This is the only country in South East Asia never to have been under colonial rule. All of its color, all of its traditions and all of his history are pure Thai. Here you can find splendid temples, elephants, ancient cities, deep jungle and a capital city that is laced with meandering waterways. The country is full of excitement and color and a people who are friendly and hoping to please its visitors. This is a special country well worth visiting again and again.
Requiring no advertising, Thailand is a trip through sensual paradise. Your travel agent will never be able to exaggerate the wonders and beauty of this Southeast Asian country—you will inevitably be astounded. Among the easiest travel destinations of its Asian counterparts, Thailand is filled with aesthetic charms from the heaven-on-earth beaches to the glittering golden chedis to the prowling tigers in dense tropical jungles. Explore the ancient cities of Central Thailand, where the ruins of once-great kingdoms now lie in silent majesty, testament to a glorious past. Dive into the world’s bluest waters searching for a different kind of wildlife than the backpackers you encounter on shore. Meditate amid saffron-cloaked Buddhist monks in temples adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay and frescoes older than the Magna Carta. Throughout Thailand, mouth-watering cuisine will be your sustenance, delightfully warm people will be your companions, and a smile will be your currency. Afterall, they don’t call it “Amazing Thailand” for nothing.
Land of smiles, lotus blossoms, glittering temples, lush rain forest, turquoise seas and pristine beaches, with all the mystery and allure of the Orient - it's not surprising that visitors flock to Thailand. Those seeking culture, will find it in the magnificent ruins of Sukothai and Ayutthaya and living in Buddhist art and temples, for those with a more physical quest, the beaches and waters, teak-forested mountains or even the infamous fleshpots may appeal. If you're still not sure, the exquisite Thai cuisine alone, is reason enough to visit!.
The country is often likened to an elephant's head, with its long southern peninsula forming the elephant's trunk.The cooler and hilly north contrasts with the steamy, tropical islands of the south. In between Bangkok manages to combine the frenzied pace of noise, traffic and crowds with the serene composure characteristic of the Buddhist way of life.
The country was never colonised by a foreign power and the people of Thailand retain a strong sense of their identity and culture which is reflected in their friendly manner, devotion to religion and respect for their Royal Family.
Temperatures are warm and humid throughout the year with deluges of rain during the monsoons. The best time to visit is from November to February. Take light, natural fibres to wear, rain gear if travelling in monsoon and light woollens for the cooler evenings of the north.
Facts and Figures
Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand.
Government: Constitutional monarchy.
Capital: Bangkok.
Land Area: 513,000 sq. km.
Geography: Borders Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Chao Praya River flows through the fertile central plain. Northern Thailand and the Burmese border to the west are mountainous.
Climate: Dry (high season) Nov.-Mar., rainy (low season) Apr.-Oct.
Major Cities: Chiang Mai, Khon Khaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani.
Population: 60,700,000.
Languages: Thai, English.
Religions: Theravada Buddhism (95%); Muslim, Christian, Hindu (5%).
Average Income Per Capita: US$2000.
When To Go
Thailand has rainy and dry seasons, which roughly correspond to low and high tourism seasons. During the low season, sights are less crowded, fewer services are offered, and prices are reduced. Some beaches and islands close down and fewer trekking opportunities are available.
The rainy (low) season spans May to September in the north and runs later in the year the farther south you travel. The dry (high) season is roughly the other 6-7 months of the year. Closer to the Equator, the hotter the weather, the less the variations among seasons. Thailand is hot and humid; temperatures fluctuate around 27°C (80°F) year-round everywhere except the extreme uplands of the mainland, where night-time temperatures can drop dramatically. For a rough conversion from °C to °F, multiply by two and add 30.
Time
Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT and UTC; 12 hours ahead of EDT. Officially, Thailand uses the beginning of the Buddhist Era: 543 BC to indicate years, which means that, 1997 is 2540 BE.
Tourist Offices
The Thailand Authority of Tourism (TAT) provides useful information, maps and brochures for the visitor via its network of offices throughout Thailand and abroad. TAT also acts as a regulatory body, monitoring tourism and improving standards throughout the industry.
