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"The water is the true home of the Siamese, and it is on this, their native element, that their real character and genius are best exhibited ..."
To prepare yourself for a visit to Thailand, take a brief tour of the kingdom's history, culture, people, and The Monarchy. Thailand is best appreciated when its history and cultural are understood.
The Royal Kingdom of Thailand lies in the center of Southeast Asia, with the area of 513,115 sq. km., and with the population of 64,265,276 ranked as 20th in the world just before France (CIA. July 2003 est.), with the borders to Lao P.D.R , Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia.
The country comprises into 75 Changwat (Province) and 1 Mahanakorn (Krungthep Mahanakorn or Bangkok-Metropolis), which is the capital of the country and mainly central of allkinds.
Changwat (Province) also further divided into Amphoer (District), Thambon (Sub-District), and Muhbaan (Village), except in Krungthep which devided into Khet (District), Khwaeng (Sub-District), and Muhbaan (Village).
Thailand's geografic are mainly mountains and forests in the North, the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau (E-Saan), the Central with the tremendous rice fields, the East with gulf of Thailand, the eastern seaboard the main port of Thailandand and also land and sea gateway to Cambodia. In the South and Southwest we have a long coastline parallel to the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea with plenty of forest and high mountain and is a natural boder to Myanmar, there are hundreds of tropical islands in the South and East.
Krungthep Mahanakorn (Bangkok) as the centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities, is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with recognised as Head of State.
Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions, long history, tropical climate, great infrastructures and best hospitalities, the Kingdom is a fascination and pleasure for international visitors, and as a hub or gateway to Indochina, Myanmar, Malaysia and Southern China.
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Some Facts About Thailand :
Estimate of USD 445,800,000,000 is Thailand's GDP from 2002, ranked as 20th before Netherland in the World's Fact Book of CIA.
At 28th Rank Order is Thailand's - Electricity - consumption of 90,910,000,000 kWh, and 26th Rank Order in the Electricity - production of 97,600,000,000 kWh in year 2001.
Country's sexratio : At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female ; under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female ; 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female ; 65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female ; total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
FAQ About Thailand :
Visa, Vaccination, Customs and Embassy Information :
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Q: Do I need to get a visa before I visit Thailand?
A: Citizens of 56 different nationalities, including most of the large western countries, may obtain a visa on arrival which is good for a period of 30 days, without charge. This visa may be extended in Thailand for a period of one week at a cost of 500 baht at the discretion of the immigration officer. It's also possible to leave the country and re-enter with a 30-day free visa for an unlimited number of trips.Citizens of 76 nationalities, including many African and Latin American nations, are eligible for 15 day Transit Visas. Transit Visas are issued on arrival and may only be extended at the discretion of the Immigration Division. Certain other nationalities may be required to obtain a visa in advance of travel.To apply for a visa, and to check your visa status before you travel, you can contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your own country (see list of Thai Embassies abroad). Once a visa is issued in your country of origin it must be used within 90 days. A Tourist Visa obtained abroad is valid for 60 days at a cost of US $15. The Tourist Visa may be extended for a further 30 days at the Immigration Division on Soi Suan Phlu in Bangkok or at Immigration Offices in other provinces. The cost of extension is 500 baht and only one extension is granted.
A passport valid for at least three months from your entry date is required for entry into the country.
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-13th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.
