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ACCOMMODATION

The range of accommodation in most Thai cities and towns is impressive and there should always be a suitable option for all tastes and budgets. In the capital Bangkok, many truly luxurious, five- and even six-star operations managed by global brands rub shoulders with cheap and cheerful guesthouses where a room can be rented for a month for the equivalent of a one night stay next door.

As with elsewhere in the region, you tend to get what you pay for, although the devaluation of the Thai baht against most foreign currencies in the late 1990s has made mid-range hotel accommodation in Thailand one of the best bargains in Asia.

Also, Bangkok in particular has a glut of serviced-apartment accommodation and many operators are offering studios, one-bedroom and even two- and three-bedroom apartments for short term rental, often at very competitive rates when compared to top-end hotels in similar localities.

Luxury hotels are well represented in larger cities and towns. Many are operated by international names such as Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Sheraton, Sofitel etc., plus some excellent local talent such as the Dusit Group. Resort hotels are also excellent value in Thailand, and many incorporate luxury spas and health clubs within their complexes.

Mid-range, family hotels are also plentiful and very popular in Thailand. Prices are once again reasonable, with an en-suite double room with aircon, television and mini-bar, in a hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and sometimes a bar and gym, often going for under US$30 per night. In Bangkok there are also plenty of small, business-oriented hotels at around the same price. Many of these can be found in the Sukhumvit Road area, around Sois 11 and 13.

Guesthouses have multiplied in Thailand as the country has gained in popularity among the global back-packing community, especially in recent years follwong the release of the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach. The quality of guesthouses ranges from the very basic to the fairly sophisticated three-star operations which rival mid-range hotels for levels of comfort and facilities. Prices tend to reflect the level of sophistication, ranging from just a couple of dollars a night for a bamboo hut with no bathroom, to more than $20 for en-suite facilities and air-conditioning.

Reservations are reccommended, especially at higher end hotels, and are an absolute must during high-season (October to February).

It's really very much up to you how much you want to spend and what level of luxury (or lack of it) you need (or can do without). Whatever you're looking for accommodation-wise, you are likely to find it in Thailand.

BASICS

At over 510,000 square kilometres, Thailand is the largest of the Mekong nations, and is located at the heart of the region, lying between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

The country is fertile with most of its 60 million plus inhabitants occupying the central plains and the larger cities. The mountainous north of the country is home to many minority hill-tribes and much of the land is forested. To the north-east of Thailand, along the border with Laos and the Mekong River, life can be tough as the region is very poor and often subject to extremes in climate. Further south lies the Cambodian border and the region is home to several ancient Khmer settlements. The southern peninsula which stretches to the border with Malaysia is home to most of the country's best beaches and tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Thailand (originally known as Siam) can trace its history back to a 13th century migration of Thais from Southern China. These early migrants founded the city of Sukhothai as the capital of what is today modern Thailand. By the mid-14th century Ayutthaya had become the capital having absorbed Sukothai into its sphere of influence. The city remained the capital for over 400 years until being sacked by the Burmese in 1767. The capital was then transferred to Thonburi, across the river from modern-day Bangkok, by King Taksin who fled from and later expelled the invading Burmese armies. The capital was moved accross the river to Bangkok by Taksin's successor, Rama I who founded the Chakri dynasty which continues to rule to this day.

Contact with the West started in the mid-16th century when diplomatic missions were received at Ayutthaya. Later, the Thais resisted colonisation by both France and Britain during the reigns of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn, both great modernisers. Thailand is in fact the only country in South East Asia to have avoided outright colonisation although the country was effectively occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War.

Revolution in 1932 ended the age of the absolute monarchy in Thailand and a (fragile) democracy was formed. The country changed its name from Siam to Thailand in 1937. However, Thailand has continued to endure occasional coups, the most recent of which occured in 1992. More recently, a new constitution has been adopted and democracy currently holds sway.

The country has weathered the storm of the 1997 economic slump in Asia, and is now once again developing at an extraordinary pace.

