Capital: Bangkok

Time: Local Time - GMT+7 hours

Holidays and day offs: January 1 (New Year), the end of January - the beginning of February (Chinese New Year celebrated during 3 days). April 6 (Ruling Monarch's Day), April 12-14 (The New Year), May 5 (Monarch's Coronation day), May7 (the day of the first furrow), May 10, August 12 (Queen's birthday), October 23 (the memorial day of Rama-V the great), December 5 (King's birthday), December 10 (Constitution Day), December 31 (pre-New Year day off), full moon days in February, May, June, and November.

National characteristics: Thais are well-disposed, even-tempered and hospitable. Thailand is sometimes called "the country of smiles", which reflects the motto of Thais "sanik" i.e. enjoy life. One should talk to Thais in a soft and calm voice. When entering into a private house you are supposed to take off your shoes. For business talks visit cards are a must. Thais disclaim taping on the back, or a shoulder, moreover they disclaim casual embraces. The lower part of the body is considered as contemptible, since the touch of one's leg may offence a Thai. Upon meeting or parting handshakes are replaced with the gesture of hands set on one's chest level. Thais don't sit with their legs crossed.

Geographic sketch: A country in the South East of Asia. It borders Birmah in the north and west. Laos in the North-East, Cambodia in the South-East, Malaysia in the South, Birmah in the South-East and is washed by Ndam Sea in the South-West. The total area of the country is 513115 square k/ms.

Climate: Thailand lies in a tropical climate zone; accordingly the year is conditionally divided into 3 main periods: summer from March to May, rains' season (with great number of sunny days) from June to September and cold season - from October to April.
Population: Among ethnic groups are: Thais - 75%, Chinese - 14%, Malays, Khmers Vietnamese.

Language: The official language is Thai language; among spoken languages are Chinese, English, Malaysian languages.
Religion: Buddhism - 95%, Islam - 4%, Christianity, Hindu.

Currency: Thai bat. The import of currency is free (declaration for sum for more than 10 thousand USD).

Currency Exchange: In Thailand only the official currency is used. The more favorable exchange rate is offered at banks; moreover in Bangkok it is more favorable as compared with other cities. Banks are on week-days from 8.30 p.m. to 15.30 a.m. There are also currency Exchange points having the exchange signboard 'Exchange'. They are open from 8.30 p.m. to 20.00 a.m. It's more favorable to exchange foreign currency into tourist checks and not the bat into cash. The most unfavorable exchange rate is at airports. Here when in need, it's better to exchange only a small sum. In Thailand there is a special police service for tourists. If the tourist thinks that he was unfairly offended, cheated he can count on help.

Customs Rules: Customs Rules are applied to all, including diplomats as well. The import of 200 pieces of cigarettes, 1 liter of strong drinks is authorized. The export of gold items with Buddha's image (except for medallions), gems, jewellery made of platinum, stamps, antiques is prohibited. People trafficking drugs are committed to capital punishment.

Transport: There is a rather developed bus service in Thailand. This is relatively a cheap means of transport. Passenger trains move slower but its advantage is that you can see sights on your way. The traffic is chaotic as drivers wouldn't follow traffic rules. Self-driving is not advised, foreigners would better rent a car with a driver.

Shops: Shops are open from 8.00 p.m. to 20.00 a.m. In markets things can be purchased at lower prices. Europeans usually export silk, cotton, jewellery, sapphires, rubies, diamonds, also crocodile leather. Jewellery with semiprecious stones can be purchased at lower prices in Chontkhabury town.

National cuisine, Drinks: The Thai Cuisine is greatly influenced by two factors: climate and culture, though the history of the country, emigration, and invasion also played a grate role. Thais use all kinds of meat in their dishes, large amount of fish, vegetables and fruits. Thais highly appreciate their traditions and culture. They're proud of their national dishes and are fond of treating their guests. Streets and canals in the cities of Thailand filled with patches and cards, bicycles and boats selling various snacks. Parties and holidays are very popular in Thailand during which skill dully prepared national dishes are served as a sign of respect towards their habits and traditions. Guests are continuously served trays with snatches, dishes with exotic fruits and Thai beer or local whiskey. All the dishes are served at a time, so that the hostess enjoys the party along with her guests. Thais take much pride in decorating dishes in a beautiful and shining way. Vegetables are sliced very accurately into different forms. Intricate patterns and artistic performance are among inherent components of the Thai cuisine.

Settlement: In much tourist centers there are many houses to be rent by visitors.

Urgent numbers: Police, tourist departments-(062) 221-06,221-110 and 16-99 Ambulance-(062)281-15-44, 281-11-99