Bangkok at Night

After sunset, and especially during the festive season, Bangkok offers some splendid views of its well lighted most important monuments and buildings.
The Royal Palace and Wat Phrakaew are visible at night all year round, while some of the other buildings are only lighted for about a month starting in early december up untill New Year.

Besides the monuments, which are further described on the 'daylight' pages, we also have included some pictures of Khao San Road at night. It is highly recommended you include this street, close to Sanaam Luang (and the Royal Palace) into your evening stroll. You can have a quiet drink (cheaper than at most places) or meal, and observe the crowd of young people around, giving the place a lively and pleasant atmosphere.

http://www.thaitravel.info

vimanmek Mansion - Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (Dusit Palace grounds)

Wimanmek Mansion was built in 1900 under the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). King Rama V moved from the Grand Palace and stayed at Wimanmek Mansion till 1906. The mansion was not uninhabited for long periods during the ensuing years. However, in 1982 it was renovated for use as a museum to commemorate King Rama V. Wimanmek Mansion is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion with an architectural style reflecting Western influence. It houses photographs, personal art and handicrafts of King Rama V area.
Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (1903) is a one-storey building and served as a throne hall for the Dusit Palace. The wooden building is decorated with intricate floral designs.
The Dusit Palace garden grounds contain many more renovated buildings and various museums. The compound is large, and the environment makes for pleasurable walks.
Exhibits include : Photography by King Bhumibol (Rama IX), Ancient Clocks, Antique Textiles, Ban Chiang Pottery, Royal Paraphernalia.
Direction : Take BTS to Victory Monument. From there you take various buses to Wimanmek Mansion and Dusit Palace ground.

Customs Regulations

Coming into Thailand:
Customs Regulations in Thailand are strict and enforced. Those in violation of regulations are subject to fines, and in extreme cases, imprisonment. Here is a brief synopsis of regulations as they stand:

Duty-Free Items:
You are entitled to bring no more than 200 cigarettes or cigars into the country without paying duty. In addition, tobacco up to a weight not exceeding 250 grams is duty exempt. One litre of wine or spirits may be brought into the country on a duty free basis, and you are entitled to bring in a ‘stills’ or ‘movie’ camera, five rolls of still film or three rolls of 8 to 16mm movie camera film for personal use.

Prohibited items:
All manner of narcotics (hemp, marijuana, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin) and other drugs (amphetamine, LSD, ‘Ecstasy’) are considered banned substances, whether they have been prescribed by a doctor or not. Obscene literature and pornographic pictures will not be allowed into Thailand. In general, no firearms or ammunition can be brought into the country except in cases where a permit has been received from the Police Department of the Local Registration Office.

Personal effects:
Clothing for personal use, toiletries and music instruments for personal or professional use are all exempt of duty.

Household items:
An owner relocating to Thailand will not be charged duty on household items brought into the country.

Plants and animals:
Given the regularly changing conditions regarding bringing plants and animals into Thailand, you should check on current regulations first before bringing either into the country.

Contact:
The Agricultural Regulatory Division
Bangkhen
Bangkok
Tel: 0-2579-1581, 0-2579-3576.

If entering Thailand by sea, make enquiries about bringing animals into the county by contacting:

The Department of Livestock Development
Bangkok
Tel: 0-2251-5136, 0-2252-6944

Vaccination certificates are required for all animals entering Thailand.
For further information or queries contact the website of the Customs Department of the Kingdom of Thailand.

http://www.discoverythailand.com

Thai Embassies

The following is a list of Thai Embassies and their contact details around the world:

Australia
Royal Thai Embassy
111 Empire Circuit
YARRALUMLA ACT 2600
Tel (02) 6273-1149, 6273-2937
Fax (02) 6273-1618
http://www.thai-embassy.org.au/

Austria
Royal Thai Embassy
Cottaggasse 48, A-1180 Vienna
Tel. (43-1) 478-3335
Fax. (43-1) 478-2907,479-0588
Email : thaibxl@thaiembassy.be
http://www.thaiembassy.be/portal/

Bangladesh
Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka
House No.14, Road
No.11 Baridhara, Dhaka 1212
Tel. (88-02) 881-2795-6, 881-3260-1
Fax. (88-02) 885-4280
E-mail : thaidac@mfa.go.th
http://www.thaidac.com/

