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The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. |
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Overview
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THAILAND RELIGION :
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 Thais.
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.
Meditation Centres
Some temples and meditation centres in and near Bangkok :
Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence ,
Ratchapark Building 18/F,
163 Sukhumvit Soi 21,
Bangkok 10110.
Tel : (662) 258-3242, (662) 258-3257
House of Dhamma
26/9 Soi Chompol, Lardprao Soi 15, Bangkok 10900
Tel : (662) 511-0439
Fax : (662) 512-6083
Thailand Meditation Center , The World Fellowship of Buddhist
616 Soi Methi Nivet (Sukhumvit 24)
Bangkok 10110
Tel : (662) 661-1284, to 1290
Young Buddhist Association of Thailand
(For age 13-25 yrs.)
58/8 Phetkasem 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2),
Bangduan, Pha Si Charoen, Bangkok
Tel : (662) 413-3131, (662) 413-1706,
(662) 413-1958, (662) 805-0790 to 0794
Fax : (662) 413-3131
Buddhist Association of Thailand
41 Phra Athit Road Bangkok
Tel : (662) 281-9563 - 4
Fax : (662) 281-9563
The International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC)
Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan
Bangkok 10200
Tel : (662) 222-2835, (662) 623-6325
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THAI TRADITION & CUL
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Thailand is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With and 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.
Each of its four major region 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 khamer monuments from the time of Angkor Wat and natural parks teeming with wild life. In the Central Region can be found the evocative ruins of ancient Thai capitals and bustling Bangkok with its dynamic and countless pleasures.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION :
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Shopping Tips
Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of others bargaining is acceptable and expected; some department stores will even offer a discount on expensive items like jewellery and fine furniture. No fixed rules can be given on the process depending as it does on the bargainer’s skill and the shopkeeper’s mood, but the final price may be reduced as much as 30% to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour and tend to be put off by a loss of temper. Providing you have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final decision.
The Jewel Fest Club
Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are also a favourite item for many visitors to the kingdom. Their beauty, quality craftmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation. Yet occasionally, there have been visitors who complained about the action of few unethical jewellers who persuaded them to purchase jewellery at an unreasonable price.
Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club’s aim to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases.
When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded, and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit website : www.jewelfest.com.
Packing and Shipping Services
Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such matters.
VAT Refund
Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying “VAT Refund for Tourists” signs. The refund may be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10’s have been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
Where to shop in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.
Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, All of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavillion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market
Silom-Mahesak-New road
Silom leads into New Road which parallel the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
Sukhumvit
Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.
Chinatown
Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok’s Chinatown offers a profusion or gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.
Bang Lamphu
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi
A highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.
Baiyoke Tower
Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.
Nailert Market
Situated close to Pratunum Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.
Bo-Be Market
Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city’s renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
Bangkok International Airport
Centre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand’s top buys.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between—a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. Chatuchak Weekend Market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
A mixture of poshly dressed, fresh-from-the-office Thai's and expats along with fisherman pant-clad tourists, Suan Lum could best be described as the VIP outdoor market of Bangkok (where you're always welcome, of course). Covered walkways with centrally-located snack bars provide perhaps the most luxurious (outdoor) market shopping experience in the city. Several bars along with Thai, Italian, German, and even Mexican restaurants are conveniently within the market area, close enough to analyze the crowd while enjoying a drink, yet away from the market's hustle-and-bustle. In the same area, dinner shows featuring classical Thai puppetry can be enjoyed at the famous Joe Louis Puppet Theatre.
On the other side of the market's curious Khmer-looking temple walkway, lies a large outdoor beer garden, food court, and concert venue all rolled into one. Here one can indulge in an assortment of inernational and Thai beers and foods, with international fare either Japanese (yakitori and Asahi) or German (sausage, Paulaner, etc). Beer and food are accompanied by live Thai cover bands performing the latest local and international hits on stage. Also, don't forget to check out the Big Wheel, 'La Roue de Paris' while you're there! And, after a few drinks with friends, head out to one of Silom's many nightclubs.
