WELCOME TO THAILAND!
General Information

Thailand is undoubtedly the most alluring, vibrant, and exciting country in South East Asia. It attracts many tourists, who come to sample its magnificent temples, beautiful beaches, savoury cuisine, and above all warm friendly people. It is the only South East Asian country to have not been under Western rule, and as such possesses a unique cultural heritage, independent of the rest of Asia. Please be sure upon leaving our site, (Not yet though!) to visit our links to various tourist information sites by pressing the “Link” button. The country consists of 6 regions;- The South, Bangkok, Central, East, North, and North East. Beautiful beaches are to be found in the South and East. Hardy hikers tend to head for the North, and those of a historical bent, tour the Northeast and Central regions to explore “Old Thailand”. Thailand has a population of approximately 59 million people, and covers an area of 514,000 square kilometres. (Approximately the same area as France)  Bangkok with a population of around 9 million, is the capital and heart of Thailand.  Central Thailand is very fertile, being known as the “rice bowl”, whilst the East has countless miles of sun soaked beaches adjoining the Cambodian border.  The North East is sparsely populated, and house the countries poorest inhabitants. The South has many beaches, stretching all the way to the Malaysian border.

Public holidays
Most public holidays are accompanied by some form of celebration. They are usually related to either a Bhuddist Holy day or a Royal celebration.  The following are national holidays. Some which are based on the lunar calendar vary from year to year.

• New Year: 31^st Dec, 1^st Jan.
• Chinese New Year: Early Feb.
• Maga Puja :(Full moon) Mid Feb.
• Chakri Day: 6^th April (Celebrating the founding of the current dynasty.
• Songkran / Thai New Year: 12-14 April
  (Marking the time for the start of the rice planting season – usually early May)
• Coronation Day: 5th May.
• Visaka Puja: (Full moon May – celebrates the birth death and enlightenment of Buddha)
• AsalhaPuja: (Full moon July)
• Queens Birthday: 12^th August (Mothers Day)
• Ok Pansa: Late Oct. (The beginning of the Bhuddist Lent)
• Chulangkorn Day: 23^rd Oct. ( Marking the death of Thailand’s revered leader)
• Loy Krathong: Early Nov.(Cleansing of the mind and spirit beneath the full moon)
• Kings Birthday: 5th Dec.(Fathers Day)
• Constitution Day: 10^th Dec.

Opening hours
Shops usually open 7 days a week. 10-7.
Smaller shops 12 hours a day.
Commercial and Government office hours are:- Mon.-Fri. 830-12, 1- 4-30.
Banks Mon.-Fri 10-4.
Many Chinese businesses close for the Chinese New Year.
Some International firms close for Christmas.

Currency
Thai Baht. Divided into100 Satang.
Coins: 25 and 50 Satang. 1, 5, and 10 Baht.
Notes: 20, 50. 100, 500, and 1000 Baht.

Passports/ Visas
All Thailand visitors must hold a current passport, plus proof of onward passage. (Return ticket).
EEC and USA Nationals can stay for 30 days without a visa.
For stays of 30-60 days, a tourist visa is required.

Immunisation
Please consult your Doctor re. Inoculation requirements.
Usually Tetanus, Yellow fever, Hepatitis A. Possibly Malaria.