Belgium
Royal Thai Embassy
Mission of Thailand to the European Communities:
2 Square du Val de la Cambre, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel. (32-2) 640.68.10, Fax. (32-2) 648.30.66
E-mail : thaibxl@pophost.eunet.be
http://www.thaiembassy.be/portal/

Brazil
Royal Thai Embassy
SEN - Av. Das Nacoes - Lote 10
Brasilia-DF, - CEP. 70433-900
Brasilia
Tel. (55-61) 224-6089, 224-6849, 224-6943
Fax. (55-61) 321-2994, 223-7502
Email. thaiemb@linkexpress.com.br
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1298.php?depid=184

Canada
Royal Thai Embassy
Ottawa, Canada
180 Island Park Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y OA2
Tel : (613) 722-4444
Fax : (613) 722-6624
thaiott@magma.ca
http://www.magma.ca/~thaiott/mainpage.htm

China
Royal Thai Embassy
40 Guang Hua Lu, Bejing
Tel. (10) 65321749
Fax (10) 65321748
Email: thaibej@eastnet.com.cn
http://203.150.20.1/rtebej/

China (Hong Kong)
Royal Thai Consulate-General
Fairmont House, 8th floor
8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central
Hong Kong
Tel: (552)2521648-5
Fax: (552)25218629
Email: thaicghk@thai-consulate.org.hk
http://www.thai-consulate.org.hk/2About_Royal_Thai_Consulate-General_HK.htm

China (Shanghai)
7 Zhongshan Rd., East 1, Shanghai 200002,
People's Republic of China.
Telephone:(8621) 6323-4095, (86 21) 6321-9371 and (86 21) 6321-9406
Fax: (86 21) 6323-4140.
Email: http://www.thaishanghai.com/

Germany
Royal Thai Embassy
Lepsiusstrasse 64/66,
12163 Berlin
Tel. (+49 30) 79 48 10
Fax. (+49 30) 79 48 15 11
Email. general@thaiembassy.de
http://www.thaiembassy.de/

Germany
Royal Thai Consulate-General
Kennedyallee 109,
60596 Frankfurt am Main
GERMANY
Tel. (49) (69) 69 86 82 05
Fax. (49) (69) 69 86 82 28
Email. thaifra@mfa.go.th
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1981.php?depid=201

India
Royal Thai Embassy
56N Nyaya Marg Chanakyapuri
New Delhi, India.
Telephone: (91-11) 26118103, 26118104
Fax: (91-11) 26872029
http://www.thaiemb.org.in/

Iraq
Royal Thai Embassy
P.O. Box. 6062
Al-Mansour, 12605 BAGHDAD, Iraq.
Tel : (9641) 541-7541, 543-0843
Royal Thai Embassy (temporary office in Amman)
No. 33, Al - Hashemeen Street,
Abdoun - Dirghebar, AMMAN.
P.O. BOX. 144329, AMMAN 11814, JORDAN.
Tel : (9626) 592-3300 , 592-1694
Fax : (9626) 592-3311
Email. thaibgw@mfa.go.th , thaibgw@batelco.jo
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1314.php?depid=209

Cambodia
Royal Thai Embassy
No.196 Preah Norodom Boulevard,
Sangkat Tonle Bassac,
Khan Chamcar Mon,
Phnom Penh
Tel. (855) 023 726 306 - 10 (Auto Line)
Fax. (66) 0-2575-0509
(855) 023 726 303
Email. thaipnp@mfa.go.th,thaipnp@mail.camshin.net
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1300.php?depid=186

Chile
Royal Thai Embassy
Av. Americo Vespucio Sur 100, Piso 15
Las Condes, Santiago
Tel. (56-2) 263-0710
Fax. (56-2) 263-0803
Email. thaichil@ctcreuna.cl
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1302.php?depid=189

Nairobi(Kenya)
Royal Thai Embassy
Rose Avenue,
off Denis Pritt Rd,
P.O. Box 58349
Nairobi
Tel. (254-2) 715243, 715800, 715796, 714276
Fax. (254-2) 715801, 715802
Email. thainbi@form-net.com
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1317.php?depid=215

