About Thailand

Published June 18, 2011 | By Thai Lady

Thailand Pattaya International School

About Thailand

Article by RSM

GeneralWith a coastline spanning three,219 km, the Kingdom of Thailand (formerly recognized as Siam) geographically lies in South East Asia and shares borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It encompasses a land region of approximately 515,000 sq km roughly equating to the size of France and consists of 76 provinces, which are divided up into four primary zones: The North, The North East, Central and South.

Historical past Thailand is a country with wealthy traditions and a long background from a variety of influences from the east as properly as from the west. From the Kings of the early Sukhothai Period up to these days, Thailand has developed a distinct characteristic look to the outer planet.

Government Thailand has been an independent nation since 1238 AD and is proudly the only country in South East Asia that was in no way been colonised by a foreign power. Thailand’s government has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932 and authoritarian ruling bodies have maintained power all through most of the Thai political background.

From 1958 to 1971 the executive powers of the King were exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, his legislative powers by the National Assembly, and his judicial technique composed of the Courts of Initial Instance, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

Given that 1971, Thailand’s government has experienced several alterations. Even so, the Monarchy and the bureaucracy has remained, maintaining stability.

Monarchy The King of Thailand (His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej) is the world’s longest reigning monarch and is held with utmost respect by all Thais.

The year 2006 marked the King’s 60th year on the throne all through which he has tirelessly devoted six decades to initiating and implementing 1000′s of projects for enhancing and sustaining land advancement, irrigation, agriculture, healthcare and to the education and the properly-becoming of the Thai folks.

Although it might be widespread for several folks to openly criticise the Thai Government, it is regarded as an insult to criticise or disparage any members of the Thai Royal Family members.

People Thailand has a population of approximately 65 million and has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.six%. Although this might seem reduced, it represents a sharp boost from .9% in 1997 just before the start off of the Asian monetary crisis.

Language and Religion Thailand’s official language, Thai, is tonal and understood and utilized nationwide. English is also utilized and understood for business and international purposes. Additional regional dialects also exist, differing from north to south and east to west, all of which are members of the Thai half of the Thai-Kadai household of languages. The Thai script derives from the Indic ancient writing systems of Pali and Sanskrit and consists of 44 consonants and 32 vowels.

Buddhism plays a essential role in society and shapes each and every aspect of day-to-day life in Thailand. With approximately 27,000 temples all through the country, Buddhism has long since been recognised as the country’s most broadly practised religion by roughly 95% of the nation, significantly influencing both Thai society and culture. Islam also accounts for approximately four% and Christianity and other minority religions accounting for 1%.

Education The regular years of schooling in Thailand is six.five, with its literacy rate standing at 95.five%, one particular of the

highest in South East Asia, thanks to the high priority offered by the Government towards an elevated national budget becoming allocated to education.

There are many universities and colleges, the majority of which are based in Bangkok, offering degree courses, and scores of training colleges and vocational schools. Two of Bangkok’s universities, Thammasat and Chulalongkorn are regarded as to be amongst the Top rated 50 in Asia.

There has also been considerable development just lately in the internationally accredited and affiliated significant international schools due to the range of expatriates based in Thailand but also due to wealthier Thai households preferring their children to get a more global style of education.

Climate The majority of Thailand is quite humid, with humidity levels of among 66% and 82%, depending on the time of day and season. Winter (November to February) is fairly cool and dry with an regular temperature around 21º-24ºC. Summer (March to May possibly) is hot and humid with an regular temperature around 35º-40ºC. The monsoon season (June to October) is hot and rainy, with regular temperatures ranging around 24º-30ºC.

Time Thailand’s time zone is 7 hours ahead of GMT/UTC (London). Daylight saving is not followed.

Currency The national unit of currency is the Thai baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. Notes are issued in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht denominations, although coins consist of 25 and 50 satang and the more widespread 1, 2, five and ten baht coins. US Dollars might also be accepted in tourist locations or towards the borders of neighbouring nations. Credit cards are also broadly accepted nationwide in several shops and all significant department retailers. Exchange rate USD1.00 = THB34.00 (October 2007).