Visa & Passports
Bona fide tourists with valid passports and confirmed date return tickets are permitted to stay in Thailand without a visa, subject to the following restrictions:
A maximum of 90 day for nationals of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, South Korea, New Zealand and Norway;
British, Australian, Canadian, USA and Japanese, other EU nationals, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Vanuatu, United Arab Emirates, Western Samoa and Yemen are exempt from visa requirements for a maximum of 30 days.
Visitors wishing to stay in the Kingdom for more than thirty days, are advised to apply for an entry visa from the Thai diplomatic mission in their country, or if not available, they may apply to missions in neighboring countries, or forward their request and supporting evidence to the Immigration Division, Soi Suan Phlu, Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok 10120.
As visa requirements are subject to frequent change it is advisable to check current requirements with a consulate before travelling.
Customs
The following goods are permitted without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or cigars; 1 litre of wine of spirits, goods up to a value of THB 3,000.00, one still camera and 5 rolls of film, one movie camera with 3 rolls of 8 or 16 mm film.
There are restrictions on the export of items of historical value or archaeological interest, a certificate of authorisation should be obtained form the Department of Fine Arts situated in the national museums in Bangkok, Songkhla and Chiang Mai. Images of Buddha and other religious artefacts are also subject to this ruling.
The importation of illegal drugs, pornography, firearms and ammunition (unless registered with the Police Department in advance) is prohibited.
Money
The Thai baht (THB) is a stable currency, commonly written as 'Bt' within Thailand. One baht equals 100 satang. Notes are available in denominations of 1,000; 500; 100; 50; 20; 10; 5 and 1. Coins are issued in denominations of BT 10; 5; 2 and 1; along with 50 and 25 satang pieces.
Business Hours
Banks are open Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 15:30, excepting public and bank holidays. Bank currency exchange offices usually operate from 08:00 to 21:00 daily.
Department stores are usually open from 10:00 to 21:00, whilst smaller shops are open from around 09:00 and close between 18:00 and 20:00, usually Monday to Saturday. Markets and street stalls are often open late into the night.
The Central Post Office in Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok is open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, and from 09:00 to 13:00 weekends and holidays. Outside Bangkok, postal office hours are usually 08:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday and 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays.
Government offices are open from 08:00 and 16:30, closed for lunch between 12:00 and 13:00. Private businesses generally open from 08:00 to 17:00.
Bars and pubs often keep going all night, particularly in Bangkok. Nightclubs usually get underway around 23:00.
Transport
Air
Thailand is served by a host of international airlines and its flag carrier, Thai International. International airports are situated in Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways serve the domestic routes which cover most of the country and originate from Bangkok's Don Meuang Airport.
Train
The train network links the major northern, northeastern and southern towns with Bangkok. There is about 4,500 km (2,800 miles) of track covered by four main lines and a number of side routes. The system is a little slow but is efficient, with the choice of three classes and the advantage over buses of providing a more scenic journey. Bangkok's main long-distance station is Hualamphong.
Buses
Travel by bus is a popular option in Thailand, it is cheap and buses run frequently to just about every possible destination. There is a variety of buses to choose from. The cheapest are the government buses which stop frequently en route. The government also runs air-conditioned buses that are faster and more comfortable. Bangkok has three main terminals for buses serving various areas of the country.
For travellers staying in the budget accommodation area of Banglamphu, private air-conditioned buses and mini-buses leave daily from the many travel agencies on Khao San Road to popular tourist destinations, however, these buses are not usually as reliable as the government-run buses.
Road
Thailand has a fairly good road infrastructure with over 52,400 km (32,600 miles) of national and provincial roads and 15,800 km (9,800 miles) of national highways (two and four lane).
Car hire is widely available and is very convenient for travel outside Bangkok but not within because of congestion. To drive motor vehicles and motorcycles in Thailand, a valid International Driving Permit is required.
Vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road but rules aren't strictly adhered to, so be prepared for every eventuality if driving. Motorcycle hire is popular and there are many outlets including guesthouses that hire out bikes. It is a convenient way of seeing Thailand if you can handle the unruly Thai traffic and remembering that the unwritten law is that the larger vehicle has right of way.
Taxis, tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles also known as samlors, motorised or pedal-driven) and songthaews (pick-up trucks with bench seating in the back) are available throughout Thailand and are very convenient, although communication with the driver may be a problem if you don't speak Thai. Try to have your destination written in Thai script to avoid confusion and agree on the price before departing.
Rivers & Khlongs
Great use is made of Thailand's extensive network of waterways. River transport, particularly on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, is a delightful way to avoid the notorious city traffic, and enjoy the cityscape. Public river-buses are cheap and frequent and private long-tailed boats are available for private tours.
Island hopping
Thailand's myriad of idyllic islands are easily accessible via boats that set sail from the main towns and ports along the coast.
Public Holidays
Thailand has 14 public holidays. The religious holidays are based on the Buddhist calendar.
Peak Seasons
The best time for travelling is during the cool season: November to February. The most popular tourist months are December to February, whist October to February are the favoured months for business visits.
Post & Telecommunications
The Thai postal service is efficient and post offices can be found in most towns. Post restante offices are available in the larger towns. The Central Post Office in Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok is open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, and from 09:00 to 13:00 weekends and holidays. Postal office hours are usually 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday and 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays. Airmail post takes about a week to Europe and approximately eight days to the States.
International direct dialling is available and the country code is 66. The outgoing international code is 001. The Central Post Office in Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok has an international telephone office which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The rates for calls are cheaper after 21:00 and still cheaper after 24:00.
Fax services are widely available and there are a number of shops offering internet connection in Bangkok and some of the other larger centres.
Electricity
Thailand uses a 220 volt, 50 cycle AC power system. Electrical sockets accept either flat-pronged or round-pronged plugs.
Disabled Travellers
Thailand is not an easy country to visit for the disabled traveller.The larger hotel groups have lifts and access for the handicapped. Information can be obtained from the Thailand Tourism Authority and the Association for the Disabled (tel. 66 2 463 5929)
Budget Travel
Thailand is a relatively inexpensive country to travel in and has plenty of budget accommodation available for those travelling on a shoestring.
History
Ban Chiang Bronze Age
Thai history can be traced back to findings in Ban Chiang, a village in the northeast where relics of a Bronze age preceding any previously recorded Bronze age were uncovered, indicating a high level of civilization reached by prehistoric people in southeast Asia. Pottery found at Ban Chiang dates from around 3600 BCE. The reason for the disappearance of the civilization around 250 CE is unknown.
Indian Connection
It is believed that Indian Buddhist missionaries were sent to Suvarnabhumi (City of Gold), a land corresponding to Thailand, around 3000 BCE. The Dvaravati culture, centered around Nakon Pathom, was introduced by the Mon people, thought to be descendants of immigrants from western India. The culture endured from the 6th to 11th century and is known for its legacy of distinctive Buddhist art.
Khmers
The Khmers had a strong influence from the 7th to 11th century, this is apparent in the many wats (Buddhist temples) of the northeastern provinces. During this period, southern Thailand was under the control of the Srivijaya empire.
The first Thais
During the 10th to 12th century, the original Thais migrated from the south of China into northern Thailand. They settled along the banks of the Mekhong River, displacing the Khmers and ending the rule of Angkor Wat. They formed principalities, a number of which united to form the first independent Thai kingdom, Sukhothai ('Dawn of Happiness') in 1238. Further kingdoms were established around Chiang Rai (1281) and Chiang Mai (1296). Sukhothai's third king and one of the great monarchs, Ram Khamhaeng (1279-98) was a devout and much revered leader during this golden age. Sukothai increased its size by ten during his reign and he was instrumental in the development of a distinctive Thai culture including the common religion, Theravada Buddhism, the distinctive Sukothai art and architecture, and Thai script.
