Thailand: location. According to thesciencetutor, Thailand (historical name – Siam) is located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, covering an area of about 517,000 square meters. km. The outlines of the country on the map resemble the head of an elephant, whose trunk is lowered down (Malacca Peninsula). Often the Thais themselves call Thailand the Land of the Elephant, besides the white elephant is a royal symbol. In the north and west, the state borders with Myanmar (Burma), in the northeast – with Laos, in the southeast – with Cambodia, in the south – with Malaysia. In the southeast it is washed by the Gulf of Thailand, in the southwest by the Andaman Sea. On their coasts there are hundreds of clean sandy beaches. In addition, there are about 70 national parks and reserves in Thailand. The total length of the country from north to south is approximately 1860 km. Thereby tours to Thailand have gained great popularity in the world. In Thailand, there are a variety of geographical reliefs – both flat areas and hilly plateaus and mountains. The state also owns many small and large islands located in the coastal zones of the Andaman and South China Seas. The largest of them: Phuket (543 sq. km), Chang (417 sq. km), Koh Samui (228 sq. km).
Thailand: capital. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, which is famous for its luxurious architecture with ancient temples, historical sights, breathtaking skyscrapers and shopping malls. More than 11 million (!) people live in the metropolis today. What to see in Bangkok ? The list will be too long, but if you name a minimum, then these are: the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the local aquarium with 30 thousand fish and other representatives of the water world, the Wat Saket Temple and the Marble Temple, the Wat Pho complex and the Temple of the Morning Dawn.
Thailand: population. Currently, the population of Thailand is about 68 million people. The largest ethnic group is the Thais. The second largest population is occupied by the Chinese, most of whom are concentrated in cities. Malays, Mons, Khmers and a number of other nationalities also live in the kingdom. Ethnically, Thailand is divided into several regions, each of which speak different dialects. The people of the Chao Phraya Delta, the country’s most densely populated region that forms a small province around Bangkok, represent a group to which the ruling royal house belongs. The dialect of this group is recognized as the official language of the state. Moreover, many of the features inherent in the central regions of the country are considered characteristic of all of Thailand. That, that the language and culture of the inhabitants of the northern regions of the kingdom are similar to the Laos, due to the proximity of Laos. In addition, Northern Thais have lighter skin, so they are considered very beautiful in the country. In the south of Thailand, the Malayo-Islamic influence is very noticeable. Southern Thais speak incredibly fast and rarely leave their settled places, unlike residents of other areas. Thais are a very religious nation. The vast majority of Thais (94%) profess Buddhism – this is the most common religion in the kingdom. Buddhist monks are highly respected by the people, giving alms to a monk is considered a charitable deed and a great merit of a layman. And negligence in dress when visiting temples and incontinence in behavior deserve general reproach. About 4% of the population are Muslims, the remaining 2% are Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, animists and atheists. According to the Constitution, the king acts as the patron and protector of all faiths.
Thailand: government system. Since 1932, the Kingdom of Thailand (locally known as Prathet Thai) has been a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is nominally the king. However, legislative functions are performed by the highest body – the bicameral National Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Executive power belongs to the Cabinet of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. The country is administratively divided into 76 provinces (changwats). Each includes several districts (amphoi), which in turn are divided into sub-districts (tambon) and villages (muban). The administration of Bangkok is headed by a governor. He also appoints representatives of the authorities to govern the remaining 75 provinces. The national flag of Thailand consists of five horizontal stripes – two red (at the edges), two white and a central blue (it is twice as wide as the rest).
The king is the undisputed leader, the national symbol of Thailand. He stands above politics, and therefore interferes in political affairs only in exceptional cases, when it is absolutely necessary, for example, if it is required to prevent bloodshed. Now the throne of the kingdom belongs to the ninth representative of the Chakri dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thais sincerely revere not only His Majesty, but the entire royal family. Among the population, in no case are allowed not only condemnation or criticism of the actions and statements of members of the royal family, but even discussion of this. The popularity of the king and the love and respect shown to the royal house are explained by his deep interest in the life of the people and the welfare of the nation. The royal couple is making a lot of efforts to improve the well-being of the Thai people.
