Thailand Table of Contents: Thailand

Item Page Overview...... 3 General Information...... 4 Contact Addresses...... 6 Passport/Visa...... 7 Money...... 8 Duty Free...... 9 Public Holidays...... 10 Health...... 11 Getting There...... 12 Getting Around...... 13 Accommodation...... 15 Entertainment...... 16 Business...... 18 Climate...... 20 Top Things To Do...... 22 Top Things To See...... 23 Communications...... 24 Travel Advice...... 25 Overview

Overview Thailand has a rich and colourful culture, and many exotic monuments and stunning beaches, which draw millions of visitors each year, ranging from budget-conscious backpackers to those seeking luxurious pampering in a spa. Where else but Thailand can visitors cruise on a converted rice barge, roar upriver in a long-tail boat and take a white-knuckle ride on a bamboo raft, then stay in jungle tree houses as guests in the homes of hilltribe villagers, or on rafthouses floating on a river? Equally memorable are the trails leading deep into the rainforest past cooling waterfalls, and the simple beauty of the translucent sea lapping onto endless white, soft sand. Not to be missed is dynamic , a city that is larger than life, with its futuristic high-rise buildings juxtaposed against the glittering Grand Palace. Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and with the reverence the people have for the monarchy, a dynasty that has maintained the independence of the country for centuries, the result for the Thais is a blend of tradition with contemporary living. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946. Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections could take place, probably in October 2007. For all this, Thailand has risen above economic collapse in 1997, SARS, avian influenza and the devastating tsunami in December 2004 to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail, possessed as it is of great natural beauty and a very rich cultural heritage.

Page 3 General Information

South-East Asia. Area 513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles). Population 64 million (2005). Population Density 124.7 per sq km. Capital Bangkok. Population: 9.4 million, including Thon Buri (UN estimate 2005). Government Constitutional monarchy.

Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos. Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River. Language Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists. Religion The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities. Time GMT + 7. Social Conventions Present-day Thai society is the result of centuries of cultural interchange, particularly with China and India, but more recently with the West. Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting someone. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head - the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way. The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of ’face’. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one’s feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone’s home or a temple. Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable. Electricity

Page 4 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard. Head of Government Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulamont since September 2006. Head of State HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) since 1946.

Page 5 Contact Addresses

Royal Thai Embassy in the UK 29-30 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JB, UK Tel: (020) 7589 2944 or 7225 5506. Website: www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section); Mon-Fri 1400-1700 (telephone enquiries). Tourism Authority of Thailand in the UK 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6EE, UK Tel: 0870 900 2007. Website: www.thaismile.co.uk Royal Thai Embassy in the USA 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA Tel: (202) 944 3600. Website: www.thaiembdc.org Tourism Authority of Thailand in the USA 61 Broadway, Suite 2810, New York, NY 10006, USA Tel: (212) 432 0433. Website: www.tourismthailand.org

Page 6 Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa Passport Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes No Yes Other EU Yes 1 Yes

Passports Passport valid for six months beyond intended length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above. Visas Not required by nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for touristic stays, provided they hold valid passports, sufficient funds and confirmed tickets to leave Thailand, except 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Malta and Romania who do need to obtain a visa before travelling to Thailand. All other nationals may stay visa-free for stays of the following durations: (a) 15 days for nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who must obtain an entry visa on arrival; (b) 30 days for all other nationals listed in the chart above. Visa Note Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). Types of Visa and Cost Single-entry tourist visa: £25. Validity 30 days. Can apply for further maximum of 60 days at immigration bureau. Applications to: Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Working Days Required Two.

Page 7 Money

Currency Baht (THB; symbol ￿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ￿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ￿10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satang. Currency Exchange Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than ￿500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change. Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks. Traveller's Cheques Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling. Banking Hours Mon-Fri 0830-1530. Exchange Rate Indicators Date Apr 07 £1.00= ￿64.28 $1.00= ￿32.49 €1.00= ￿43.45