Ayutthaya
During the 14th century, Ayutthaya, a Thai settlement on the central plain situated at the confluence of three rivers, rose to power and overtook Sukhothai as the second Thai capital city. Powerful and fabled, Ayutthaya was feted by countries such as France, England, Holland and China for its exceptional wealth and grandeur. Ayutthaya experienced a turbulent relationship with Burma and over two hundred years there were battles and struggles between the two, until 1767, when a 15-month Burmese siege of Ayutthaya ended in the plunder and annihilation of the city.
Thonburi
In 1768, a young general, Taksin, drove the Burmese out of Ayutthaya and months later moved the Thai capital to Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, across from what is now the city of Bangkok. The General was proclaimed king but eventually came to a sad end when he became quite deluded, believing himself to be the next Buddha. He was succeeded by General Chakri who assumed the name Rama I.
Rattanakosin
King Rama I decided to move the capital city across to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River because Thonburi, which actually spread over both sides of the river, was too open to attack. So, since 1782, Bangkok, whose official name is Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amorn Rattanakosin (which means, in a nutshell 'City of Angels, Abode of the Emerald Buddha' and is abbreviated by the Thais to 'Krung Thep') has been the capital of Thailand and seat of the Chakri dynasty which has produced nine kings, including the present monarch, His Majesty King Bhumiphhol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX.
The Chakri Dynasty
The long line of Chakri kings included King Mongkut, Rama IV, known as a great reformer and made famous by the film, The King and I. The country was officially known as Siam during the 19th century but was changed to Thailand in 1939 with the advent of a democratic government.
Constitutional Monarchy
On June 24, 1932, during Prajadhipok's (King Rama VII) reign as king, the first of a number of coups was carried out by the People's Party, a group orchestrated by foreign-educated intellectuals and students. The bloodless coup against absolute monarchy in Siam resulted in the king accepting a provisional constitution by which he would 'cease to rule but continue to reign'.
WWII & Vietnam
Thailand was occupied by the Japanese during WWII. During the Vietnam War, it ostensibly remained neutral but allowed US bases to operate in Thailand which sparked student protests in Bangkok in 1973. The army seized control after violent confrontation between police and students in 1976.
The Road to Democracy
The country was under military control until a democratically elected government came to power in 1988 with Chatichai as prime minister. His corrupt government was overthrown by the military in a bloodless coup in February 1991. The military government appointed Anand Panyarachun as caretaker prime minister, just one week after the coup. Moves were made towards a general election but the military hung onto power. At the beginning of 1992, a general election was held, the results of which were inconclusive and led to the appointment of General Suchinda as prime minister. This led to protests and severe political violence causing the government to declare a National Emergency. Suchinda offered his resignation after failing to subdue the protests and an interim prime minister, Anand Panuarachun, was once again appointed. General elections were held in September 1992 and Chuan Leekpai, the Democrat leader, became the first elected Thai prime minister without a military background for 16 years.
Population
Thailand has a population of over 77 million people with about 8 million living in Bangkok. Approximately 80% of the people are ethnic Thai, within which are a number of groups with their own Thai dialect and customs. About 15% of the population is Chinese and 4% Malaysian. Minority groups of non-Thai-speaking groups such as the Vietnamese, Khmer, Mon, Semang, Moken and a number of hill tribes make up the remainder of the population.
The Akha people live high in the mountains of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai ,usually at a level of 1,000 m to 1,500 m (3,280 ft to 4,920 ft), in villages of bamboo and grass dwellings. Around 40,000 Akha have migrated from Tibet to Myanmar, Laos, Yunnan and Thailand. The women wear a distinctive headdress of silver balls and ornaments and live in separate rooms to the men. Crops of beans, corn and rice have replaced traditionally cultivated opium, as the Thai authorities and Royal Family have initiated programs to introduce substitute crops. Some opium is still cultivated for their own consumption
The Akha tribe are animists and also worship their ancestors. Village entrances are protected by a spirit gate. Once a year, around April, a black dog, considered sacred to the Akha, is killed and the head and skin are hung over the spirit gate as an offering to ensure protection against evil spirits. The rest of the dog is eaten.
