Thailand, an introduction

Thailand, an introduction

Thailand, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is one of the prime places for tourists. The country shares its border with Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Malaysia. Headed by the king, the country is the kingdom of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the ninth king. King is considered to be the head of the kingdom enjoying the maximum power, an upholder of Buddhist religion and defendant of all faiths. You can observe a good impact of Chinese culture on Thailand. Although Buddhism got an image in Thailand from India you cannot deny the sweet essence of Indian culture here. There are many words and many names which is taken from Hindi language. Need not to be surprised when u wonder to see the king name Bhumibol, the Bangkok airport name as Suvarnabhumi Airport, the old capital name Ayuthaya (sounds at Ayodhaya) and story of Ram and Ravan hovering in the air in temples. You can easily find the painting and carving on wall with the Ram story.

The country total area is approximately 518000Sq Kms. Bangkok the official capital, is considered as the City of angels, in thai called Krung Thep. Previously Bangkok was just a small port for trade, lying on the Chao Phraya river. In 1768 Ayutthaya, the old capital, was burnt out, Bangkok was given the status of capital of Thailand. Buddhism is observed by 94.7% of Thai’s while 4.6% is Muslim population coming from China and Malaysia. Thai’s are believed to be originated form vast land of Southeast China. Although Theravada Buddhism is the State religion, other religions are never been a restriction for freedom. Thai Buddhism is ranked highest in the world.

Thailand is only country in Southeast Asia that has never been a western colony. You will love the artistic temperament of Thai. Right from music folk dance art on wall, the traditional dress and well decorated temples all will leave your mouth wide open. If sometime you happen to attend some thai festival you will get a close look on their art and culture. Along with solemnity the celebration is a time of great merriment.

Thailand currency is known as Baht. The biggest denomination is 1000Baht comes on orange and grey paper. Other denomination in descending order is 500, 100,50, 20 baht. This comes on paper. Coins include 10baht with bronze embedded in middle with white metal in border along with 5 ,2,1,50 stang and 25 stang comes in coins. There will be many counters around the city on all tourist places for money exchange run by the bank in Thailand. You can also find the counters which are private and not run by any bank. Don’t hurry to exchange your money at airport. Also check the exchange rate at some counters before exchanging your dollars. There may be remarkable difference in rate at different counter. 1 dollar in general is 33 baht.

Culture and language: Sawasdee is how you will be greeted once you land in Thailand. Sawasdee literal meaning is “may you prosper” but in general hello. Politeness and respect is extremely important in Thailand. Sawasdee should be followed by the words which represent gender of the speaker. Sawasdee khrap for male and sawasdee kha for female. It don’t hold any meaning but very important to use with sawasdee to show your politeness.

Sawasdee is done with raising your both hand pal joined together till chest or head and bowing down. The raise hand is always given by junior person first. The head of the junior should always be lower than the head of any senior person. You can see easily in hotels if you are sitting down on a chair the hotel employees will bow their head in front of you while in motion showing the respect and representing that their head is below yours. Thanks is said as khob-kun-Ka, If you are a woman. And khob-kun-Krub, If you are a man. Negative or disrespectful remarks about king or monarchy are considered offensive and sometimes punishable. Also make sure about your attire while going inside religious places. The shorts and sleeveless both for girls and boys are not allowed.

Traditional dress is decorated with lot of jewelries. Dress will be remarkably long and with tube like skirt. Traditional dress varies from religion to religion and also the location. Some dress resembles the Saree in India. In general Thai people follow the western style dress like jeans and tee-shirt. Traditional dress can be seen in special occasion.

It is easy to get Visa for some listed countries. Visa on Arrival VOA is granted at nominal rate.

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