Page 8 Duty Free

Overview The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty by any person, irrespective of age: • 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars. • 1l of alcoholic liquor. Prohibited Imports There are restrictions on the import and export of illegal drugs and all firearms and ammunition, and the export of items of archaeological interest or historical value, without a certificate of authorisation from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. The export of images of the Buddha and other religious artefacts is also subject to this ruling. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant government agency. Warning: Any drug-related offences are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Page 9 Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period. 2007 1 Jan New Year’s Day. Feb/Mar* Magha Bucha Day. 6 Apr Chakri Day. 13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year). 1 May Labour Day. 5 May Coronation Day. May/Jun* Visakha Bucha. 1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday. Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent). 12 Aug HM The Queen’s Birthday. 23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day. 5 Dec HM The King’s Birthday. 10 Dec Constitution Day. 31 Dec New Year’s Eve. 2008 1 Jan New Year’s Day. Feb/Mar* Magha Bucha Day. 6 Apr Chakri Day. 13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year). 1 May Labour Day. 5 May Coronation Day. May/Jun* Visakha Bucha. 1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday. Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent). 12 Aug HM The Queen’s Birthday. 23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day. 5 Dec HM The King’s Birthday. 10 Dec Constitution Day. 31 Dec New Year’s Eve. Note * The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.

Page 10 Health

Health Special Precautions Certificate Required? Diphtheria Yes Hepatitis A Yes Malaria Sometimes Rabies Sometimes* Tetanus Yes Typhoid Yes Yellow Fever Sometimes**

Health Care Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good in main centres. All major hotels have doctors on call. Note * For travellers spending four weeks or more in the country, or who are going to be more than 24 hours from medical help or who are handling animals. If bitten, seek medical advice without delay. ** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 10 days from infected areas.

Page 11 Getting There

Getting There by Air The national is (website: www.thaiairways.com). Departure Tax ￿500 for all international departures. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt. Main Airports Bangkok International (BKK) (Suvarnabhumi) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) 30km (19 miles) east of the city (journey time - 1 hour). To/from the airport: There are airport express bus routes to the city. There are also regular public bus routes to the city and to the provinces, including Pattaya. An overhead city rail link is being built and is expected to open by December 2007. Taxis are also available at all hours. Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, chemist, duty-free shop, banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, bars and snack bars, post office, international and local car hire, accommodation reservations, and Internet cafe. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 4km (2.5 miles) southwest of the city (journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to the city centre. Facilities: International and local car hire companies, banks/bureaux de change, restaurant, shops and bar. Phuket International Airport (HKT) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 32km (20 miles) northwest of Phuket (journey time - 45 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis and limousines are available to the city centre. Facilities: Left luggage, duty-free shops, first aid, bureau de change, post office, restaurant and snack bars, international and local car hire companies and tourist information. Getting There by Water Main port: Bangkok (website: www.bkp.port.co.th), but there are very limited passenger services available. There are passenger crossings between Thailand and Laos at several points along the Mekong River. Cruise lines call at Thailand. Getting There by Rail State Railways of Thailand operate through trains (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.thailandrailway.com) between Butterworth in Malaysia, with daily connections between elsewhere in Malaysia and Singapore and the borders with Cambodia (at Aranyaprathet) and Laos (at Nong Khai). The opulent Eastern and Oriental Express (tel: 0845 077 2222, within the UK; website: www.orient-express.com) runs directly from Bangkok to Singapore, but is expensive. Getting There by Road There are international roads from Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos. Roads into Myanmar are not officially open to tourist traffic. Long distance air-conditioned buses travel to border crossing towns and can be arranged at the bus stations or through travel companies.

