Essential facts on Thailand

Posted by paul on February 5th, 2008 filed in Culture & customs, Living here, Transportation

Existing since the mid-14th century, the kingdom of Thailand was named Siam until the year 1939. The Thai people are proud of being citizens belonging to the only Southeast Asian nation that always was able to avoid colonisation by powerful European countries.

Thailand ranks among the most popular travel destinations on the Asian continent. More than 80 international airlines operate services to and from the country. The majority of the flights arrive at Bangkok’s brand new and ultra-modern Suvarnabhumi International Airport. However, an increasing amount of international flight services also land in Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Phuket. The number of domestic air hubs in the country significantly increased and most of them offer connecting services to the Thai capital. The country’s five international airports are situated in Bangkok, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
People who are planning to visit Thailand should not forget to find out about the country’s visa regulations. You should do this before you leave and information on visas is available at the Royal Thai Embassy in your home country. Foreign travellers entering the kingdom must be able to show a valid passport. The immigration officials at the airport will issue a free visa to foreigners from most countries. This visa expires after 30 days and will only be granted if visitors have a completely paid flight ticket out of the country.

SEASONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate, which means that it is hot, cloudy and rainy during the monsoon. The rainy season lasts from mid-May to September. The period from November to April is known as the cooler dry season. The climate in Southern Thailand is usually, throughout the year, humid and hot.

DOMESTIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Thailand boasts a large highway network of highways while the smaller roads connect the major cities with outlying regions. Officially foreign travellers should possess a valid international or Thai driving license allowing them to hire a private car. The network of railways is large as well, providing passengers travelling by air-conditioned first, with beds equipped second and third class coaches. Local transport services in Bangkok are operated by city buses, the typical Thai tuk-tuks, cabs, motorcycle taxis and a modern sky train. Transport on the river is provided by ferries and water taxis.

LANGUAGE
The nation’s official language is Thai. Also spoken are several ethnic languages along with various regional dialects. The elite’s secondary language is mainly English.

THAI CURRENCY
The Thai baht is the country’s official currency. At this moment the currency exchange rate for the Euro is 48 baht and the US Dollar 33 baht.

MOBILE AND REGULAR PHONE SERVICES
The government-owned telephone network in Thailand isn’t of the same quality as those in the West but still reasonable. The wireless GSM service in Thailand is expanding quickly. The major GSM services are WCS and THAIS GSM.

Thailand tourism facts