Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
514,000 |
| Land (km2) |
511,770 |
| Water (km2) |
2,230 |
| Population |
65,493,298 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
128 |
| Capital |
Bangkok |
| Religion (%) |
Buddhist 94.6%,
Muslim 4.6%,
Christian 0.7%,
Other 0.1% |
| Time |
GMT+7 |
| Climate |
Thailand, a tropical country, is hot throughout the year.
The country experiences a monsoon season from
May-September; the best time to visit is between
November and March during the dry season. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Thailand is situated in Southeast Asia; it borders Myanmar, the
Indian Ocean, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. The country has four
main geographical divisions. The North is mainly covered with
mountains and forests while the Northeast is the most deprived part
of the country as it suffers bad droughts in wet seasons. The
central part of Thailand is mostly flat and is where most of the
rice is produced as the land is so fertile and the southern part of
the country is mostly mountainous with several rainforests. The
Chao Phraya River is the largest river in Thailand and dominates a
huge part of the country.
Government
The Thai government is a constitutional Monarchy. The head of
state is HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the government is run by
recently appointed Prime Minister Samak Sundavavej. In past years
the government has had to deal with several problems such as the
economy experiencing a boom then a downfall, an unstable government
and the effects of the tsunami in December 2004.
Language
Thai is the official language in Thailand although English is
widely spoken by most Thai nationals. There are many ethnic and
regional dialects spoken throughout Thailand.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
Passports/Visa
Passports which are valid for at least six months are required
by all nationals to travel to Thailand.
Visas
Visas are not required by Australian, British, Canadian and US
nationals for stays of up to 30 days, but they do require a valid
passport, documents proving sufficient funds whilst in the country
and an on going or return ticket out of the country. Many eastern
European nationals do require a visa before entering Thailand or
may only visit for fifteen days without one and should check with
their embassies for the relevant information.
Passport/Visa Information
Thailand Embassy
Royal Thai Embassy London
29–30 Queen's Gate
London
SW7 5JB
Telephone: (020) 7589 2944
Fax: (020) 7823-7492
Email: csinfo@thaiembassyuk.org.uk
Airports and Airlines
BangkokSuvarnabhumi International
Airport (BKK)
- Location: The airport is located 30km (18.5
miles) east of Bangkok.
- Time: Local time is GMT +7
- Contacts: Bang Phli, Samutprakarn, 10540
Bangkok, Thailand
- Tel: (02) 132 1888
- Fax: (02) 132 1889
- Website:
www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/bia/html
- Terminals: 1
- Transfer between terminals: Domestic and
international flights are located in the same terminal
building.
- Transfer to the city: High speed rail links
are under construction and due to be finished in 2008 making
transfers t the city app.15 minutes. Airport shuttle buses can take
travellers to local taxi ranks and there are frequent buses to
Bangkok and the surrounding areas.
- Car rental: Car rental companies are available
in the terminal buildings and airport shuttle buses can take
customers to the transport centre to collect their cars.
- Facilities: Banks, ATM's and Bureau de change
are available as well as restaurants, food outlets, cafes and
numerous shops. Thai massage and spa facilities and video and
entertainment rooms can also be found in the terminal building.
- Parking: Parking is available.
Standard of Living
Thailand enjoys a low cost of living compared to many other
countries in the world. The cost of buying food can vary
considerably from street stalls to fine restaurants. Thailand has
an inexpensive and efficient transportation system and good health
care. Accommodation is easy to find in most parts of the country
and more and more Thai nationals are learning English so
communicating is no longer a problem.
Principal commercial centres and towns
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the country's main
commercial and economic hub. This also makes it Thailand's most
populated city.
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Bangkok |
8,160,522 |
| Phuket |
321,802 |
| Chiang Mai |
150,000 |
| Pattani |
595,985 |
| Nakhon Sawan |
1,090,379 |
| Pattaya |
104,318 |
Source: Wikipedia
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