Page 12 Getting Around

Getting Around By Air Thai Airways International (TG) (website: www.thaiairways.com) runs services to all major towns, using a total of 12 airports including Phuket and Chiang Mai. (PG) (website: www.bangkokair.com) flies several additional routes including Ko Samui. Discounts are available in off-peak seasons and during special promotional periods. PB Air (website: www.pbair.com) and (website: www.nokair.co.th) also fly domestically. Getting Around by Water Thailand has, depending on the season, up to 1,600km (1,000 miles) of navigable inland waterway. Services operate along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok between Rajburana and Nonthaburi by taxi-boat ferries operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat (tel: (02) 623 6143; website: www.chaophrayaboat.co.th). In addition long-tailed motorboats ply the river. Ferry services operate between the mainland and several islands including Surat Thani to Ko Samui, Phuket to Phi Phi and Trat to Ko Chang and can be booked in person at the dock. Strong competition on all of the major routes ensures that fares are kept low. Reduced services operate during the monsoon season from May through to October along the east coast and Andaman coast, and from November until January on the Gulf coast. The more remote spots become inaccessible in these periods. Getting Around by Rail The excellent railway network extends over 4,600km (2,860 miles), linking all major towns with the exception of Phuket. It is run by State Railways of Thailand (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.thailandrailway.com). There are four main routes to the northern, eastern, southern and northeastern regions, and also a line serving Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge and Nam Tok. There are several daily services on each route, with air-conditioned, sleeping and restaurant cars on the principal trains. The journeys are leisurely and comfortable, and travelling by train is certainly one of the best ways to get around the country. The Southern Line Express stops at Surat Thani for those who wish to continue by bus and ferry to the islands off the east coast. Most railway timetables are published in English. Rail Passes Thailand Rail Pass: available for 20 days travel in second or third class. Getting Around by Road There is a reasonable road network comprising many highways, designated by numbers, and 52,000km (32,300 miles) of national and provincial roads. All major roads are paved. Traffic drives on the left. Coach: There are inter-urban routes to all provinces. Fares are very cheap and buses very crowded. Privately owned air-conditioned buses (seats bookable) are comfortable and moderately priced. Coaches can be booked in person at the bus stations. Car hire: Available in all main towns and cities from both international and local companies. Regulations: The minimum age for driving in Thailand is 21 years and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in towns and cities and 90 to 100kph (52 to 60mph) on expressways and country roads.

Page 13 Documentation: A national licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) are required. IDPs are valid for three months, after which a Thai driving licence is required. Getting Around Towns and Cities Conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, but there are also extensive private minibus operations. Premium fares are charged for air-conditioned (cream and blue buses) and express buses. The ordinary buses are cream and red or white and blue and charge a flat rate regardless of distance travelled. Fares are generally low and are collected by conductors. In Bangkok, taxis displaying the TAXI-METER sign are metered. Samlors or tuk-tuks are three-wheeled taxis without a meter; the fare must be negotiated before the journey commences. These are cheaper than taxis but are only suitable for short distances. There are express, rapid and ordinary motorboat services on the Chao Phraya River between Nonthaburi pier to the north of Bangkok to Rajburana pier in southern Bangkok. The express boats, marked with a yellow flag, are more expensive than the rapid orange flag flying boats. The ordinary flagless boats are the cheapest. The Skytrain (BTS), an elevated mass transit system in Bangkok, runs from 0600-2400. The Metro runs from Hualamphong to Bang Sue. Trains leave every five to seven minutes between 0600 and 2400. Chiang Mai public transport is limited to red minibuses (songtaews), tuk-tuks and rickshaws, although taxis with meters have now been introduced. Journey Times The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Bangkok to other major cities/destinations in Thailand. Air Road Rail Chiang Mai 1.10 10.00 11.15 Hua Hin - 3.30 3.30 Pattaya - 3.00 3.25 Phuket 1.20 11.30 - Samui 1.15 - -

Page 14 Accommodation

Hotels Accommodation styles cover every range and the budget traveller is also well catered for. There is cheap accommodation throughout Bangkok but Banglamphu is the main area for cheap accommodation. Hotels outside the capital and developed tourist areas are less lavish but are extremely economical and comfortable. Visitors can book hotels on arrival at Bangkok’s and also at some provincial airports. Bangkok and many tourist destinations around Thailand have some of Asia’s finest hotels, with thousands of rooms meeting international standards. Many hotels belong to the large international chains. All luxury hotels have swimming pools, 24-hour room service, air conditioning and a high staff-to-guest ratio. There are many online hotel booking sites which are worth checking out, but also check the hotel’s own website for Internet special offers. Grading: There is no official system of grading hotels, but prices generally give a good indication of standards. Guest Houses Guest houses with shared bathrooms and no air conditioning are cheap and popular with tourists, as are bungalows, which also often have cafes and English-speaking staff on site. Beach bungalows/huts are particularly popular with backpackers and can be found on many of the beaches and islands around Thailand. Self Catering Holiday villas and flats can be rented, especially for long-term visitors. For details, look for advertisements in the English-language newspapers. Camping/Caravanning In general, visitors will find that camping in Thailand is not popular, as other accommodation is available at such reasonable prices. Most of Thailand’s campsites are in the area of the national parks where tents can be rented; there are also some private tourist resorts which provide camping facilities. Camping is allowed on nearly all of the islands and beaches. Backpacker Hostels YMCA and YWCA hostels are located in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and small, cheap hotels are available all over the country. Accommodation Information Thai Hotels Association (THA) 203-209/3 Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, Bowonniwet Bangkok 10200, Thailand Tel: (02) 281 9496. Website: www.thaihotels.org Thai Youth Hostels Association 25/14 Phitsanulok Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: (02) 628 7413/5. Website: www.tyha.org