How to get there: Take the MRT subway to Lumpini station; the market is near Lumpini Park, a short walk from the station.
Items at market: Creative gifts, trendy home items, clothing/jewellery boutique shops by local designers, packaged dried fruits, a few stalls selling the usual market CD's/clothing.
Open: 18:00 - 00:00 (every day)
Suan Lum Night Bazaar will officially close down by the end of April 2007
Also have a look at other popular markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market and Patpong Night Market.
Shopping & Department Stores
Amerin Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2255 0831
Future Park Rangsit
Phaholyothin Road, Tel : 0 2958 0080
Gaysorn Plaza
Ploenchit Road, Tel : 0 2656 1149
Mah Boon Krong Centre (MBK),
Opp Siam Square
Nailert Plaza
Phetchaburi Road, Tel : 0-2255-8970-2
Narayana Phand
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2252 4670-9
Peninsula Plaza
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2253 9763
Ploenchit Centre
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2656 8989-90 (Inter Outlet)
River City
Yota Road, Tel : 0 2237 0077-8
Seacon Square
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2721 8888
Seri Centre
Sri Nakharin Road, Tel : 0 2746 0123
Siam Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
Siam Discovery Centre
Rama 1 Road, Tel : 0 2658 1000-19
Times Square
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2253 9333
Department stores in Bangkok
Central Department Store
Website : http://www.central.co.th
Central World
Website : http://www.CentralWorld.co.th
Imperial Samrong
Sukhumvit Road, Tel : 0 2756 8217-9
Imperial Lat Phrao
Lat Phrao Road, Tel : 0 2934 9451
Isetan
Ratchadamri Road, Tel : 0 2255 9898
King Power Duty Free
Website : http://www.kingpower.com
Robinson Department Store
Website : http://www.robinson.co.th
Tang Hua Seng
Tel : 0 2434 0448
The Mall Group
Website : http://www.themallgroup.com
Zen Department Store
Website : http://www.zen.co.th
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TRAVEL INFORMATION : DO'S AND DON'T IN THAILAND
The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
Social Norms :
Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.
Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
Special Advice :
Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.
Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.
Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION : VISA & CUSTOMS
GENERAL INFORMATION
As a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions.
Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom.
Having no genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without visaing by the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries; or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except if a visa is not required for certain types of aliens in special instances. Visaing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations.
Having no appropriate means of living following entrance into the Kingdom.
Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a labourer, or to take employment by using physical energy without skills or training , or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.
Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.
Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.
Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.
Having behavior which would indicate possible danger to the Public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.
Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trading of women of children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality.
Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 .
Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.
Being deported by either the Government of Thailand that of or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister shall consider exemption on an individual special case basis.
The examination and diagnosis of disease of a physical or mental nature, including protective operations as against disease, shall be conducted by the Immigration Doctor.
Information on location and contact number of the Thai Embassy and Consulate-General abroad could be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visas and Travel Documents Division, 123 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210, Tel. (662) 981-7171 ext. 3201-2, 3204-5 or direct line 575-1062-4, Fax. (662) 575-1066 , E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th
Note: Please check the period of stay stamped in your passport by the immigration officer. Visitors who overstay their visa will, at the time of their departure, be fined 500 baht for each excess day. More information >>
CUSTOMS
Duty Free Allowance
The duty free allowance will be applied to accompanied personal effects up to Bath 10,000 worth if i) the items are intended for your own personal or professional uses; ii) the quantity are reasonable; and iii) the items are not subject to prohibition or restriction.
However, there are limits on the amount of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars and smoking tobacco to which you may include in your duty free personal exemption as follows:
200 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or smoking tobacco
1 litre of spirituous liquor.
Personal effects do not include motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts regardless of the length of time used and owned.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION : TRANSPORTATION
International and Domestic Travel
Flying is the most convenient mode of transportation for most visitors traveling to Thailand. Domestic flights are also easy and convenient, cutting down on journey time.
