The land of Smiles. The Kingdom of Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and one of the finest countries is the world in which to spend a vocation. Blessed with a tropical climate that is neither too hot, too dry, nr too wet in the monsoon season, it is possible to travel comfortably in Thailand at any of time of the year.

Travellers, upon arrival in this land are safe from the turmoil of life. Even in Bangkok the Thai uniqueness in its food, architecture, language, customs and religion enliven and pleases the senses. Away from Bangkok at the pristine sandy beaches and emerald seas in the south, or in the northern mountains you drowse your days away in a long deep dream of peace. The past is a forgotten thing, the present is heaven and the future you can leave to take care if itself. The people inhabiting Thailand today share a rich ethnic diversity- mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian. Thai culture is evident everywhere in the Kingdom in Buddhist rites which take place in numerous Thai temples, the succession of festivals that occur throughout the year and the country markets where local haggle, politely for everything from food to clothing.

For travellers, Thailand is the only gateway in which to experiences the special life of Southeast Asia. Due to the fact that the country has never been conquered, the Thai  individuality blooms and remains vibrant. When your journey is over, the Kingdom will leave you with desire to return again, as the smells, sights and memories of a land and people remain indelible in your thoughts, for Thailand is a feast that you will always carry with you. Landscape

Climate: The Kingdom of Thailand enjoys one of the most pleasurable tropical climates in the world with three distinct seasons: Summer Season from March through May brings hot and dry weather throughout Thailand with temperatures averaging 28 Celsius to 37 Celsius. Rainy Season from June through September is perhaps the driest monsoon period of any country in Southeast Asia with plenty of sunshine and temperatures averaging 27 Celsius to 30 Celsius. Cool Season from October through February is mild and very sunny with temperatures averaging 24 Celsius to 27 Celsius. The average annual temperatures in Thailand is 28 Celsius.

Time: Time in the Kingdom of Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 7).

Government: The government of Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy inspired by the British democratic model. National polls elect the 500 members House of Representatives and the Prime Minister every four years and the 200 members Senate every six years. The national voting age is 18.

The Monarchy: His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, which was founded in 1782 by King Rama I. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, is the longest reigning king in the Thai history. Though Thailand's political system is officially classified as a constitutional monarchy, the Thai constitution states that the king be "enthroned in a position of revered worship" and not be exposed to any sort of accusation or " action". Without any legal writ, all Thai citizens hold their king in the highest regard of his dedication to his people through an impressive list of public works projects and his humanitarian activities of goodwill. The Monarchy is loved immensely in Thai society. Negative comments about the king lead to public admonishment and in some cases imprisonment. Images that portray his Majesty in any disrespectful manner, such as in paintings or photographs, are not allowed.

History: The earliest archaeological signs of human habitation in Thailand can be found in the Northeast hamlets of Ban Chiang and Ban Prasat where evidence of rice cultivation dates back to 4000 BC (China by contrast was growing and consuming millet at the time). Thailand is also credited for fostering the world's earliest Bronze Age civilization during this period. Over the next several thousand years, three major groups of people migrated south from China into present day Thailand - the Mon, the Khmer and the Thai. The Mon settled in present day Myanmar, the  Khmer in present day Cambodia and the Thais by 1200 had established dominance in three northern Thailand sates, Lanna, Sukhothai and Phayao. Sukhothai (Dawn of Happiness) is regarded as the first day truly independent Thai state and the birthplace of Thai culture. The Sukhothai era, which declared its independence in 1238, saw the Thais gradual expansion throughout the entire Chao Phraya River basin, the establishment of Theravada Buddhism as the dominant religion, the creation of the Thai alphabet and the first ture Thai art forms including painting, music, architecture and literature. The Sukhothai era declined in the 1330s and eventually become a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a dynamic kingdom further south. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya, approximately 86 kilometers north of Bangkok, was regarded by both Asians and European as one of the most progressive and  wealthiest kingdoms on the planet during that period. During Ayutthaya's 417 years of prominence, the Thais brought their distinctive culture to fruition, ridding their lands of Khmer presence and fostering contact with Arabian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and European powers, especially Portugal and Holland. Ayutthaya's destruction in  1767 by the Burmese was a severe blow to the Thais. However, the Burmese could not maintain control of the Kingdom. In 1769. King Taksin, ruling from the new capital in Thon Buri on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, regained control of Kingdom. In 1782, Phra BatSomdet Phra Phuttha Yotfa Chulalok, the first ruler of the Chakri Dynasty, known as King Rama I, moved the Royal capital across the river to Bangkok. Two Chakri monarchs, King Mongkut (Rama IV), who reined between 1851 and 1868 and his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who regned from 1869 to 1910, saved Thailand from Western colonization through brilliant diplomacy and selective modernization. It is largely due to retain dominance over its own destiny without the interference of foreign pwers. Today, Thailand has a Constitutional Monarchy. Since 1932, Thai kings, including the present monarch, H. M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, have exercised their legislative powers by means of a cabinet headed by prime minister and their judicial powers through the law courts.

