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Thailand
Area of 513,000 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, Combodia
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 islands.
Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate with three distinct
seasons: Summer, Rainy and Cool . Average temperatures
are around 27 ?c. around the country.
People
Thailand has a population of about 62 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.
Religion
The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced
by more than 95 percent of all Thais. The remainder
of the population adheres to Muslim 3.5 %, Christian1
%, Hindu and other faiths, all of which are allowed
full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast
a strong influence on daily life.
History
The Thai people originated in Southeastern China where,
in 600 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.
At approximately the same time, King Mengrai, an ally
of Sukhothai, was establishing the northern Lannathai
Kingdom, centered on Chiang Mai which was founded last
700 years ago. 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 King 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.
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.
Customs
One litre of alcoholic beverage and 200 cigarettes,
plus reasonable personal effects(such as one still camera,
one movie or video camera, personal jewelery etc) may
be brought in duty free and taken out on departure.
Narcotics, drugs, pornographic material and firearms
are strictly prohibited. Unlimited foreign currency,
traveller's cheques, money orders etc may be brought
into the country, but any amount over US$10,000 must
be declared on entry. Amount taken out of the country
may never exceed that declared upon entry.
Visas
Most nationalities do not require a visa for a stay
of up to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward
travel. Longer visits require a visa obtainable from
Thai embassies and consulates. Tourists visas permit
stays up to 90 days. For full details, contact your
nearest Thai embassy or consulate.
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.
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.
Travel within Thailand
Thai Airways International (THAI) operates a wide domestic
network with daily flights linking virtually all major
towns with Bangkok. Ground transportation is extremely
comprehensive and comparatively inexpensive. There are
convenient rail connections with the North, Northeast
and South, while air conditioned coach and government
bus services are operated from Bangkok to all town throughout
the country.
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 flights.
Transportation
Taxis
Hotel taxis have fixed tariffs. Taxis cruising the streets
of Bangkok have meters.
Telephone & E-mail
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 and department store.
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.
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 Power
Thiland operates exclusively on 220 volt, 50 cycle AC
power.
Postal
To send letters or packages to any desired destinations
is very convenient for visitors to Thailand. Post offices
as well as most hotels offer good postal services. |
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