|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
THAILAND - Practical Information
Thailand, Thailand, officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers. It is similar in size to France and has a population of about 60 million. Approximately 95 percent of Thai citizens are Buddhists. The remainder of the populace is comprised of Muslims, Christians and Hindus. Geographically, Thailand is divided into four main regions: the Central Plains, the North, the Northeast and the South. The majority of the population lives in the fertile Central Plains, where the capital city of Bangkok is located. The Northern region, dominated by Chiang Mai (Thailand's second largest city), is an area of mountains and fertile valleys. In contrast to the Central and the Northern regions, the Northeast has harsh climatic conditions and is the least fertile region of Thailand. The South is famous for its fine beaches and idyllic limestone islands.
Thailand proudly proclaims that it has never been colonized. One positive aspect of this fact is that the country has retained its unique culture, traditions and language. With a long, rich heritage and abundant natural resources, Thailand is without doubt one of the most exotic countries in Asia.
CLIMATE
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:
|
|
|
|
Hot Season: |
March - May |
Rainy Season: |
June - October |
| Dry Season: |
November – February |
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season. The average annual temperature is about 80-85°F. The northern region can be a bit cold during the cool season. Be sure to bring along a sweater or a light jacket if you intend to visit this region around that time of the year. During the rainy season, downpours hardly last more than a couple of hours.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date is required. US nationals do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. But, return ticket or onward travel arrangement needs to be presented upon request at your arrival in Thailand. These requirements are subject to change.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
No vaccinations are presently required unless you are traveling from or through contaminated areas. It is recommended that you be immunized against polio, typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A and B.
MONEY MATTERS
Currency: The Thai monetary unit is the Baht. There are 100 Satang to one Baht. Coins are used in denominations of 25 Satang, 50 Satang, 1 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. Bank note denominations comprise 20 Baht (green), 50 Baht (blue), 100 Baht (red), 500 Baht (purple) and 1000 Baht (gray). Notes are also scaled in size; the larger the denomination, the larger the note.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Money and travelers checks of all major currencies can be exchanged at hotels, banks, exchange booths and mobile exchange kiosks in tourist areas.
CREDIT CARDS:
Credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, major hotels, up-market shops and restaurants. They can also be used for cash advances at banks and exchange counters. The most commonly accepted cards are VISA and MasterCard, followed by American Express, JCB and Diners Club.
ELECTRICITY
The electric current for the whole of Thailand is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. Dual-prong rounded plugs as well as flat-pin plugs can be used in sockets. Adaptors are provided by most of the hotels.
AIRPORT TAX
Airport tax or departure tax is required to be paid by all international and domestic passengers departing from any Thai airport. The airport tax & insurance surcharge of a domestic flight ticket bought within Thailand is usually added to the ticket fare automatically, except for flights originating from Kho Samui, Sukhothai and Trat airports.
TIME ZONE
Thailand time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Thailand lies in the same time zone as its neighbors Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
TIME ZONE
Cambodia time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It lies in the same time zone as its neighbors Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
|
|