Religion: Theravada Buddhism, a descendant from Dvaravati Buddhism of the 10th century, is the professed religion of more that 95 percent of all Thais and casts a strong influence on daily life. Thailand is the only country on the planet to successfully incorporate this form of Buddhism into its legal and moral structure.  Besides molding morality, providing social cohesion and offering spiritual support, Buddhism has provided an incomparable artistic foundation. As Christianity influenced medieval European cathedrals, Thailand's Buddhism has inspired innumerable artistic multi-roofed temples to honor Lord Buddha. Another reason for Buddhism's strength is that Thai Buddhist families seriously study Buddha's teaching. It has long been a custom for Buddhist males over age of 20 to be ordained for a period ranging from five days to three months. This usually occurs during the annoul Rain Retreat, a three-month period during the rainy season when all monks forego travel and remain within their temples. Besides sustaining monastic communities, Thai temples have traditionally served other purposes, such as village shelter, village news centre, employment information centre, school, hospital, dispensary and community centre. This gives Thai temples vital roles is Thai society. The Thais respect all religions. Thus, sizeable minorities of Muslim, Christians, Hindus and Sikhas freely practices their respective faiths in Thailand, under the King's patronage.

Language: Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor, as it stands alone from all other forms of dialect. However, English is widely understood in most tourist area, particularly Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and where it is an important language for commerce. English is spoken is most hotels, shops, restaurants, banks, international offices and car rental offices in major destinations. Road signs throughout the country is both Thai and English.

Transportation:

By Air: Bangkok is Thailand's major gateway. Most visitors arrive at Suvanabhumi International Airport (Bangkok) because it is directly connected to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia by daily flights abroad the world's major airlines. Further international flights, mainly from Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, land at Phuket and Hat Yai International airport in the south and Chiang Mai in the north.

By Rail: A regular rail service links Singapore and Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth in Malaysia. This service leaves daily and also connects with many major southern Thai towns.

By Road:

• From Malaysia, it is possible to enter Thailand through a number of crossings in Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat provinces.

• From Lao PDR, it is possible to enter Thailand through Nong Khai, Chiang Saen, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Pathom, Mukdahan and Chong Mek.

• From Cambodia, it is possible to enter Thailand through Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province and Ko Kong in Trat province.

• From Myanmar, it is possible to enter Thailand through Mae Sai and Mae Sot.

By Sea: There are no regular steamship connections to Thailand. Cargo ships call at Bangkok's Klong Toei Port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities. Cruise Ships commonly call at Laem Chabang Port (roughly 2 hours south of Bangkok) from Vietnam and Singapore. Contact a travel agent for details.

By Air: Flying in Thailand is both inexpensive and convenient. Several air carries such as Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Air Andaman, Air Asia and One Two Go fly throughout Thailand to international and domestic airports in 26 cities throughout Thailand. Reservations may secured through airlines offices or travel agencies from overseas or upon arrival in Thailand.

