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Thailand the land of smiles 1
Frangipani on Phuket
Island
Weather
Thailand
can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of
the country during most of the year you will find it hot to very
hot. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate
determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region
of Thailand has only two.
In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between
November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken
up into the periods November to February and March to May. The
later of these two periods, has the higher relative temperatures
as although the northeast monsoon does not directly affect the
northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from
November to February.
The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated
by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north
is at its heaviest.
The southern region of
Thailand
really has only two seasons the wet and the dry. These seasons do
not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the
peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain
and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on
the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.
Overall the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain
with around 2,400 millimeters every year, compared with the
central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around
1,400 millimeters.
Tradition & Culture
Thailand
is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of
tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With an independent
history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to
absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into
something uniquely and memorably Thai.
Thailand
consists of four major regions the Central, the North, the North
East, and the South, each offers a distinctive experience for the
traveler in search of discovery. Misty mountains in the north
shelter verdant valleys and exotic hill tribes, while in centers
like Chiang Mai traditional customs and crafts have been preserved
over generations. Along the picturesque coastlines of the east and
south lie some of the world's most beautiful beaches and off shore
islands, each with its own beauty. Scattered over the northeastern
plateau are superb Khmer monuments from the time of Angkor Wat and
natural parks teeming with wild life. And in the Central Region,
the ruins of the ancient Thai capital, can be found, and bustling
Bangkok
with its dynamic and countless pleasures.
Central Region
The fertile Central Plains region, watered by the winding Chao
Phraya River, has long been Thailand's cultural and economic
heart. Kin khao is the Thai expression for to eat, translates
literally as to eat rice, and the vast checkerboard of paddy
fields on either side of the river has traditionally provided the
kingdom with its staple grain. When the annual monsoon rains sweep
across the plains, the fields are transformed into a sea of vivid
green dotted here and there with farming villages and the
occasional gleaming spire of a Buddhist temple.
In the early 13th century, the first independent Thai capital was
born at Sukhothai, thus ushering in a Golden Age of Buddhist art
and architecture, The impressive remains of Sukhothai have been
preserved as part of a historical park, a major attraction for
visitors to the region.
When Sukhothai's power waned, a new capital rose further south on
the banks of the Chao Phraya. Known as Ayutthaya, it ruled the
kingdom for more than four centuries and became one of the
largest, most cosmopolitan cities in
Southeast Asia.
Traders came not only from
China,
Japan and other Asian countries but also from distant
Europe,
bringing with them a wide range of new cultural influences.
Ayutthaya was destroyed by an invading enemy in 1767 and today its
extensive remains also attract numerous sightseers, many of whom
come up from Bangkok by the traditional river route.
Bangkok
became the capital in 1782 with the founding of the Chakri Dynasty
that still occupies the Thai throne. Its early rulers sought to
recreate the glories of
Ayutthaya and many of the city's landmarks date from this period,
among them the magnificent Grand Palace and its adjacent Wat Phra
Keo the
Temple
of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun the
Temple
of Dawn, and Wat Pho the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The
flavour of the capital's past can be captured by a boat ride along
the
Chao Phraya
River that flows through its traditional heart or an exploration
of the picturesque klongs, or canals of Thonburi.
The city quickly outgrew its original walled center and is today a
huge metropolis of high rise buildings, air conditioned shopping
centers, and world class luxury hotels. Despite its Western
facade, however, Bangkok remains distinctively Thai, a fusion of
modern and traditional, full of fascinating things to discover.
All of Thailand's legendary bargains lustrous silks, bronze ware,
antiques, gemstones, and jewelry, to mention only a few are
available here, along with countless fine restaurants and other
places dedicated to the pursuit of what Thais call sanuk, or
pleasure.
Easily accessible to
Bangkok
are other attractions, among them the world's largest Buddhist
monument at Nakhon Pathom, the famous Bridge over the River Kwai
built during World War II, and, on the east coast of the
Gulf
of Thailand, the lively seaside resort of Pattaya.
Much of what we now know as Thai cuisine also evolved in the
Central Region. Rice, fish, and vegetables, flavored with garlic,
black pepper, and nam pla, or fish sauce, along with an abundance
of fresh fruits, comprised the basic diet of Sukhothai. With the
rise of
Ayutthaya,
other elements were added to the increasingly complex Thai blend.
That now essential ingredient, the fiery hot chili pepper, was
introduced at this time, along with the equally popular coriander,
lime, and tomato. These may have been brought from their native
South America
by the Portuguese, who opened relations with
Ayutthaya
in 1511 and also left a lasting imprint in the form of popular
Thai sweets based on egg yolks and sugar. Other influences came
from
India, Japan, Persia, and especially, China, though in almost
every case their contributions were subtly altered and transformed
to suite Thai tastes.
