Location: Asia
Local Time: GMT+7
Capital City: Bangkok
Population: 67.04 million
Area: 514,000357,021 square km, 198,455 square miles.
Language(s): Thai, English widely spoken, Some Chinese
Dialling Code: 66
Emergency: Police: 191, 123, (1699 tourist police). Fire: 199. Ambulance: 252 2171/5 (Bangkok)
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Baht (THB 1 = 100 Satang)
Notes: THB: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000
Coins: THB: 1, 5, 10. Satang: 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0930-1530 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1700 Mon-Fri, 0830-1200 & 1300-1630 Mon-Fri (Government offices)
Shops: 1000-2100 Mon-Sun, 1000-2000/2200 (department stores)
Public Holidays
2012
* The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates.
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally. Some business executives, both men and women, shake hands on meeting and taking leave. The business community generally speaks English. One should not touch the head of persons, not even that of children and soles of the feet must not be shown when sitting. Footwear should be removed before entering a chapel of a Buddhist temple, also private homes. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants and clubs, punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants where no service charge is included. It is customary to tip porters & hotel personnel
