Full country name: Kingdom of Thailand
Area: 310,000 sq. miles
Population: 67 million (growth rate 1.4%)
Capital city: Bangkok (pop10 million)
People: 75% Thai, 11% Chinese, 3.5% Malay, also Mon, Khmer, Phuan and Karen minorities
Language: Thai
Religion: 95% Buddhism, 4% Muslim
Government: Democratic constitutional monarchy
Prime Minister: Chuan Leekpai
Head of state: King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)

Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Most visitors can stay for 30 days without a visa
Time: PST plus 15 hours
Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz
Weights & Measures: Metric with local variations
Tourism: 8 million visitors in 1999

Money & Costs

Currency: Baht
Exchange rate: US$1 = 39thb

The baht lost 20% of its value overnight in mid-1997 so it's worth keeping an eye on the exchange rates printed in the Bangkok Post every day. Banks or legal moneychangers offer the best rates. For buying baht, US dollars are the most readily acceptable currency, though travelers' checks get a better rate than cash. Credit cards are becoming increasingly acceptable in quality shops, hotels and restaurants. Visa is the most useful, followed by MasterCard. ATMs which accept Visa and other credit cards are easily found in the larger cities, and many exchange booths will give you a cash advance on your credit card.

Tipping is not customary in Thailand, although Thais are getting used to the idea in upmarket hotels. Bargaining is common practice in markets and tourist shops, and when catching non-metered taxis. Treat it as a form of social discourse rather than a matter of life and death.

History

The earliest civilization in Thailand is believed to have been that of the Mons in central Thailand, who brought a Buddhist culture from the Indian subcontinent. In the 12th century, this met a Khmer culture moving from the east, the Sumatran-based Srivijaya culture moving north, and citizens of the Thai state of Nan Chao, in what is now southern China, migrating south. Thai princes created the first Siamese capital in Sukhothai, and later centers in Chiang Mai and, notably, Ayutthaya.

The Burmese invaded Siam in both the 16th and 18th centuries, capturing Chiang Mai and destroying Ayutthaya. The Thais expelled the Burmese and moved their capital to Thonburi. In 1782, the current Chakri dynasty was founded by King Rama I and the capital was moved across the river to Bangkok.

In the 19th century, Siam remained independent by deftly playing off one European power against another. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand. During WW II, the Thai government allowed Japanese troops to occupy Thailand. After the war, Thailand was dominated by the military and experienced more than twenty coups and countercoups interspersed with short-lived experiments with democracy. Democratic elections in 1979 were followed by a long period of stability and prosperity as power shifted from the military to the business elite.

In February 1991 a military coup ousted the Chatichai government, but bloody demonstrations in May 1992 led to the reinstatement of a civilian government with Chuan Leekpai at the helm. This coalition government collapsed in May 1995 over a land-reform scandal but replacement Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa was no better. Dubbed a 'walking ATM' by the Thai press, he was forced to relinquish the prime ministership just over a year later after a spate of corruption scandals. Ex-general and former deputy PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh headed a dubious coalition until late 1997 when veteran pragmatist Chuan Leekpai retook the reins.  In 1997 the Thai baht pretty much collapsed, dragging the economy (and many other South-East Asian economies) down in a screaming heap. In August the International Monetary Fund stepped in with a bailout package of austerity measures, which seemed to have turned things around by early 1998

Thai Etiquette

Thais believe the head to be the most sacred part of the body. Thus, refrain from touching a Thai on the head, even as a friendly gesture.

The feet are also off limits. They are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Remember to apologize if you accidentally step on someone's foot or touch their head. Don't rest your feet or put your shoes on a table, and don't stretch out your feet in anyone's direction. This Is particularly important in temples - don't point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk.

Thais feel very strongly about their religion, so don't wear your beach clothes to a temple. Both women and men should cover their legs and their shoulders. Don't allow children to climb over Buddha images. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple.

The traditional Thai greeting is not a handshake but a "wai", where the hands are brought together in front of the chin. The younger or lower-ranking person "wais" first.

Displays of anger are a sign of a lack of self-control. So don't lose your cool in an irritating situation. Anger won't get you anywhere; rather, practice polite persistence.

The Royal family is deeply respected and loved. Don’t speak ill of them even in jest.

Displays of affection between the sexes in public is a "no-no". Personal hygiene and cleanliness are very important. Thais tend to dress very conservatively.

