Getting around Bangkok:  Although surrounded by high rises and shopping centers, Bangkok, the City of Angels, is a magical place. It lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. More information is available at: www.bangkokbob.net/transport.htm  or www.amazing-thailand.com
Currency Exchange Rate:  The official exchange rate as of 11 January 2008 is US$ 1.00 = Baht 33.5 and 1.00 Euro = 49.5 Baht Currencies can be exchanged at local banks or in local money changers around the city.

Capital:  Bangkok  (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels")
Geography:  The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 513,115 square kilometers, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.
Topography:  Thailand is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsular South.

1) The mountainous north, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures is sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits, such as strawberries and peaches;

2) The high northeast plateau still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;

3) The central plain is one of the world’s most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;

4) The peninsular south  is where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital activities including tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Climate:  Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. The annual average temperatures is from 28-35 °C, ranging in Bangkok from 35°C in April to 17°C in December. There are three seasons: cool season (November to February), hot season (April to May), and rainy season (June to October).  During the month of August, there might be rains and the weather is not too warm, with temperatures from 24 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Population and People:  Thailand has a population of over 62 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroad, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian, and most strongly, Chinese stock, have produced a degree of ethnic diversity. 

Head of State: H.R.H. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)

National Flag: The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.

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

Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travelers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.

Tap water: Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended

Weights & measures: The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed meters, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometers.
          

Internet Services: Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available almost everywhere throughout the country.

Telephone services: At present, all telephone numbers (for local calls and long distance calls within the country) have nine digits.

1. For Bangkok calls, 02 is added to the existing numbers i.e. 0 2694 1222.
2. For provincial calls, an area code also is added to the existing numbers.
3. For mobile phones, 081 or 084 or 087 or 089 is added to the existing numbers.
4. The international dialing code for Thailand is 66.
5. When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0.
6. When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001+country code+area code+telephone number
7. Direct assistance: 1133 (local), 100 (international)