| Facts at a Glance |
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Area
|
514,000 sq.km.
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Capital City
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Bangkok (Krung Thep in Thai)
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Population
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Approx. 61 Million
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Language
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Thai (official), English (business)
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Religion
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Buddhism
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Climate
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Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May
to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March);
Southern isthmus always hot and humid
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Local Time
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GMT +7
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Currency
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Thai baht
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Business Hours
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Monday-Friday; 9.30 am-3.30 pm (Banks),
9.00 am-5.00 pm (Businesses),
10.00 am-9.00 pm (Most department stores)
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Tipping
|
It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have
given good personal service. A 10%-15% tip is appreciated
in restaurants, particularly where service charge does not
apply.
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Nightlife
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Bangkok's colourful nightlife is generally safe, but avoid
seedy bars and live-show joints where drinks may turn out
to cost more than one thinks. The Thai Dinner with Classical
Dances is a popular evening tour. Large hotels usually offer
their own entertainment.
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Electricity supply
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220V, 50Hz
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Photography
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International film manufacturers operate photo-finishing
services with standard prints ready within an hour. Films
are available countrywide at reasonable prices.
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Tourist Information
|
Tourism Authority of Thailand's information centre at Tel:
(66-2) 694-1222 (80 lines), Fax: (66-2) 694-1220/1,
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