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Thai Flag |
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Location |
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Southeast Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma. Has shared borders with Burma, Laos Cambodia and Malaysia. |
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Geographic coordinates: |
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15 00 N, 100 00 E |
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Total Area |
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514,000 sq km |
| Thailand Overview |
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict. |
| Climate |
Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid. |
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| Population | Estimated 65 million | Language | Thai, English, Ethnic & Regional dialects |
| Religion | Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% | ||
| Ethnic Groups | Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11% including hill tribes | ||
| Currency | Thai Baht - 1 USD = 39 Baht | Currency Converter for other currencies |
| Voltage | 220v/50Hz | Time | GMT + 7 hours |
| Travel | |
| International Airports | Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), Phuket, Had Yai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Surat Thani. |
| Overland Crossings | Sadao, Padang Besar (with Malaysia), Mae Sai (with Myanmar), Vientiane (with Laos) |
| Visas |
| Visitors visa is given on arrival at International airports and land border crossings. Normally valid for up to 30 days. You may need to show a paid return air ticket and proof of means to pay for your stay. |
| Vaccinations |
| No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas, Yellow fever certificates are required for those who are coming from 14 following countries; Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Angola, Barkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan and Zaire. Note: Please check the latest regulations with your local Health Office. (Please re-check with your nearest Thai consulate.) |
| How To Get There |
| Thai airways is the national carrier and it operates flights from most countries. For full details on flights and fares consult the Thai Airways web site at http://www.thaiair.com |
| Take Care/Beware Section |
Street food The same warning goes here as for other countries in the region, be careful of eating street food. One bad meal could completely ruin your stay. Mind your step The quality of pavements in Thailand leaves a lot to be desired. Even in the capital, Bangkok, you will find a lot of uneven paving, some uncovered holes or drains. Be on your guard as you could end up with a nasty stubbed toe or sprained ankle. If you do, and think you will be able to get compensation from the authorities? - in your dreams! Personal Safety Thailand is generally a very safe destination for tourists, but there can still be the occasional mugging. Be on your guard and don't drift far from the busy tourist areas at night. Pickpockets are at work particularly in the busier market, nightlife and shopping areas. |
| Further Information and Links |
| http://www.sawadee.com |