BUSINESS & BANKING

Banking hours in Thailand run from 8.30am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, although occasionally these hours are adjusted at certain banks to help relieve rush-hour congestion. Exchange kiosks are plentiful, and are open later, usually to around 9 or 10 pm. Businesses open at 8.00 am, and close around 5.00pm, with lunch taken from noon to 1.00pm. Government offices close half an hour earlier at 4.30pm. Shops are generally open from around 9-10.00am until fairly late in the evening, especially in urban centres. Tourist attractions usually open around the same time, and close between 4.00 and 6.00pm. Some attractions are closed on Mondays, some on Tuesdays - best to check locally.

CLIMATE

Thailand's climate is tropical. There are three quite distinct seasons: Hot from March until May; Wet from June until September/October; and Cool between October and February. Humidity is high most of the time, especially in the centre and south of the country.

The cool season is the most comfortable time to visit, and is therefore generally recognised as High Season. The north of the country is generally cooler, and can even get quite chilly, especially at night, during the winter months.

COMMUNICATIONS

The international prefix for Thailand is: 66 + city code (Bangkok 02, Chiang Mai/Rai, 053, Hua Hin/Cha Am 032, Ko Samui 077, Pattaya 038, Phuket 076). The country has extensive coverage for mobile GSM phones, as is evident from the huge number of phones on display in Bangkok and elsewhere. Pagers are also commonly used in urban areas.

The Thai telephone system is of decent quality even in smaller towns and villages. Most hotels have International Direct Dailing (IDD) and more up-market operators provide fax facilities, sometimes even in-room. Email is available in many hotels and there are plenty of cyber cafes in most areas.

CRIME AND DANGERS

As you might expect in "The Land of Smiles" the Thais are generally an extremely welcoming and friendly people. However, as in any other developing nation, and especially in larger cities, crime can be a problem. Beware of pickpockets in crowded places, and watch out for scams, usually involving the purchase of gem stones at discounted prices - bargains they are not.

If you feel you've been ripped off, or if your find yourselff in trouble generally, call the Tourist Police toll fee on 1155.

There have been several cases of rape, and unfortunately even murder, recently, so women travelling alone should take extra care, and if at all possible try to link up with others when venturing off the beaten track. When travelling on public transport, keep an eye on your belongings and don't accept offers of food or drink from strangers - the drugging of potential victims is on the rise again in some areas. Also, don't be tempted to use cheap taxis from the airport - a US citizen was violently attacked and robbed in March 2000 when taking a taxi into town from the departures concourse of Don Muang.

The north-west of the country is also a place best avoided unless you have pressing reasons to go there. The border with Myanmar is a volatile place with various insurgent groups, bandits and drug smugglers all vying with each other and the Thai authorities for supremacy. This violence occasionally emerges elsewhere in the country as Burmese rebels stage often violent protests.

The border with Cambodia was once very dangerous to travel around, but is generally considerd safe these days. However, it's always best to enquire when venturing off the beaten track.

Remember that as a visitor you are more likely to be a target for crime, especially scams, so take care without letting excessive worry ruin your trip.

A final word of warning - DO NOT attempt to carry proscribed drugs and narcotics into or out of Thailand. Narcotics smuggling is taken very seriously here, and is punishable by death - it's dumb anywhere, but it's just suicidal in Thailand.

CUISINE & DINING

Dining out in Thailand is one of the main attractions of travel to the country, and Thai food is deservedly popular around the world. As you might expect with the diversity of cultures and geography in Thailand, different areas have markedly different cuisines. However, most Thai food can be described as hot, and the chilli plays a central role in Thai cooking.

Generally, the hottest dishes are North-Eastern in origin, while green and red curries are enjoyed almost everywhere, and Indian-influenced dishes are more often found in Southern provinces (where the population is predominantly Muslim). Lemongrass, an ingredient swiftly gaining popularity in the West, is another Thai staple.