Iran
Royal Thai Embassy
No.4,Esteghlal Alley,Baharestan St.,
Tel: +98-21-7531433 & +98-21-7537708
Working hours : 8:30' to 16:00
Working Days : Sunday through Thursday
info@thaiembassy-tehran.org
http://www.thaiembassy-tehran.org/index.htm

Israel(Tel Aviv)
Royal Thai Embassy
21 Shaul Hamelech Blvd.
Tel Aviv 64367
Tel. (972-3) 695-8980, 695-8984
Fax. (972-3) 695-8991
Email. thaisr@netvision.co.il,kasivat@hotmail.com
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1315.php?depid=210

Japan
Royal Thai Embassy
3-14-6, Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021
Consular Section Tel: (03) 3441-1386
Visa # 263 Passport #233
Fax: (03) 3441-2597
Other Sections Tel: (03) 3447-2247
Fax: (03) 3442-6750, 3442-6828
http://www.thaiembassy.jp/index/e-index/e-index.htm

Korea
Royal Thai Embassy Consular Section
653-7 Hannam-dong,
Yongsan-kuSeoul 140-210
Tel. (02) 7953098, 7950095
Fax. (02) 7983448
e-mail: rteseoul@kornet.net
http://www.thaiembassy.or.kr/eng.htm

New Zealand
Thai Royal Embassy
2 Cook Street
Karori, Wellington
New Zealand
P.O. Box 17-226, Karori
Wellington New Zealand
Tel: (64-4) 476-8616 – 9
Email: thaiembassynz@xtra.co.nz
http://www.thaiembassynz.org.nz/

Pakistan
Royal Thai Embassy
House No. 23, Street 25,
F-8/2 Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel (051)2280909,2280586
Fax (051)2256730
http://www.thaiisb.org/

Pakistan
Royal Thai Consulate-General
23/A/II Main Khayaban-e-Shansheer
Phase-V, Defence Housing Authority,
Karachi
Tel. (92-21) 587-4417, 583-0706
Fax. (92-21) 587-4555
Email. thaicon@go4b.net
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1805.php?depid=232

Switzerland
Royal Thai Embassy
Kirchstrasse 56,
3097 Liebefeld-Berne
Tel. (41-31) 970-3030-34, 9703038-39
Fax. (41-31) 970-3035
Email. thai.bern@bluewin.ch
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1342.php?depid=246

Saudi Arabia
Royal Thai Consulate General
Jeddah
2 Safwan Ibn Wahb Street 29
Behind Jeddah Dome, off Palestine Street,
Sharafia District.
P.O.Box 2224, Jeddah 21451,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel. (966 2) 665-5317, 283-1078
Fax. (966 2) 665-5318
E-mail: thaicongen@sps.net.sa
http://203.150.20.1/rtcjed/

Sri Lanka
Royal Thai Embassy
9th Floor, Green lanka Towers,
46/46 Nawam Mawatha,
Colombo 2 Sri Lanka
Tel. (9411) 230-2500-3, 230-4514, 230-2482
Mobile (882)167000507
Fax. (9411) 230-4511-2
Email. thaicmb@sltnet.lk
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1340.php?depid=244

Sweden
Royal Thai Embassy Royal Thai Consulate (Gothenburg)
Floragatan 3, NCC Huset
100 40 Stockholm Gullbergs Strandgata 2
405 14 Göteborg,
Tel. +46(0)8 7917340
Fax: +46(0)8 7917351 Tel. +46 (31) 7715004
Fax: +46 (31) 31153240
E-mail : thaiduto@algonet.se
http://www.thaiembassy.se/

Taiwan
Thailand Trade and Economic Office
No. 168, 12th Floor, Sung Chiang Road,
Chungshan District, Taipei 104
Tel. (88-62) 2581-1979
Executive Director Tel. (88-62) 2581-9379
Fax. (88-62) 2581-8707
Fax.OC (88-62) 2581-7384
Email. tteo@ms22.hinet.net
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1157.php?depid=195

United Kingdom
Royal Thai Embassy
29-30 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JB.
Tel: 020 7589 2944
Fax: 0207 823 9695
Consular Section:
Tel: 020 7589 2944
http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/thaiembassy.html

United States of America
The Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, DC
1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 401
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel : (202) 944-3600
Fax : (202) 944-3611
E-mail : thai.wsn@thaiembdc.org
http://www.thaiembdc.org

