Thailand Guide

Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is reknown as one of the world's premier tourst detinations, with 15 million visitors annually. Most come for the tropical weather and exotic coastline, but the country has far more to offer from the bustling capital city of Bangkok to remote highland areas as well as a fascinating culture and history. 

The main language is Thai but there are a variety of dialects both in Thai and Chinese. English is used within commerce and education and is widespread in areas with a large number of foreign visitors.

Population and Language

The population of Thailand is approximately 65 million, the vast majority of whom are ethnically Thai. Citizens of chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin make up the remainder of the population to varying degrees and in the northern mountains live tribal ethnic groups such as the Hmong and Karen. Approximately 7 million live in Bangkok including a large number of expatriates from across the globe, though the number varies seasonally and is difficult to accurately count. 

The official and main language is Thai, spoken by more than 90% of the population, though there are a variety dialects in both Thai and Chinese. English is used within commerce and education and in the cosmopolitan capital and established tourism infrastructure, English is widely spoken.

Geography and Climate

Thailand is the world's 50th largest country, approximately equal in size to France. The coastline of over 3000 km is bordered by Myanmar, Laos. Cambodia and Malaysia. Just 15 degees north of the equator, Thailand has a typically tropical climate and temperatures, in the most, range from between 20 and 34 degrees centigrade, though the northern mountain areas are usually much cooler. The mean average temperature in Bangkok is around 28C. The months from March to May see the highest temperatures and humidity with June to September being the monsoon season, though there are still plentiful sunny periods. October to February is cooler and dryer, with north east winds and is generally considered the best time to visit the country. 

Religion

With more than 30,000 Buddha temples and over 500,000 monks, Buddhism is the predominent religion of Thailand and central to the history of the country and the way of life for many Thais. Spiritual offerings are very common and almost every home, hotel and public building has an altar where one can offer food or flowers. These altars are often found at the finest place in houses or gardens, often beautifully decorated with flowers and small wooden animals particularly elephants, symbolising wealth and greatness in Thai history. Visitors should respect the Buddhist faith, the temple Buddha and the monks, by removing shoes when entering temples and asking before taking photographs.

Culture

Thai culture has been formed largely by the Buddhist religion. Beautiful shimmering gold temples, impressive Asian statuettes and decorations stand side by side with Bangkok's modern skyline. Life in Thailand is marked by the main religious ceremonies all over the country. 

Song Kran from the 12th-14th April is Thailand's water festival with the country being embraced by a carnival atmosphere with water being sprayed in the streets - traditionally, it is a spiritual festival to celebrate the new year. Loi Kra Tong is quite the opposite, a peaceful ceremony taking place upon the full moon at the end of November, celebrated with singing and beautiful flower arrangements laid into the Chao Praya River or the sea to symbolise happiness for the future. 
Thailand is often regarded as a model for combining a genuine and traditional culture with a modern lifestyle, with westerm influences embraced but not at the expense of Thai culture. The Thai people are very proud that their country is the only one in the region never to have been colonized.

Monarchy

Thailand is a constitional monarchy and though fully democratic, the Royal family of Thailand has more influence than those of Europe. 


Today King Bhumiphol - Rama IX is the world's longets serving monarch, with over 60 years on the throne, and is well loved and respected by the Thai people. The great reverence in which he is he held can be seen everywhere, with his picture displayed in most homes, hotels and public buildings. 

Visas

Most visitors to Thailand do not need a visa for the first 30 days of their stay. If you plan to stay for a longer period, a visa may be required. 

It is recommended to contact the Thai Embassy in your home country prior to travel to Thailand.