By Rail: Rail journeys in Thailand are efficient, inexpensive and comfortable by Asian Standards. An extensive rail network serves Thailand using Bangkok as its hub. Three lines connect Chiang Mai (Northern line), Nong Kahi (Northeastern line) and Singapore via Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia (Southern line). Recently, the rail line between Bangkok and Aranyaprathet on the Cambodian border was opened. Domestic express trains comprise first-second and third class carriages. Slower trains used on shorter journeys may only have third-class seating. State Railway of Thailand organizes one and today economy tours to varius destinations on the weekends and holidays. Railway schedules can be obtained from Bangkok's main railway station at Hualamphong. Train tickets of all classes can be purchased 90 days in advance at principle stations and at Advance booking office at Hualamphong from 8:30 am - 12:00 am (midnight). Tel: 662-2250300.

By Road: A modern highway system stretches to all points of the country. Domestic air conditioned buses are one of the most frequently used modes of transportation. Inexpensive and reliable, buses frequently leave or stop at all major centers. There are three major bus terminals in Bangkok. Northern/Northeastern Bus Terminal at Kamphaeng Phet Road, Ph: 662-9362841 up to 66. Southern Bus Terminal at Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road, Ph: 662-4351199 and 662-4351200. Eastern Bus Terminal at Sukhumvit Road, Soi-62. Ph: 662-3918097 and 662-3912504.

Public Transportation: Public buses are plentiful and inexpensive with a 7:00 Baht minimum for all places with metropolitan Bangkok. Air conditioned buses within Bangkok have minimum 8:00 Baht respectfully. Red and grey air-conditioned microbuses for longer urban journeys cost 20 baht minimum. A bus rote map can be obtained from most hotels and books store.

Taxis and Tuk Tuks: Hotels taxis have fixed fares. Public taxis are air-conditioned, comfortable and have starting fare of 35:00 Baht for first 3 kilometers and approximately 5 Baht for every additional kilometer. Be sure the driver resets the meter every time you enter the vehicle. Tuk Tuks, three-wheeled taxis are symbol of Thailand. They are popular for short journeys and can cost anywhere from 20 - 150 Baht depending where one chooses to go. Important: Fares must be bargained for before the journey is undertaken as there in no meter.

Motorcycle Taxis: The fastest way to plod through the trafic congestion of Thailand's major cities is by motorcycle taxi. Look for the driver with colored vest. Fare are negotiated before departure. Hold o tight.

River Taxis: There are many types of boats that navigate the Chao Phraya  River in Bangkok. Private "cigarette boats" are fast and available for tours of the city's huge canal system. A 2-hours private tour runs about 500 Baht. Public river taxis run from dawn till dusk till Klong Toei to as far north as Nonthaburi for around 15:00 Baht. The journey takes over an hour. Smaller trips between other landings can cost as little as around 5:00 Baht.

Sky Train: The Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) is an elevated electric train that runs on two lines-Silom and Sukhumvit line, with an interchanges station at Siam Square. The BTS is an excellent way to stay above Bangkok's traffic congestion. Fare run from 10:00 Baht to 40:00 Baht depending on the length of the journey. Trains run daily from 6:00 am to midnight.

Tourist Police: The Tourist Police was established to coordinate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to provide safety to tourists. Its responsibilities include receiving and acknowledging claims and complaints, conducting investigations and acting as coordinators of tourist security. There are hundreds of tourist police stationed at major tourist destinations across Thailand including the Grand Place, Pat Pong and Lumphini Park in Bangkok. Bilingual tourist police are affiliated with Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phisanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Surat Thanai, Phuket and Songkhla to provide assistance to visitors. In case of emergence please dial 1155 or contact the Tourist Police Centre, Ph: 662-6786800 up to 9.

Business Hours: Most Commercial concerns in Bangkok operate five days a week (Monday to Friday). Government office operate between 8:30 am to 4:30 am with a 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Most shops are open 12 hours a days and seven days a week.