United States of America
Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chicago
700 North Rush Street,
Chicago, IL 60611-2504
Telephone: (1-312) 664-3129
Facsimile: (1-312) 664-3230
E-mail: thaichicago@ameritech.net
http://www.thaichicago.net/

United States of America
Royal Thai Consulate General
611 N. Larchmont Blvd., 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90004 USA
Telephone: (323) 962-9574 through 962-9577
Fax: (323) 962-2128
E-Mail: thai-la@mindspring.com
http://www.thai-la.net

United States of America
Royal Thai Consulate-General
351 East 52nd Street
New York, NY. 10022
Tel: (212) 754-1770, (212) 754-1896
Fax: (212) 754-1907
Email:info@thaiconsulnewyork.com
http://www.thaiconsulnewyork.com/

Vietnam
Royal Thai Consulate-General
77 Tran Quoc Thao Street District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel. (848) 932-7637-8
Fax. (848) 932-6002
Email. thaconho@hcm.vnn.vn
http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1488.php?depid=258

Best Time to Visit

Where? When?

Wherever you travel in the world, it is important to get the timing right. Not knowing about a country’s seasons and possible weather conditions can turn your holiday into a nightmare. Likewise, gathering some basic details about what to expect will help you make the right decisions about where and when to go.

As far as Thailand is concerned, the best time of year for a visit is between November and February. Generally, the weather is cooler during this period and there is certainly less rain than at other times in the year. However, Thailand is a big country with a diverse landscape. There is somewhere to visit whatever time of the year you visit the kingdom.

Thailand’s Seasons

Thailand’s seasons are reasonably uniform through the country, but there are some regional differences. What follows is a summary of the seasons as they impact the kingdom’s various regions:

Central Thailand and the East

In central Thailand and the eastern provinces, the really hot summer weather starts around March and goes on to around November. During this time extreme temperatures can go up to the 45 degrees centigrade mark. The winter months are November to February. There may really be only a few days of genuinely cold weather during these months, but the period leading up to the New Year are a welcome respite from the heat throughout the rest of the year. Aside from these days, visitors from Europe still may feel the temperatures as being a bit warm during Thailand’s winter, although not uncomfortably so. The rainy season kicks in around the end of May and goes on until October. The rain is frequent and sometimes fierce. Usually though rainstorms go on for around 30 minutes or so, and after a storm the weather is significantly cooler.

Northern Thailand and the Northeast

Northern Thailand and the Northeast have the same basic seasons as those in the central and eastern regions. The winters are though significantly cooler. Mountainous regions can get particularly cold, on some occasions down to 0 degrees centigrade. In these parts of Thailand’s winter starts in November and goes on to January. Without doubt these are the best months for a visit to the North and Northeast – flowers are in bloom, it is dry and cool, and in the mountains mists and fogs often form making what is already wonderful scenery exquisite.

Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand’s seasons are less distinct and really there are only two proper seasons - summer and the rainy season. The Gulf of Thailand lies to the east of the Thai peninsula while the Andaman Sea lies to the west. Visiting areas west of the peninsula (Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi) is best done between November and April to avoid the monsoons that occur during other months – monsoons obviously make visiting islands by boat difficult and sometimes dangerous. Clearly they are best to be avoided. Areas east of the peninsula (Koh Samui, Hat Yai) are best visited between May and October. If you are planning to visit both sides of the coast during your stay in Thailand, March to April would be the best months.
http://www.discoverythailand.com

Info Thailand

An overview

Thailand… as rich in geographic diversity as it is rich in history and culture. There are few places on earth that offer the visitor so much… jungles and mountains, rivers and countryside, islands and beaches, temples and palaces, cities and technology… Thailand has everything a visitor could ask for - and substantially more besides. But most tourists and potential visitors would know these fundamental facts – but what about the REAL Thailand? What does the first time visitor know about Thailand? Here are some details…

Thailand was for centuries known as ‘Siam’, the official title changing to ‘Muang Thai’ (‘home of the free’) in 1939. The country is located in Southeast Asia and borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. It has a population of nearly 65 million in a country roughly the same size as France and has 3,219 kilometres of coastline.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a long democratic tradition – political parties and elections. The current monarch is his majesty of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej – the world’s longest reigning monarch. He is revered within Thailand and thoroughly respected throughout the world. His solid guidance has seen his kingdom through some of the country’s more tumultuous episodes.

