Overview
‘Land of the free'
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.
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.
Climate
Generally very hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season), although the southern islands are best from June to September.
Passport/Visa's
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.
Money
Currency
Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satang.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than ฿500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.
Traveller's Cheques
Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1530.
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