Overview
Overview
Thailand has a rich and colourful culture, and many exotic monuments and stunning beaches, which draw millions of visitors each year, ranging from budget-conscious backpackers to those seeking luxurious pampering in a spa.
Where else but Thailand can visitors cruise on a converted rice barge, roar upriver in a long-tail boat and take a white-knuckle ride on a bamboo raft, then stay in jungle tree houses as guests in the homes of hilltribe villagers, or on rafthouses floating on a river? Equally memorable are the trails leading deep into the rainforest past cooling waterfalls, and the simple beauty of the translucent sea lapping onto endless white, soft sand. Not to be missed is dynamic Bangkok, a city that is larger than life, with its futuristic high-rise buildings juxtaposed against the glittering Grand Palace.
Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and with the reverence the people have for the monarchy, a dynasty that has maintained the independence of the country for centuries, the result for the Thais is a blend of tradition with contemporary living.
His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946. Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections could take place, probably in October 2007.
For all this, Thailand has risen above economic collapse in 1997, SARS, avian influenza and the devastating tsunami in December 2004 to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail, possessed as it is of great natural beauty and a very rich cultural heritage.
Author
Anita Sach
General Information
Area
513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles).
Population
64 million (2005).
Population Density
124.7 per sq km.
Capital
Bangkok. Population: 9.4 million, including Thon Buri (UN estimate 2005).
Government
Constitutional monarchy.
Language
Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.
Religion
The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities.
Time
GMT + 7.
Social Conventions
Present-day Thai society is the result of centuries of cultural interchange, particularly with China and India, but more recently with the West. Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting someone. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head - the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way.
The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of ’face’. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one’s feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone’s home or a temple.
Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
Head of Government
Interim Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
Passport/Visa
Passport/Visa
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes 1 Yes
Passports
Passport valid for six months beyond intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for touristic stays, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave Thailand, except 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Malta and Romania who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand. All other nationals may stay visa-free for stays of the following durations: (a) 15 days for nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who must obtain an entry visa on arrival; (b) 30 days for all other nationals listed in the chart above.
Visa Note
Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Single-entry tourist visa: £25.
Validity
30 days. Can apply for further maximum of 60 days at immigration bureau.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Two.
Contact Addresses
Royal Thai Embassy in the UK
29-30 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JB, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 2944 or 7225 5506.
Website: www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section); Mon-Fri 1400-1700 (telephone enquiries).
Tourism Authority of Thailand in the UK
3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6EE, UK
Tel: 0870 900 2007.
Website: www.thaismile.co.uk
Royal Thai Embassy in the USA
1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 944 3600.
Website: www.thaiembdc.org
Tourism Authority of Thailand in the USA
61 Broadway, Suite 2810, New York, NY 10006, USA
Tel: (212) 432 0433.
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Health
Health
Yes
Yes
Sometimes
Sometimes*
Yes
Yes
Sometimes**
Health Care
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good in main centres. All major hotels have doctors on call.
Note
* For travellers spending four weeks or more in the country, or who are going to be more than 24 hours from medical help or who are handling animals. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 10 days from infected areas.
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.
2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
Feb/Mar* Magha Bucha Day.
6 Apr Chakri Day.
13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year).
1 May Labour Day.
5 May Coronation Day.
May/Jun* Visakha Bucha.
1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday.
Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent).
12 Aug HM The Queen’s Birthday.
23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day.
5 Dec HM The King’s Birthday.
10 Dec Constitution Day.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.
2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
Feb/Mar* Magha Bucha Day.
6 Apr Chakri Day.
13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year).
1 May Labour Day.
5 May Coronation Day.
May/Jun* Visakha Bucha.
1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday.
Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent).
12 Aug HM The Queen’s Birthday.
23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day.
5 Dec HM The King’s Birthday.
10 Dec Constitution Day.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.
Note
* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.