Thailand is a modern country with a thriving economy. Exports include computers, office machine parts, transistors, rubber, motor vehicles, plastic, seafood and rice. Annual exports total around $75.99 billion. Although Thailand is recognized globally as a tourist destination, tourism accounts for only 3.6% of GDP.

95% of Thais are Buddhist with a smaller Muslim minority (3.8%) predominantly living in Thailand’s southern regions. Aside from this Thailand has a small number of Christians (0.5%) and a few Hindus (0.1%). Thailand prides itself on religious freedom and newer religions (Jehovah’s Witness, etc.) are emerging.

Situated in the northern hemisphere but in the tropics, Thailand is a tropical country with often hot and rainy weather and annual monsoons. Thailand has a range of geographic regions - mountainous, plains and plateaus, as well as a number of beach areas.
http://www.discoverythailand.com

Dos and Don'ts in Thailand

One of the main reasons people travel is to explore other cultures and establish how other countries and cultures do things. It is then quite remarkable then to see people wandering around the kingdom imposing their cultural approach on the situations and events they encounter. Often these leads to confusion, worse, it sometimes leads to ugly scenes that are entirely avoidable with a modicum on insight on how things are done in Thailand. What follows then is a list of Dos and Don’ts for when you are in the kingdom:

The Monarchy

The monarchy is revered by all Thais and people will simply will not tolerate any lack respect towards any members of the royal family – past or present. If you come from a culture like that in the United Kingdom, where royals are often in the news and are sometimes subject to criticism, be especially careful. Criticism of the king and royal family is not just frowned upon in Thailand; it is against the law – a punishable offence that is taken very seriously. As an example to underscore the importance of this issue, in 2002 two journalists from the Far Eastern Economic Review published a short article about the relationship between, Thaksin Shinawatra, the country’s prime minister, and King Bumibol Adulyadej. As a result of the article, the journalists were threatened with expulsion for contravening Thailand’s tough lèse majesté laws.

Religion

Thailand’s national religion is Buddhism (although there are significant numbers of Muslims and a minority group of Christians) and it is very important to be respectful as far as the religion is concerned. Always dress ‘politely’ when entering a temple or religious shrine. As you are on holiday in a hot country, your perspective of polite dress might be coloured by the situation you are in. However, shorts, bikinis, tops that show your bare arms, skirts that show your legs, open-toed sandals and generally dirty or unkempt attire is considered inappropriate. In some of the larger temples like Wat Prakeaw guards will actually forbid you from entering if you are dressed inappropriately, and you may have to hire sarongs and strips of material to cover yourself up before being permitted to enter. At the smaller temples you are own your own – do the right thing!

Buddha Images

Buddha images are sacred, whatever size or condition. Never climb on a Buddha image, and be very careful about taking photos – some images are so sacred photographs are forbidden. Abide by this rule or you may even be asked to leave. If you can’t cross your legs, don’t sit on the floor in front of temple’s Buddha image – in doing so you will point your feet at the Buddha which is an act of sacrilege (see Feet below). The 2004 film ‘Hollywood Buddha’ caused an uproar in Thailand and other Buddhist countries in the region when advertising posters for the film showed a central character sitting on the head of a Buddha image. Their reaction was most un-Thai like. Be warned.

Monks

Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch or be touched by a woman or accept anything a woman might offer. If a woman wants to give something to a monk it must first be given to a man, or put on a piece of cloth. The monk will then drag the cloth to him before picking the item up. Likewise a monk will not shake a man’s hand – that type of contact is forbidden. Monks travel on public transport and require the same respect there as they would receive at the temple. If a bus or train, etc. is crowded and a monk is likely to come into contact with people, do not hesitate to give the monk your seat. Often special seats are allocated for monks only – don’t sit in them!

Shoes

Do not wear shoes inside a temple where Buddha images are kept. Take your shoes off before entering someone’s home.

Greetings

Thais do not shake hands; they ‘wai’ – a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face a bowing a little. Generally, you should not wai to a child and a younger person should wai an older person first. However, these rules are possibly a little more flexible as far as a foreigner is concerned, the Thais you wai will generally very much appreciate you delving into the local custom and practice.