Thailand: in aluta. The monetary unit of Thailand is the baht (international designation – THB). Course: the cost of $1 ranges from 33 to 36 baht. One baht is subdivided into 100 satang. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (purple), 1000 baht (brown). In circulation there are coins from a yellow alloy in denominations of 25 and 50 satangs, from nickel – in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 baht, as well as a bimetallic (middle – from a yellow alloy, rim – from nickel) coin with a denomination of 10 baht. The most favorable exchange rate is in tourist centers. In hotels, it is usually lower than that offered by banks and official exchange offices. An important nuance: when exchanging 100-dollar bills issued before 1996, difficulties may arise. It should also be borne in mind that in Thailand, money of different denominations is exchanged at different rates: the lower the denomination, the lower the rate, so it is better to change large bills. Most banks, shopping centers and hotels accept major international credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, Visa.
Таиланд: язык. The official language of Thailand is Thai (Siamese). English, Chinese and Japanese are also widely spoken in cities. The Thai language consists mainly of monosyllabic words. And since there are quite a few options for sound combinations to form syllables, numerous tone combinations are used in speech. In this regard, most geographical names are quite difficult for foreigners to perceive and, say, in European, and in Russian transcription, they have several spelling and pronunciation options. Writing is characterized by an abundance of graphic signs for the transmission of sounds and their tones. So, for example, 21 consonants of the Thai language are indicated by 44 letters. Plus numerous diacritical marks indicating the longitude of the sound of a particular sound. Consonants are written horizontally from left to right, vowels – from above, below,
Thailand: e -economy.
The essence of Thailand’s economic policy is to actively attract foreign investment to the domestic market, expand the volume and structure of exports, systematically create the most favorable conditions for private entrepreneurship, and develop foreign tourism. The main sectors that bring income to the state are agriculture and marine fishing. More than half of the population of Thailand works in the agricultural sector. Agricultural products (primarily rice, tapioca, rubber, coconuts) are the most important component of national exports. The extensive export of fish and seafood became possible thanks to the active development of the fishing fleet and food processing enterprises. Modern industries also play a significant role in the country’s economy: textile, jewelry (precious stone processing), electronics industry. Since the late 1980s, tourism has become an important source of foreign exchange earnings. Most tourists come to spend theirholidays in Thailand from the states of Southeast Asia, primarily from China, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. But recently the flow of tourists from the CIS countries has increased significantly.
Thailand: on time. The difference with Moscow time is: in winter – 4 hours, in summer – 3 hours.
The difference with Kiev and Minsk time is: in winter – 5 hours, in summer – 4 hours.
Thailand: water. Important warning: tap water in the territory of the Kingdom of Thailand is not to be drunk! Hotels provide drinking water free of charge. In addition, you can buy bottled water in stores.
Thailand: clothing etiquette. Given the tropical climate, it is recommended to wear light clothing made from natural fabrics. But the traditions of Thailand do not welcome excessive nudity in public places. When visiting temples, it is desirable that clothes cover the knees, elbows, shoulders, and shoes – the heels. On public beaches it is forbidden to sunbathe without a bathing suit.
Thailand: shopping and shops. Thailand is a country of shopping! Here you can buy almost everything – from souvenirs to a live crocodile (however, before buying an animal or plant, consult the rules for their export and import into the country of destination). The abundance of shops, shops, markets and large shopping centers is amazing! They will offer a huge selection of souvenirs, products of Thai artisans, costume jewelry, clothes, shoes, leather goods, jewelry, household appliances and much more.
According to one of the world’s most authoritative rating agencies in the field of tourism CBI, Thailand has been holding the palm for the 5th year in such a category as “Value for money”.
