It has been many centuries since the Kingdom of Siam the former name of Thailand came into existence in Suwannaphum, meaning the "Golden Land". Since the beginning, the Thai people have succeeded in establishing a remarkable civilization, which has through time developed to become what is known today as Thailand, which means Land of the Free.

Sawasdee Bangkok

Bangkok was established as the capital of Thailand by King Rama I, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, in 1782. Once known as the "Venice of the East" because of its extensive network of canals, Bangkok is now called the "City of Angels" by Thais - one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, packed with cultural treasures, plenty of great hotels, a variety of fine restaurants, and unsurpassed nightlife.

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Language

The official national Language is Thai. English is not widely spoken. Most staff working in the tourist service business, i.e. in hotels and restaurants, can speak a fair level of English. It may be useful to know some important Thai words: Sawassdee Kha for Ladies and Sawassdee Krub for Men is the most common greeting, meaning "hello". Mai Pen Rai, which means "it doesn't matter", "it's OK", or "no problem" is almost a Thai motto and its frequent use demonstrates the laid-back and broad minded nature of Thais. Kob Khun Kha is "Thank you" for Ladies and Kob Khun Krab is "Thank you" for Gentlemen.

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Tips & Facts Custom

Thailand is a Buddhist country where Buddha images are held sacred. Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors.

Thai people hold their King and Queen and the Royal Family in great reverence, and so won't tolerate foreigners talking about them in disrespect.

Generally Thai women are conservative. So don't touch them without their consent.

Dress properly when entering a Buddhist temple. Miniskirts and shorts are not allowed. Take your shoes off before going inside the hall of worship. Ladies must not on any account touch a Buddhist monk, give things direct to him or receive things direct from him.

Intimacies between man and woman should not be shown in public . Sunbathing in the nude is prohibited.

Call Thais their first names; use the title "Khun" for adults.

Thai people smile to express gladness and happiness. To thank for small services. To return the wai (a way of greeting) of children and inferior persons,and even to excuse small inconveniences.

Don't touch a person's head, nor ruffle his hair. The head is the noblest part of the body. A sincere apology should be offered immediately if you touch someone's head unintertionally.

Avoid placing your feet on the table while sitting. Never use your foot to point things out or to touch any part of the body of anyone. Which is considered rude.

Entering a Thai house, you're expected to remove your shoes.

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Currency

Foreign visitors may bring in an unlimited amount of Thai currency. For travellers leaving Thailand, both Thais and foreigners, the maximun amount permitted to take out wihtout prior authorization is 50,000 baht per person or, if they are going to one of Thailand's neighbouring countries, 500,000 baht per person.or, if they are going to one of Thailand's neighbouring countries, 500,000 baht per person.

The basic monetary unit in Thailand is the Baht. A baht is divided into 100 satang. The following coins and notes are currently in use: Coins : 25 and 50 satang; 1, 5 amd 10 baht. Bank notes: 10 (brown) , 20 (Green) ,50 ( blue), 100(red), 500 (purple) and 1,000 (grey) baht.

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Climate

The most dependable features of Thailand's climate are its heat and humidity. There are three distinguished seasons:

The hot-dry season lasts from February to May, average temperature 34 centigrade with 75% humidity.
The wet (monsoon) season lasts from June to October, average temperature 29 centigrade with 87% humidity.
The cool season lasts from November to January with temperatures range from 32 centigrade to below 20 centigrade and a drop in humidity.

Lower temperatures are experienced in the north and northeast The south and southeast regions have a tropical rainforest climate with rain most of the year and little variation in temperature, averaging 28 centigrade. Newcomers should be aware that the monsoon season in Thailand does not involve months of continual rain but is best described as being unpredictable.

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When to go

Thailand's weather can be tempestuous, with steam room-level humidity, rocketing temperatures and rains of biblical proportions. However, the optimum time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from November to March. It is no coincidence that this is the peak tourist season, when places of interest may get crowded. The hot and rainy seasons, from March to October, can be unbearable on some days.