Presentation of food in Thailand is almost as important as the cooking of the dish itself, and eating out is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach. Rice is eaten with almost everything, and is usually served before the rest of the meal. It is often accompanied by soup, such as Tom Yam Kung, or a thin stew, or perhaps a stir-fried dish, baked fish or salad.

Salads are universally popular around the country, and the variety and range of ingredients used are both wide and exotic, making for interesting creations. While many salads will include elements of meat, vegetarians can eat very well indeed in Thailand, as might be expected in a Buddhist society. Also, although Thai food is generally hot, the more violently spiced dishes are often complimented by milder ones, and meals are generally well balanced. Restaurants catering to the visitor tend to go fairly easy on the chilli in any case.

Cutlery is a fork and spoon, although knives, forks and spoons are usually set in restaurnats catering to foreigners. Chop-sticks are rarely used in Thailand except in Chinese restaurants. Communal eating is also common, especially in the North where communal dishes called Khantoke are traditionally served to guests seated around a circular table.

Eating out is generally very good value in Thailand, and the range restaurants and cuisines available in most towns and cities is huge. Street eating is common throughout the country, and is usually safe. Seafood is especially popular,and restaurants serving fish striaght from the tank are plentiful and not limited to coastal towns and cities. Western fare is also widely available in most places, as are Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Indian cuisines.

Restaurant listings around Thailand can be accessed from the city sections of ElephantGuide.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Thailand's (in)famous nightlife is known around the world - entertainments which range from the innocent to the extreme. While "girlie" bars are an integral part of the holiday experience for many, the venues themselves are mostly limited to specific areas in major towns and can easily be avoided if likely to offend. However, many female visitors to Thailand are suprised by the welcome they receive in such places, and many bars along Patpong in Bangkok for instance positively encourage mixed couples to enter. One guide to events at such places, along with a personal view of the scene in Bangkok and elsewhere in the Kingdom, can be found at www.baronbonk.com

Sleaze aside, the range of entertainment venues in Bangkok and other Thai destinations is huge and diverse. Traditional dance and cultural shows can be enjoyed in most major tourist centres, and some hotels and restuarants offer cultural shows as part of the dining experience. In fact, dining out itself is one of the great pass times of any visit to Thailand.

Bars are plentiful in most destinations, and many offer a range of diversions including pool tables, darts, sports television, live music etc. Beer gardens are popular venues, especially during the cool season. Prices are usually keener in such places as they are often sponsored by a particular brewery or drinks company. Cigar lounges are also gaining popularity in some Thai cities.

Major hotels will have at least one bar, possibly a nightclub/discotheque and many will host international performers and musical groups (mostly Filipino) in their venues. However, Thailand boasts plenty of home-grown musical talent, and regular performances can be enjoyed in Bangkok and other major centres.

Discotheques are plentiful in major towns and cities, and are very popular with young Thais. Many are very sophisticated and would not be out of place in London or New York. A new phenomenom swiftly gaining ground - especially in Bangkok - is Latin dance, and venues are springing up all over the place.

Another popular passtime is Muay Thai or Thai kick-boxing. Bouts are regular and very well-attended. The pace and energy of these events is frenetic, and spectators inevitably become inimtately involved with the spectacle and ritual of the fight. A great night out and heavily recommended by The Elephant.

Finally, the whole gamut of entertainments found at home can also be experienced in Thailand. Most urban centres will have at least one cinema (with films often released months before they become available back home), bowling alleys, video arcades etc.

A good source for information on entertainment options in Bangkok is Metro magazine, published monthly and available from, bookstores and news agents, which contains useful listings. As does the Guide of Bangkok, published weekly and available free of charge from hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants and at Skytrain stations. In Phuket, check out the local Phuket Gazette, and the Pattaya Mail when in Pattaya.

Best of all, check out The Elephant's "What's Happening" sections for comprehensive information on what's happening around the Kingdom.