Organization Hrs Most organizations operate an eight hours day, five days a week, starting among eight.00am and 9.00am with a one particular-hour lunch break from noon. Banks are open Monday to Friday from eight.30am to three.30pm. Private shops do not have set business hours and in several cases remain open late.

Communication Thailand has an effective postal service and a present day telecommunications network, such as an international direct telephone service in operation 24 hours. International postage is also low-cost, reliable and effective.

Mobile telephone networks are also on the boost such as AIS, DTAC, Correct Move and Hutch. Prepaid sim cards for mobile phones can be purchased and utilized in any imported telephone and respective recharge cards are also reasonably priced and easy to locate.

The Government has approved additional expansion of the telecommunication networks to meet the anticipated additional development in the economy. Net cafes are several, particularly in locations with a high range of tourists, e.g. Phuket, Samui and Bangkok.

Thailand is more advanced in the cyber planet than the majority of South East Asia and with the popularity the high-speed Net rates continue to competitively drop each year.

Medical Facilities Medical facilities in Bangkok are comparable to those accessible in Western nations. Bangkok has three University investigation hospitals, 12 public and private hospitals and hundreds of medical clinics.

Transportation Entry by land, air, river or sea into Thailand is permitted at a variety of border crossing points from Malaysia: (Betong, Padang Besar, Sadao and Sungai Kolok), Myanmar: (Mae Sai, Mae Sot, Ranong and Three Pagodas Pass), Laos: (Chiang Kong, Chong Mek, Mukhdahan, Nakhon Phanom and Nongkhai) and Cambodia: (Hat Lek and Aranya Prathet).

The new Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand’s significant international airport and is the primary hub for all in and outbound air traffic in Thailand since September 2006. It serves more than 80 significant international airline carriers with direct flights to destinations all through both the Asia-Pacific area and globally.

The national carrier, Thai Airways International and the smaller domestic airline, Bangkok Airways, offer an extensive domestic schedule to all significant centres in Thailand. In addition, the reduced-expense airlines such as PB Air, Orient Thai Air, Phuket Airline, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia offer an extensive schedule to centres in Thailand and the ASEAN nations.

There are also extensive and standard rail backlinks and bus routes among Bangkok and all significant towns and cities all through Thailand and neighbouring nations.

In Bangkok, the properly serviced and standard 2 lines of the elevated-rail technique recognized as the Skytrain (BTS) and the single underground 18-station subway network (MRT) relieve folks of the traffic congestion, delivering day-to-day commuters air-conditioned comfort and speed.

Living Circumstances Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city, exactly where expatriates normally take pleasure in a high common of living. Supermarkets stock a range of imported food products in addition to regional generate, and a wide range of leisure activities are accessible such as soccer, rugby, tennis, cricket and in certain, golf.

Bangkok does have its frustrations nevertheless, specifically the traffic and pollution, nevertheless a range of resorts and scenic attractions such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Rayong, Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai National Park are within easy attain for weekend breaks outside the city.

Housing &amp AccommodationA wide range of accommodation is accessible, specifically in Bangkok, from fundamental, fairly reduced priced apartments to costly luxury condominiums and serviced apartments.

Most expatriate accommodation is situated in the Sukhumvit and Sathorn/Silom locations, which are close to retail and business centres. In several cases, employers of expatriates might also offer monetary help for accommodation.

Chambers of Commerce There are a range of active international Chambers of Commerce operating in Thailand, such as the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AUSCHAM), Belgian/Luxembourg, British Chamber of Commerce (BCCT), Canadian, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce, India-Thai, Italian, Japanese, Korean-Thai, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norwegian, Singapore-Thai, South African, Swedish.

These arrange a range of seminars and networking functions and the joint committee of the foreign chambers often lobbies the authorities on behalf of their members.

Clubs &amp Networking Events A range of clubs offer good social and networking possibilities for expatriates. These incorporate the British Club (now open to all nationalities), the Heritage Club, the Bangkok Club, the Pacific Club and the Lighthouse Club. Rotary International is also active in Thailand with a range of clubs situated all through the country.

Pattaya Mail
Thailand Pattaya International School
The Year 1 college students at St. Andrews International School were in a position to be a aspect of a fantastic turtle sanctuary trip and fundraising event.

Tribute Overture by Regents International School Pattaya Thailand Dec 2009