have been colonized. Its history is divided into many periods. But now Thailand is in Rattanakosin period. The country old name was Siam and has changed to Thailand with the advent of democratic government in 1939. Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a ranch of Hinayana Buddhist. Buddhist 92.55 %, Muslim 5.29 %, Christian 1.34 %, Other 0.79%.

Thailand has a land area of 517,000  sq. kms. bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar

(West & North), Laos ( North & East ) and Cambodia ( Southeast ).

GMT plus 7 hours

Thailand has a tropical climate. Temperature varies from 38 °C to 19 °C. Average temperatures are about 29 °C ; humidity from 66 % to 82.8 %

Thailand has three seasons : namely Summer Season (March to May),  Rainy Season (June to October),  Winter Season (November to February)

Total over 65 million

The red, white, and blue bands symbolize the nation, Buddhism and the monarchy respectively.

Normally the tropical climate calls for washable-cotton, light and loose dresses with comfortable shoes or sandals. A jacket or sweater may be necessary in the cool season, especially in a mountainous area in the North or Northeast. Umbrellas are necessary during the rainy season.

220 volts, 50 cycles  throughout the country.

Drink only bottled or boiled water.

Most offices open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

General banking hours are 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Rice, tapioca, rubber, coconuts, sugar, maize, pineapples, cotton, palm oil

Textiles, cement, electronics, cars, trucks, gems and jewellery

The basic monetary unit in Thailand is the Baht. A baht is divided into 100 satang. The following coins and notes are currently in use :Coins : 25 and 50 satang ( Copper coins ) ; 1, 5 and 10 baht ( Silver coins )Bank notes : 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (grey) baht.Most foreign currencies can be exchanged for Thai baht with banks and authorized money changers. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in tourist centers.