The country
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longestreigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.


Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons - hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.


Population
Thailand has a population of approximately 62 million people, of which 80% are ethnic Thais, 10% Chinese and 4% Malays, plus Lao, Mon, Khmer, Indian and Burmese minorities. Such diversity reflects the country's long history as an important crossroads of Southeast Asia.

Thais are a friendly and easy-going people with a great reverence for the Buddhist faith.


Language
Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.


Religion
The majority of Thais are devout Buddhists. Muslims form the largest of the religious minorities and are located mainly in the four southern provinces. Other minority groups include Hindus, Sikhs and Christians.


Currency
The Thai unit of currency is the baht. One baht is divided into 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.


Currency exchange
Major currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers. Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorised money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores.


Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted. For lost cards:
American Express, Tel: 02273 5100 or 0 2273 0022;
Diners Club, Tel: 0 2238 2920 or 0 2238 2680;
MasterCard, Tel: 022567326-7; and Visa, Tel: 02256 7326-7.


Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available llO-volt transformers.


Tap water
Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended.


Weights & measures
The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speedometers, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometres.


Clothing
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.


Time
The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+ 7 hours GMT).


Business hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm except on public holidays.


Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice in Thailand, although it is becoming increasingly common. Many larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but the gesture is appreciated and 10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.


Social customs
Being Buddhists, Thai are tolerant people. Avoiding offensive behaviour can generally be achieved through simple courtesy and common sense. A few taboos do exist, though, mostly in regard to the monarchy and Buddhism. Visitors should not make any disparaging remarks or gestures that denigrate the Royal Family or any religion, and when visiting a temple or royal palace, always dress appropriately.

Traditionally, Thais greet each other with a Wai (by pressing the palms together at the chest), so if a Thai offers a Wai then it is proper to return it. Please avoid touching people on the head as Thais believe the head to be the most sacred part of the body. It is also inappropriate to use the foot for pointing.