Government
Thailand has a constitutional monarchy with legislative power vested in a bicameral parliament, with a constitution that was approved on 7 December 1991 and amended on 10 June 1992. The chief of state is King Phumiphon Adunyadet, who has held the position since 9 June 1946. The head of government is Prime Minister Chuan Likphai (since 23 September 1992). The King appoints the 264-member Senate on the Prime Minister's recommendation and the 347-member House of Representative and the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Economic Overview
Thailand looks set to join the ranks of the Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea) that lead the economic boom on the Pacific Rim. Since the eighties, it has had one of the world's fastest growing economies with a growth rate of 8.5% in 1995. The country's main export and staple food is rice. Other exports include tapioca, pineapples, rubber, coconuts, seafood, tinned foods, sugar, maize, and textiles.
Almost two thirds of the population are engaged in agriculture. The export of manufactured goods such as electronics and cement is on the rise thanks to Thailand's well-educated and inexpensive labour force. Natural resources include tin, petroleum and natural gas.
The country is developing a world-class petrochemical industry which is expected to double in size by the turn of the century. Tourism is a prime earner of foreign exchange and there is currently a focus on the development and improved management of the industry. Japan is the largest foreign investor, followed by USA and Taiwan. Tax incentives for foreign investment include exemption from up to 90% of import duty on machinery and from corporate income tax for 3-8 years.
Language
Thai is the official language. Thai dialects are spoken in different areas of the country but it is the Central Thai dialect that is most widely understood and accepted as the official version. Thai is a tonal language and the same syllable may be expressed in five different tones each with its own meaning. Learning some conversational Thai may demand some effort but it will make your visit all the more rewarding. Thailand has a literacy rate of around 93%.
Religion
Theravada Buddhism has the largest following with about 95% of the population. Thai males usually enter a monastery to become a monk between finishing school and marrying or starting a career. Traditionally, a young man would spend three months in the wat but these days men may spend as little as a week or two. About 4% of the population follow Islam, mainly the Malay population concentrated in the south. There are very small minorities of Christians, Confucianists, Taoists and Hindus.
Art & Culture
The art and rich history of Thailand are apparent in everyday life in the architecture of the many beautifully decorated wats, covered in detailed mosaic and gold leaf. The wat is pivotal in cultural life as a the dwelling place of monks, a gathering place for the village and, traditionally, a place of teaching. Theravada Buddhism is followed by 90% of the people and is reflected in their tolerance and acceptance of life. The pinnacle of Thai art is widely believed to have been achieved in the graceful Buddha images created during the Sukothai period. The Thai love of beauty and deep respect for tradition is reflected in the flowers and incense offered in the wats and their reverence for the Royal Family. Painstaking Thai crafts such as silver making, woodcarving, silk weaving and lacquerware are still practiced.
Classical music and dance are an important part of Thai cultural life. The music features instruments such as xylophones, gongs, drums and cymbals. It may be acquired taste to ears accustomed to Western music, being based on a different scale but is well worth the effort. Classical dances can be seen at the National Theatre in Bangkok. The Bangkok National Museum has comprehensive collections featuring the various styles of architecture and sculpture. Nine historical parks have been established to preserve important archaeological sites. These include the ruins at Sukothai, Ayutthaya, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Paintings have not survived as well, however, rich, detailed murals may be seen on the inside walls of some wats; a good example of can be found at Wat Phra Kaew in the Wihan Phutthaisawan.
Traditional Thai theatre has six forms which include shadow-puppet theatre and masked dance-drama depicting scenes from the Ramakian (the Thai version of the Indian epic, Ramayana). The Ramakian dominates classical Thai literature and embroiders on the original Ramayana. Scenes from the Ramakian are beautifully depicted on the inner walls of Wat Phra Kaew. Another famous work is the 30,000-line Phra Aphaimani, an epic poem of an exiled prince by Sunthorn Phu. Jakatas which chronicle the past lives of Buddha also have their origins in Indian tradition.
