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SAWASDEE!
Thailand in brief
Location
Thailand is a South-East Asian kingdom almost equidistant
from China and India. Historically, Thailand has been
something of a South-East Asian migratory, cultural and
religious crossroads.
The kingdom has a population of some 60 million, its the
approximate with the size of France, and share borders
with Burma to the West and North, Laos to the North and
North-East, Kampuchea to the East, and Malaysia to the
South.
Thailand is divided into four distinct regions the mountainous
North where elephants still work teak forests, the semi-arid
Northeast plateau where the world's first civilization
flourished some 5,600 years ago, the Central Plains, one
of the world's most fertile rice growing areas, and the
lushly tropical Southern isthmus.
People
Thailand has been an independent kingdom since 1238. Her
sometimes-tempestuous earlier history saw the assimilation
of people from neighboring countries into Thai society.
Immigrants were gently absorbed with little or no social
friction.
Thus the people inhabiting Thailand today share a rich
ethnic diversity-mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Malay,
Laos, Persian and Indian - with the result that there
is no typically Thai physiognomy or physique. There are
petit Thais, statuesque Thais, round-faced Thais, dark-skinned
Thais and light-skinned Thais.
Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the religion of more than 90% of
all Thais and this can be seen in the numerous temples
doffing all over the country. Buddhism first appeared
In Thailand during the 3rd Century B.C. at Nakhon Pathom,
site of one of the world's tallest Buddhist monument,
after the Indian Buddhist Emperor Asok (267227 B.C.) dispatched
missionaries to Southeast Asia to propagate the newly
established faith.
It is the custom for Buddhist males from ten and above
to be temporarily ordained as novice (under twenty) or
monk (above twenty) for periods ranging from 3 days to
3 months so that every Buddhist male has spent at least
sometime in the monastery.
Thailand allows freedom of worship and thus, there are
also Christian churches, Moslem mosques, Hindu and Sikh
temples.
Language
The main language spoken is Thai and visitors may find
some problem in communicating with the local people, However,
English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok
where it is almost the second commercial language. English
is spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major
tourist destinations, and Thai / English road and street
signs are found nationwide.
Attractions
Thailand is blessed with abundant attractions, including
mountain and national marine parks, sparking beach resorts,
ruined cities, archaeological wonders, scenic beauty,
year round festivals and events.
Shopping and Entertainment
Thailand is famous for its cheap clothing and local handicrafts.
There are a number of large department stores such as
the chain of Central Department Store, Future Park Rangsit,
Robinson, Word Trade Center, Sogo, etc. scattered all
over Bangkok but the prices are a bit high.
The nearest department stores to AIT are Future Park Rangsit
(reached by aircon bus, fare 12 Baht). If you want to
buy cheaply the best places are MBK (Mah Boon Krong Center
reached direct from AIT by bus 29), Chatuchak Weekend
Market (also by bus 29), Pratunam Market (Next to Indra
Hotel, the Indian Market and the Chinese Market (at Yaowaraj
(Bus No. 4).
Except in the department stores, bargain wherever you
go. Thais expect you to bargain and you are the loser
if you don't.
Other Local Shopping Places
Banglumphu is a local shopping area for variety goods.
(Bus no. 6,68)
Bobeh Market is a textile and garment center (Bus no.39)
Black Market (Khlong toey) where a vast, variety kind
of smuggled electric appliances, foreign food stuffs and
clothing are sold, Known as Penang Market and Singapore
Market (Bus no. 46)
Khlong lord is the place selling mostly second-hand articles,
also canvas, army uniforms and camping tolls. At Atsadang
road. (Bus no.2)
Khlong Thom Is the place of all factory hardware and tools.
At Mahachak road. (Bus no. 8)
Phahurat is an area of fashion garments and fabrics. (Bus
no. 25, 40)
Thieves Market (Nakhon Kasem), where a unique combination
of antiques and utilitarian goods is proffered for sale.