The Head

Whereas in the west a friendly pat on the head, especially the head of someone a bit younger than you, will be regarded as a friendly and supportive gesture, in Thailand any gesture towards the head will cause Thais to recoil and will be greeted with shock and possibly annoyance. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body – the temple of the body as it were. As such touching someone’s head is entirely unacceptable.

The Feet

Whereas the head is the highest point of the body, the feet are the lowest. Do not point at things with your feet, and do not point the palms of your feet at anyone (see Buddha Images above).

Shouting and Shows of Annoyance

In Thailand shouting and shows of annoyance are entirely frowned upon, whatever the situation. There may be times when you face frustrations, do so quietly a calmly. Shouting and showing annoyance are signs of lack of discipline and in doing either you are in fact showing yourself up. This might lead to the Thai you are talking to trying to help you ‘save face’ by smiling and possibly even laughing to defuse the situation. For westerners in particular, there could probably not be a less appropriate reaction and often it serves to exasperate a situation. The results are often explosive. Rather than deal with the subtle intricacies of this aspect of culture, simply do not get angry – things will work themselves out much better if you can avoid it.

Drugs

Thailand takes drugs very seriously and is trying to eradicate unlawful drugs entirely. Don’t either partake or trade in illegal substances. Clubs and places of entertainment are sometimes raided and people made to put forward urine samples. If you test positive, penalties will be harsh. Trading in drugs will lead to the death penalty or likely decades in prison.

General

Kissing, cuddling and similar behaviour are frowned upon if in public – especially amongst older Thais. Younger Thais are unlikely to be as shocked, but to avoid their possible discomfort, avoid the behaviour.

Thais are generally shy people and few are likely to walk up to you and engage in conversation. If this happens, and the conversation moves towards the purchase of gems, gold, jewellery or other such items, beware. Every year people get caught up in purchases of items at entirely inflated prices that have little or no value because they are told they can sell these items at a profit in their home countries. Remember you are here on holiday – not here to make a fast buck. If something seems too good to be true – it is.

Smoking in the street is illegal – you can be fined 2,000 Baht.

Dropping litter in the street is illegal – the same fine applies.

Do not engage in purchase of wild animals whether protected or not. Aside from the moral issues, punishments are very harsh.

http://www.discoverythailand.com/

Culture of Thailand

Culture of Thailand
The Culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Other influences have included Hinduism, conflict and trade with Southeast Asian neighbors such as Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, and repeated influxes of Chinese immigrants.

Arts
Thai visual art was traditionally primarily Buddhist. Thai Buddha images from different periods have a number of distinctive styles. Contemporary Thai art often combines traditional Thai elements with modern
Literature in Thailand is heavily influenced by Indian culture. The most notable works of Thai literature are a version of the Ramayana called the Ramakien, written in part by Kings Rama I and Rama II, and the poetry of Sunthorn Phu.
There is no tradition of spoken drama in Thailand, the role instead being filled by Thai dance. This is divided into three categories- khon, lakhon and likay- khon being the most elaborate and likay the most populist. Nang drama, a form of shadow play, is found in the south.
The music of Thailand includes classical and folk music traditions as well as string or pop music.

Religion

Thailand is nearly 95% Theravada Buddhist, with minorities of Muslims (4.6%), Christians (0.7%), Mahayana Buddhists, and other religions. Thai Theravada Buddhism supported and overseen by the government, with monks receiving a number of government benefits, such as free use of the public transportation infrastructure. The Thai Sangha is divided into two main orders, the Thammayut Nikaya and the Maha Nikaya, and headed by the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, currently Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana Mahathera. A recent reformist group, Santi Asoke, is forbidden to describe itself as Buddhist. Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs regarding ancestral and natural spirits, which have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology.

Prior to the rise of Theravada Buddhism, both Indian Brahmanic religion and Mahayana Buddhism were present in Thailand. Influences from both these traditions can still be seen in the present day. Brahmanist shrines play an important role in Thai folk religion, and the Mahayana Buddhist influence is reflected in the presence of figures like Lokesvara, a form of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara sometimes incorporated into Thailand's iconography.

