THAILAND AT A GLANCE

The Country

Thailand is located in the center of South East Asia sharing common borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. So it is the natural gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region, Thereare four distinctive regions, namely: Central; Southern; North; North Eastern, each with its own unique natural and cultural attributes.

Population

The population is approximately 62 million people, 80% of which are ethnic This, 10 % Chinese, 4% Malays plus Lao, Mons, Khmers, Indians and Burmese-reflecting the country's long history at the crossroads of South East Asia.

Climate

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons- Summer from March to May, rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October through to February. The average annual temperature is 28 C (83 F), ranging in Bangkok for example, from 34 C in April to 12 C in December.

Language

Spoken and written Thai 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 major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

Immigration

Citizens of most countries, holding valid passports or travel documents, are entitled to visit Thailand for the purpose of pleasure for a period of 30 days without applying for a visa. For further information, please check with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate nearest to you.

Time

The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

VAT. Refunds

Visitors entering the Kingdom on a tourist visa are entitled to refund of the 7 % VAT. On goods purchased at registered retails outlets.

Health Regulations

As in most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless comig from or passing through a designated contaminated area.

Customs

Personal: Customs regulation allow you to bring in a reasonable amount of personal effects, a still camera, a video camera, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco and one liter of wine or spirits. Narcotics and pornography are strictly prohibited.

Professional: The import of stationery items for the use during conventions is not subject to import duties, as is professional presentation equipment imported under an ATA carnet.

Currency

The Thai currency called bath, is based on the decimal system. One bath is divided into 100 satang. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, one bath, 5 baht and 10 baht. Notes are in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht.

Business Hours.

Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Many stores open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a noon to 1.00 p.m. lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 pm. Except on public holidays.

Electricity

The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. There are many plugs and sockets in use, Travelers with shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.