ETIQUETTE

Once again, the fact that Thailand is refered to as "The Land of Smiles" is a fair indication of the demeanour of its people. They are very friendly and welcoming, and a smile from you will go a long way towards breaking down cultural and social barriers. Buddhism plays a leading role in Thai society, and as such, tolerance is one of the more obvious Thai social qualities.

However, care should still be taken not to offend. Thais will strive very hard to avoid confrontation, and look down on those who raise their voices - or fists - in arguement. Stay calm, and try to find common ground if you find yourself in a tricky situation.

Thais are fairly conservative, and modest dress is appreciated - long trousers or skirts are preferable to shorts or mini-skirts. Sleevless shrits and singlets should be avoided although dress etiquette need not be taken to extremes. When visiting monastaries and other holy sites in Thailand, be sure always to dress appropriately and to remove shoes when entering, and also when visiting a Thai home.

The feet are considered to be the lowest part of the body and pointing with the feet is taboo. Also, the head is considered sacred and should never be touched. Women should never tounch monks, or hand offerings to them directly - take care to avoid this taboo if giving alms to monks on their early morning rounds.

The Thai Royal Family is held in the greatest respect, even awe, by Thais from all walks of life and social backgrounds. Lese-majesty remains punishable under the law in Thailand, and offence will be taken by Thais if respect for the Royal Family is not shown. You should stand for the National Anthem when it is played in a cinema, for example.

Likewise, the Sangha, or monkhood, is another heavily respected institution in Thailand. Women should neither touch nor pass anything directly to a member of the Sangha, and monks should generally be afforded respect. Thais take this seriously, with many Thai men entering the Sangha for a period of their lives, and merit is made through the offering of alms every morning throughout Thailand. For more information on Buddhism see Buddhism Resources at: www.utyx.com/buddhism which offers buddhism related news, books and web resources.

Finally, when greeting each other, Thais offer a wai, a graceful expression of respect involving the pressing together of the palms and raising them slightly towards the face, while very slightly bowing the head. Visitors need not worry too much about the wai, as handshaking is a widely accepted substitute, especially in business circles. You should also not wai those subordinate to you - they should initiate the greeting.

GETTING THERE & AWAY

BY AIR - The most common way to arrive in Thailand is through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport - although a new airport is planned in a few years.

Daily flights to and from most destiantions in Europe, America, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East are offered by a whole range of major airlines from around the world. The national airline isThai Airways International which is a founder member of the Star Alliance.

Thailand is also very well conected for travel to and from other Asian countries, and is considered a major air travel hub for visitors to Asia, especially for those travelling to and from the other Mekong countries. Direct international flights also operate to/from Phuket, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.

BY TRAIN - Regular services connect Thailand with Singapore and Malaysia. A train also runs to the border with Laos at Nongkai. Travel is overnight from Bangkok. At the border, early in the morning, travellers must alight and take a taxi to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to cross into Laos.

BY ROAD - Entry into Thailand by road was previously restricted to the Thai-Malay border and the Friendship Bridge at the border with Laos. A regular bus service now runs to/from Bangkok/Hoo Chi Minh City (Saigon (stopping at Siem Reasp & Phanom Penh) at an incredibly cheap US$30 or so.

BY SEA - Regular maritime services to Thailand are unfortunately a thing of the past, although cruise ships visit the Kingdom at Pattaya and Phuket, and naval vessels, mostly American, occaisionally enjoy shore leave at Pattaya. There is an occasional service to/from Sihanoukville acroos the border - details will frollow when we have the time (and courage) to take this trip!

HEALTH

Pretty much uniquely among the Mekong countries, Thailand's health system is of a generally good standard, especially in the more frequented tourist destinations. Indeed, "health holidays" are becoming increasingly popular in the country as visitors take advantage of Thailand's competitive rates for operations and proscedures, then connvalesce at a coastal resort.

Visitors travelling off the beaten track will likely succumb at some stage to intestinal problems or diarrhoea. The best way to combat these is to watch what you eat and drink, avoiding uncooked meats and raw vegetables etc. Very spicy foods are also best avoided until you become aclimatised to Thai cuisine. Immodium or a similar drug will keep symptoms under control until the discomfort passes.