Nicknames

Thais universally have one, or ocaisionally more, short nicknames (Thai: ชึ่อเล่น play-name) that they use with friends and family. Often first given by friends or an older family member, these nicknames are typically one syllable (or worn down from two syllables to one). Though they may be simply shortened versions of a full name, they quite frequently have no relation to the Thai’s full name and are often humorous and/or nonsense words. Some common nicknames (the non-nonsense ones, anyway) would translate into English as fatty, pig, little one, frog, banana, green, or girl/boy. Though rare, sometimes Thai children are given nicknames after the order they were born into the family (i.e. one, two, three, etc.). Nicknames are useful because official Thai names are often long, particularly among Thais of Chinese descent, whose lengthy names stem from an attempt to translate Chinese names into Thai equivalents, or among Thais with similarly lengthy Sanskrit derived names.
From Wikipedia

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha ( Wat Pho )

Wat Pho (or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is known locally) is famed for the massive ‘Reclining Buddha’ it houses. At 46 meters long and 15 meters high, this gold-plated Buddha image depicts the Buddha’s passing into Nirvana. It’s highly ornate and a genuine spectacle – genuinely worth seeing. The Buddha image’s eyes and feet are decorated with mother-of-pearl and carvings in the feet depict the ‘108’ characteristics of Buddha.

Wat Pho has considerable historical significance. Covering an area of around 20 acres, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and built two centuries before Bangkok became the capital, it is also the oldest. The Wat was rebuilt by King Rama I when Bangkok became the country’s capital. The temple is also regarded as being Thailand’s first university, being the first institution to provide education to the public.

One of the biggest attractions of Wat Pho is the fact it is a centre of Thai traditional medicine, particularly, traditional Thai massage. It is possible to receive a rejuvenating massage here – a regular massage costs 250 Baht an hour, and a massage where herbal medicines and hot compresses are applied to the body costs 350 Baht an hour. However, with the current interest in ‘holistic’ medicines and practice, many people study Thai traditional massage at Wat Pho. A 30-hour course over a 10 to 15-day period costs in the region of 4,500 Baht.

Admission is 20 Baht and the temple is open from 08:00 to 17:00 (but closed for one hour from 12.00 to 13.00). For history buffs, it is possible to hire the services of a certified guide for 150 Baht per person (discounts are available for groups) which can be booked at the temple entrance.http://www.watpho.com/

Hua Hin

Hua Hin Beach is the focal point of Hua Hin – Thailand’s first beach resort. Although it has a beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water, Hua Hin is not as famous as resort towns like Pattaya and is still a bit off the beaten track as far as foreign tourists are concerned. As a result the beach is generally not so crowded, except at weekends when locals from Bangkok make the 190 kilometer journey to descend on the area. It is though increasingly the destination of choice for foreign visitors interested in water sports. The beach is about six kilometers long and features a particularly good sunrise, and nice sunsets. Dotted along the beach are some great restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood. The beach does though cater for a growing expatriate community and the area hosts an increasing number of foreign restaurants and bars.

Details: Between March and August the water doesn’t come up the beach as far as it does at other times in the year and there are a greater number of beach-based activities (such as horse riding) available. During the rainy season there are quite a few jelly fish and this can lead to a slightly stinging sensation while you are in the water. Avoid jelly fish at all costs! All year round water sports such as jet skiing are readily available.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is the focal point of Koh Chang National Marine Park. Until recently Koh Chang and the park were well kept secrets, even from local Thais. They received very few visitors and as a result there was little development. This is quite remarkable given its close proximity to Bangkok – only 330 kilometres direct. Over the last couple of years though their have been plans to develop Koh Chang into an upscale resort and as a result there has been an increase in the amount of building that has taken place on the island.

Koh Chang is the largest of the 52 islands in Koh Chang National Marine Park and the second-largest island in Thailand. Most of the island is rainforest and it features a range of hills, the highest (Khao Jom Prasat) nearly 800 metres high. The result is a very dramatic landscape that acts as a backdrop for some excellent bays and beaches including Ao Klong, Hat Sai Khao and Ao Khlong Prao. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkelling and diving. The best time to dive here is between November and April and the south of the island offers the best visibility. For more advanced divers there is a Thai warship that was sunk by the French in 1941. A number of excellent diving centres offering courses and guides are available on the island. Kayaking and sail boarding are also available on the island.

The island is also a great place for hikes, and it is possible to walk from one side of the island to the other (although it’s not advisable without a guide). Elephant rides into the jungle are also popular. Elephants based at Ban Khlong Son Elephant Camp can be hired for 900 baht for one and a half hours. The more usual attractions like Buddhist temples are also available on the island.