At Yaowarat (Bus no. 8)
Bangkok Downtown Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road is one of the three longest roads In Thailand,
extending to the Kampuchean border, But what concerns
us here is the section from the Inner city to Sukhumvit
71, where there are numerous fashionable residences, hotels,
apartments, guest houses and a large number of good restaurants.
In the area from Soi Nana crossroads to Soi Sukhumvit
21 (Asok Intersection), there are many shops catering
to tourists, with jewelry, leather goods, ready-made garments
and souvenirs for sale, as well as tailoring, car rental
and other services. You can also enjoy the nightlife in
areas such as soi Cowboy (Asok) and soi Thong Lor (Sukhumvit
65). (Bus no. 2, 26, 40, 48).
China Town
Chinatown Is located just to the southeast of the old
town. It began to take shape at the same time as the establishment
of Bangkok, when Chinese inhabiting the old town areas
were moved outside the city walls. The street of gold
shops and temple of the Golden Buddha are In Chinatown.
(Bus no. 1, 3, 5, 7, 21, 25,37)
Slam Square-Rachadamri-Pratu Nam
This is the biggest and busiest shopping district in Bangkok
where almost all kind of goods are available, Including
textiles, garments, jewelry, handicrafts, books, antiques,
etc. Opposite Rachadamri Arcade, located there are several
large department stores, shopping arcades and countless
smaller shops as well as a dozen cinema theatres and mini
theatres. The Pratunam Market is next to the Indra Arcade.
Although not a high-class shopping center, is worth visiting
if you want to see more of the ordinary Thai life. It
is also market of garments for export. (Bus no. 15, 16,
21, 25, 40, 48, 54, 73)
Silom - Surawong
Today, the Silom-Surawong area is Bangkok's most important
business and financial center. From end to end, these
parallel streets are full of multi-storey buildings, housing
complexes, banks, finance firms, insurance companies,
export-import houses, hotels, airline offices, restaurants,
shopping arcades, department stores and entertainment
spots. These streets are also busy In the evening, when
people go out to eat, meet business associates or seek
enjoyment. Restaurants are not particularly numerous In
this area.
A small street between Silom and Surawong has become word
famous over the last 30 years for bars and nightclubs.
Known as Patpong, it offers various kinds of entertainment
with drinks, music, dancing, etc. (Bus no. 15, 76, 77,
115)
Formalities
Passport
All visitors entering Thailand must possess a valid passport.
A 60-day Tourist Visa can be obtained from all Thai embassies
and consulate. Transit passengers with confirmed onward
tickets are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 14 days
without a visa, as are citizens of ASEAN countries, South
Pacific Islands and Hong Kong nationals travelling on
Chinese and British passports. Those from Asia not belonging
to ASEAN such as Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, China,
Myanmar and Laos must obtain visas from the Thai embassies
in their countries.
Length of Stay
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Health
Regulations
No vaccinations are required unless you are coming from
or passing through contaminated areas. Please check the
latest regulations with your local Health Office.
Customs
Narcotic drugs, pornographic material and firearms are strictly
prohibited. Visitors may bring in any amount of foreign
currency for their personal use but amounts taken our may
not exceed those declared upon entry.
Useful Information
Food and Beverages
The Thai love of good food ensures excellent dining nationwide.
Thai cuisine is distinctive, thanks to liberal use of spicy
ingredients, but visitors can easily find other appetizing
alternatives. Major European and Oriental cuisines are represented
in gourmet restaurants. American, English and Continental
breakfasts are served in most hotels and innumerable; ubiquitous
coffee shops specialized In European dishes. Western-style
fast food shops, snack bars and ice cream parlors gain Increasing
popularity with Thais. Thai fruits are in a class of their
own and many visitors leave, convinced that Thai seafood
Is incomparable.
Bottled water is served in most restaurants. The traveler
up-country can protect himself against digestive discomfort
by drinking soft drinks, excellent local beers and liquors
or hot drinks such as coffee, tea and chocolate.