While no innoculations are required for entry (unless arriving from contaminated areas), vaccinations against HEPATITIS A & B, TETANUS, TYPHUS, POLIO, and RABIES are recommended by some doctors.

Malaria occurs in parts of Thailand, notably Ko Samet and the forested north of the country, and precautions should be taken accordingly, including the use of a mosquito-net and insect repellent. Prophylactic anti-malarial tablets can also be used if appropriate - consult your doctor before using these.

During the hot season (February-May) beware of the hot sun. Sun-burn is best avoided by staying out of direct sun-light, especially at the hottest times of the day. However, if you must venture out into the sun, use a high-factor sun block. A hat will also help guard against heat-stroke. Drink plenty of (bottled) water to avoid dehydration.

Contaminated water is a major cause of sickness in Thailand and should be avoided. Most hotels will provide drinking water in your room for tooth brushing etc. Bottled water is widely available and cheap, but check that the seal is intact before purchasing.

Finally, with Thailand's reputation as a destination for sex tourists, beware that AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are prevalent throughout the country, especially in the north. As elsewhere in the world, abstinence is the only sure-fire way to avoid contracting STDs but the use of a reliable condom (brought from home as the local brands can often prove defective) will significantly reduce risk.

LEISURE & RECREATION

Thailand is a sports enthusiast's dream. Just about everything is on offer in the country, and mostly at prices well below those at home.

At coastal resorts, watersports are very popular and represent perhaps Thailand's greatest sporting attraction for many visitors. Diving, water-skiing, paragliding, jet-skiing - all are on offer at most seaside destinations. In addition, Phuket is a popular anchorage for yachts from all over Asia, and the island hosts the annual Kings Cup regatta every December.

Golf is another major draw for visitors to the Kingdom. Thailand boasts plenty of international-standard golf clubs throughout the country, and green fees are a fraction of the cost back home. Some of the landscapes incorporated into courses are truly magnificent, and facilities - including coaching - are of a generally high standard.

Other leisure pursuits include tennis and squash, and most major hotels have well-equipped gyms and health clubs. Spas are another growth industry in Thailand, and the country is home to some of the most luxurious spas and health resorts in the world. Massage is another option for the weary traveller, and (traditional) Thai massage is justly famous the world over.

Sightseeing is also a major leisure activity, and Thailand offers visitors a remarkable range of historic, cultural and scenic attractions to absorb during their stay.

One of the most popular leisure activities with visitors to Thailand is shopping (see below). Cafes and bars are useful meeting points, and after a hard day's sightseeing, relaxing with a cold beer and watching the world pass by is another favourite passtime for many visitors.

MEDIA

Thailand has plenty of English-language publications, including two national, daily newspapers - the Bangkok Post and The Nation. Both are published in Bangkok. For news on what's happening closer to your particular destination or resort , look out for the Phuket Gazette and the Pattaya Mail. Hua Hin/Cha Am boasts the Observer while Chiang Mai has the Chiang Mai News.

Foreign newspapers, including those from home, are usually available from kiosks in bigger hotels and from news-stands in larger cities and towns. The International Herald Tribune and Asia Wall Street Journal are widely available, as are international magazines including the Far Eastern Economic Review and other foreign magazines and newspapers.

Metro magazine and Guide of Bangkok offer good information as to what's on in the capital. A relative newcomer to the listings scene is the Big Chilli, published by an English expatriate who also produces a golfing newspaper and a glossy travel magazine, Journeys in Asia.

Web sites covering the country are numerous and range from the professional and useful to amateurish and useless. We suggest you stick with The Elephant, although in-depth information on Thailand can be found at e-Thailand(www.ethailand.com) which is a very useful site.