Unlike the north and northeast, where glutinous rice is popular,
Central Thais like the fragrant plain variety, most commonly
steamed but sometimes fried or boiled. In addition to fresh water
fish, there is seafood from the nearby gulf as well as a wide
range of fresh vegetables and such fruits as mangos, durians,
custard apples, guavas, and pomeloes. Sino Thai food is popular in
cities like Bangkok, particularly in the form of numerous noodle
dishes.
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General Information Thailand
Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket,
Thailand’s largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of
the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources
rocky peninsular’s, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches,
tranquil sun drenched bays and tropical inland forests contribute
to making it the South’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and
most popular island and province.
Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern
part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the
province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers
excluding small islets. It is estimated that
Phuket
Province covers an area of around 590 square kilometers if you
include its 39 small islands as well. The islands total length,
from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and
approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.
Phuket borders on
Phang
nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the
Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are
located. The island is connected to Phang nga Province by Sarasin
Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.
Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a
year the rainy season, May to October and the hot season,
November to April. The low season of phuket is between September
and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a
visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see
the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the
crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm fringed beaches.
Average temperatures ranges between 24 C and 34 C.
Patong Beach
Esplanade
Phuket’s topology is exceptional with 68 percent of its area
covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the
remaining 32 percent being plains located in the central and
eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major
rivers except for a total of 9 small water courses and creeks.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties Amphoe Thalang,
Amphoe Muang, and Amphoe Kathu. Phuket has a lot more to offer its
visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach,
forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino Portuguese
architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city,
while Phuket style hospitality has never failed to impress
visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations
ranging from world class resorts to tropical style bungalows have
warmly catered to the different needs of visitors and travelers
for many years. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample
than just Phuket’s famous lobster. Altogether, these
characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.
Shopping in Phuket
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History of Phuket
Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was
once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical
formations gradually changed the capes location, finally detaching
it from the mainland.
A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person
who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The
cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located
between latitudes 6 N and 8 N the present site of Phuket Island.
Natives called the place Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the
name of the main town to the north of the island.
As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung
Ceylon welcomed merchants from
India,
Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th
century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin with
Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the
island. This contributed to making the development of mining so
unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to
Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.
Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe,
Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious
immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in
the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the Sino
Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those
buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.
Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the
coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the
widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local
residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of
Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket,
under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a
result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and
Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To
honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection,
12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still
highly respected by Phuket residents even today.
However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang
causing many local residents to flee to Phang nga and Krabi. In
1825, some of them returned to re establish a town and established
a rice farming community. On the other hand, the area to the south
of the island Phuket City today was developed and became a tin
trading center.
When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more
immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket
was promoted to be a district administrative unit under the
supervision of the central administrative body located in Bangkok.
In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino Thai businessman who
contributed to developing the modern city of
Phuket
was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the
welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the
countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.
The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic
growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell
by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged
as a tourist destination with great potential. This polished pearl
of the Andaman is truly a destination that provides visitors with
memorable experiences.
The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the
present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural
influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the
population being comprised of Thai Muslims, it is possible to see
an equal number of Wats Thai temples located next to Mosques.
Phuket City Skyline
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Central & East Coast
There are 26 provinces that make up Central and
Eastern Thailand,
and Bangkok is one of them. Geographically, this is Thailand’s
heartland, extending from Lop Buri in the north and covering the
rice bowl of the Central Plains around the
Chao Phraya
River. Further south, the area embraces the east and west coasts
of the upper Gulf of Thailand.
This is Thailand’s most fertile farming area, a wide ranging
landscape of paddy fields, orchards and plantations. More than
1,000 years ago Thai settlers moved down from the north, gradually
replacing Mon and Khmer influences and establishing communities at
Lop Central & East Coast Buri then at Sukhothai, before founding a
kingdom that lasted 417 years with Ayutthaya as its capital. When
the Burmese destroyed
Ayutthaya
in 1767, the capital moved to
Bangkok.
The Central region has a dramatic history, and its heritage of
ancient temples, battlefields and ruins and two capitals,
Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors.
The east and west sea coasts at the region’s southern end also
draw huge numbers of visitors every year. Bangkok residents spend
long weekends enjoying the relaxing seaside atmosphere, while
holiday makers from around the world discover the delights of the
tropical beach life.
On the eastern side, 400 kilometres of coastline extend from Chon
Buri to Rayong with some of the finest beaches in
Asia.
Pattaya, with an enormous range of resorts, hotels and
guesthouses, is its centre. If you are seeking a more relaxing
experience, travel further down the coast to Rayong or Ko Samet,
and the lovely islands of Koh Chang National Park near the
Cambodian border.