Page 15 Entertainment

Food and Drink There are many Asian and European restaurants. Thai food is hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants tone down the food for Western palates. Most Thai food is prepared with fresh ingredients and lemon grass and coriander are often added to enhance flavours. Rice is commonly eaten with most meals and generally the various dishes ordered are shared by all the diners. Excellent food can be found at the stalls of the many street vendors around the country. Popular fruits are papaya, jackfruit, mangosteens, rambutans, pomelos (similar to grapefruits) and, above all, durians, which farangs (foreigners) either love or hate. Owing to the strong smell of durians, the majority of hotels do not allow them onto the premises. Things to know: Bars have counter or table service. There are no licensing laws. National specialities: • Tom yam (a coconut-milk soup prepared with makroot leaves, ginger, lemon grass, prawns or chicken). • Gang pet (hot ’red’ curry with coconut milk, herbs, garlic, chillies, shrimp paste, coriander and seasoning) served with rice. • Pad Thai (stir-fried rice-noodles) served with shrimp or chicken garnished with peanuts. • Desserts include salim (sweet noodles in coconut milk). • Well worth trying is sticky rice and mangoes (rice cooked in coconut milk served with slices of mango). This is a favourite breakfast dish in the mango harvest season (March to May). National drinks: • Local whisky, Mekhong and rum SamSong are very popular. • Singha and Singha Gold are locally made beers which dominate the domestic market. • Coconut milk straight from the shell during the harvest season is particularly refreshing in the heat and humidity. Legal drinking age: The post-coup government has proposed raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 20. Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants will add 10% service charge and 7% government tax to the bill. Nightlife Bangkok offers a wide range of entertainment venues, from nightclubs, pubs, bars, cinemas and restaurants (many of which are open air), to massage parlours, pool halls and cocktail lounges. The nightlife is concentrated in two districts of Bangkok - Patpong (between Silom and Surawong roads) and Soi Cowboy (Sukhumvit Road) and every night both areas are thronged with people. Bangkok’s sex industry is as blatant and booming as ever. Many venues are open all day and late into the night, although bars and clubs are supposed to close at 0200. Sometimes there is an admission fee but this usually includes one or two drinks. The dress code is very relaxed, although a few of the nightclubs do enforce smarter dress. There are no casinos in Thailand as gambling is illegal. Performances of traditional religious and court dances can be seen at the Thailand Cultural Centre and Patravadi Theatre in Bangkok. Elsewhere on the mainland, nightlife takes the form of traditional dances. The islands are renowned for their nightlife, and attendance is almost exclusively by foreigners. The full moon parties are notorious and continue well into the following morning. Performances of the infamous katoeys (lady

Page 16 boys) are worth a visit, with the most famous at the Calypso Cabaret in the Asia Hotel in Bangkok. Shopping Thailand is one of the best places in Asia for bargain hunting and visitors will be spoilt for choice with the huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, small shops and bustling street markets. Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, leather goods, batiks, silver and gold, pottery with celadon green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones (in particular rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, dolls, masks, painted umbrellas, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo and wood artefacts and bronzeware. The weekend market at Chatuchuk in Bangkok is a regular cornucopia with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from genuine antiques to fighting fish. Tailor-made clothes are also good value and can be made in a matter of days, yet the standard is very high. Duty-free shops are located throughout the country and items can be purchased there and delivered to the airport in time for the departure flight. Value Added Tax (7%) can be refunded on goods bought in shops labelled ’VAT Refund for Tourists’, where there is a minimum transaction of ￿2,000 including VAT. VAT Refund Application for Tourists forms are completed at the time of purchase and it is necessary to show one’s passport. Cash refunds (minimum ￿5,000) can be obtained in the airport departure hall and often the goods purchased must also be shown. Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 1000-2100/2200.