Clothing
Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Nylon should be avoided.
Sweaters are needed during cool season evenings or if visiting
mountainous areas and remote national parks. Jackets and
ties are requirediIn certain restaurants and nightclubs.
Emergencies
Bilingual Tourist Police Tel 1155) are attached to Tourism
Authorlty of Thailand offices in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiangmai
Hat Yai and Phuket to provide speedy assistance to visitors.
Photography
Major international film manufacturers maintain excellent
photo finishing laboratories. Popular films are available
countrywide and still photographers are free to shoot almost
everything. Video cameras are not allowed in Bangkok's Grand
Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple complex. Photography is
also prohibited in certain branches of the National Museum.
Newspaper & Magazines
Thailand's English-language newspapers, the Nation and the
Bangkok Post, keep readers abreast of local and international
events. Several English-language magazines - such as the
New York Times, Asiaweek and Popular Photography are also
available at hotel newsagents, supermarkets, department
stores and leading bookstores.
Radio and Television
AM radio Is commercialized - there are about 200 stations
- and appeals to popular taste. FM radio offers popular
music, classical music and jazz. FM 105 and FM 107 are English-language
music stations, and also provide news in English. English-language
original soundtracks can be heard on FM 107 for some of
the imported films shown on local television. BBC world
Service and CNN can be seen on cable TV (IBC and Star TV).
Business Hours
Most commercial concerns In Bangkok operate only for five
days in a week. Government offices are generally open between
8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. with a lunch break from 12:00 noon
to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on public holidays.
Private businesses maintain much the same hours - from 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with certain exceptions, Many stores remain
open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Church Services
Christian churches and Muslim mosques are found in Bangkok
and most provincial capitals. Services are mostly In Thai,
with certain services in English, French and German. Local
English language newspapers provide comprehensive listings
of services in Bangkok.
Temple (Wat)
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Koew
The Grand Palace is open daily 8:30-11:30 a.m. an 13:00-15:30
a.m. Established by King Rama I as the royal compound, the
61 acre area contains the former royal residences, the Chakri
Maha Prasat, the Dusit Mahaprasat, the Amarin, The Phalsanthaksin
and the Chakkraphatpiman. Distinctive Thai-style crenellated
walls and fortifications surround it. The general layout
of the complex is similar to that of the Royal Palace during
the Ayuthaya period. Wat Phra Kaew (the Royal Chapel) is
located In the' grounds of the Grand Palace. Built by King
Rama I in 1782, It contains a Buddha image carved from a
single block of emerald. Wall paintings in the porches surrounding
the temple illustrate the Ramayana story while inside, murals
depict the life of the Buddha. An admission fee of 200 Baht
is charged which also allows you to visit the Vimanmek Palace
near Dusit Zoo. Vimanmek Palace reputedly the world's largest
teakwood buildIng. The four storey *Castle in the Clouds"
built by King Rama V, stands by a lake In shady grounds.
Besides the intricate architecture of the palace itself,
it's impressive collection of paintings, objects of art
and royal jewelry Is also well worth seeing. Open daily
9:30 a.m, 15:15 p.m. (ticket before 15:00 p.m.) admission
50 baht (Buses no. 18,28,70) Proper drew Is required inside
the palace compound. no shorts or sleeveless tops are permitted.
Some fifty countries maintain embassies and consulates in
Bangkok. Most are concentrated around the SukhumvitPhloenchit-Witthayu-Sathon
Road area, A complete listing of such missions is featured
in the Yellow Pages of the English edition of the Bangkok
Telephone Directory.
Airlines
Some fifty airlines maintain offices in Bangkok. A complete
listing may be found In the English edition of the Bangkok
Telephone Directory's Yellow Pages.
Tourist Information Service
Information on any aspect of Thai tourism may be obtained
from every Tourism Authority of Thailand office (Tel: 282-1143-7/5238973).
In Thailand, each office's information desk is open seven
days a week, Including public holidays, all year round.
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