......There
are conflicting opinions as to the origins of the Thais.
Three decades ago it could be said with presumed certainty
that the Thais originated in Northwestern Szechuan in China
about 4,500 years ago and later migrated down to their present
homeland. However, this theory has been altered by the discovery
of remarkable prehistoric artifacts in the village of Ban
Chiang in the Nong Han District of Udon Thani Province in
the Northeast. These include evidence of bronze metallurgy
going back 3,500 years, as well as other indications of
a far more sophisticated culture than any previously suspected
by archaeologists. It now appears that the a Thais might
have originated here in Thailand and later scattered to
various parts of Asia, including some parts of China.
......Siam
is the name by which the country was known to the world
until 1939 and again between 1945 and 1949. On May 11, 1949,
an official proclamation changed the name of the country
to "Prathet Thai", or "Thailand", by which
it has since been known. The word "Thai" means "free",
and therefore "Thailand" means "Land of the Free."
: Thailand is a warm
and rather humid tropical country with monsoonal climate.
Temperatures are highest in March and April with average
temperature of 28 degree Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius and
humidity averaging between 82.8 percent to 73 percent
: Dry : March to May,
Rainy: June to October, Cool: November to February.
: The population in
Thailand is approximately 62 million, of which around 6
million live in the capital city, Bangkok.
: The national and official
language is Thai while English is widely spoken and understood
in major cities, particularly in Bangkok and in business
circles.
: Government and
business offices are open from 8:30 to 16:30 hours, Monday
to Friday.
: 220 volts 50 cycles
throughout the country
: The country's central
bank is the Bank of Thailand. Major Thai commercial banks
include the Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Krung Thai
Bank, Thai Farmers Bank and Thai Military Bank. Business
hours are 10:00 - 17:00 hours, Monday to Friday. Several
international banks also have offices in Thailand.
: The Baht is the standard
currency unit.
1 Baht = 100 satangs
Bank Notes : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht
valid for up to 90 days.
Coins : 1, 5, and 10 baht
:
......There
are over 100 radio stations in Bangkok. All are state-owned
but private companies are given air time concessions for
their programmes. Broadcasting is done in both Thai and
English, with news broadcasting every hour. There are over
20 Thai morning dailies in Bangkok. Some of the leading
Thai papers include Thai Rath, Daily News, Siam Rath, Matichon,
Naew Na, Siam Post, Ban Muang, Krung Thep Turakij, Wattachak
and the Manager. Two major English-language dailies are
the Bangkok Post and The Nation. There are numerous English-language
magazines and local publications in Japanese, Chinese and
other European languages. Many major international newspapers,
magazines and books are also widely available.
Six television stations, Channels 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and ITV
broadcast local variety shows, newscasts and live coverage
of special events. Cable TV is also available by subscription.
There are over 100 radio stations in Bangkok. All are state-owned
but private companies are given air time concessions for
their programmes. Broadcasting is done in both Thai and
English, with news broadcasting every hour.
Thailand's freedom of the press is considered the strongest
in Southeast Asia as evidenced by hundreds of Thai-language
publications on virtually every subject.
:
Bangkok has numerous clinics and hospitals catering to a
variety of needs. Major public and private hospitals are
equipped with the latest medical technology and internationally
qualified specialists. Almost all pharmaceuticals are widely
available. Drinking of tap water should be avoided.
: Foreign nationals visiting Thailand
must possess validpassports or accepted travel documents
and appropriate visas before entering the country. Visitors
from certain countries are permitted to stay up to 15 days
without visas, provided they possess tickets confirming
departure within 15 days, while visitors from several other
countries are allowed to apply for tourists visas at all
ports of entry. Transit visas are granted for up to 30 days
and tourist visas for up to 60 days. Non-immigrants, diplomatic
and official visas are valid for up to 90 days.
:
Direct Assistance: 1133 (Bangkok) and 183 (upcountry)
Long Distance Service: 100
IDD: 001+country code+area code+phone number
AT&T USA Direct Service:001-999-11111
:
Mobile Police: 191
Fire Brigade: 199
Ambulance(BKK): 0-2252-2171-5
Tourist Information (TAT Head Office): 0-2694-1222 ext.
1000-1004, 0-2282-9773-6
Tourist Information (Airport Office): Terminal I : 0-2523-8972-3
, Terminal II : 0-2535-2669
Tourist Police: 195, 1155
Tourist Service Centre: 1155
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