On the west coast, the resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin attract
international travelers who prefer their more sophisticated yet
laid back atmosphere.
Far from the sea in the northwest of the region is Kanchanaburi,
whose forested mountains, waterfalls and caves, national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries on the border with
Myanmar
provide some of Thailand’s most enthralling scenery.
The 26 provinces of Central and East Coast are Ang Thong, Bangkok,
Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop
Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani,
Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Prachuap
Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Samut
Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Trat.
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North
The North is the birthplace of the earliest Thai civilisation and
has many sites of archaeological and cultural interest. Northern
people are famous for their courtesy and hospitality, and the
region is also noted for its variety of cultural traditions. Many
tourists from the surrounding provinces converge on Chiang Mai for
the annual Songkran Festival, and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.
The North falls into two distinct areas, the plains of the lower
north from Nakhon Sawan to Sukhothai, and the mountainous upper
north leading to borders of Myanmar and Laos. The mountain ranges
along the borders are breathtaking, with waterfalls and fast
flowing rivers ideal for rafting. They are also the home of many
ethnic hill tribe people.
The region has three seasons, hot from March to May, wet from June
to November and cool from December to February. High up in the
mountains, though, “cool” may often mean extremely cold.
The Thai nation had its origins in the North, in city states that
were gradually incorporated into the Lanna kingdom centered on
Chiang Mai. Sukhothai became the first capital of Thailand, but
the influence of the Lanna states of Laos and Myanmar can be
clearly seen in the architecture and cuisine of the North.
The nomadic hill tribe people of the region pursued their own
course, moving back and forth across frontiers. There are six main
tribal groups, Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Mien, Akha and Lisu, each with
its own unique customs and clothing. Today, they are settled in
villages on the mountain sides, a great attraction for travelers.
Most overseas visitors make for Chiang Mai, the northern capital,
as a base for visiting ethnic tribes, soft adventure activities
and shopping. Further north still, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son are
centers for rafting, trekking and tours of tribal villages. To the
south, the Historical Park at Sukhothai is an essential
destination for all those wishing to discover more about the
history and culture of
Thailand.
The 17 provinces that comprise the North are Chiang Mai, Chiang
Rai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon
Sawan, Nan, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phichit, Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok,
Phrae, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit.
Northeast
The Northeast of Thailand, a vast plateau covering nearly one
third of the country, is usually known as Isaan. It extends
northwards to the Mekong River which divides Thailand from Laos,
and to the south and it ends at the Dong Rek mountain range along
the border with Cambodia.
It is known to be an arid region with soil of poor quality, but
for tourism, Isan is one of the country’s most intriguing
destinations with many Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings and
artifacts, and several significant temples that are a legacy of
the great Khmer empire.
The sandstone shrines are popular tourist attractions,
particularly the superbly restored sites at the historical parks
of Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phanom Rung in Buri Ram. The
great temple complex at Khao Phra Viharn in Si Sa Ket on the
border with Cambodian is now accessible to visitors after a long
period of isolation.
The Bronze Age settlements at Ban Chiang in the province of Udon
Thani provide fascinating evidence of the work of the local
potters some 5,000 years ago. The red and white pottery with
characteristic fingerprint designs is thought to be the first
earthenware vessels known to man.
Two of Thailand’s best-loved national parks, Khao Yai, Phu Kradung
and Phu Rua in Loei, are in Isaan. Other major attractions include
the villages in Khorat and Khon Kaen where the beautiful local
silk is woven by hand.
Isaan is a comparatively poor region whose main income is from
agriculture, and many of the younger people in the villages
migrate to the city. But Isaan folk have a distinctive character
and dialect and a vigorous culture, with their old traditions
still reflected in the many festivals unique to the region.
With its strategic position bordering Laos and Cambodia, Isaan has
in recent years risen to become a useful starting point for
adventurous journeys to destinations along the mighty Mekong
River. There have been important developments in infrastructure to
accommodate what is expected to be a boom in tourism.
Travel in the region has been improved by domestic airlines with
regular flights to regional airports; and it is no longer
impossible to find luxury accommodation, especially in large
provinces of Khon Kaen, Udon Thani Nakhon, Ratchasima and Ubon
Ratchathani.
The Northeast consists of 19 provinces: Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram,
Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan,
Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Roi
Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani
and Yasothon.
Southern Thailand
This region extends southward along a narrow peninsula lying
between the Andaman Sea its west side and the
South China Sea
on the east. It is a rich land in terms of the abundance of its
natural resources, the fertility of its soil, the diversity of its
people and its commercial viability.
The South is made up of 14 provinces from Chumphon in the north
down to the Malaysian border 1,200 kilometres from
Bangkok.
