The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

          The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

          Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

(+) view Thailand map online

Neighboring countries: 1) Myanmar - west and north, 2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast 3) Cambodia - southeast and 4) Malaysia - south.

Why Thailand ?

          Thailand as an ideal Tourist Destination Thailand is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world and certainly the biggest in Asia. In 2005, 13.38 million international guests visited Thailand, (a 14.84% increase over 2004), staying 8.1 days in average.

According to the Tourist Authority of Thailand, 65% of tourists come from the Asia Pacific region, Japanese and Malaysians among the leaders. Western tourists come from Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and the USA and increasing numbers arrive from the Middle East.

Since Tourism is one of the major industries of Thailand, due attention is given to ensure that the tourists get what they are here for. They get the maximum value for their money, comfort, luxury and a glimpse into the cosmopolitan lifestyle and trends. Thailand can accommodate all types of travelers including leisure travelers, business travelers, family travelers or even Medical Tourists.

Depending upon your purchasing power you can be a luxury traveler or a budget traveler and both the kinds are enjoyable in their own unique ways. You name it and the place has it all – food, drinks, hotels, resorts, spas, shopping marts, golf course, temples, museums, hospitals, beaches, islands, mountains, and what have you!

Tourist Visa

          A Tourist Visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter Thailand for the purpose of tourism. Although the tourist visa can allow an individual to stay up to 90 days in the kingdom of Thailand, the actual number which an individual can stay depends on the stamp made by the immigration officer at the time of entering Thailand.
Normally, one may expect about 30 days of staying permission for a tourist visa holder.

The applicants must submit the following relevant documents, depending on the purpose of their visit:

• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months
• Visa Application Form completely filled out
• Two recent photographs of the applicant (2 inches x 2 inches)
• Instrument of means of transportation (Confirmed plane ticket, paid in full)
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family)
• Chennai applicants in addition to the above mentioned documents have to carry self attested photocopy of application form and all other originals.

Learn more about Thailand's Visa and Travel Documents.
Download Application for Visa Form here.

Cities Guide

          Now firmly on the international tourist map, Thailand encourages visitors year round, with colourful festivals and events getting bigger and more fantastic every year. Weatherwise, there are a few seasonal variations which you might want to consider when planning your holiday.

	Bangkok           In the tropical heat, Bangkok can be alternately steamy, pleasant, very wet or dusty, according to the season. Weatherwise, the months from November to March are the best with warm, breezy days and blue skies to accompany your sightseeing. April, although Thailand's hottest month, has one of the best festivals on the Thai calendar - Songkran, with the streets of Bangkok providing a great insight into Thai culture and the Thai sense of "sanuk" or fun. Its also a good time for local sales. more info...
	Phuket            Phuket island - in the south of Thailand, has similar seasonal variations to Bangkok. November to February is the best time, hot but not humid, with cool breezes. It's also the most expensive with the Christmas period producing significant and often hidden surcharges on accommodation. The beaches are busy and nightlife vibrant. more info...
	Pattaya           Pattaya enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate, which is divided into the following seasons: warm and dry (November to February), hot and humid (March to May), and hot and rainy (June to October). The most comfortable time of year coincides with the peak tourist season, which is over the Christmas and New Year period. more info...
	Ko Samui           Located on the opposite coast in the south, the seasons are a little different. Basically when it's raining in ther during the European summer months June - September when it's busy. Accommodation is often difficult to find, especially in August, so book ahead if you plan on coming then. more info...
	Chiang mai           In the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai's mountain location, means cooler temperatures and even a sweater at night during the cool season. Best time to visit for comfortable temperatures - November - March. In April, Chiang Mai Songkran festival is probably the best in Thailand - lasting over a week. Lots of other festivals in this, the cultural centre of Thailand. more info...
	Phitsanulok           Phitsanulok is an important and historic city in lower northern Thailand, which stretches all the way to the Laotian border. Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. more info...

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Fast Facts

Kingdom of Thailand Capital: Bangkok Official languages: Thai Demonym: Thai Area: 513,115 km² (49th) 198,115 sq mi Currency: Baht (฿) (THB) Time zone: (UTC+7) Calling code: +66

Airports

Suvarnabhumi International Airport DonMuang International Airport Phuket International Airport Chiang Mai International Airport Hat Yai International Airport

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