General Information about Thailand

Geography

The famous Land of Smiles Thailand is located in the eastern part of Asia on the small peninsula of Indochina with only the south of the kingdom skirting the Malay Peninsula.

It borders Burma to the north, west, and southwest, Malaysia to the south, Laos to the northeast, and Cambodia to the southeast. The southwestern part of Thailand is washed by the Andaman Sea, and the southeastern part by the Gulf of Thailand.

The country is located in the southwestern part of Thailand.

The area of Thailand is approximately 514,000 square kilometers. The territory of Thailand is located in a mountainous area. The highest peak in Thailand is Doi Yntanon Park. It is located at an altitude of 2,596 meters. The Malay Peninsula is also not lacking in mountains, which include Khao Luang with an altitude of 1,786 meters and Doi Pia Phai with an altitude of 1,270 meters.

National peculiarities

The Thai people, are very friendly, calm, hospitable, balanced, and tolerant of each other. On the streets it is not easy to meet two fighting with each other Thais. “Sanuk” is a Thai motto that means happy life and positivity from the days lived. It is advisable to speak to them in a gentle, calm voice.

When you enter a room, you must remove your shoes. Thais do not like patting on the shoulder or back, especially hugs. Touching a Thai with your foot will offend him very much, as the lower part of the body is considered despicable by them. It is also not recommended to sit cross-legged. The manner of greeting is with folded palms at chest level.

Climate

The year in Thailand is divided into several seasons: October-February – the coolest days, March-May – the real heat, unprepared at noon to go out and not get burnt very difficult, June-September – rainy season, which periodically changes to sunny days. However, compared to St. Petersburg, the rainy season in Thailand is just not noticed. The reason for this weather is the tropical climate. The recommended time to travel to Thailand is from October to April. If you’re wondering what the weather is like in Thailand today, just check out our informers on the page.

Population

The population of Thailand is approximately 66 million people, with the largest cities being:

Bangkok (6 million);
Chiang Mai (200,000);
Songkhla (81,000);
Nakhonsithammarat (80,000).

Divided by ethnic groups: Thais – 76%, Chinese – 13%, also live Malays, Vietnamese and Khmer, Russians in Thailand about 20 thousand people. Population density: 115 people per square kilometer.

According to 2014 readings, the average life expectancy is at:

men – 70 years;
women – 75 years.

Mortality rate in Thailand: 6-7 per 1000 people, and the birth rate in Thailand is 20 per 1000 people. By the way, we discussed how to have a baby in Thailand.

Language

Official language in Thailand: Thai (tone in Thai), Malay, English, Chinese are also used.

Religion

Buddhists – 94%, Muslims – 4%, Christians – 1%, Hindus – 1%.

Currency

Thai Baht. 1 baht is 100 satang. Coins in denominations of 25, 50 satang and 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht are used for payment. Banknotes in Thailand have denominations from 10 to 1000 baht. At importation through customs of Thailand more than 10000th it is necessary to fill up the declaration, of course on this sum the tax should be paid. You may bring in foreign currency without any restrictions, the national currency – not more than 2000 baht. You can take out foreign currency as much as you bring in, but national currency – unfortunately, only 500 baht and no more.

Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

Customs regulations

It is possible to bring up to 200 cigarettes to Thailand and 1 liter of Thai alcohol. It is prohibited to export antiques, stamps, gold bars of Buddha images (neck medallions do not count), precious stones. For bringing drugs into Thailand – death penalty (more on Thailand customs regulations)

Visa

For more information about visas to Thailand for Russians.

electricity

220 volts, 50 hertz. Before visiting this wonderful country for the first time, you should know what outlets are in Thailand.

Transportation

Thailand has a fairly inexpensive network of city and intercity buses. Traveling by train is a special pleasure, because you can enjoy all the beauty of the kingdom on the way. For longer distances, travel by night trains. Taiwan Road Traffic Regulations are not particularly respected. Hitchhiking is not welcome. Read more about transport in Thailand.

Stores

Most stores are open from 8 am to 8 pm, so you will have enough time to do shopping in Thailand. You should buy various kinds of goods at the markets, because of the very low prices, for example at the night market in Pattaya or at the seafood market in Phuket.

You should definitely bargain with the sellers. Europeans in Thailand buy cotton fabrics, various products and handicrafts made of leather crocodile, silk, jewelry made of rubies, diamonds, gold and sapphires. In Chonthaburi you can also buy jewelry made of semi-precious stones at affordable prices. By the way, silver in Thailand is much cheaper than here.

When you purchase with a plastic card, the markup is 3-5%. The chain of Thai department stores “7-Eleven” is open 24 hours. Read more about supermarkets in Thailand.

Placement

Tourists can easily rent a villa, bungalow, hotel room or apartment in condominium. If you don’t want to rent, you can buy an apartment in Thailand your property, but to buy a house in Thailand, you have to sweat.

Health

Before the trip, it is advisable to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, because the risk of disease is high. You can also catch Japanese encephalitis or malaria. Read more about vaccinations to Thailand.

Emergency phone numbers

Emergency service – 281-11-99, (062) 281-15-44

Tourist Police of Thailand – (062) 221-06, 221-10, 16-99

Interesting videos about Thailand

Map of Thailand

Here you can use the arrow keys to navigate.

Use the arrow keys to navigate.