Thailand , an overview
The Kingdom of Thailand , located as it is in the very heart of South East Asia is seen as the gateway to Indochina , Burma ( Myanmar ) and Southern China . Thailand is a leading partner in the region's trade and politics, often providing a vital link between neighbouring South-East Asia nations.

Geography
Covering a geographical area of 514,000 sq km (about the size of France ), Thailand stretches 1,640 km from north to south and 800 km from east to west at its widest point. Borders are shared with Malaysia to the south, Burma ( Myanmar ) to the west, Laos to the north and north – east, and Cambodia to the east.
There are four main geographical regions: the mountainous north where teak and a range of temperate crops are produced; the semiarid north east plateau region where minerals are mined, cash crops such as jute and maize are grown and dry rice cultivation is practiced. The flat, fertile central region which has long attracted settlers and is one of the world's most fertile rice growing areas; the southern peninsula with its backbone of mountain ranges interspersed with fertile plains, important for its fishing industry, high – grade tin, rubber, rice, and palm oil production.

Province
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces which are gathered into 5 groups of provinces by location. There are also 2 special governed districts: the capital Bangkok and Pattaya.



Bangkok , the metropolis
The city of Bangkok is Thailand 's political, commercial, industrial and cultural capital, situated near the mouth of renowned Chao Phraya River . Bangkok was known as the Venice of the east, with the city crossed by canals (Khlongs) along which the life of the people was conducted. Present day Bangkok has an impressive infra structure of motorways, a subway and its acclaimed sky train. But it still retains a uniqueness as brightly coloured signature Tuk Tuks carry locals and tourists alike around this most vibrant of city's. Although a bustling metropolis this is still a city with time for fun (sanuk), time for smiles, time for the tinkling of temple bells to remind one of the spirituality. And of course there is always Thai food, which has been recognized as one of the top five cuisines in the world and can be enjoyed in the air-conditioned comfort of world class restaurants or as a snack at one of the city's famed pavement food stalls.

Government and Administration
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy in which the King is recognized a Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist Religion and Upholder of all Religions. The King exercise his legislative power through the Council of Ministers and his judicial power through the Courts of Law. Government is centralized in Bangkok and a National Assembly is elected by the people. In early 2000 an election by ballot was held to appoint an upper house, the Senate for a term of six years. The Senate was previously appointed by the King. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 76 provinces(changwat), that are further divided into districts(amphoe),sub-districts(tambon) and villages(baan or bang) with in Bangkok , districts are called khet and sub-districts are called khwaeng. Housing estates are called moo baan through out the country. The red, white, blue stripes of the national flag symbolize the Nation, Buddhism and the Monarchy respectively. There are two national anthems. The Royal Anthem is played when the King of Queen is actually or symbolically present and at cinemas before the movie is screened. The National Anthem is played daily at 08.00 a.m. and 06.00 p.m. , on television and radio, on civil occasions and in some public places.

Climate
The most dependable features of Thailand 's climate are its heat and humidity. It is possible to distinguish three seasons in Bangkok: the hot-dry season – February to May, average day temperature 34°c and 75% humidity; the wet (monsoon) season – June to October, average day time temperature 29°c and 87% humidity; the cool season – November to January, temperatures range from 32°c to below 20°c with a drop in humidity. The monsoon season in Thailand does not involve months of continual rain, but is best described as being unpredictable, with heavy showers and frequent thunderstorms.

Population
Thailand 's population is estimated to be approximately 65million of which about 11 to 12 million live in Bangkok .
Language
The official language is Thai, but many people in the major cities speak some English this is emerging as an accepted second language.


Religion
Buddhism is the most common religion followed by Islam and Christianity, but all faiths are welcomed equally as Thailand 's renowned spirit of tolerance is famous the world over. It is appropriate therefore the word “Thai” is derived from the word “Tai” meaning “Freedom”.
Currency
The Thai unit of currency is the baht (approximately 1 USD = 35-40 Baht)

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


Time Zone
Thailand is a seven (7) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Electricity
The Standard voltage is 220 volts. Therefore, appropriate transformers must be used for 110 volts equipment. Flicker Free HMI lighting is widely available to suit most Photographers special camera speeds.


Business hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm . Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays. Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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

Airports in Thailand
Thailand has a number of commercial airports all over the country. There are 6 international airports in 6 major cities, namely

Bangkok

National Public Holidays
Thailand 's national public holidays are linked to religious or agricultural traditions and follow the lunar calendar, therefore the dates change each year.