Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers, is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the
mid-‐14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 at which time it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand.
Thailand is the fiftieth largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain. Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level. Thailand covers 510,890 sq. km. of land and the coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km. long.
Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees Centigrade (66 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
The vast majority (roughly 80%) of Thailand’s nearly 65 million citizens are ethnically Thai. The remainders consist primarily of people of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao decent. Of the 7 million citizens or more
who live in the capital city, Bangkok, there is a greater diversity of ethnicities, including a large number of expatriate citizens from across the globe. Other geographic distinctions of the population include a Muslim majority in the south
near the Malaysian border, and hill tribe ethnic groups, such as the Hmong and Karen, who live in the northern mountains.
More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of its regional dialects. While the Thai language is the official language of Thailand, "Tinglish" (which refers to the mixture of English and Thai) is spoken and understood throughout much of Thailand.
94.6% are Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, 0.7% are Christian, and the remainder are mainly Hindus and Sikhs.
Government
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, not dissimilar to England, whereby an elected Prime Minister is authorized to be the head of government and a hereditary King is head of state. The constitution of Thailand allows for Thais to democratically elect their leaders in the form of a parliament, This includes a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives, while executive authority remains in the hands of the Prime Minister. A Judiciary, overseen by the Supreme Court, was designed to act independently of the executive legislative branches.
Economy
The economy of Thailand is the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia and is heavily reliant on exports, which account for 60% of Thailand’s approximately USD 200 billion GDP. Thailand’s exports consist primarily of agricultural products including fish and rice, of which it is the largest exporter in the world, as well as textiles, rubber, automobiles, computers and other electronic appliances, and jewelry. Although Thailand is one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, tourism provides only 7% of Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Currency
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Baht comes in both coin and banknote form. The size of Thai currency, both coins and bills increases with value and varies in colour.
Banking
Thai banking hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, though certain banks have shorter Saturday hours. Currency exchange shops are open for considerably longer hours in Bangkok and other tourist destinations.
Thailand uses the metricsystem for all weights and measurements with the exception for area, which Thais divide into Wa and Rai.
Electrical outlets in Thailand are charged to 220 volts at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with appliances from the U.K. but not those from the US and many other countries. While most computer cables have adaptors, visitors from the U.S. and those not on the 220/50 volts will have to bring adapters to run most other appliances. Outlets in Thailand generally feature flat, two-‐pronged plugs, though some feature holes for round plug ends. Few outlets feature three holes (grounded outlets) so it is often necessary to have a three to two prong adapter when using notebook computers in Thailand.
Thailand Standard time is GMT +7. Thailand does not observe daylight savings time.
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Thailand hotels are some of the finest in the world, whether they are five star luxury spa retreat centres or a quaint family-- run beachfront bungalow. There is a hotel in Thailand for every type of traveller on every budget. That being said, the best prices are during Thailand’s off-- peak season (May to August), while the most expensive prices are typically during the cool season (December to February). Whether your accommodation choice is a home stay with local villagers, a guesthouse in a backpacker district, a beach bungalow, or a five star hotel, expect nothing less than the warmest “land of smiles” hospitality
The Thai phone system is both modern and widespread, with comprehensive coverage for cell phones. Emergency numbers are often three or four digit numbers, including the Tourist Police, which is 1155.
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