Some interesting and valuable information about
Thailand. You might benefit from reading!

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.

From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and
the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the
pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil
villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers
something for every type of visitor.

Of course Thailand, like other Asian countries, has been
influenced by contact with foreign cultures. But the never-
changing character of Thai culture has remained dominant,
even in modern city life. Often depicted as fun-loving,
happy-go-lucky folk (which indeed they often are), the
Thais are also proud and strong, and have struggled for
centuries to preserve their independence of spirit.

Full country name: Kingdom of Thailand
Area: 517,000 sq km
Population: 62 million
Capital City: Bangkok
People: 75% Thai, 11% Chinese, 3.5% Malay; also Mon,
Khmer, Phuan and Karen minorities
Language: Thai
Religion: 95% Buddhism, 4% Muslim
Government: constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +7
Dialling Code: 66
Electricity: 220V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Climate
There are two distinct climates in Thailand; a tropical
savanna climate from the Gulf of Thailand to the North and
a tropical monsoon climate in the South. With this, there
are three well defined seasons: the hot season (March to
May), the rainy season (June to October) and the cool
season (November to February). Most of Thailand, with
exceptions of the mountainous regions in the north is very
humid, with an overall average humidity of 66% to 82%
depending on the season and time of the day. In northern
part of Thailand the temperature can drop to 13° C at night
during the cool season.

Public Holidays
1 May - International Labour Day
6 Apr - Chakri Day
on the full moon of the third lunar month - Magha Puja
1 Jan - New Year's Day
mid-late-July - Khao Phansa
15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month
- Visakha Puja
23 Oct - Chulalongkorn Day
12 Aug - Queen's Birthday
10 Dec - Constitution Day
5 Dec - King's Birthday