Thais are quite respectful of Westerners and you will probably get people trying out their English on you. Don't be offended by questions about your age, salary or marital status. They don't mean to be intrusive. Similarly, their greeting is often "Hey you!" This is not an insult; rather, it is a translation from the polite "you" in the Thai language. The common way of greeting someone in Thai Is not "How are you" but "Where are you going?" In Thai it’s "Pai nai". Answer with "Pai tee-o" (I'm going out).

Finally, Thais realize you are a Westerner and oblivious to most of these customs. However you will be held in very high esteem if you attempt to follow the local customs. The Thai word "sanuk" describes anything that is fun, enjoyable and gives a feeling of pleasure. This combined with the phrase "Mai pen rai" - never mind - should remain in your mind during your stay in this country.

The Royal Family

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the worlds longest reigning Monarch and one of Thailand’s most revered Kings. Was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States of America, on Dec. 5, 1927. He is the direct grandson of King Rama V and the third child, second son of HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkhla and Mom Sangwalya Mahidol. (HRH the Princess Mother)His given name was Prince Bhumhibol Adulyadej, meaning "Strength of the land, incomparable power"

His Majesty’s secondary education was at the Eco1e~Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande Chailly sur Lausanne followed by a Bachelor de Letres diploma from the Gymnasa Classique Cantonal of Lausanne. He planned to continue his education in science and engineering at Lausanne University. The tragic death of his older brother; H M King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), and his own succession to the throne at 18 years of age brought about the abrupt changes of study in Political Science and Law.

Early in 1950, his Majesty returned to Thailand for his marriage to Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara on the 28th of April l950 and had his Coronation on May 5th. Their Majesties the King and Queen have four children:

1. H R H Princess Ubol Ratana born on 5^th April 1951.

2. H R H Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, born on 28th July 1952.

3. H R H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, born on 2nd April 1955.

4. H R H princess Chulaphorn, born on 4^th July 1957.

All the princes and princesses have completed their early education in Bangkok.

At the Royal Chitrlada School and continued their studies at different institutes either in Thailand abroad. They are now playing very active rolls in assisting Their Majesties in various projects.

For over fifty years, His Majesty King Bhumibol has reigned for the great benefit of the Thai people. Resplendent, whether in his dress uniform, in a business suit, or dressed casually when in the rural areas. He has visited every single province of Thailand, no matter how inaccessible. Seeing the poverty of his people, His Majesty has initiated several projects for their welfare and has involved himself directly with their problems. Among his well-known initiatives are the Hilltribes projects helping the Thai farmer produce more efficiently.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born on the l2th of August l932 and was predicted by an astrologer that she would one day be Queen. Her Majesty's early education was first in Bangkok at Raijini School and later at St Francis Xavier Convent School. After World War 2 she went to Europe with her father who was posted as Ambassador to England and France. It was in Europe where Her Majesty met H M King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

From the time she became Queen, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has closely supported the King's projects and espoused the cause of Thai women. For more than forty years Her Majesty has worked tirelessly to improve their lot, in providing the opportunity to earn extra money and also given them pride in producing almost forgotten handicrafts. Her Majesty's projects also cover the conservation of water resources, environments and the replanting of denuded forests. Her Majesty also cares for the conservation of wildlife, herbs and rare exotic plants. Because of her dedication, she has received many awards from all over the world. She became the first woman to receive the Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation Award in 1995 for recognition of Her Majesty's more than four decades of work on behalf of Thai rural poor and her unceasing efforts in the fields of conservation and environment.BR> Their Majesties have taught the Royal children and grand children to work hard for the benefit of the country and its people. No doubt that the Thai Royal family is one of the hardest working in the world as shown by their numerous achievements and many awards from countries around the world.

Thailand Festivals

Events

Many festivals are linked to Buddhist or Brahman rituals and follow a lunar calendar. New Year, Songkran, is celebrated in mid-April by `bathing' Buddha images, paying respects to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands, and generally tossing a lot of the H2O in the air for fun. Expect to be soaked unless you want to party-poop in your room.

The sowing and harvesting of rice has given rise to a cycle of festivals. To kick off the official rice-planting season in early May, the king participates in an ancient Brahman ritual in a large field in central Bangkok. A Rocket Festival is held in May in the country's north-east, using a volatile mixture of bamboo and gunpowder to convince the sky to send rain for the new rice season. The rice harvest from September through to May leads to joyous local celebrations throughout Thailand. The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Trang during which devout Chinese Buddhists eat only vegetarian food runs for nine days from late-September to early-October. Merit-making processions are the most visible expression of this festival, but there are also ceremonies at Chinese temples. The Elephant Roundup in Surin in November is an elephantine festival popular with the kind of people who enjoy watching pachyderms play soccer.