MONEY MATTERS

The Thai currency is the baht (THB) which is made up of 100 satang. As a visitor it is unlikely that you will encounter the satang very often. Notes come in 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10 baht denominations, and 10, five- and one-baht coins. The currency was loosely pegged to the US dollar until July 1st 1997 when exchange controls were lifted and the currency freely floated - in the process triggering the beginning of Asia's economic meltdown.

The currency is freely convertible, and exchange kiosks are plentiful and offer market rates. There is no black market for the baht.

Travellers' cheques can be exchanged in banks and kiosks (and at hotels, though rates will not be very keen), and surprisingly benefit from a slightly better exchange rate than cash. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country and cash machines (ATMs) are also plentiful.

PEOPLE

Thailand's population stands at around 60 million people, of which the great majority (80%) are ethnic Thai. The remaining 20% are split between Chinese ethnicity (around 10% or so), Malay (5%) and various ethnic minorities including Mekong region nationalities such as Cambodian/Khmer, Burmese and Vietnamese.

The Thais are geographically divided into four areas - Northern, Central, Northeastern and Southern. The Central Thais are the dominant group, living in the central plains which include the country's capital, Bangkok; Northeastern Thais are based around the Issan region bordering Laos, a poor farming region which often suffers from extremes of climate and other hardships; Northern Thais are the descendants of the original Thai nation - Lanna - whose capital was originally sited in Chiang Rai in the 13th century, later moving to Chiang Mai. The northern language differs somewhat from standard - or Central - Thai, and is more closely related to the languages of the minority hill tribes and original Tai dialects; finally, the Southern Thai occupy the "elephant's trunk" - the land running south from Bangkok to the Malay peninsula. These are much more closely related to the Malay people, with dark skin and round faces, and many, especially in the deep south close to the border, practice Islam as opposed to Buddhism.

Thailand's principle religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is also the official state religion. Theravada Buddhism is practised by 90% of the population, and its rites and rituals are taken seriously, although these are often practised alongside traditional forms of ritual including spiritualism, which is evident from the huge number of spirit houses - or chao phi - which are strategically placed in or outside almost every home, office and shop. Monks and the monkhood - Sangha - are revered, and many Thai men will enter the Sangha for a period of a few weeks to a few years at some point in their life to gain merit. Merit is also made by women offering alms to the monks, usually food, occasionally money, as the monks make their dawn collections every morning. For more information on Buddhism see Buddhism Resources which offers buddhism related news, books and web resources.

The Thais are also hugely respectful of their King - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej - and the monarchy in general. Although Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, the King enjoys power rarely seen in other such societies. He is seen as unifying figurehead for the nation, and has been called upon in relatively recent times to excercise this unique power when Thailand has experienced political turmoil and military coups. He is still considered semi-divine by many Thais, and his protrait, along with that of his Queen - Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit - hangs in houses, shops, offices and even bars and restaurants all over the country.

While the Thais are a tolerant bunch most of the time, criticism of the Royal Family is not tolerated, and due respect should be paid by visitors to the country - i.e. it is imperative to stand for the national anthem which is played prior to sporting events or films at the cinema.

The official language of Thailand is Thai which is a tonal tongue, and therefore fairly tricky for foreigners to master. Luckily, many Thais speak good English so the language barrier is rarely an insurmountable problem. A variety of ethnic tribal languages is also spoken among the hill tribes of the north, and various dialogues exist around the country - a Central Thai can have difficulty understanded the abrupt, glottal speaking style of thise from the deep south, for example.

RECOMMENDED READING

Guidebooks on Thailand include Moon Travel Handbooks (recommended by the Elephant), the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet amongst others. Both publishers also produce guides to Bangkok. Other guides include the Essential series, AA Guides, and Footprint. Any of these books (and many others) can be purchased on-line through Amazon.com from this site.

Bookshops are both good and plentiful in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. Notable among these are Asia Books, Bookazine andDK Books. There are also several second-hand bookshops in the main tourist destinations. Bangkok is a good place to purvhase books on Asia, especially the Mekong region and its history, sociology and politics.

