About Thailand

Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")

Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels")

Geography:

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Thailand is a

Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to constitutional monarchy
Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape with His Majesty King
and geography divide into four natural regions : the Bhumibol Adulyadej, or
mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice King Rama IX, the ninth
fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of king of the Chakri
the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and Dynasty, the present
long coastline of the peninsula South. king. The King has
reigned for more than
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further half a century, making
divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. him the longest reigning
Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, Thai monarch. Thailand
commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also embraces a rich
the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His diversity of cultures and
Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of traditions. With its proud
the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion history, tropical climate
and Upholder of all religions. and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-
ending source of fascination and pleasure for
international visitors.

Neighboring Countries:

1) Myanmar - west and north,

2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,
3) Cambodia - southeast and
4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Topography:

Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and
winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and
peaches;

The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological
mysteries;

The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional
culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;

The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin
mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Population:

Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of
Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and
elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

People:

Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais
form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a
degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

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: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)

Government:

Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House of
Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and senators are elected by the people. A prime
minister elected from among the representatives leads the government. The country is divided into 76
provinces. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial
governors administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided into districts (Amphoe), sub-
districts (Tambon) and villages (Mu Ban).

Head of State:

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

Prime Minister: Thaksin Shinawatra

Administration:

76 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub-district) and muban (village)

National Flag:

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

Time:

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

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 110-volt transformers.

Tap water:

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

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.

Weights & Measures :

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

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.

Postal Services :

Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their
premises. Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

International Roaming Mobile Phone : A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai
and foreign customers who are travelling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a
Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz
range.

Fax and E-Mail :

All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer
such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services.
 Internet Services :

Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet
system. Services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels and at the many " Cyber-Cafes " that are
cropping up in all major tourist destinations.

Telephone Services :

At present, all telephone numbers (for local calls and long distance calls within the country) have nine
digits.

For Bangkok calls, 02 is added to the existing numbers i.e. 0 2694 1222.
For provincial calls, an area code is added to the existing numbers. For example, area code
for Chiang Mai is 053 = 0 5324 8604; area code for Phuket is 076 = 0 7621 1036.
For mobile phones, 01 or 09 is added to the existing numbers.
The new system has no effect on international phone calls.
The international dialing code for Thailand is 66.
When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0.
When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001+country code+area
code+telephone number
If calling Laos or Malaysia, there is a special code which is charged at a semi-domestic rate.
When calling Laos, first dial 007+856+area code+telephone number
When calling Malaysia, first dial 09+06+area code+telephone number
Direct assistance: 1133 (local), 100 (international)

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
Highway Patrol : 1193
Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844
Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672
Immigration Bureau : (662) 287 3101-10

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:: North
 1) Mae Hong Son 2) Chiang Mai 3) Chiang Rai
4) Phayao 5) Lampang 6) Lamphun
7) Phrae 8) Nan 9) Tak
10) Sukhothai 11) Uttaradit 12) Phitsanulok
13) Kamphaeng Phet 14) Phichit 15) Phetchabun
26) Uthai Thani 27) Nakhon Sawan

:: North East
16) Loei 17) Chaiyaphum 18) Nong Bua Lamphu
19) Khon Kaen 20) Udon Thani 21) Nong Khai
22) Sakon Nakhon 23) Nakhon Phanom 24) Kalasin
36) Nakhonratchasima
25) Mukdahan 37) Maha Sarakham
(Khorat)
38) Roi Et 39) Yasothon 40) Amnart Charoen
41) Buriram 42) Surin 43) Si Sa Ket
44) Ubon Ratchathani

::East
55) Chon Buri (Pattaya) 58) Rayong 59) Chanthaburi
60) Trat

:: Central
28) Chainat 29) Kanchanaburi 30) Suphan Buri
31) Sing Buri 32) Ang Thong 33) Lop Buri
34) Saraburi 35) Ayutthaya 45) Ratchaburi
46) Nakhon Pathom 47) Nonthaburi 48) Pathum Thani
49) Bangkok 50) Samut Songkhram 51) Samut Sakhon
52) Samut Prakan 53) Nakhon Nayok 54) Chachoengsao
56) Prachin Buri 57) Sa Kaeo 61) Phetchaburi (Cha-Am)
62) Prachuapkhirikhan

:: South
63) Chumphon 64) Ranong 65) Surat Thani (Samui)
66) Phang-Nga 67) Krabi 68) Phuket
69) Nakhon Si Thammarat 70) Trang 71) Phatthalung
72) Satun 73) Songkhla 74) Pattani
75) Yala 76) Narathiwat

Chiang Rai
North

:: Thailand Map
General Information
 C
h
o
n

Buri The Nearest Seaside Retreat

Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside

town, is located on the eastern coast
of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80
kilometers from Bangkok. The area
boasts abundant natural resources,
which are highlighted by delightful
beaches, local colors, traditions,
delicacies and fresh seafood. This is a
popular resort among Bangkokians
who seek the nearest escape from
hectic weekly schedules as Chon Buri
has something for everyone. In
addition, Chon Buri is the center of
the Eastern Seaboard Development
Project, with its industrial parks and
fishing villages.

Pattaya

Pattaya A Travelers Paradise

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque

bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of
Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers
southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing
village in the 1960's, Pattaya has
emerged as the favorite Southeast
Asian vacation center. A fascinating
escape where tourists, holiday makers
and vacationers from around the
world unfold an incomparable array of
possibilities to unwind during an
exotic holiday beach vacation.

