Thailand – The Land of Smiles

The Kingdom of Thailand covers an area of 514,000 sq kms in the heart of South East Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Burma to the West and north, Laos to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. The time zone is GMT + 7 hours. The currency of Thailand is the baht, divided into 100 satang.
Bangkok, the capital of the country is built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is home to many spectacular temples, monuments not to mention the amazing nightlife, dinning and shopping.

Language: Thai
Currency: Thai Baht (approximately 35 Thai Baht are equal to 1 US$).
The time zone: GMT +7 hours
Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz
Telephone Dialing code: 0066

Climate: hot and humid, dominated by monsoons
Hottest months: April & May
Monsoon: June to October
Tourist season: generally during November to February

Religion: Theravada Buddhism (95% of the population), Islam (4% of the population), Confucianism, Taoism, Hindus and Christians.

Transportation
Most places in Thailand are well-linked by road and rail and in some cases by air as well (like Hua Hin!). It is easy to get a bus (Sai Tai Mai, Southern Bus Terminal), or small van which seats 11 people (Victory Monument, Soi 13) and come to Hua Hin. These offer fixed rates and take around two and a half hours to get to town.
To travel to another other city too, you can easily get a bus or train (check which terminal to go to before you set out). In case you decide to take a taxi, be certain to negotiate the price before hopping on.
Most towns and cities are easy to move around in. There are taxi’s, tuk tuks (three wheeled taxis) and motorbike taxis that can take you around. However, keep the principle of settling a price and hard bargaining in mind at all times.

Behavior
Thai people are very polite and rudeness of any form in public is not accepted. Sunbathing in public is legally banned and foreigners to the country are requested to follow the laws of the land so as to best enjoy this amazing country.
When visiting a Buddhist Monastery the grounds are holy so it is appreciated if appropriate dress is worn. Women should be careful as no monk may come into physical contact with any woman.
Touching people of the head should be avoided and your feet should not be pointed at people or objects as it is considered rude. Footwear should be removed when entering a private home and public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Visas
Most nationalities can get a 30 day visa upon arrival that can be extended for certain periods. However, if you wish to obtain a visa for a longer period or any other kind of visa, please contact the Royal Thai embassy nearest to you.