Typography:

Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

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

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

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

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

Prime Minister: Thaksin Shinawatra

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

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).

Currency

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (the best rates), hotels (which charge with high commission), and bureau de change in large towns. Credit cards including American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted. Travelers’ checks are accepted by all banks, larges hotels, and shops. Travelers’ checks in US Dollars, Euros, and Pounds Sterling are recommended. ATM machines are available at the airports, hotels, and in large towns throughout the country.

The basic monetary unit in Thailand is the Baht. A Baht is divided into 100 satang. The following coins and notes are currently in use:

Coins: 25 and 50 satang; 1, 5 and 10 Baht.

Bank notes: 10(brown), 20(green), 50(blue), 100(red), 500(purple) and 1,000(grey) Baht.

Health

Thailand is a malarial area, but most urban areas and Phuket, Similan Islands, Krabi and Phi Phi are mainly malaria-free. Dengue Fever, however, is prevalent, as is Rabies.

Common but avoidable health concerns are contaminated food, water and ice that can lead to diarrhea, dehydration and hepatitis A or E. Make sure you drink only bottled drinking water.

Fungal infections are also very common. Wear loose clothes, wash frequently, and dry yourself carefully.

Self-diagnosis and treatment of any medical problem can be risky, so you should always seek medical help.

Holidays / Celebrations