Food & Drink
Thai food is one of the world's great cuisines. Increasingly popular, it features lots of fresh ingredients and pungent flavourings such as lime, ginger, coriander, Thai basil, fish sauce and red-hot peppers. The staples are rice and noodles which are even eaten for breakfast. Traditional Thai soups such as spicy tom yam are delicious. Desserts are often extremely sweet and are usually a rice and custard or coconut milk concoction.
The markets and street vendors display exotic arrays of fresh fruit and vegetables. Food is readily available and prepared as you watch on the many pavement restaurants and stalls, usually by stir-frying in a wok. Or, if you'd prefer something more formal, a wide range of restaurants is available, particularly in the cities. Bottled water is readily available and fresh fruit juices such as tamarind and sour plum are sold on the streets. Fruit vendors dispense fruit such as pineapple, papaya and watermelon cut into ready-to-eat chunks and served in plastic bags with a wooden skewer to eat with. A mixture of salt, sugar and chilli sprinkled over is optional.
Popular local beer brands are Singha and Kloster. Mekong, a rice-based whiskey is potent and should be consumed with caution!
Entertainment
Thailand has the best nightlife entertainment in Asia. With a range from classical dance to go-go girls, there's always something happening. Bangkok's Patpong area and the Eastern Gulf resort of Pattaya offer notoriously good times with sex shows, girlie bars and massage parlours. They also have restaurants, food stalls and night markets selling fake goods. Indeed, these areas are amongst the most visited tourist attractions in Thailand. Bars generally stay open till late, if not all night, and nightclubs usually get underway around 23:00.
Bangkok offers English-language movies, with Thai subtitles It also has two orchestras and a cultural centre so those seeking more genteel entertainment in Bangkok will not be disappointed. In Chiang Mai, a traditional evening's entertainment is the Khantoke dinner, where guests sit on the floor around a circular table and enjoy northern fare whilst being entertained by a performance of slow, graceful, northern classical dance.
Shopping
Shopping is great fun in Thailand especially when visiting the innumerable markets. They offer the freshest produce and widest variety of goods. Every city and town has them and they are a great place to get a real sense of the country and its people. Most of the cities and larger towns have night markets which go on until late. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. For unbeatable range, value and atmosphere, don't miss the Chatucket weekend market in Bangkok and the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.
Bangkok's plush shopping area is in Siam Square where designer labels abound and many international names and brands are on sale in air-conditioned shops. There are department stores in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, a couple of which are many storeys high and afford excellent city views and fixed prices. These are usually open from 10:00 to 21:00, whilst smaller shops are open from 09:00 to 18:00.
Thailand has a host of arts and crafts that you won't be able to resist. So make sure you've plenty of space in your luggage. Batik, pewter and shadow puppets are specialities of the South. Gems such as rubies and sapphires are especially good buys in the eastern provinces of Centaur and Treat - as long as you know what you are buying! Hand-woven silk is also a beautiful product of this region. The unique Dan Kwian pottery is a distinctive souvenir of the northeast region. Buy silverware, jade and hill tribe crafts in the north. You'll find antiques in Chiang Mai and Bangkok but remember that there are restrictions on the export of items of historical value or archaeological interest and a certificate of authorisation should be obtained form the Department of Fine Arts situated in the national museums in Bangkok, Songkhla and Chiang Mai. Images of Buddha and other religious artefacts are also subject to this ruling.
Sport
Thai boxing or
Muay Thai is a mixture of national sport and self-defence with its beginnings in the 15th century. A fighter may almost use any part of his anatomy excepting the head but bare feet are the favoured weapon. If you can stomach the fighting, watching Thai boxing can be a heady cultural experience heralded by an elaborate dance in honour of the boxer's guru and to invoke the spirits in his favour. The fight itself is accompanied by traditional music spurring the fighters and the crowds to heightened passion and frantic betting. The two main venues to watch this sport in Bangkok are Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumphini Stadium. Between the two, there is a match every day of the week.
