DISCOVER THAILAND

             Discover "Amazing Thailand" urges the Tourism Authority of Thailand's in its global campaign. A trip here and you realise that Thailand is truly amazing. Once you have decided on Thailand as your holiday destination be ready to set out on a voyage of discovery. With more facets to it than can be dealt with in a brief holiday, you keep coming back for more and are in danger of falling in love with this country If you do, you can't you can't be blamed for being too liberal with your affections, Thailand or Siam as it was called till 1939, does that. From the pulsating capital Bangkok to cool green hills, from white sun-drenched beaches of the south to rugged jungle treks, the kingdom offers you an amazing variety of scenery and atmosphere. People traverse the globe to just spend a few days-sunbathing, sailing, snorkeling, diving or just relaxing. For those who like the fast-paced life, there is always Bangkok.
             While Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket have been the traditional tourist destinations, discerning tourists are discovering the magic of Chiang Mai and other destinations in the mountainous north. Northeast Isarn, a semi-arid plateau is also finding itself on the tourist map. Of course, the tropical paradise that is the south is already a tourist haven. There is much to interest the traveller in Thailand history, culture, island retreats, nightlife, wild life and arts. Travelling in the country is very easy-the rail, air and bus network is extensive and very efficient.
              Contrary to expectations, Thailand is largely an agricultural society. Successive waves of migration have turned this country into a melting pot of Chinese, Khmers, Mons, Indians and Burmese. Buddhism, influenced by Hinduism, Taoism and animism is the way of life here. Historically speaking, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia which has never been subjected to foreign for periodic Burmese and Khmer invasions. A monarchy, it has moved from being an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. Thais revere the royal family and the monarchy is regarded as being the central and unifying element in the triad of nation, king and religion. Born on December 5, 1927 the present monarch, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended the throne in 1946. His Majesty is the longest reigning monarch in Thai history and the world. Another very important aspect of Thailand is its cuisine. It can be hot and spicy, so take care if you are trying Thai food for the first time. A variety of herbs, and the ubiquitous nam pla (fish sauce) add a flavour which is hard to imitate. Ass to all this a vibrant cultural life, splendid shopping and tranquil countryside, and you'll wonder why you didn't come here earlier.

GEOGRAPHY : Thailand has a land area of 513,115 sq.km. bordered by Malaysia (South), Myanmar (West & North), Loas (North & East) and Combodia (Southeast).	POPULATION : Total 61,446,6178 (end of 1998), including 30591602 males and 30874576 females, 9.2% lived in Bangkok.
LANGUAGE : Thai is the national language. English is widely spoken and understood in major cities, particularly in Bangkok and in business circles.	TIME : GMT+7 throughout the country
ELECTRICITY : 220 volts 60Hz throughout the country.	RELIGION : Buddhist 92.5 5%, Muslim 5.29%, Christian 1.34%, others 0.79%.
NATION FLAG : The red, white blue bands symbolize the nation, religion and the monarchy respectively.	CLIMATE : Temperature varies from 38 C to 19 C; humidity from 82.8% to 66%. Summer (March - May), Rainy (June - October), Winter (November - Febuary) Thailand Weather Forecast
Currency: The Baht is the standard currency unit. 1 Baht = 100 satangs Bank Notes :  20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht Coins : 1, 5, and 10 baht	Regulations for Foreign Visitors to Thailand: Foreign nationals visiting Thailand must possess valid passports 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.