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Thailand

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Airport
The statistics collected by the Airports Council International or ACI, has shown that among the world's 30 largest airports in 1983, Bangkok International Airport (BIA) was ranked the 51st with its 5.68 million passengers. After 13 years have passed, in 1996 number of passengers at BIA was up to 24.99 million, which resulted BIA's quantitative rank of passenger to become the 27th of the world and the world's 2nd rank for the growth rate of passengers.

Among the world's 50 largest airports, volume of cargo handling at BIA in 1991 was 403,087 tons being the 23rd of the world. Then in 1996 the volume of cargo increased to 703,077 tons, which resulted BIA to become the 22nd of the world and the 15th for the growth rate of cargo during such period.

For aircraft movements, in 1994 BIA had 160,178 flights being the 93rd rank of the world. In 1996, the number of flights increased to 181,249 then BIA became the 78th rank of the world .

Weather
Thailand has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: Hot from March to May, Rainy from June through October, and Cool from November till February. Average temperatures are around 27?C.

Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during cool season evenings or if visiting mountainous areas and remote national parks.

Customs
One liter of alcoholic beverage and 200 cigarettes, plus reasonable personal effects (such as one still camera, one movie or video camera, personal jewelry etc) may be brought in duty free and taken out on departure.

Narcotics, drugs, pornographic material and firearms are strictly prohibited. Unlimited foreign currency, traveler's checks, money orders etc may be brought into the country, but any amount over US$10,000 must be declared on entry. Amount taken out of the country may never exceed that declared upon entry.

Tipping
It is customary to tip hotel personnel who have given good personal service. A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is waived.

Health Regulations
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas.

Visas
Most nationalities do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward travel. Longer visits require a visa obtainable from Thai embassies and consulates. Tourists visas permit stays up to 90 days. For full details, contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

Business hours
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM with a noon to 1.00 PM lunch break, Monday through Friday, except on public holidays Private businesses maintain much the same hours -perhaps 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM with certain exceptions. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven day a week. There are also efficient business centers available if you are in business in Thailand for a few days.

Currency
The baht is divided into 100 satang. "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. Silver coins are in denominations of 1,2 and 5 baht. Banknotes are valued at 10 baht (brown), 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 bath (red). 500 baht (purple) and 1000 baht (khaki)
US dollar travelers check can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized moneychangers. Travelers checks in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail.
Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club and VISA are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.
Exchange facilities for cash and travelers' check are available in banks, hotels, and foreign exchange booths located in tourist's areas.

Electricity
The electric current is 200 volt AC 50 Hz, but many different plugs and sockets are in use. It is recommended you purchase dual voltage appliances and adapters.

Language
Natives speak a southern dialect of Thai. English is spoken in most shops and hotels. German and French-speaking tours are also available.

Emergencies
The tourist police offices (Tel 1699) are open 24 hours, and officers can speak English.

Transportation
Taxis
Hotel taxis have fixed tariffs. Taxis cruising the streets of Bangkok have meters.

Bus
Thailand has a very efficient and inexpensive bus system, and there are two main kinds of bus, ordinary and air-conditioned buses. Buses bound to northeastern provinces leave from Bangkok at the northeaster bus station.

Train
Thailand has an excellent, comfortable train service runs through much of the country. There are three categories of train (express, rapid and ordinary). Express and rapid trains offer second and first class compartments. A main railway station in Bangkok is at Hualamphong, for reservation and information office please contact (02) 233-7010. To travel to northeastern Thailand, there are two train branches; one goes up to Nong Khai and another goes up to Ubon Ratchathani.

Car Rental
There are several car rental companies, but the major car-rental companies are Hertz, Avis, and National.

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