| Local name: Prathet T'hai
MuangT'hai |
| Surface : 513,115
sq km (198,115 sq miles) |
| Population : 60,606,947
inhabitants |
| Electricity: 220
volts AC, 50Hz. American- and European-style two-pin plugs are in use |
| Climate: Generally
hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from
June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with
torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February
(cool season). |
PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for six months beyond intended
length of stay required by all except the following: holders of a Hong
Kong (SAR) certificate of identity bearing a Thai visa issued in Hong
Kong; holders of a Singapore certificate of identity with a visa;
holders of South African temporary passports; holders of a UN
laisser-passer and Macau (SAR) China Travel Permits. VISAS:
Required by all except the following nationals for touristic stays,
provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed
tickets to leave Thailand within 30 days: nationals of Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak
Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa;
(b) nationals of Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Indonesia,
Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, The
Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey,
United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Transit passengers continuing their
journey within 12 hours, provided holding confirmed tickets and other
documents for an onward journey and they do not leave the transit
lounge. Restricted entry: Nationals of
Afghanistan and Iraq will be refused |
| Capital : Bangkok
- Population: 7,358,300, including Thon Buri |
| System :
Constitutional monarchy since 1973 -
Under the most recent version of the constitution, finalised in
October 1997, the legislature is the bicameral Ratha Sapha (National
Assembly). The 393-member Saphaphuthan Ratsadon (House of
Representatives) is elected for a 4-year term. Executive power is
vested in the prime minister and cabinet of ministers, with the former
drawn from the ranks of the Ratha Sapha – normally the leader of the
largest party (or largest party in the governing coalition). |
| Languages : Thai, English, ethnic and regional
dialects |
| Religions : The
vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 4 per cent are
Muslim and there are Christian minorities. |
| Money : Baht (Bt)
= 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000, 500, 100, 50, 20
and 10. Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25
satang. In addition, there are a vast number of commemorative coins
which are also legal tender. |
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