English-language fiction is also widely available, and Thailand can even boast its very own, English-language writer in residence, Cristoher G. Moore whose books set in the nether-world of Bangkok and elsewhere in the country are popular with tourists and foreign residents.

RED TAPE

Most travellers to Thailand do not need to apply for a visa in advance, as these are issued on arrival at the main international airports and border crossings. Most visas will be valid for 30 days from arrival. Longer stays are possible with a visa which can be obtained from Thai embassies or consulates at home or elsewhere in the region. Tourist Visas are valid for up to 90 days. Business and non-immigrant visas can also be had in the same way.

Once in Thailand, it is possible to extend your stay - contact the Immigration Dept. on (66-2) 287 3101-10 for more information. Overstaying your allotted time will incur a fine - payment of which is strictly enforced on departure - of 200 baht per day. This is the most expensive and least satisfactory way of extending your stay in the Kingdom, as you can end up in jail if found without the necessary visas permitting you to remain in Thailand.

Work permits are required for foreign workers in Thailand, although many people ignore this regulation - at their own risk.

There are several agencies in Thailand which can assist with visa and work permit procurement, including Visa Thai which has come recommened to The Elephant (although we are not in a position to endorse the company ourselves).

They can be contacted on (66-2) 259 1032, Fax: (66-2) 259 1033, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Customs limits are 200 cigarettes and one litre of alcoholic beverage (including spirits) per person. Any amount of foreign currency can be taken into Thailand, but currency over US$10,000 must be declared on entry.

Link to Embassy/Consulate Listings

SHOPPING

Make sure you have plenty of spare space in your luggage when you get to Thailand. Shopping is a major attraction for many visiting the Kingdom, and bargains are plentiful. From traditional markets to modrn shopping malls, the shopping experience in Thailand is an attraction in itself - for many it is a major reason for travel to the country - and the range of goods available is simply huge. For two great and contrasting shopping experioences in Bangkok, go to the Emporium mall on Sukhumvit road and the weekend market at Chatuchak.

Knocked-off or pirated products are widely available, especially around tourist enclaves, but since the devaluation of the baht, even genuine premium brands are reasonably priced in Thailand. For a huge range of fake goods, including designer wear, watches, videos, compact discs, computer games and music cassettes, check out the Patpong night-market on Patpong One, and Sukhumvit Road between Soi 3 and Soi 15.

Folk goods and traditional handicrafts can also be found both at their respective places of origin and for resale in larger towns and cities - Chatuchak market is a good place to find a wide choice of folk handicrafts.

Jewellery and gems can be good value but beware of fakes. NEVER believe any stories about special "government sales" or "guaranteed re-sale" of gems or gold at home - you will be paying over the odds for inferior or even fake goods. Always shop around, check the reputation of stores before purchasing anything and ask for a certificate of authenticity with your receipt. Any problems should be reported to the Tourist Police - call toll fee 1155 - although don't expect too much help here if you've been duped. It happens all the time and is usually the result of greed. If an offer sounds to good to be true - it is.

Thai silk is famous around the world and is available in a wide range of qualities - at a wide range of prices. A good place to buy silk is Jim Thompson shops in Bangkok, and also at the annual silk air held in Khon Kaen in November. Other fabrics are also widely available in Thailand and most represent good value.

Finally, bargaining is imperative in Thailand. Never accept the first price offered - try to get the seller down to around 40% of the asking price, and settle for perhapds a little more. It doesn't matter if you don't get the best price available - just so long as you are happy with what you pay. The best advice is to shop around, and remember that you can always return later or even the next day if necessary.

SIGHTSEEING

To cover all the sightseeing opportunities in Thailand would take a separate dedicated web site - the range of historic, cultural, scenic, interesting and exciting attractions and destinations in the Kingdom is huge. It is not surprising that the Tourist Authoirty of Thailand (TAT) chooses to promote the country as "Amazing Thailand".