Unlike other beach resorts, where

natural surroundings are used as
magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya
makes an all-out attempt to provide
the best of everything. Here,
everything means everything a tourist
can imagine while on holiday:
recreation, entertainment, sports,
sightseeing and fun. To put it simply,
Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as
it has a variety of attractions suitable
for all types of visitors. This is the
place where you can fill your day,
from dusk to dawn, with endless
activities, or you may choose to do
nothing at all and relax.

The Past

Pattaya's name was originated from

the march of Phraya Tak (later known
as King Taksin the Great) and his
followers from Ayutthaya to
Chanthaburi just before the fall of the
Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese
invaders in 1767.

When Phraya Tak's army arrived in

the vicinity of what is Pattaya today,
he encountered the troops of Nai
Klom who tried to intercept him.
When the two leaders met face to
face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya
Tak's dignified manner and his army's
strict discipline, thereby surrendering
without a fight. The place where the
two armies confronted each other was
later called Thap Phraya, which means
the Army of the Phraya. This was later
changed to Phatthaya, which happens
to mean the wind blowing from the
southwest to the northeast at the
beginning of the rainy season. Today
the spelling of the name has been
simplified to Pattaya.

For centuries, Pattaya was a small

fishing village almost cut off from the
outside world. But a big change
occurred on 29 April 1961 when the
first group of about 100 American
servicemen who would join the
Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for
relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya
became Thailand's premier and most
successful beach resort, which
annually attracts hundreds of
thousands of pleasure-seeking
visitors. A full range of
accommodations from super deluxe
hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket
guesthouses replaced fishermens huts
along the beach. Fishing vessels were
adapted to become tourist boats and
swimmers and sunbathers from
various parts of the world frequented
the quiet powdery golden beaches.
Places of nighttime entertainment
have also sprung up and are popular
among international tourists.

The Present

Pattaya
currently
integrates
the
delights
of a 1st
class
beach
resort,
city-like dining, shopping and night
entertainment facilities with more
than 300 assorted hotels, thousands
of shops, restaurants and bars. In
addition, there are an array of sports
and recreational activities including
beaches, golf courses, tennis courts,
go-kart, gyms for working out, weight
lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya
offers a broad range of things to do.
During the day, one may enjoy riding
elephants or driving humble automatic
mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or
even monster multicolored convertible
Jeeps. Others go for shooting
firearms, scuba diving and surfing,
deep-sea fishing, speed boats,
scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or
aerial sports such as gliding ultra-
lights and flying motor-propelled
gliders. On the other hand, at night,
there are restaurants, bars, theaters,
cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling
halls, billiard & snooker clubs, exotic
erotic shows, discos, sauna &
massage parlors, not to cite its
absolutely incredible shopping which
is available non-stop both day-and-
night.

Pattaya Facts

This exotic beach resort welcomes

approximately 5 million visitors a
year. The friendly and hospitable Thai
nature boosts its promotion,
frequently bringing back the repeat
visitors and constantly increasing the
number of newcomers.

Pattaya city is located on the eastern

coast of the country at latitude 13 N
and longitude 101 E in the area of
Chon Buri province. It is 147
kilometers from Bangkok and lies
parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east
and the coastline on its west. Pattaya
occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km.
that is divided into 53.44 sq.
kilometers of land and 154.66 sq.
kilometers of islands and sea. Its
coastline is 15 kilometers long.
Pattaya has a plain on the coast with
some high mountains to the south.
The area on the east slopes down
towards the sea on the west.

Administration

Pattaya City has been administered

under a special autonomous system
since 1978. It has a status
comparable to that of a municipality
and is administered separately by the
mayor of Pattaya City, who is
responsible for making policies,
organizing public services, and
supervising all employees of Pattaya
City Administration.
General Information

Located
approximately
862 kilometers
south of
Bangkok is
Phuket,
Thailand's
largest island,
which is often
dubbed as the
pearl of the
Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural
resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white
powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-
land forests contribute to making it the South's
wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island
and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone

off the west coast of the
southern part of Thailand in
the Andaman Sea and the
Indian Ocean, the province
covers an area of
approximately 543 square
kilometers (excluding small
islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of
approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small
islands are included. The islands total length, from north to
south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately
21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The

other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place
where many of the best diving sites are located. The island
is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and
Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy,

as there are only two seasons
in a year - the rainy season
(May to October) and the hot
season (November to April).
Visitors are not recommended
to travel to Phuket between
September and October as
they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is
from November to February, when it is possible to see the
clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the
crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed
beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23°C and
33°C.

Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area

covered with mountains which stretch from north to south
and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the
central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not
have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and
creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely

Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

Phuket has a lot more to offer

its visitors other than its
natural heritage sea, sand,
sky, beach, forest, and world
renowned diving sites. Sino-
Portuguese architecture casts
its spell delighting travelers
to the city, while Phuket-style
hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all
walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from
world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly
catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood
lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's
famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made
Phuket a truly unique destination.

History of Phuket

Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket

today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman
Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the
capes location, finally detaching it from the mainland.

A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the

first person who mentioned the cape in his book written
in the year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung
Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N
(the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the
place Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the name of
the main town to the north of the island.

As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons,

Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia,
Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th
century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin
with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders
flocking to the island. This contributed to making the
development of mining so unprecedented. Chinese
businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and
soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.

Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from

Europe, Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted
ambitious immigrants, especially those from Portugal
and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful
history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style
architecture in the city especially those buildings located
along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.

Thalang town was

surrounded by Burmese
troops who invaded the