The national religion is Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 percent of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths all of that are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influence on daily life.
Language
Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and other European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.
People
Throughout her long history, Thailand has gently absorbed immigrants. Many were skilled as writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians and architects, and helped enrich indigenous culture.
People inhabiting Thailand today share rich ethnic diversity - mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian stock - with the result that there is no typically Thai physiognomy or physique. There are petite Thais, statuesque Thais, round-faced Thais, dark-skinned Thais and light-skinned Thais.
Some 80% of all Thais are connected in some way with agriculture which, in varying degrees, influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals that help make Thailand such a distinctive country.
Local Time
All of the parts of Thailand is the same GMT + 7 hours.
Clothing
Light, loose cotton clothing is the best. Sweaters are needed during Cool Season evenings or if visiting to the north, mountain areas and remote national parks (November-February) Visitors should dress neatly when visiting to all religious shines and Royal Palaces.
Postal Services
To send letters or packages to any desired destinations is very convenient for visitors to Thailand. Post Office as well as most hotels offered good postal services.
Health
The Major tourist attractions in Thailand have good medical facilities and hospitals, with most of the first class hotels having doctor 24-hour call.
Food - Some temporary food shop on the footpath may be not clean enough for visitors, eating in restaurants is better.
Water - Visitors should not drink water from the tabs, except it has a sign of drinkable. Visitors should drink water from the bottles of drinking water.
Electricity
The electric system is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles). There are many plugs and sockets in use. Visitors with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit.
Thailand
The Land of Thousand Festivals
Thais are fun-loving ,sentimental people and annual festival ,both commemorative and celebrative , play important roles in Thai life.
Many Thai festivals are joyful , colorful events that invite visitors participation. Other feature solemn , eminently photogenic ceremonial . Whatever their character , whether dazzling processions , Buddhist devotion , uninhibited merriment or exotic ritual, each affords the visitor pleasant memories and insights into the cultural heritage that makes Thailand Asias most exotic country.
Most festivals are connected either with Buddhism , the annual rice-farming cycle , or commemorations honoring Thai kings. Some occur on fixed date. Others, particularly those associated with Buddhism , are determined by the lunar calendar. Many merit national holidays.
Chronologically, Thailands major festivals and events, are as follows :
- Royal Ploughing Ceremony : Usually early May , at Bangkoks Sanam Luang.
- Rocket Festival : The second weekend of May, and best seen in Yasothon. Northeast Thailand.
- Visaka Puja : Full moon day, May , National holiday.
- Fruits Fairs coutrywide
- H.M. The Queens birthday : August 12 , National holiday.
- OK Phansa & Thot Kathin : During October
- Vegetarian Festival : During October
- Boat Races : October
- Loi Krathong : Full-moon night of November
- River Kwai Bridge week: Late November ,early December, Kanchanaburi , Western Thailand.
- H.M. The Kings birthday : December 5 , National holiday.
Thailand
Shopping Paradise
Thailand is a leading tourist center in south east asia. There are many attractive things ,such as its beautiful scenery , its friendly people , its peculiar arts and culture , its comparatively low cost of living and its great varieties of valuable products for reasonable prices.
- Leatherwear
- Pewter ware
- Garments
- Furniture
- Silverware
- Antiques
- Thai silk
- Mudmee (tied-dye) Silk
- Gold Ornaments
- Nielloware
- Bronze ware & Brassware
- Gems and Jewelry
Where To Go !!!
