The Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century as was known as
Siam until1939. It is the only Southeast Asian country that has never been colonized by aEuropean power.
Thailand is a populardestination in Southeast Asia, and is served by over 80 international airlineslanding mainly in
Bangkokwith an increasing number of international flights arriving in Phuket, ChiangMai and Hat Yai.
Thailand’sdomestic airports have increased and all have connecting flights to
Bangkok and at least oneother destination.
Thailandhas four international airports, one each in
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
Travelers should check visa regulations at a Thai Embassy or consulate beforestaring their journey. Foreign nationals entering
Thailand must have valid passports. At the airport, nationals from most countries will be granted a free transitvisa valid up to 30 days, provided that they have a fully paid ticket out of
Thailand.
CLIMATE
Thai weather is tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September and dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March; Thailan'ssouthern part is generally hot and humid all year round.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Thai with English as the secondary language of theelite; there are also various ethnic and regional dialects.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Thai Baht which exchanges for 40.22 to the USDollar.
DOMESTIC TRANSPORT Thailandhas a large network of highways and smaller roads linking the main cities withoutlying areas. Visitors who possess an international driving license can rentcars in order to explore the country on their own.
Rail travel is also an option with first, second and third class seatsincluding air-conditioned first- and second-class sleeping coaches.
For getting around
Bangkok,public taxis and tuk-tuks, air-conditioned buses, motorbike taxis and a skytrain system serve key central areas. River ferries and water taxis are alsogenerally available for daily commuting within
Bangkok and its suburbs.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
International Direct Dial Country Code = 66
Fixed Lines = 7,000,000 Mobile Cellular = 28,000,000
Thailand’stelephone system is generally of high quality provided both by a governmentowned and commercial provider.
Thailand’sGSM wireless service expanding rapidly and outpacing fixed lines.
Thailand’sGSM providers are THAIS GSM, Total Access Comms and WCS.
Several prepaid calling card and phone card companies are available to callboth to and from
Thailand.
Thailand
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