Page 17 Business

Statistics • GDP: US$176.3 billion (2005). • Main exports: Rice, food and live animals, office equipment, textiles and clothing. • Main imports: Cars, machinery and electrical machinery, and plastics. • Main trade partners: USA, Japan, China (PR), Singapore and Malaysia. Economy The Thai economy expanded very rapidly during the 1980s and early to mid 1990s; average annual GDP growth between 1990 and 1996 was 8.5%. The economy was already slowing down when the Asian currency crisis struck in the late summer of 1997. In 1998, the economy contracted by 11%. After a strong initial recovery, the Thai economy stuttered in 2001/2 following 9/11, and in 2003 suffered because of the reaction to SARS, the war in Iraq and fears of terrorism. Steady growth in 2004, because of domestic demand and strong exports, gave the economy resilience to the outbreak of Avian influenza and soaring oil prices and growth had recovered to 6.1%. However, following the tsunami in December 2004, growth slowed to 4.3% in 2005. The inflation rate is 4.4% with unemployment down to 1.8%. Following the financial collapse in 1997 the government launched the Amazing Thailand campaign which increased tourist arrivals dramatically, all keen to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate. Arrival numbers peaked in 2002 but were down by 10% in 2003 with the occurrence of SARS. However, visitor numbers have improved steadily and were more than 13 million in 2005, over 2 million more than 2002. Business Etiquette Most people in senior management speak English but in very small companies, or those situated outside the industrial belt of Bangkok, English is not as widely spoken. Most businesses of substantial size prefer visitors to make appointments. Business cards are essential. Punctuality is advisable. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1300-1630. Commercial Information Department of Export Promotion 22/77 Rachadapisek Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel: (2) 511 5066. Website: www.thaitrade.com Thai Chamber of Commerce 150 Rajbopit Road, 2146, 10200 Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (2) 622 1860. Website: www.thaiechamber.com Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) (Information on Conferences/Conventions) 99/7 The Legacy Vipawadee Building, Soi Lardprao 8, Lardyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel: (2) 938 6590. Website: www.tica.or.th Conferences & Conventions Page 18 The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association was established to aid the growth of Thailand as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. Members include tour operators, hotels, , advertising agencies, lawyers, convention centres, convention organisers and local attractions. Bangkok has the two largest venues for conferences and exhibitions - the Bangkok Convention Centre and the Impact Muong Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Centre. There are also many other venues (including hotels) in Bangkok and elsewhere.

Page 19 Climate

Generally very hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season), although the southern islands are best from June to September. Required Clothing Lightweights, and rainwear are advised.

Page 20 Page 21 Top Things To Do

Top Things To Do • Take a day excursion from Bangkok for a train trip across the notorious River Kwai Bridge at Kanchanaburi, which was built by Allied prisoners under the direction of the Japanese during WWII (website: www.kanchanaburi-info.com). • Admire the skills of the kite fighters. Opposing teams fly male Chula and female Pakpao kites in a surrogate battle of the sexes. Do not miss an energetic game of takraw in which a small rattan ball is passed acrobatically around by players standing in a circle and using their feet, knees, thighs, chests and shoulders to endeavour to keep the ball in the air and kick it into a suspended basket. • Take in a muay thai (Thai kick-boxing) match; this traditional sport can be seen every day of the year at the major stadiums in both Bangkok and the provinces. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music.

• Cast off all cares through traditional meditation. Thailand has dozens of temples and meditation centres specialising in vipassana (insight) meditation. Attend a class for just one day or a retreat lasting several weeks. • Join the throngs heading for Surin for the annual elephant round-up in November. The title is misleading as the elephants are not actually rounded up, but there are demonstrations of training techniques and re-enactments of scenes from history. • Get to know northern Thailand better, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son by trekking, riding an elephant or rafting through this spectacular region. Check out the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. • Enjoy Thailand’s thousands of kilometres of coastline, either above or below the water. Have a go at sea canoeing and kayaking through the spectacular limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay and explore the half-submerged caves and grottoes. • Learn traditional massage and the healing properties of herbal medicine at ancient Wat Pho (website: www.watpho.com).

