1. ABOUT THAILAND
Thailand is located in the
centre of South East Asia
sharing common borders
with Malaysia,
Myanmar, Laos and
Cambodia. So it is the
natural gateway to the
Greater Mekong Sub-
region. There are four
distinctive regions,
namely: Central;
Southern; Northern; and
Northeastern, each with
its own unique natural
and cultural attributes.
Population
The population is approximately 65 million people 75% of which are ethnic Thais,
14% Chinese, 4% Malays plus Lao, Mons, Khmers, Indians and Burmese - reflecting
the country s long history at the crossroads of South East Asia.
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons --- summer from March to
May, rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October
through to February. The average annual temperature is 28°C (83°F), ranging in
Bangkok for example, from 34°C in April to 22°C in December.
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.
Time
The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

2. V.A.T.
Refunds Visitors entering the Kingdom on a tourist visa are entitled to refund of the
7% V.A.T. on goods purchased at registered retails outlets. Health Regulations As in
most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or
passing through a designated contaminated area.
Customs
Personal: Customs regulations allow you to bring in a reasonable amount of personal
effects, a still camera, a video camera, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco and
one litre of wine or spirits. Narcotics and pornography are strictly prohibited.
Professional: The import of stationery items for the use during conventions is not
subject to import duties, as is professional presentation equipment imported under
an ATA Carnet.
Currency
The Thai currency called baht, is based on the decimal system. One baht is divided
into 100 satang. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, one baht, 2 baht, 5 baht and
10 baht. Notes are in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. (1 USD = 35 THB as of JAN
2009)
Business Hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8.00
a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Many stores open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00
p.m. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a
noon to 1.00 p.m. lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks
are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on public holidays.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. There are
many plugs and sockets in use. Travellers with shavers, hair dryers and appliances
should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt
transformers.