Takraw is a game played with a hollow, woven rattan ball that requires great skill and agility on the part of the players who must not touch the ball with their hands, or allow it to touch the ground. The ball is usually kicked around a circle of players with points given for style and variation.
Kite flying is a popular pastime and a competitive sport in which the winner ensnares the opponent's kite and brings it to the ground with his/her own. Occasionally you may see longboat racing on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and in the towns of Nan, Nakon Phanom and Phi Mai, usually around September. For golfers there are over 50 courses in Thailand with very good greens around Bangkok, and in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket. A wide range of water sports is available, particularly at the popular tourist destinations of Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, Krabi and Ko Phi Phi.
Festivals
No matter what time of year you visit Thailand, you'll most likely be able to celebrate a festival. These are always joyous and often spectacular occasions. Here's a selection of what to see:
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
The magnificent blooms of the north are paraded and displayed during the first weekend of February.
Chinese New Year
This is celebrated all over Thailand and most vigorously in Nakhon Sawan with its large Chinese population. Lion dances and fireworks accompany the festivities to usher in the Chinese New Year which is held between late February and early March.
Songkran
The Thai New Year, best enjoyed in Chiang Mai, is also known as the water festival as it is tradition to sprinkle (and as the festivities heighten, drench) passers-by with water as a symbol of good wishes and renewal. It takes place in April.
Ploughing Ceremony
The rice crop for the year is forecast when seers interpret the grains that sacred bulls choose to eat from a variety laid before them. This takes place during May in Bangkok.
Visakha Puja
Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinibbana (death) is commemorated in candle-lit processions in May.
Khao Phansaa
The beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' takes place in July. It is the time when, traditionally, young men enter monasteries. Khao Phansaa is celebrated with processions of huge, carved candles on floats in the northeast.
Thailand International Swan-boat Races
See these traditional colourful boats racing down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok near the Rama IX Bridge in September.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
This ten-day festival in October is not for the faint-hearted as the island's Chinese people perform some unbelievable feats, such as piercing their cheeks with spikes and walking on red-hot coals.
Surin Elephant Round-Up
Elephants perform all manner of tricks and parades, including football, at this gathering held in the third week of November.
Loi Krathong
Best viewed in Chiang Mai or Sukothai, this festival is dedicated to the river goddess and is quite beautiful as candles and incense are floated down rivers in little banana boat leaves. It takes place in November.
River Khwae Bridge
The famous bombing of the bridge is re-enacted annually in a light and sound show in late November.
The King's Birthday
Celebrate the king's birthday on 3 December which is a public holiday. It's best enjoyed in Bangkok where you can witness the Trooping of the Colour.
Parks & Reserves
Over 10% of Thailand has been designated to 66 national parks and 32 wildlife sanctuaries. A number of these are marine sanctuaries, such as the 47 islands of the Ko Chang National Marine Park. Many have basic accommodation available and are excellent for viewing the flora and fauna of Thailand.
Climate
Situated between the equator and the tropic of Cancer, Thailand is usually hot and is particularly so from mid February to June. It is also affected by the Asian monsoons which bring lots of rains and last from May to October in most of the country. The monsoons are followed by the cool season from November to February which is the best time for travelling.
On the southern peninsula, the monsoon season lasts longer, from May to January, so that in effect there is a wet and a dry season with little variation in temperature. Most of the country experiences high humidity (it hovers around 75% from June to November in the south) and during the hot season there is little variation between the day and night temperatures. The far north around Chiang Rai is cooler and temperatures may drop to 13 °C at night during the cool season. Expect average temperatures of around 27 to 35 °C (80-95 °F) during the hot season (March to mid-June), 24-32 °C (75-90 °F) during the rainy season (June to October) and 18-32 °C (65-90 °F) during the cool season (November to February). Lightweight, natural fibre clothing is advisable, as well as rain protection if your travelling during the rainy season.