A number of domestic carriers service a majority of large provincial cities dotting generously across the country. Travel to neighboring countries is cheaper when booked within Thailand. Train services connect Bangkok to all regions of the country at reasonable prices. A regular rail service also runs between Bangkok and Singapore via Malaysia. Long distance coaches, both air-conditioned and open-aired, connect all major cities.
At the local level, diverse forms of transportation are provided: provincial buses, city buses, songthaews, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, boats, and even rental cars.
International Travel
Air : With Bangkok serving as the international travel hub of SE Asia, the capital serves as the landing port for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights from their destinations. Some chartered and regional flights may land at one of the other international airports within Thailand, consisting of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Ubon Ratchatani. Thecountry's national airline is Thai Airways. Airport departure taxes for international departures costs 700 baht/person. The check-in counters open 2 hours and close half an hour prior departure time.
International flights information
(662) 535-1254 (departures)
(662) 535-1301 (arrivals)Those traveling from neighboring countries may enter Thailand via road, rail, ships, or ferries.
Domestic Travel
Domestic travel during public holidays and on weekends, particularly to popular destinations, should be booked well in advance for all modes of transportation. Booking is particularly difficult during the Songkran Holiday and New Year's Holiday.
Air : Local carriers Thai Airways(TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG) fly to most major provincial airports beyond 250 km distance from Bangkok. Thai Airways' 2 most popular routes are Chiang Mai and Phuket. Services to Koh Samui and Sukhothai are only provided by Bangkok Airways. Other smaller local carriers include Angel Air (mainly servicing Phuket) and PB Air which flies to fewer destinations. Air Andaman services is limited to the Southern cities only.
Another carrier is SGA scenic airline of Thailand which flies to Hua Hin everyday, and also provides air charter service in the region.
The domestic terminal is located at the southern end of the Bangkok International Airport. Normally, check-ins for domestic flight is one hour prior to departure time and closes half an hour before flight time. Departure tax has already been added to your ticket fare.
Domestic flights Information
(662) 535-1192 (departures)
(662) 535-1253 (arrivals)
Reservation / Ticket
Bangkok Airways Tel. (662) 265-5555 , Nok Air Tel. (662) 900-9955 PB Air Tel. (662) 261-0220-5 , SGA Tel. (662) 664-6099 , Thai Airways Tel. (662) 628-2000
Tickets can be purchased through travel agencies (cheaper for international flights, same for domestic flights) or by booking with the airlines themselves, either via phone, internet, or e-ticketing kiosks (Thai Airways only).
Buses : Inter-city bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air-conditioned buses service many provincial areas and bookings for both regular and tour coaches (private companies) can be made through major hotels and travel agents, or at the following bus terminals:
Northern Bus Terminal : Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok Tel: 0-2936-2852-66 ext. 614
0-2936-3670
Eastern Bus Terminal :
Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok.
Tel: 0-2391-6846, 0-2391-2504
Northeastern Bus Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2936-2841-48 ext.605 , 448
0-2936-0657
Southern Bus Terminal :
Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2435-1200, 0-2435-1199
Central Bus Terminal :
Kampaengphet 2 Rd, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2936-1972
The government bus company, calledBor Kor Sor (BKS), provides the cheapest mode for getting around Thailand. Being frequent and reliable, no advance booking is necessary. Both air-conditioned ones and open-aired ones stop almost everywhere along their route, with the latter being the cheapest and slowest.
Trains : The State Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong is the central train station) to the rest of the country at very reasonable prices for express, fast and ordinary trains. Limited western and southern routes out of Bangkok also operate from the Thon Buri Station, traveling to destinations as far as Kanchanaburi province in the west and Chumporn province in southern Thailand.
On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and second class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).
Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Railway Advance Booking Office at Tel : 0-2220-4444 .
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TRAVEL INFORMATION : PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The Thai Calendar
Thailand has adopted the western calendar to divide the year into days, weeks and months, using Thai names for these units. Years are numbered according to the Buddhist era (BE) which commenced 543 years before the Christian era. Therefore 2007 AD is BE 2550 and 2008 is BE 2551.
