Quick Facts

Location

 Thailand is a Southeast Asian, predominantly Buddhist kingdom between India and China. Bordered by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.  

 Climate

 A tropical climate with three seasons, the summer March through May is very very hot and humid, June to September is the rainy season, hot and wet, and October to February is the cooler season here. . The average annual temperature is 28°C (83°F), Most of the time Thailand is hot, the yearly average temperature in the capitol city of Bangkok range from   30°C in April to 25°C in December. Lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime.

 Time

 Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+ 7). Thailand does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

 Religion:

 Most Thais are Buddhism 95%, followed by the next largest group Muslim 4%, and all other religions make up about 1% of the Thai people.

 Population:

The population is over 62 million people with about 7 million people in the capital of Bangkok.

 People:

Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities Mons, Khmers, Hill Tribes.

 Language:

The spoken and written language is Thai. English is spoken, in Bangkok by many because of the business centers. English is spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

Government:

Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932.

Head of State:

H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)

 Prime Minister: Surayud Chulanon

 National Flag:

The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.

 Electricity:

The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travelers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit.

 Tap water:

Tap water is clean but drinking it is not recommended. Bottled water is recommended

 Clothing:

 Light, cool clothes are a must within the kingdom; shorts and t-shirts are worn by many visitors and will work well in the resort areas. Stay away from man made fibers here, in the Capital long pants and button shirts are seen. If you are going to visit a Temple or Wat long pants are a must to show respect.

 Weights & Measures:   

 The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed ohmmeters, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometers.

  Internet: 

Internet service is available at Thailand's hotels and at the Cyber-Cafes that are in all major tourist destinations. The cost is very low per hour or minute.

 Telephone Services;

 Cell phone service is available to anyone coming into the country,   Prepaid GMS Sim cards are offered at very reasonable prices. Thailand phone numbers start with 0, when calling Thailand from aboard the 0 is dropped. The international dialing code for Thailand is 66.