It has a long coastline on either side with sandy beaches and
offshore islands on both, and a rugged central hinterland of
mountains and forests.
The east coast on the Gulf of Thailand always seems to be more
relaxed, with long, wide bays and calm seas; the Andaman Sea coast
tends to be more rugged and exhilarating, with its strange
limestone rock formations and cliffs.
The occurrence of two seasonal monsoons means that the climate
differs from the rest of
Thailand.
The southwest monsoon sweeps the west coast and the Andaman Sea
from May to October, while the northeast monsoon moves across the
Gulf of Thailand form November to February. The peninsula forms a
barrier so that rain rarely falls on both coastlines
simultaneously.
The area was once part of the Buddhist Srivijaya Empire but later
came under the rule of Ayutthaya and then Bangkok. Chinese and
Malaysian influences have played a large part in the cultural
makeup of the region; the further south, the stronger the
Malaysian influence, with a dialect akin to Malay, a predominance
of Muslim communities and mosques. Rice fields give way to rubber
plantations, and Chinese tin mining operations become evidence.
The coastline attracts most tourists, though Koh Samui island in
the Gulf of Thailand is growing in popularity as a laid-back
holiday spot with first class diving opportunities nearby on Koh
Tao and Koh Phangan islands.
The Andaman Sea coast offers more sophisticated choices in the
island province of Phuket, Thailand’s premier holiday resort.
However, the fascinating rock formations and offshore islands at
Phang nga, Krabi and Trang are extremely popular for the diving
and sailing opportunities they offer.
The mountains, rivers and forests in the national parks in the
interior of the peninsula are also gaining popularity with eco
tourists, as can be seen with the growing numbers of safari
expeditions on foot, by elephant and in canoes.
The South of Thailand consists of 14 provinces: Chumphon, Krabi,
Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang nga, Phatthalung,
Phuket, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang and Yala.
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Religions of
Thailand
Thailand
is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The
national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana
Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thailand people.
The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity,
Hinduism and other faiths all of which are allowed full freedom of
expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily
life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and
villages, the temple wat, is the heart of social and religious
life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is
practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner
peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of
this practice at several centres in
Bangkok
and elsewhere in the country.
History of
Thailand
Throughout its 800 year history, Thailand can boast the
distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to
have been colonized. Its history is divided into five major
periods
Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.)
The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of
China, which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number
of people migrated south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and
settled down over the Central Plain under the sovereignty of the
Khmer Empire, whose culture they probably accepted. The Thai
people founded their independent state of Sukhothai around 1238
A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period
Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.)
Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th
century, gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer and
Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness", this
is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai
state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent
kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great.
However in 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its
influence over Sukhothai.
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)
The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the
very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that
the kings of Sukhothai had been,
Ayutthaya's
sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja,
god king. The early part of this period saw
Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai
principalities and come into conflict with its neighbours, during
the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations
with western countries. In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in
capturing
Ayutthaya.
Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain
control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and
his followers broke through the Burmese and escaped to Chantaburi.
Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed
back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.
Thon Buri Period (1767-1772)
General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the
capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would
facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make
defense and withdrawal easier in case of a renewed Burmese attack.
He established his new capital at Thon Buri on the west bank of
the
Chao Phraya
River. The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central
authority since the fall of Ayutthaya led to the rapid
disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin's reign was spent
reuniting the provinces.
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present)
After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the
Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action
as king was to transfer the royal capital across the river from
Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the Grand Palace. Rama II
(1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor.
King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with
Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut, Rama
IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with
European countries, avoided colonialization and established modern
Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his
reign.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father's
tradition of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public
welfare and administrative system. Compulsory education and other
educational reforms were introduced by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI
(1910-1925). During the reign of King Prajadhipok, (1925-1935),
Thailand
changed from an absolute monarchy, to a constitutional monarchy.
The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his nephew, King
Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946). The country's name was changed from
Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in
1939. Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama
IX of the Chakri Dynasty.
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Currency and Currency exchange
The Thai unit of currency is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100
satang. Note are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple),
100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins
consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.
ATM money
Is
easily available with Thai & English language prompts.
Major currency bills and travelers cheques
are cashed easily at
hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and
money changers. Travelers cheques are best changed in banks, you
will need your passport. Rates of exchange at banks or authorized
money changers are better than those at hotels and department
stores.
Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country.
Visitors may take foreign currency out of
Thailand,
but no more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made
on arrival. Travelers leaving
Thailand
may take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.
Currency Notes
Paper baht comes in denominations of 10 brown, 20 green, 50 blue,
100 red, 500 purple and 1000 beige.
Currency Coins
There are 100 satang in one baht; coins include 25-satang and
50-satang pieces and baht in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10.
so where are you
?
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