Amazing Thailand 1998-1999

Geography :

Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia and as a gateway to Indochina. Thailand borders with Laos in the north and northeast; Myanmer in the north and west; the Andaman Sea in the west; Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand in the east; and Malaysia in the south.

Thailand cover a land area of 513,115 dwustr kilometres and extends about 1,620 kilometres from north to south and 775 kilometres from east and west.

The climate is tropical with long hours of sunshine and high humidity. Three are three seasons; moderate 20o c and high temperature is 37o c. the geographic and climatic conditions make the country suitable for the cultivation of a wide range of tropical and semi-tropical agricultural crops.

Population and language :

The Country has a population of approximately 60 million of which around 7 million live in the capital city, Bangkok. While the national and offical language is Thai, English is spoken and understood in major cities and in business circles.

Religion :

Buddhism is the national religion. Three is religious freedom and all faiths are allowed to practice. Under the constitution, the King is a Buddhist and upholder of all religions.

Government :

Thailand has been a democratic constitutional manarchy since 1932. Under the present constituion, the parliament is a bicameral House composed of appointed senators and elected representatives. The Prime Minister is selected from among the members of the House of Representatives.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under and elected governor and is divided into 36 districts. Besides Bangkok, there are 75 other provinces, administered by appointed govermors and divided into districts, sub-districts, and villages.

Information for Visitors to Thailand :

Travel documents and visa : Aliens visiting Thailand must posses valid travel documents recognized by Thailand and proper visas before entering the coutry. Visitors with transit visa and toursit visa are permitted to stay not exceeding 30 days and 60 days respectively. Non-immigrant, diplomatic and official visa are initially permitted to stay not exceeding 90 days. Those who wish to stay longer may apply for their extension of stay at the Immigration bureau, 507 Soi Suanplu, South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok. Tourists from 56 nations are exempted rom visa requirements and permittded to stay not exceeding 30 days provided the have adequate means to stay and addition, Travellers from 79 nations are allowed apply for their toursit visas upon arrival at the Immigration Check-points in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Songkhla International Airport; they are permitted to stay not exceeding 15 days.

Costoms : narcotics and prnographic materials are strictly prohibited. Permits must be obtained for firearms and certain species of animals and plants. The export of Buddha images, images of deities and antiques is strictly forbidden without first containing approval from the Fine Arts Department. Any amount of foreign currency may be brought in for personal use.

Transportation (International) :

Air : Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) is the national carrier of the Kingdom of Thailand. The airline operates domestic, regional and Intercontinental flights radiating from its homebase in Bangkok to key destinations around the world and within Thailand. At present, THAI flies to over 50 cities on 4 continents. More than 60 International Airlines fly from almost every part of the world into Bangkok International Airport, making it possible to visitors to stop off in Thailand en route to other destinations.
Rail : The State Railways of Thailand links with the malaysian network to carry passengers on to Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The privately operated luxury Eastern & Oriental Express train leaves Bangkok for Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Transportation (Domestic) :

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) provides services between Bangkok and 20 provincial cities including Hat Yai, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai International Airport.
Rail : There are rail links between Bangkok and every region of the country. First and second class carriages with ordinary and air-conditioned sleeping accommodation are available, as are second and third class seats.
Road : State and privately owned air-conditioned and ordinary coaches serve every province. Car rental services are available in major cities.
Water : Ferries operate between the mainland and offshore islands. Water taxis ply on rivers and canals.