Over the years, Thailand has attracted many immigrants. The people of Thailand share a rich ethnic diversity consisting of Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian,
Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian descendants. As a result, it is not possible to speak of a typical Thai physique. The Thais are, on the whole, a group of people who believe that life should be
enjoyed, but no one should infringe on others' rights. The Thais are tolerant and hospitable, and it is easy to get along with them. Good manners, common sense and a smile are necessities in Thailand.
Women have considerable influence in Thai society. Although the men's role is usually accentuated in public, in private, women generally manage all affairs such as finances and other transactions.
Monarchy and religion are sacred in Thailand, and it is against the law to criticize them, especially in public. Mocking the monarchy, or joking about it, is a serious offense and is punishable by
imprisonment. Ethnic Groups: 75% Thai, 14% Chinese and 11% other. Languages: The national language is Thai. English is widely understood in Bangkok, where it is almost the major commercial
language. English is spoken in most hotels and restaurants and at major tourist destinations. However, taxis, small food stands and remote areas outside Bangkok lack English education. It is advisable to
bring a Thai/English dictionary or buy one in Bangkok if you intend on traveling outside the major cities.  Religion: 95% of the population practice Buddhism, 4% are Muslim and the remainders are Christians, Hindus or Sikhs. |
|
The Thais are extremely tolerant and forgiving people with an easygoing approach to life. Nevertheless, there are certain moral, social and religious
customs visitors should know and observe to avoid embarrassment and misunderstanding. Never lose your temper or raise your voice, no matter how frustrating the situation is. Only patience, humor and
"jai yen" (cool heart) yield results in Thailand. Thais believe that the head is the most sacred part of the body, so never touch or pat anyone in Thailand on the head, even in the
friendliest of circumstances. Standing over someone, especially someone older or wiser is considered rude behavior since it implies social superiority. As a sign of courtesy, lower your head as you
pass a group of people. When in doubt, watch the Thais. The feet are considered the lowest part of the body, so don't point at things with your feet. When sitting down, make sure the soles of your
feet are not facing anyone. Wearing shorts is considered improper and low-class attire, but acceptable for children. No matter how hot it is, long pants should be worn in urban areas. If you are
planning to visit a Buddhist temple, dress conservatively and remember to take your shoes off when you enter the temple. Public display of affection and nudity at beaches are offensive. Never
have your picture taken with any Buddhist images. They are considered extremely sacred, no matter what their age or condition. Buddhist monks must be treated with respect at all times. Women are not
allowed to touch the monks nor can the monks accept anything from a woman's hand. |
Thailand has a humid, tropical climate, and is hot all year round. Summer is from March to May with average temperatures around 93ºF (34ºC), but the temperature can reach over
105ºF (40ºC) for extended periods. Summer monsoons begin as the warm humid air masses flow towards the north from the Indian Ocean. The monsoons end in the fall when the wind reverses direction with the
dry southwesterlies. The rainy season, with periods of sunshine, lasts from June to September, with temperatures ranging from 80ºF to 89ºF (27ºC to 32ºC). The amount of rainfall varies with topography.
The northeast receives the least rain, while the south is flooded during the summer months. The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, from October though February, when it is not as humid as
during the summer and rainy seasons. The average temperature is around 65ºF to 89ºF (18ºC to 32ºC). During this season, it can be very chilly in the north, with temperatures dropping to 44ºF (7ºC) at night. |
|
Rear seats on buses are reserved for the monks, and other passengers have to vacate these seats when necessary. Never stand over a seated monk, since a monk should always remain
at the highest elevation. Business: The Thais are not fanatical about productivity or deadlines. Foreign visitors are often frustrated with their resistance to the Westerners' fast-paced life.
The Thais detest any form of conflict and will go to great pains to avoid confrontation and preserve harmony. Traditionally, Thais greet each other not with a handshake but with the "wai"
(a prayer-like posture with the palms of the hands pressed together). Meetings are usually held in offices, hotel lobbies and restaurants. The Thais are sociable and often mix business with
pleasure. The person who has extended the invitation pays for the meals or drinks. If it isn't clear who extended the invitation, the senior most person at the table has the honor of paying. If you are the
only foreigner present, it is polite to offer to pay. Avoid scheduling a meeting after 3:30pm, as the Thais like to get an early start on the evening rush-hour trip home. |
| |
|
|
| |
Population: 56,000,000
Capital: Bangkok.
Flag: The flag of Thailand has five horizontal bands, red (top), white, blue (double width),
white and red (bottom). |
|
Tipping: Tipping is not customary, yet is very much appreciated. If a service charge has been added to the bill, tipping isn't necessary. |
| |
Time: Thailand has one time zone. It is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. It is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 11 hours ahead
of Pacific Standard Time. |
|
Restaurants: If a restaurant service charge is included, a tip is not necessary. |
| |
Bank Hours: Bank hours are open Monday-Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm. They are generally closed Saturday and Sunday. Many banks close for lunch. |
|
January 1 |
New Year's Day |
February 14 |
Makha Bucha (Full Moon Day) |
April 6 |
Chakri Memorial Day |
April 12-14 |
Sonkran Festival (Thai New Year). This is the biggest water fight
you will ever see! The hole country is under "water attack", so wear a T-shirt and shorts, as you will surely be drenched! |
May 1 |
National Labor Day |
May 5 |
Coronation Day |
May 13 |
Wisakha Bucha (Full Moon Day) |
July 11 |
Asanaha Bucha (Full Moon Day) |
July 12 |
Buddhist Lent Day |
August 12 |
HAM. The Queen's Birthday |
October 23 |
Chulalongkorn Day |
December 5 |
H.M. The King's Birthday |
December 10 |
Constitution Day |
December 31 |
New Year's Eve |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Shop Hours: Stores are generally open Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm. Larger shops are open from 10am to 7pm. Outdoor markets are open early and close quite late, usually 7
days a week. |
|
| |
Electricity: Thiland operates exclusively on 220 volt, 50 cycle AC power. |
|
| |
Thai currency: The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. Silver coins are in denominations of 1,2 and 5 baht. Bank
notes are valued at 10 baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red). 500 baht (purple) and 1000 baht (khaki). |
|
Taxis: Most taxis in Bangkok use their meters. If a taxi doesn't have a meter, fares must be agreed upon from the start. Fares range from a minimum of 30 Baht to
a maximum of 300 Baht. "Tuk-Tuks" or three-wheel taxis are quite popular among tourists for short journeys inside Bangkok. Fares range from 30 Baht to 150 Baht for this means of
transportation.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north,
Laos to the northeast, Kampuchea to the east and Malaysia to the south. Topographically the country is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains,
the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.