• Try Thai cooking at one of many cookery schools. Learn how to blend the many herbs and spices that provide the unique flavours of Thai food. At some schools students even go to the market to buy the provisions for the meals to be prepared. • Take a boat trip through Bangkok’s Floating Market, or along the klongs, a network of canals leading off the river, and lined with dwellings opening directly on to the water. Life has changed little for those living along the klongs. • Dive with the sharks in the aquarium at Bangkok’s Siam Ocean World (website: www.siamoceanworld.co.th), and live to tell the tale. • Have afternoon tea at the Oriental Hotel (website: www.mandarinoriental.com) in Bangkok, one of the most famous hotels in the world. Once the haunt of the likes of Somerset Maughan and Joseph Conrad, it is now frequented by royalty and celebrities. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Page 22 Top Things To See

Top Things To See • Marvel at Bangkok’s glittering Grand Palace (website: www.palaces.thai.net/gp) and Wat Phra Kaeo, a temple complex housing the Emerald Buddha. Upriver are the Royal Barges (website: www.thailandmuseum.com). These richly ornamented barges are only used for special processions on the Chao Phraya River. • Do not miss Wat Pho (website: www.watpho.com), the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and home to the Reclining Buddha. The Buddha’s statue is enormous, an amazing 46m (150ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. • Discover the delightful 81-room Vimanmek Palace (website: www.palaces.thai.net), once a royal summer retreat, which was rebuilt in Bangkok in 1900. Be charmed by the former home of the American silk-dealer Jim Thompson (website: www.jimthompsonhouse.com). • Travel north to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city and a centre for excursions to the region’s ancient temples, hill tribes and the Golden Triangle. Climb the 300 or so steps to Doi Suthep temple for sweeping views of the city. • Visit Kanchanaburi, inextricably linked with the horrors of WWII and the allied forces who were forced to build the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Use the town as a base to explore the area’s waterfalls and jungles, and spend the night on a floating raft house. • Step back in time with a visit to Ayutthaya, once the capital of Thailand. Ramble through the ruined palaces and wats on foot, by bicycle or even on the back of an elephant.

• A visit to Ayutthaya should be complemented with a trip to Sukhothai, an ancient capital of Thailand. Inside the old city walls are the ruins of ornate wats, with some beautifully preserved carvings. • Head to Phang Nga Bay, which is world-famous for its stunning seascape, with its hundreds of limestone islets emerging from a translucent sea. Easily reached from Phuket, many visitors will recognise scenery featured in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. • Take time to explore the little-visited northeastern part of Thailand, especially Phimai, one of the most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand, dating from the 11th century. The intricate structures bear some resemblance to Angkor Wat and many lintels depict scenes from the epic Ramayana. • Thailand isn’t just beaches and temples. Go on an adventure into Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand. Here dripping rainforest covers majestic limestone formations laced with sparkling streams and waterfalls. Stay in tree houses or on bamboo rafthouses. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Page 23 Communications

Telephone Country code: 66. Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. There is good coverage, especially around main towns. Internet There are plenty of Internet cafes, some even found in remote areas visited by tourists. Media While the government and military control nearly all the national terrestrial TV networks and operate many of Thailand’s radio networks, the print media are largely privately run. Post Airmail to Europe takes up to one week. Post office hours: The General Post Office in Bangkok (on Charoen Krung Road) is open Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat-Sun and holidays 0800-1300. Post offices up-country are open Mon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0900-1200. Press • Many daily and weekly Thai newspapers are available, including Thairath. The English-language dailies are Bangkok Post and The Nation. Radio • Radio Thailand and MCOT are operated by government agencies, while Army Radio is controlled by the Royal Thai Army. • There are more than 60 stations in and around the capital.

Page 24 Travel Advice

Warning Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where there is continuing violence due to insurgency and civil unrest. Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. Most recently, on 18 and 19 February 31 bombs exploded in the far southern provinces. The Thai government has declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those places frequented by foreigners. On 31 December 2006, eight bombs exploded in various locations in Bangkok, killing three people and injuring at least 36 others including six foreigners. On 23 February 2007, the Thai authorities warned that there could be further attacks in Bangkok which could happen at any time. They have strengthened security in the city. Visitors should exercise caution when travelling within Bangkok. On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the Thai civilian government and martial law was imposed throughout the country. An interim prime minister was appointed on 1 October 2006 and on 26 January 2007 martial law was lifted in 41 (of the total of 76) provinces, including Bangkok. There remains a risk of further political instability in Thailand. Travellers are advised to avoid any demonstrations and large crowds. Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty. Outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in Thailand have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. The Thai authorities are investigating suspected outbreaks in a number of central, north and north eastern provinces. As a precaution, visitors should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. The monsoon season in Thailand is normally September and October. This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829. Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

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