Where and when to travel to Thailand depends very much on what you want from your journey. Bangkok offers a taste of a bustling, dynamic Asian metropolis, and many visitors are content to remain in the cpatila city for several days - even for their entire stay. The shoopping is great, the sights are varied and the nightlife exciting.

Others prefer the beaches of Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui and Pattaya. Many of these resorts also offer cultural attractions in the form of beautiful temples and scenic delights including waterfalls and spectacular natural parks.

The north offers a rich cultural tapestry and the hills and mountains are home to exotic minority hiil tribes who continue to live their lives in their own unique ways, just as they have for centuries.

Beautiful temples, ancient ruins, modern cities, deserted beaches, spectacular scenery, exciting festivals, traditional culture - Thailand offers all this and more for the visitor, who will always be able to find something new in this most "amazing" of countries.

STATISTICS

TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

The Thai transport system is comprehensive, fairly well organised, wide ranging and good value. Thai Airways, the national domestic airline, operates an extensive domestic network with regular connections between most destinations, as does Bangkok Airways which operates flights to Ko Samui, Sukothai and several other destinations. fares are reasonable, although Bangkok airways charges relatively high passenger charges at its own airports. Upgrades to Business class are especially good value at around 700-1000 baht per person per trip.

Train travel is a popular alternative to flying, and the rail netwrok in Thailand is well run and maintained. Faster trains travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in around 12 hours, and about the same time to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani in the south. There are three classes of travel - first-class with individual, air-conditioned cabins with soft bunks; second-class, with reclining chairs and fan-cooling; and third-class which offers wooden benches and little in the way of comfort. Prices are reasonable and many travellers settle for second-class.

Bus and coach travel is another option, and servcies are plentiful and cheap. Air-conditioned "VIP" tourist buses serve most major towns and cities in Thailand, and bus travel is often considerably quicker than taking the train. Cheaper local buses are also plentiful and regular, but comfort is sacrificed for price. If travelling during holiday periods, be sure to book well ahead as trains and buses get very crowded.

Getting around towns can be interesting. Bangkok's notorious traffic has returned afetr a brief respite following the economic downturn of the late nineties, and travelling by car or taxi in the capital can be a nightmare. Luckily, the new millenium welcomed the opening of Bangkok's new overhead railway - Sjytrain - which serves much of the city and is quick efficient and cheap.

Tuk-tuks - screaming, three-wheeled trucks taking up to three passengers - are also widely available, but their drivers tend to be greedy and will charge more than the normal taxi fare. Taxis themselves operate on a meter basis, and you should insist that drivers use this.

Elsewhere in the country, the songthaew is a common mode of public transport. This is a pickup truck with a couple of bences in the back, often ruuning to a presrcibed route. Passengers flag the vehicle down and jumo in, paying the appropriate - usually flat rate for foreigners - fare.

Finally, cars can be hired in most tourist destinations, ranging from standard saloons from major firms such as Avis and Budget, plus jeeps and other vehicles from smaller operations in resorts. Motorcycles can also be rented. Check that your insurance covers you for driving in Thailand before you rent.

TRAVEL INFORMATION & BOOKINGS

Thailand has an excellent tourism promotional body - the Tourist Authoirty of Thailand (TAT) which offers very useful information on its website and in printed form. This is the body which was responsible for the extremely successful "Amazing Thailand", and the current "Be My Guest" promotional campaigns.

LINKS

For wide-ranging, in-depth information on Thailand, try e-Thailand which has a useful library and good links to other sites of interest. Anyone looking to teach English in Thailand should check out Ajarn.com which has some good advice and information, plus a few pages of news and views.

Business information can be found at the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand site: www.bccthai.com or the US equivalent, AMCham Thailand. Australians should check out the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce: www.atcc.or.th.

For country-specific news, go to the on-line version of either of the country's English-language newspapers: Bangkok Post or The Nation or check out regional media links elsewhere on ElephantGuide.

For information on Buddhism - Thailand's offical religion - see Buddhism Resources which offers buddhism related news, books and web resources.