GEOGRAPHY

Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq.km. (approx. 127,008 acres) bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Laos (North & East) and Cambodia (Southeast). The country's east coast borders the Gulf of Thailand and the west coast abuts the Andaman Sea. The country is divided geographically into four main zones - the fertile central plains, dominated by the Chao Phraya River; the 300-metre-high northeast plateau, the kingdom's most barren region; the mountainous North; and the tropical southern peninsula.

CAPITAL

Bangkok

LOCAL TIME

GMT + 7

RELIGION

Buddhists 95%, Muslims 4%, Christians 0.5%, and others 0.5%

WEATHER

Thailand’s climate is subtropical throughout most of the country, leading the weather in Thailand to year-round hot and humid conditions. During the hottest months of the year, temperatures regularly top 40° C (105° F). Even during the cooler “winter” season you can expect daily highs to be around 30° C (86° F).

LANGUAGE

Thai is the national language. English is widely understood in Bangkok and other big cities

SEASONS

There are three seasons in Northern, Northeastern and Central Thailand - Summer (March to May), Rainy (June to October), and Winter (November to February). On the other hand, there are two seasons in the South - rainy (April to November) and Summer (December to March). In December, the average temperature in Bangkok City is 23-34°C.

RESTRICTIONS ON SMOKING AND DRINKING

Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited for those under 20 years of age. Smoking is banned on public transportation and in some public areas.

ELECTRICITY

The electric current in Thailand is 220 Volts (50 cycles/sec.) throughout the country. The Better hotels will provide 110 Volt transformers. Power sockets in Thailand are both flat prongs and round prongs.

MANNERS / CUSTOMS

Show respect to religious images and do not climb or sit on them. On public transportation such as subway trains or bus, eating and drinking are considered bad manners. There are some traditional customs such as taking off shoes before entering a private home.

SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Bangkok international airport is located 16 miles outside town, but it is easy to get to Bangkok city centre, either via the airport link or taxi. Transit passengers will need to proceed to the airline checkpoints located on the same floor of Bangkok Airport. All departures at Bangkok Airport are handled at the airline check-in counters located on the fourth floor of the Departure Terminal. Domestic check-ins are from Rows B to C. Row A is dedicated to Thai Airways’ Royal First Class and Royal Silk passengers. For international departures, proceed to Rows D to W. Always be prepared to arrive at least two-and-a-half hours before international departures or 80 minutes before domestic departures.

DON MUEANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Don Mueang International Airport has a simple layout, with two levels. The Departure Hall is on the second floor, and all airlines have their check-in counters there. Other facilities on this floor include money exchange counters, restaurants, souvenir shops and VIP lounges. On the first floor is the Arrivals Hall. There are also a few fast-food outlets, snack bars, an internet café, banks, money exchange counters, souvenir shops, medical service, airport limousine service and car rentals by major brands.

BY SKY TRAIN - BTS (ROT FAI FAH)

BTS Skytrain has now two lines; the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line, with a total of 35 stations. The two lines cross at Siam Station, which is the central station of the BTS Sky Train. The cars are air-conditioned and have both seats and standing areas. The price for a ticket starts at 15 Baht up to 42 Baht per journey.

BY TUK-TUK (SAM-LOR)

This three-wheeled taxi has definitely become an icon and symbol of Bangkok. The vehicle is not that environmentally friendly, but is often a little faster than a taxi cab at rush hours.Try to confirm the price before taking a ride. The starting price for a ride is usually not less than 30-40 Baht. The price for a 20-30 minute ride is normally 100-200 Baht.

BY TAXI

From the Arrivals Hall on the second floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport and on the first floor of Don Mueang International Airport, you will find the designated taxi stands at Entry Gate 4. Simply queue up and tell your final destination to the booth officer, then a taxi driver will escort you to his vehicle. Please note that you need to pay the driver an extra 50 baht courtesy fee, on top of all toll way fees and the final taxi fare. Taken all these fees into account, it should cost you a total of 350-400 Baht for a 40-minute ride to downtown Bangkok. Service is available 24 hours. From other areas, not the airport, the starting price is 35 Baht. The cars are painted in different color combinations but the prices are the same as long as the taximeter is turned on.

Motorcycle Taxis

Instantly recognizable by their bright orange jackets. Motorcycle Taxis are a fast and convenient way to whizz through traffic during rush hour or for small distances. The fares start at 10 Baht and depend on the distances but usually works out to 40 baht. Therefore, you must negotiate with the driver as fares are not always fixed.