PP Islands

Hadnopparattara-Koh Phi Phi National Park is almost entirely dominated by the two Islands collectively known as ‘Koh Phi Phi’ - Koh Phi Phi Don (the larger of the two islands) and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Situated about 50 kilometres southeast of Phuket the islands are regarded by many as being the most attractive in the kingdom, if not the world.

The islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by National Park status. Once only a destination of day trippers, the islands are now some of the most popular destinations along Thailand’s Andaman coast, and during the tourism high season of December to March they can become extremely crowded. Because of its clear waters the area has become a destination of choice for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts keen to experience the areas splendid corals and marine life that includes sharks.

Koh Phi Phi Don
Koh Phi Phi Don features two bays – Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam - both with long attractive beaches. Ao Ton Sai is where most accommodation can be found and the area offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants. This is probably the most developed part of the island. Hat Yao is likely the island’s best beach and the waters contain the island’s best coral. Hat Ranti beach and Ao Lo Bakao bay are also areas worthy of note, the latter offering a number of upscale resorts. Electricity and water supplies on the island don’t properly meet demand, so bear this in mind when planning a trip – on certain days you might not have a regular supply of either! Tonsai - the island’s main town – is like the main towns of many other islands. A myriad of travel agencies, internet establishments, restaurants and shops, it is here you can book various tours to sites in the vicinity and also arrange your hiking and diving. There are over 20 ‘dive shops’ on Koh Phi Phi Don and they arrange some of the best diving in the world. Popular destinations are some of the smaller uninhabited islands around Koh Phi Phi such as Koh Ha, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai. For around 2,000 Baht it is possible to arrange a boat trip with two dives. Other activities on the island include rock climbing, canoeing and fishing. Rock climbing courses are available for around 5,000 Baht for a three day course. Canoes are available at many places on the island and a single canoe costs around 800 Baht a day to rent. For 2,000 Baht you can arrange boats to take you out to some of the best fishing areas, tackle included.

Koh Phi Phi Leh
Koh Phi Phi Leh features spectacular cliffs faces, some caves and a lake. The island is a major source for the ingredients of ‘bird’s next soup’. The bird’s nests are nestled high in the islands caves and due to their popularity (especially in Chinese cuisine) they can reach good prices and offer locals a reasonable income. However, getting the nests requires shimmying up bamboo poles and frames often to absurd heights. Collectors are rarely killed or hurt in falls and the activity is about as enthralling and exotic as they come! Although not as attractive as key areas on the island’s big brother, Ao Maya Bay and Lo Sama are its most attractive destinations, especially for snorkeling. These days Ao Maya Bay is of course a major draw. The spot where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed is now a ‘must do’ item in it’s own right. There is no accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Leh and you cannot stay overnight.

Pattaya

Pattaya Beach is at the centre of the half moon crescent that makes up the Pattaya coastline with Nakula Beach to the north and Jomtien Beach to the south. This part of Pattaya is famous (infamous?) for its nightlife. Very much a hedonist’s paradise, Pattaya Beach is littered with go-go bars and swamped with people employed in the sex industry; both genders (and some of nondescript gender!) and a variety of nationalities including Russians and others from former Eastern Bloc countries. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. In the last few years though there has been a drive to make Pattaya more appealing to families by restricting some of the less salubrious activities. This has been successful to an extent but the area still maintains its go-go, discos and nightclubs. By day the area is somewhat different – the water is packed with jet-skiers, water skiers, powerboats and the sky is full of parasails! It is also a centre for scuba divers. Although as a dive site it might not meet the excellence of other places in Thailand, Pattaya is convenient for Bangkok and those with limited time who want to experience diving might well benefit from taking a course at one of Pattaya’s numerous and inexpensive dive shops. Ko Lan, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Man Wichai, and Ko Rin are all in easy reach of Pattaya as is a major shipwreck where more advanced divers visit. Pattaya Beach itself has its appeal, but the numerous hawkers walking up and down the beach make it a difficult place to just sit and relax – you are offered everything from food to high technology with annoying regularity. There’s no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. Pattaya has its appeal, but perhaps it might not appeal to you or your situation.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of BangKohk, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.
Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated. At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall. There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.