Business Centers: Most major hotels provide fully equipped business centers for visiting executives. Service customarily include secretarial work, typing, photocopying and fax facilities, conference rooms, libraries and internet access.

Car Hire: Travellers with a valid drivers license may choose to hire a car. English language road signs and maps are commonplace. The Bangkok Yellow Pages lists local and international car hire companies. Each offers different conditions. Self-driven and chauffer-driven automobiles are widely available. International car hire companies such as Avis, Hertz and Budget operate in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hat Yai, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.

Church Service: Christian churches are found in Bangkok and most provincial capitals. Service are mostly in Thai with some being held in English, French and German. Local English-language newspaper provide comprehensive listing of service in Bangkok.

Clothing: Light, loose cotton clothing is the best for Thailand's tropical climate. Sweaters are recommended when visiting the northern mountainous region and national parks during the winter season. Jackets and ties are required at some up-scale hotels and clubs. When visiting Buddhist, temples, long pants are required. Always remember to remove shoes before entering a temple.

Electricity: The electric current volts AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. There are many types of plugs and sockets in use. Travellers with electric shavers, tape recorders and other appliances are encouraged to purchase a 110-volt transformer. Most major hotels have these upon request.

Film and Photography: Major international film manufacturers maintain excellent photo finishing laboratories. Instant development can be done within one hour at most places. Popular films (Kodak, Konica, Fuji) are available national wide are reasonable prices. Still photographers are free to shoot anything unless otherwise stated. Movie/video cameras are not permitted in Bangkok's Grand Place and temple of Emerald Buddha temple complex without special permission. Photography is also prohibited certain sections of the National Museum.

Newspaper and Magazines: Thailand's two major English-language dailies The Bangkok Post and The Nation we respected. Major English newspaper and magazines such as The International Herald Tribune, Asian Wall Street Journal, Time and the Far Eastern Economic Review are available at major bookstores, department stores, supermarkets and hotels throughout the country.

Medical Services: Thailand has one of the best medical services of any country in Asia. Both private hospitals and government-run hospitals give quick and efficient service to tourists. Well trained doctors and nurses staff the hospitals and clinics. In case of an emergency, an ambulance can be summoned from any private hospital.

Radio and Television: Two main English-language radio stations are FM 95.5 and FM 105.0. Others stations offer popular music such as FM 105.5 FM 88. Classical music can be heard at the Chulalongkorn station FM 101.5. AM radio is heavily commercial, there are some 200 stations national wide. The King of Thailand is a jazz enthusiast and this is reflected in the large amount of jazz stations on the air. English language news broadcast (CNN and the BBC) and the original soundtracks of certain imported films are shown on cable television.

Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is both reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Bangkok's central GPO on Charoen Krung (New Road) is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm., Monday to Friday and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. Telegrams may be sent any time of the day or night. Other Bangkok's post offices and those located in the provinces are generally open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Telephones: International phone calls can be made easily from mid-range to upper class hotels. There is direct dialing to and from  all countries across the globe. Rates for calling outside the country are considerably higher than for calling domestically. For international call from Thailand, available international calling in hotels front desk and departmental store. Also you can buy a sim card and it can sue for Thailand domestic call and international call also, international call will be activated around 24 hours in maximum mobile sim card. All local telephone number have seven digits. When calling a landline, (02) must be pressed before the seven digit number. When calling a mobile or cellular number (08) must be keyed in first.

Fax and Email: All Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and email services. Numerous private businesses offer the same facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services.

International Roaming Mobile Phone: A Subscribe Identity Module (SIM) card is now available for Thai and foreign customers who are traveling in Thailand for work. For foreign, a copy of work permit or non immigrant B class visa and passport must be presented to purchase one. The SIM card must be used in conjunction with a Digital SGM mobile phone within 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.

Internet Service: Thailand is continually expanding its information service for residents and tourist alike through its own Internet system. Services are available in leading hotels and at cyber cafes found everywhere throughout the country. Now-a-days availavle the internet facilities in major of the hotels.