National public holidays Thailand's national public holidays are linked to religious or agricultural traditions and follow the lunar calendar, therefore the dates for some of the holidays change each year. For the precise dates of the lunar holidays and festival locations, check www.tourismthailand.org
The following are national public holidays in Thailand :
24 November 2007
(Saturday) Loy Kratong
Not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
5 December 2007
(Wednesday) King's Birthday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
National Holiday
10 December 2007
(Monday) Constitution Day
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
National Holiday
31 December 2007
(Monday) New Years Eve
The day before the western new year day is always a national holiday.
National Holiday
1 January 2008
(Tuesday) New Year's Day
The beginning of the western new year is a national holiday in Thaland, one of three "new year" holidays celebrated every year.
National Holiday
8 February 2008
(Friday) Chinese New Year
The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.
21 February 2008
(Thursday) Makha Bucha
Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon in to his disciples.
National Holiday
6 April 2008
(Sunday) Chakri Day
Chakri Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.
National Holiday
7 April 2008
(Monday) Chakri Day (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
13 April 2008
(Sunday) Songkran
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally celebrated as a water festival.
National Holiday
14 April 2008
(Monday) Songkran
Second day of this three-day holiday.
National Holiday
15 April 2008
(Tuesday) Songkran
Third of the three days of Songkran.
National Holiday
1 May 2008
(Thursday) Labor Day
International labor day is celebrated as a national holiday, even though there isn't much ado about it
National Holiday
5 May 2008
(Monday) Coronation Day
Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
National Holiday
19 May 2008
(Monday) Visakha Bucha
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
National Holiday
12 August 2008
(Tuesday) Queen's Birthday
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
National Holiday
16 August 2008
(Saturday) Buddhist Lent
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
National Holiday
18 August 2008
(Monday) Buddhist Lent (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
23 October 2008
(Thursday) Chulalongkorn Day
Celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand's most revered kings.
National Holiday
24 November 2008
(Monday)
Loy Kratong
Not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
5 December 2008
(Friday)
King's Birthday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
National Holiday
10 December 2008
(Wednesday)
Constitution Day
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
National Holiday
31 December 2008
(Wednesday)
New Years Eve
The day before the western new year day is always a national holiday.
National Holiday
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TRAVEL INFORMATION : Currency Exchange Rate
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE
Currency Average Buying Rates
( Baht ) Average Selling Rates
( Baht )
US DOLLAR ----------------- 32.7772 ----------------- 33.1052
POUND STERLING ----------------- 65.1342 ----------------- 66.0541
EURO ----------------- 48.6312 ----------------- 49.3375
YEN (100) -----------------30.6825 -----------------31.2600
HONG KONG DOLLAR ----------------- 4.1891 -----------------4.2587
MALAYSIAN RINGGIT -----------------9.7722 -----------------10.6139
SINGAPORE DOLLAR -----------------23.0259 -----------------23.4900
BRUNEI DOLLAR -----------------22.9648 -----------------23.5257
PHILIPPINE PESO -----------------0.7914 -----------------0.8330
RUPIAH (1000) -----------------3.3590 ----------------- 3.8020
INDIAN RUPEE -----------------0.7765 ----------------- 0.8842
SWISS FRANC -----------------30.2144 -----------------30.7386
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR -----------------29.2419 ----------------- 29.8047
NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR -----------------25.7024 -----------------26.2299
PAKISTAN RUPEE ----------------- 0.5076 -----------------0.5472
CANADIAN DOLLAR -----------------32.5953 -----------------33.1907
SWEDISH KRONA -----------------5.1206 -----------------5.2172
DANISH KRONE -----------------6.5142 ----------------- 6.6253
NORWEGIAN KRONE -----------------6.0367 ----------------- 6.1421
YUAN RENMINBI ----------------- 4.5567 -----------------4.6167
YUAN RENMINBI ----------------- 4.5567 -----------------4.6167
As of 3 February 2008 Source by Bank of Thailand
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