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Population

Thailand's population is estimated to be approximately 60 million, of which about 10-11 million live in Bangkok. Accurate censuses are impossible in the capital due to large seasonal fluctuations.

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Safety

Thailand is one of the safest countries to visit even for single women travelers, yet one should not be careless, especially:
do not walk at night in dark and lonely places;
keep money and valuables out of sight;
beware of pickpockets in crowds;
do not accept drinks from anybody other than staff at restaurants and bars.

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Health

Again there is little to worry about. Bring mosquito repellent in any case. Traveling to remote and rural areas, however, one should receive the relevant vaccines before commencing the trip. Please inform yourself at your local Institute of Tropical Disease. In case of a medical emergency there are excellent hospitals in Bangkok and very good ones at the provincial capitals. Some of the best in Bangkok are:
Police Hospital, Rachadamri Rd., Tel. 252-2171-5
Bumrungrad Hospital, Sukhumvit Rd. Soi 3, Tel. 667-1000
Samativej Hospital, Sukhumvit Rd., Tel. 392-0010-9

For an ambulance, call these same hospitals.

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Church

Religious Service

Assumption Cathedral (Wat Bot Krung Thep) 23 Soi (Oriental Lane), Charoen Krung Rd, near the Hotel, behind the East Asiatic Company Bldg.Tel:234-8556. Parking available. Sunday English service:1000

Calvary Baptist Church Soi 2, Sukhumvit Rd (far end of Tel: 251-8278, 251-0809. An international church and Bible study. Sunday Service: 1045 Sunday School:0930.

Mission Etrangere De Paris 254 Silom Rd. Tel: 234-1714. Fax: 236-1338.Sunday Service in French: 1030.

Christ Church (Anglican and Episcopalian) 11 Convent Rd (cnr of Sathorn Rd). Tel: 962-1552. Sunday services: 0730 Eucharist; 1000 Sung Eucharist, plus creche and Sunday School. For further information contact or call the church.

Chaengwattana Community Church Meets at Nichada International Club , Soi Nichada Thani, Soi Samakee (near SB). Tel: 591 -0672. Sunday worship: 0900; Sunday School: 1015.

Evangelical Church 42 Soi 10, Sukhumvit Rd.Tel: 653-0521. Fax: 653-0522. Sunday Service:0915,1100; Sunday School: 0915.

Fellowship Baptist Church 130/89 (Between Sois 28-30) Soi Raewadi, Nonthaburi. Tel/Fax: 526-2482. Sunday School: 0930; Sunday Service: 1045.

German Protestant Church of Thailand 343/1 Soi 31, Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: 258-0680 Fax: 261-1748. Email: church@ksc.th.com Minister: G. Seheel.

German Speaking Catholic Church in Thailand Chapel of St Louis Hospital, 215 Sathorn Tai (South) Rd (Hospital entrance). Tel: 391-9186. Fax: 662-5288.Email: kanduth@mozart.inet.co.th Sunday Holy Mass: 1030.

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 123/19 Soi Ruam Rudi, Ploenchit Rd. Tel: 256-8411.

International Christian Assembly 196 Soi 16, Soi 63 (Ekamai), Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: 391-4387.

International Church of Bangkok The Bangkok Christian College, intersection of Soi Pramuan and Sathorn Road. Office Tel/Fax: 0-2258-5821. Pastor's residence Tel: 0-2260-8187. Sunday worship at 0930 hrs and Sunday School at 0950 hrs.
Web site: www.icbangkok.org

Jewish Association of Thailand GPO Box 1669 Bangkok. Services are held at the Jewish Community Centre, 121 Soi 2, soi 22, Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: 6620244 Fax:6630245. Facilities for Sabbath services, holiday services and Hebrew classes.

Seventh Day Adventist Church 12 Soi Kasempanichakarn, Soi 71, Sukhumvit Rd. Tel:391 -3594-5.

Swedish Church 62 Soi 33, Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: 261-5750. Fax: 258-5649. Sunday services: in Swedish at Christ Church every second Sunday 1800. Weekday community services: Wed 1000-1530 and Tue, Thu 1000-1300,1900-2200.

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