Extracts from Insight Guide, Thailand © Apa Publications

Vital Statistics

Area: approximately 514,000 sq km (198,000 sq miles)

Capital: Bangkok

Population: 63.6 million (2003 est.)

Language: Thai

Religion: Buddhism

Time Zone: GMT + 7 hours

Currency: the baht

Weights and Measures: metric

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 cycles – either flat or round pronged plugs

International Dialling Code: 00 66

Seasons

Hot Season – March to mid-June
22-41ºC (72-100ºF)

Rainy Season – June to October
 23-37ºC (73-98ºF)

Cool Season – November to February
13-37ºC (55-98ºF)

Do's and Don'ts

Dress in Thailand is not formal, and open sandals and sleeveless dresses for women and short sleeved shirts for men are appropriate. However, men should not walk around towns and cities without a shirt, and long sleeved shirts and long trousers should be worn to visit temples. Shoes should be removed before entering temples and mosques.

Thais don't liking saying "no" too directly for fear of causing offense.

Thais are addressed by their first, rather than their last, names. The name is usually preceded by the word khun, a term of respect. Thus, Silpachai Krishnamra would be addressed as Khun Silpachai.

Thais believe that the head is the fount of wisdom, so it is insulting to touch another person on the head, and to point your feet at or step over another person. When wishing to pass someone who is seated on the floor, bow slightly while walking and point an arm down to indicate the path to be taken.

Thais regard the royal family with a reverence unmatched in other countries, and people will react strongly if they consider any member of royalty to have been insulted. Ill-considered remarks or refusing to stand in a cinema for the royal anthem is not acceptable.

A similar degree of respect is accorded the second pillar of society, Buddhism. Do not climb on Buddha images for purposes of photography, and remember to behave politely.

The Thai greeting and farewell is "Sawasdee," spoken while raising the hands in a wai, a prayer-like gesture, the fingertips touching the nose, and bowing the head slightly.

Festivals & Events

February
The Flower Festival is held in Chiang Mai; Chinese New Year and Magha Puja, a public holiday in Bangkok and a Buddhist holiday on the full moon night.

April
The Songkran public holiday.

May
The Ploughing Ceremony in Bangkok; Visakha Puja public holiday on the full moon night to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

July
The Buddhist Asalaha Puja Festival on the full moon.

September
The Chinese Moon Festival is held on the first day of the eighth lunar month.

November
Loy Krathong on the full moon night.

December
Trooping of the Colours on 3 December.

Tourist Office website – www.tourismthailand.co.uk