 |
|
 |
 |
Basic Information: |
|
Area: 514,000 sq.km.
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep in Thai)
Population: Approx. 61 Million
Language: Thai (official), English (business)
Main religion: Buddhism
|
|
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
|
|
Local Time: |
|
GMT +7
|
|
Currency: |
|
Thai baht
|
|
Business hours : |
|
Monday-Friday; 9.30 am-3.30 pm (Banks),
9.00 am-5.00 pm (Businesses),
10.00 am-9.00 pm (Most department stores)
|
|
Electricity supply:
|
|
220V, 50Hz
|
|
Tipping : |
|
It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who
have given good personal service. A 10%-15% tip is appreciated
in restaurants, particularly where service charge does
not apply. |
|
Nightlife : |
|
Bangkok's colourful nightlife is generally safe, but
avoid seedy bars and live-show joints where drinks may
turn out to cost more than one thinks. The Thai Dinner
with Classical Dances is a popular evening tour. Large
hotels usually offer their own entertainment. |
|
Photography : |
|
International film manufacturers operate photo-finishing
services with standard prints ready within an hour.
Films are available countrywide at reasonable prices.
|
|
Tourist Information
: |
|
Tourism Authority of Thailand's information centre
at Tel: (66-2) 694-1222 (80 lines), Fax: (66-2) 694-1220/1,
|
|
Public Holidays (2001): |
|
January 1: New Year’s Day
February 19: Makha Puja - Commemorates the Spontaneous
Gathering of 1,250 Enlightened Disciples of the Lord
Buddha April 6: Chakri Day - Commemorates the Establishment
of the Royal House of Chakri
April 13-15: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)
May 5: Coronation Day
May 18: Visakha Puja - Commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment
and the Maha Parinirvana or Death of the Lord Buddha
July 17: Asalha Puja - Commemorating the Lord Buddha’s
First Sermon
July 18: Khao Phansa - Beginning of Buddhist Rains
Retreat August 12: Birthday of H.M. the Queen
October 23: Chulalongkorn Day
December 5: Birthday of H.M. the King
December 10: Constitution Day
December 31: New Year’s Eve
|
|
|
|
