Thailand Facts and History
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
Some interesting Thailand facts are that it is the 50th largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain. The population of Thailand comprises of roughly 65 million citizens, the majority of whom are ethnically Thai, though peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin are also represented to varying degrees. Approximately 7 million citizens live in the capital city, Bangkok, though this number varies seasonally and is otherwise difficult to accurately count.
Thailand Facts – Constitutional Monarchy
Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European nations, is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is HM Bhumibol Adulyadej. A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand Facts Geography
Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F). Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 ft) tall. Thailand covers 510,890 sq km of land and 2,230 sq km of water.Thailand Facts,The coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km long. Thailand’s longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), stretching 1,800 km
Thailand Facts – Language
Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide
Thailand Facts – Religion
Buddhism (92%), Muslim (6%), others (2%)
Thailand Facts – Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 93 degrees Fahrenheit and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to under 68 degrees Fahrenheit with a drop in humidity).
Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rain-forest climate with temperatures averaging 82 degrees Fahrenheit almost all year round.
Thailand Facts - Clothing
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.
Thailand Facts – Mobile Phones & Electricity
A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai and foreign customers who are traveling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range. Thai Medical Vacation can provide you with a local SIM card & Phone upon your arrival.
Electrical outlets in Thailand are charged to 220v at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with appliances from the U.K. but not those from the US and many other nations. While most computer cables have adaptors for voltage, visitors from the U.S. and those not on the 220/50 v. 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 for using notebook computers in Thailand
Thailand Facts – Getting Online & Checking E-mail
All of Thailand’s leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services. Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available at Thailand’s leading hotels and at the many ” cyber café ” that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations.
Thailand Facts – TIME
Thailand Standard time is GMT +7. Thailand does not observe daylight savings.
- Thailand Facts Emergency Telephone Numbers
Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191
Highway Patrol : 1193
Crime Suppression : 195 or 0 2513 3844
Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Center : 1672
Immigration Bureau : 0 2287 3101-10
Thailand Facts – Activities to do while in Thailand
Please be advised that you may not be able to participate in certain activities after receiving your medical treatment. (Bangkok nightlife, for example, doesn’t always go hand-in-hand with heart-surgery) Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate activities in which you can participate.
Thailand Facts – Pampering
Thailand is famous for its Spa’s all over the world, with the most famous being the traditional Thai Massage. We have selected a number of high-class Spa’s, Beauty Salons, Hair Salons and Nail studios that specialize in looking after you in a way only the Thai can. Your hotel concierge will be able to advise you which will be the most suitable for you and assist you in scheduling an appointment.
Thailand Facts – Shopping
Bangkok is one of the best and most popular shopping locations in Asia, and with good reason. Prices are low, quality is high and the range and variety is amazing – silks, gemstones, tailor-made clothes and traditional handicrafts are all highlights of Bangkok shopping. Silks, niello ware, lacquer ware, silverware, bronze ware, pewter ware, pottery, gemstones and jewelry and all types of handicrafts are particularly good souvenirs of a trip to Thailand, while clothes and tailor-made clothes are widely available and inexpensive. Your hotel concierge will guide you to the shopping areas that coincide with your personal desires and budget.
Thailand Facts – Sightseeing
There is so much to see in Bangkok that it is impossible to mention it all here. There is a vast amount of temples and places of worship holding some of the largest Buddha statues in the world, which are a must-see during your stay.
Thailand Facts – Entertainment
Bangkok is famous for its nightlife and offers an exciting choice of clubs and watering holes. These include pubs, karaoke lounges, bars, clubs and discos.
Thailand Facts – Eating out
With gastronomic choice galore, eating out in Bangkok is amazing and inexpensive. Eating places range from five-star restaurants to food shops, café and street-side stalls and food carts. Thai food, both authentic and nouvelle dishes, can be found almost everywhere at small, sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly ornate ones, along the pavements, and in the markets.
Thailand Facts -Thailand’s Public Holidays – Please be aware of Thailand National Holidays before making your reservations.
New Year’s * 1-4 January
Chinese New Year* 3 February
Maka Bucha 18 February
Chakri Day 6 April
Songkran* 13-15 April
Labor Day* 1-2 May
Coronation Day 5 May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony 10 May
Visakha Bucha / Vesak Day 17 May
Asahna Puja Day 15 July
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday* 12 August
Chulalongkorn memorial Day 23-24 October
Loy Kratong 10 November
His.Majesty The King’s Birthday* 5 December
Thai Constitution Day 10-12 December
New Year’s * 31 December
*Major Thai holidays
We welcome the opportunity to give you the information that you need to make the most informed decision as you consider your specific treatment.
Communication, mutual trust and confidence are necessary to ensure a successful experience. We encourage you to ask questions, and will take all of the time that is needed to answer them thoroughly and to your satisfaction.
For more information about a specify treatment or for a custom inquiry please contact us now.