Thailand Overview
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Kingdom of Thailand.
Capital
Bangkok (Krung Thep).
Geography
As a country located in Asia according to ethnicityology, Thailand, also known as Siam, borders Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west, Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand to the south and east, Cambodia to the east, and Laos to the north and east. The Chaophraya and its tributaries flow through large parts of mainland Thailand. In the northeast, the Korat plateau rises about 300 m above the plateau and extends to the Mekong valley. This largely barren region makes up about a third of the country, the forested hills in the north cover another third. Here is the mountainous region on the border with Myanmar with the highest mountain Doi Inthanon (2576 m). The agricultural regions are on the Gulf of Thailand in the east of the country. The tourist centers are concentrated in the south,
Government
Parliamentary monarchy since 1932. Interim constitution 2006, new constitution since 2016. Currently military government. National Legislative Assembly with 197 members appointed by the Military Council. The National Reform Council with 250 members is to draw up a new constitution.
Head of state
King Rama X. (Maha Vajiralongkorn), since December 2016.
Head of government
Prayut Chan-o-cha, since August 2014 (interim government).
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. Different sockets, adapters recommended.
Time zone
Indochina Time: CET +8
MONEY
Currency
1 baht = 100 satang. Currency abbreviation: Bt, THB (ISO code). There are banknotes to the value of 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20 Bt. Coins are to the value of 10, 5, 2 and 1 Bt as well as 50 and 25 Satang in circulation. In addition, there are a large number of commemorative coins that are also legal tender.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in many places, Diners Club less often. Credit cards can also be used to withdraw money across the country. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. The daily limit for withdrawals is currently up to 20,000 Baht. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30am / 9.30am-3.30pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency and foreign currencies is unlimited. When importing and exporting foreign currency, amounts that exceed the equivalent of USD 20,000 must be declared. Foreigners must declare amounts of Bt 50,000 or more when exporting their local currency.
Attention: On the onward journey to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar or Vietnam, only foreign currency with an equivalent value of up to 500,000 Bt may be carried.
In Thailand, the use of the virtual currency Bitcoin is prohibited by law. The virtual currency may not be used for payment transactions, and transfers abroad are also prohibited.
Currency Exchange
Cash can be exchanged in banks, hotels (high fees) and in authorized exchange offices (best exchange rates) in larger cities (opening times 8 am-8pm) Outside of the larger cities and tourist centers, banknotes over Bt 500 are difficult to change, so it is advisable to take small amounts of money with you.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Thai. Colloquial languages include Malay and Chinese as well as regional dialects. English is the language of business and education.
CULTURE
Religion
Theravada Buddhists (94.6%); Christian, Muslim and Hindu minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: The traditional customs in Thailand have been exposed to cultural influences from China, India and, more recently, from the West for centuries. Westerners often shake hands in greeting, Thais are greeted the traditional way, palms together, fingertips pointing up, and a slight bow. Western visitors shouldn’t be afraid to greet Thais the traditional way. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way. Close-ups with the camera may not be taken without the consent of the monks. The royal family enjoys boundless respect and their actions are never questioned. Visitors should take this into account and should not criticize them in any way. In general, Thai people are very reserved people and rarely lose their cool. Western visitors should note that only children are allowed to express anger and frustration. An adult who behaves like this “loses face”. Patience and calm are the order of the day. Before entering a private house or temple, shoes are taken off. You should never point your finger at people or objects or touch Thais, especially children, on the head.
Clothing: Casual clothing is acceptable everywhere; men are rarely expected to wear a suit. A traditional Thai shirt is the best clothing for men for special occasions. Swimwear belongs on the beach, “topless” is not popular.
Smoking: In Thailand, smoking is prohibited in all closed public and air-conditioned spaces such as restaurants, bars, clubs and discos, as well as in outdoor markets.
Tip: A tip of around 10% is only expected in high-class restaurants. In mid-range restaurants you can round up the invoice amount, but you don’t have to. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. If the service is very friendly, a tip is also advisable for taxi drivers. Porters and housekeeping should be tipped.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
There are three seasons in Thailand: March to May / June is hot. Rainy (monsoon) from June / July to September / October. It is cooler from November to February. On the east coast of the southern isthmus, the monsoon occurs from November to March, on the west coast (Phuket) from March to October. The hottest temperatures are found in the northwestern plains. Towards the end of the hot season in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand it can be hotter than in Bangkok, but with significantly lower humidity.
Travel to Thailand can also be made during the rainy season. The ideal travel time, however, is from November to February, as the temperatures in the cooler season can still be classified as very warm.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +66 Area (sqkm) 513115 Population 67976405 Population density (per sqkm) 132 Population in 2014 Member of the EU No main emergency number 1155
