Thailand is known as ‘The Land of Smiles’;
wherever you go you will always see a smile on Thai people’s
faces. We smile on almost every occasion; when we are happy and
also when we are unhappy; when we are nervous and even when we
are in trouble. We are famous for our friendliness and
hospitality.Thailand is also famous for its
unique cultures,
beautiful beaches
and
delicious
food.
Each year many people around the world choose Thailand as
their
holiday destination.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with the king under the
constitution. To the Thai people the King is the center of the
nation. The present King is
King Bhumibol
who is well loved and highly respected by every Thai citizen.
In Thai history, the kings have played an important role in
establishing the Kingdom of Thailand. Our history dates back to
the thirteenth century when we built our nation. Our history can
be divided into
4 periods:
Sukhothai period (13th -15th
Century), the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (1350- 1767), Thonburi Period
(1767-1782) and Rattanakosin Period (1783 – present).
Thailand covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers, lying in
the center of Southeast Asia. It shares borders with Myanmar to
the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast,
Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. Thailand's
people are made up of Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%) and
other ethnic minorities such as Mons or Khmer. About 62 million
people inhabit the Land of Smiles, of which about 10 million
live in Bangkok, the capital city.
Thailand's shape and natural geography is characterized by
mountains and forests in the north, vast rice fields in the
central plains, semi-arid farmlands in the northeast, and lush
tropical islands and the long coastlines of the peninsular
south. Thus, Thailand is divided into 5 regions as follows:
Central Thailand -This region is the heartland of the country
because the capital city, Bangkok is located in this area.
Northern Thailand -This region is mountainous. The mountains are
covered with tropical monsoon forests. The principle city of
this part is Chiang Mai.
Northeastern Thailand - This region is often called ‘Isaan’.
Rice cultivation and silk weaving are important to the region.
Eastern Thailand
- This region is the richest because it has a
well-established industrial and tourist infrastructure. It is
full of extraordinary fruits such as durians and mangos.
Southern Thailand
- There are a lot of important natural
resources such as tin and rubber in this region. This area is
the most popular for tourists. The area includes Phuket, Phang
Nga, Krabi, etc.
Thailand has its own language, which is called Thai. The Thai
alphabet was first developed by a Thai king named Por Khun Ram
Kam Haeng, one of the kings who ruled the Sukhothai dynasty,
around 700 years ago.
The
Thai alphabet has 44 consonants and with 21 sounds. This means that some consonants
share the same sounds. In addition, there are 24 vowels with
different sounds. If you want to speak some basic Thai, we have
a section on
Useful Thai Expressions for you to practice.
We learn English in schools from primary level through tertiary
level. The English proficiency of Thai people depends on where
we live and where we work. In upcountry locations, getting along
in English might be difficult. The local people will be happy if
you make the effort to speak a few words of Thai.
English is understood in Bangkok. It is spoken in most hotels,
restaurants, shops and major tourist destinations. You should
have no problems in using English for communication.
Bangkok
is the capital of Thailand. We call Bangkok “Krungthep” or “The
City of Angels.” It is the center of politics, economics,
education, religion, and culture. A large number of tourists
often travel to Bangkok because there are so many places to see
and many things to do. Bangkok is famous for the hospitality of Bangkokians and its exotic culture.
It is very convenient to travel in Bangkok. Like other major
cities, there is a good transportation network such as buses, sky
trains, subways, and taxis. The most convenient way to travel
around Bangkok is by the sky train and subway but if you would like
to have some fun, you can travel by Tuk Tuk (three-wheeled
taxi).
BTS Sky Train
BTS Sky Train stations can mostly be found in commercial areas
of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe. The sky train is
divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit
Station), and Silom lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National
Stadium Station). The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare
of 10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30-day tourist tickets to save
money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets, 100 baht
(unlimited trips).
BMCL Subway
BMCL
Subway is another comfortable and fast transportation choice. The
beginning of “Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon” line is Hua Lum
Phong station (also the main train station in Bangkok), with total of 18
stations. The major stations are located at: The Queen Sirikit's International
Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada,
Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke and Silom stations are connected
to the BTS. BMCL Subway has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-15 baht
(For trial period only).The BMCL subway opens daily from 06.00 a.m. -
12.00 midnight.
Taxis
Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht,
for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per
kilometer thereafter. When in traffic the meter is timed and
calculated in the fare.
Tuk-Tuk
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorized taxis are popular fo r
short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum
fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are about 30 baht.
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