Обращаем ваше внимание на то, что в Таиланде торговаться можно, но исключительно на рынках и в частных магазинчиках – в торговых центрах цены фиксированные. Не рекомендуем покупать драгоценные изделия и камни на улицах и пляжах, так как они могут оказаться подделками. За ювелирными украшениями рекомендуется отправляться на ювелирные фабрики и в специализированные магазины при них. Приобретая дорогостоящие товары (стоимостью от 2 000 батов), желательно иметь с собой паспорт, чтобы покупку оформили соответствующим образом, и тогда перед вылетом домой в аэропорту вам смогут вернуть сумму НДС.
Thailand: visa. A visa to Thailand for Ukrainians is issued within 5 days at the consulate. The cost of a visa to Thailand for a stay in the country up to 60 days is $70. Thailand tour operator Cities Travel provides all the necessary assistance and advice regarding obtaining a visa, collecting documents, and more.
Thailand: customs regulations. The laws of the Kingdom of Thailand are quite strict and protect morality and morality. It is forbidden to import drugs into the country (punishment ranges from life imprisonment to death), weapons and ammunition (without the appropriate permission of the competent authorities), printed and video products of an erotic or pornographic nature, meat products.
Cult images and figurines of the Buddha cannot be exported from the state. Special certificates or licenses are required for the export of antiques and handicrafts, as well as gold bars, precious stones and jewelry. If you intend to export a pet, it is worth consulting with customs representatives on this issue in advance.
Thailand: transport rental. It is recommended to use well-known rental companies (Budget, Avis) – all cars are insured in them and their serviceability is guaranteed. To rent, you will need a passport, an international driver’s license and a credit card for payment. Private car rental companies have lower document requirements and payment is made only in cash, but cars are usually not insured. Therefore, any, even the smallest, trouble (accident, breakdown) can result in huge losses for the tenant – in 99% of cases, the police are on the side of the owners.
You should be especially careful when renting motorbikes as they are high-risk vehicles. And the traffic in Thailand is quite intense.
Thailand: hours.
It is customary to leave a tip in bars and restaurants – usually in the amount of 10-20 baht per person or 10% of the order amount. If you wish, you can tip porters in hotels in Thailand (10-20 baht).
Thailand: climate and seasonality. For tourists, the climate of Thailand is very suitable for recreation, mostly the temperature is kept at the level of +28 to +32, it can rarely rise to +37. The most comfortable season for recreation, when there is practically no rain, is from November to May, and the winter months are just perfect, because the temperature is not very hot.
Thailand: phone. For tourists in Thailand, there is a tourist police, which you can call at 1155 (or 1111 if you need an interpreter). To call firefighters, call 199, for an ambulance – 191. Regarding mobile communications, it will be enough to buy any local SIM card. The cheapest way to call your home country is from pay phones and special travel packages of mobile operators.
Thailand: electrical network. Mains voltage 220V. American sockets (with flat pins) and European sockets (2 round pins, such as in Ukraine).
Thailand: official holidays. Most of all, tourists will be interested in such traditional holidays of Thailand:
- 5.12 – Birthday of the Thai king Rama IX, which is celebrated by the whole country;
- November is Loi Krathong, the day of the Goddess of Water. On this holiday, the inhabitants of the country build boats, fill them with flowers, fruits, nuts, coins and “give” them to the rivers, and after that they launch thousands of sky lanterns into the sky!;
- in early February – the flower festival in the city of Chiang Mai: parades and processions with hundreds of thousands of flowers, beauty contests and florists, bright flower fairs and exhibitions take place;
- in April – Thai New Year (Songkran) – a grandiose event and holiday for the whole country, which annually “lures” thousands of tourists. The most interesting tradition on this day is to pour water on each other! And in the days of the New Year, no one will be able to stay dry! Therefore, we highly recommend that tourists hide documents in impenetrable packages and do not forget an additional set of dry clothes when going outside, because passers-by (and especially children) will certainly pour water over you, congratulating you!
