VISA/PASSPORT
Visitors to Thailand must possess a valid international passport
or other internationally-recognized travel document endorsed for travel in
Thailand. No VISA is required for entry into Thailand. Please consult your
local embassy for further information. All travel documents must be valid for
at least 6 months from your date of departure.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Thai Baht which is available in
denominations of Baht 1,000 to Baht 10 in notes and Baht 10 to Baht 1 coins.
RELIGION
90% of the population in Thailand is Theravada Buddhists, which
began in southern Nepal. Although it is the predominant faith in the country,
some Thais still practice Hinduism and Spiritualism largely because ceremonies
for passages of life such as birth, death and marriages were never prescribed
by the Buddha.
CLIMATE
Thailand has a humid, tropical weather with three seasons. The
temperatures are mild from November to March, which are the winter months.
Temperatures heat up from March to June, which are the hottest months of the
year. Summer monsoons flow northeastward from the Indian Ocean, bringing rain
and humidity from June to October.
CLOTHING
Light cotton clothing is recommended for year-round. However, if
you plan to visit Northern Thailand, it is wise to bring along a light sweater,
as the climate there is generally cooler than the southern cities.
LANGUAGE
80% percent of the population is Thais and they speak a common
language – Thai. The country’s largest and most important minority group are
the Chinese. Sino-Thais generally take a Thai surname and speak Thai rather
than Chinese. Nearly one million Malay Muslims live in the southern provinces
bordering Malaysia, and they are also proficient in the Thai Language, as well
as Malay. In hotels, restaurants and most shopping outlets, English is spoken.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts ac, 50 cycles throughout the country. If you are
planning to bring your own electrical equipment, please pack a converter. Some
hotels also provide converters upon request.
TRANSPORTATION
Air-conditioned taxis are plentiful in Bangkok and other
tourists’ spots in the country. However, they are usually un-metered and fares
must be negotiated in advance. Tuk-tuks are motorized three-wheelers and is the
cheapest form of transportation in Thailand. Air-conditioned mini-buses are
also a comfortable way to travel, and destination is displayed in English on
the exterior the vehicle. A fast, cheap and exciting way to travel is by
open-air river boats. They operate daily from 6am to 6pm. Please check with
your tour guide or hotel concierge for more details.
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