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Our National Flag |
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The red, white and blue bands symbolize the nation (red), Buddhism (white) and the monarchy (blue) respectively. |
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The name of our country … |
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In the Thai language we call Thailand “Prathet Thai”, meaning “Land of the Free”. |
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Independence |
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The sovereign territory of Thailand, in essentially the same form as we know it today, has been in existence since A.D. 1238, which is generally acknowledged as the traditional founding year.
It was formerly known as Siam until 1939. |
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System of Government |
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Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy. In practice this means that the day-to-day business of running the country is conducted by a democratically elected parliament, with the Prime Minister representing the nation at the highest level.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty) is the official Head of State.
King Bhumibol is the world’s longest-reigning monarch, having ascended the throne on September 6th, 1946.
The current Prime Minister is Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, who formed his government on February 18th, 2001. |
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Population |
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The official population in 2003 was approximately 61.6 million people. Roughly 80% of the population is involved in agriculture (Thailand is often called “the rice bowl of Asia”), although ever-increasing numbers are involved in industry, commerce, tourism and technology. |
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Geography and Location |
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Thailand occupies an area of about 513,115 square kilometres in the very heart of Southeast Asia.
Bordered by Myanmar to the west, Laos and Cambodia to the north and east, and Malaysia in the south.
The country is divided into 76 provinces, each with a governor and administrative infrastructure reporting to the central government in Bangkok.
Thailand is one of the few countries in the Far East that has never been colonised by another country. |
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National Capital |
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Bangkok, sited at the very northern tip of the Gulf of Thailand at the mouth of the Chao Phraya river, is the seat of the monarchy, the elected government, and the bustling economic heart of Thailand.
The common name for Bangkok in Thai is “Krung Thep”, meaning the “City of Angels”. (You may be interested to know that the full official Thai name for Bangkok is listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the longest place-name in the world, with 167 letters!). |
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Climate |
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Located very close to the Equator, it is hardly surprising that the climate throughout most of the country tends to be warm and humid year-round.
Average annual temperature is 28 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit).
Three main seasons: Hot (March – May), Rainy (June – October), Cool (November – February). |
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Ethnic Groups |
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The population consists of three main ethnic groups: Thai (75%), Chinese (14%), and others (11%).
Thailand is home to many varied and interesting tribal cultures, particularly in the north of the country. |
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Religion |
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The state religion is Thiravada Buddhism, followed by about 95% of the population.
Another 4% of the population are Muslim, primarily in the south of the country.
Worshipers of other religions are welcomed, and churches of all denominations and other houses of worship can be found around the country. |
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Language |
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Thai is the national language and is spoken throughout the country.
There are slight variations of dialect in the North, Northeast and South (in much the same way that the English, Australians and Americans all speak a variation of the same language).
English is the best known of Western languages and is the language of tourism and international business. |
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Time Zone |
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The whole country uses the same time, GMT +7 hours.
It’s summer time all year round! |
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Currency |
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The Thai baht is used throughout the country. The baht is divided into 100 satang.
Notes are issued in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht denominations.
Other currencies are not commonly accepted in exchange for goods and services. However, exchange facilities are numerous throughout the country, and many are open until late at night.
In addition, ATM networks often accept international cards and issue local currency.
Banks are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 15:30 p.m., except on public holidays. |
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Weights and Measures |
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The metric system is used throughout the country.
All measures of distance and vehicle speeds are in kilometres. |
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Visas – Arriving in Thailand |
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Most visitors from foreign countries, with the exception of those carrying passports of ASEAN countries, will require some kind of visa.
Different kinds of visa exist, varying from short visas for tourism to extended visas for business, longstay tourism, or retirement.
As with most countries around the world, the requirements sometimes differ depending on which country you are arriving from. To ensure that you obtain the correct visa to the Visa section on this website, where you’ll also find direct links to the Immigration Department website.
If you are visiting Thailand on a TLM affiliated programme, our representatives will arrange to meet your incoming flight at the airport (usually Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket), and assist you throughout your visit. |
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Clothing |
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Light, cool clothes are sensible most of the time.
A jacket may be required for formal meeting or dining in top restaurants.
When visiting Royal buildings and important religious sites, visitors should be appropriately dressed (no shorts, sandals, tank tops, etc.). Please check the dress code before you visit such a site. |
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Using the telephone |
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All numbers within Thailand consist of nine digits.
Bangkok numbers all begin with ‘02’ – e.g. 02 123 4567
Provincial numbers consist of a three digit prefix, followed by six digits – e.g. 038 123 456 for Pattaya, 053 123 456 for Chiang Mai.
Mobile numbers begin with ‘01’, ‘06’. ‘07’, or ‘09’ – e.g. 01 123 4567.
The international code for Thailand is ‘+66’. To dial a Thai number from outside the country, dial the country code, then the phone number deleting the initial zero – e.g. +662 123 4567 for Bangkok, +66 38 123 456 for Pattaya, +661 123 4567 for a mobile.
Directory assistance: dial ‘1133’ for assistance with local numbers. ‘100’ for international numbers. |
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Taxis |
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In Bangkok taxis are plentiful and cheap. Bangkok taxis are all equipped with metres – ensure that your driver turns the metre on when you begin your journey. A popular alternative to a taxi in Bangkok is the zippy ‘Tuk-Tuk’ or samlor. Journey prices are by negotiation before you start your journey. When in doubt, ask a hotel concierge or English-speaking local to help you.
All provincial cities and towns have abundant local transport, often in the form of the local ‘public bus’ – a pick-up type vehicle with covered seats behind the driver’s cab. The same rules apply, be sure of the price before you take off, ask for help if you need it. |
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Tourist Police |
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The Thai government is very aware that a visit to Thailand can be spoiled by one misunderstanding or bad experience. To that end, special police units have been set up in Bangkok and other major tourist destinations to handle any complaints or incidents involving visitors to our county.
To locate of contact these Tourist Police divisions, dial this number: 1155. |
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