Geography
Thailand's physical shape is often compared to that of an elephant's head with the long southern peninsula forming the trunk, the north the dome of the skull, the east, the elephant's ear and Bangkok, its mouth. The country covers an area of 514,000 km² (198,000 miles²), roughly the size of France. It is bordered by Malaysia to the south, Myanmar (Burma) to the west, Laos to the northeast and Cambodia to the east. The distance from the most southerly to the most northerly point is around 1,860 km (1,155 miles), whilst the narrowest point across the southern peninsula is a mere 16 km (10 miles). You can see from coast to coast on a clear day. The coastline is some 2,600 km (1,600 miles) long, alongside which hundreds of tropical islands are scattered, many of them untouched by tourism. The fertile, alluvial central plains are watered by a network of rivers which merge to form the Chao Phraya. The north is hilly and verdant with Thailand's highest peak at Doi Ithanon (2,599 m or 8,527 ft). A range of hills separates Thailand from Burma and forms the western wall of the central plains. The plains rise to the Khorat plateau which dominates the northeast and is watered by the Nam Khong (Mekong) River. The hills of the Thai/Burma border run down into the narrow southern peninsula which is flanked by the Andaman Sea on the west coast and the Gulf of Thailand on the east..
Flora & Fauna
Much of the landscape features plantations as some 60% of the country is under cultivation with rice, rubber, tapioca, coconut and pineapples. Natural vegetation varies according to climate. In the central, north, eastern and northeastern parts monsoon forest is found, whilst rainforest is found predominantly in the south, although a mix of these can be found in some areas. Thailand's national flower, the orchid, and other epiphytes grow prolifically. In the north, large forests of evergreens and teak have been designated as national parks, whilst the south has extensive mangrove swamps which attract an abundance of bird life.
Elephants, macaque monkeys, sambar deer, tapirs, pangolin, barking deer, serow , and Asiatic black bears, kingfishers, warblers and waders are amongst the wealth of wildlife found in Thailand. Natural habitat has been severely depleted by forest felling. Thankfully the Thai government has responded by creating a large number of protected areas to preserve specific animal and plant species and increase forest cover. Logging has been banned. For the intrepid, it's believed that around 200 tigers still live in the wild along the Burmese border area. Coral, tropical fish and other sealife provide a feast for the snorkeller's eyes. Whilst reptiles and amphibians such as sea turtles, geckos, king cobras and pythons add to wildlife diversity. Thailand has a particularly rich bird life, especially along the waterways of the southern peninsula.
Health
Avoid drinking tap water, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available throughout Thailand. Take the usual precautions of peeling fruit, avoiding ice and reheated food. Take insect repellent and antiseptic ointment along with a small first-aid kit. One of the most common ailments is sunburn, so make sure you are always protected, remembering that even under cloudy conditions sunburn is possible. The risk of HIV is a major problem in Thailand and the government is implementing comprehensive education programmes. Be sure to take the necessary precautions.
Malarial precautions are necessary in some areas of Thailand including northern Kanchanaburi Province and some parts of Trat Province, however there is no risk in the cities and main tourist resorts.
No special vaccinations are required for travellers to Thailand, unless arriving from a yellow fever infected area in which case a vaccination certificate is required. However, it is advisable to make sure your cholera, tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid and infectious hepatitis vaccinations are current.
Safety
Thailand is a fairly safe country to travel in, being politically stable. The most sensitive area is the Thai-Cambodian border area which is still strewn with booby traps and land mines and Khmer bandits occasionally make their presence felt. The Thai-Myanmar border should also be approached with caution as fighting may break out between the Burmese army and Karen rebels and there is obvious danger in the opium-smuggling border-crossing areas of the Golden Triangle.
Be aware of con artists who try to sell you gems for resale in your home country with the promise of huge profits - this is a scam and the stones are usually worthless.
The penalty for drug offences is severe and possessing even small quantities of marijuana is illegal. Don't be persuaded to carry luggage out of Thailand that isn't your own.
