============================== THAILAND ============================== Thailand, a kingdom located in southeast Asia, is a tropical country of mountains and jungles, rainforests and green fertile plains. It has a subtropical climate with heavy monsoon rains. The central plain of Thailand contains vast expanses of paddy fields, which produce enough rice to rank Thailand as the world's leading exporter. The narrow southern peninsula is very wet, and it is here that rubber is produced. Thailand is the world's third largest exporter of rubber. Area (Sq. Km.): 514,000 Population: 55,760,000 Capital: Bangkok Language: Thai Religion: Buddhist 95% Moslem 4% Government Type: Military Currency: Baht Embassy: 30 Queen's Gate London SW7 5JB 0171-589-0173 Time: GMT+7 Electricity: 220 volts Tourist info pack is free from: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 9, Stafford Street, London W1X 3FE Credit cards: Access/Visa/Master are most widely accepted. Health: Recommended are - Yellow fever Typhoid Polio Malaria Cholera All water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Boil all water before drinking - even for teeth brushing etc. Avoid salad/fresh fruit. Higher malaria risk between June and October. Air travel: Thai Airways and Thai Airways International are the two national carriers. Flying time from London is 15hrs 40mins Main airport: Bangkok International Other airports: Chaing Mai Phuket Rail: Through trains operate to Kuala Lumpar with connections for Singapore. Hotels: Bangkok has some of Asia's finest hotels with over 12000 rooms in all. All luxury hotels have swimming pools, 24 hour meal service, air conditioning and a high staff to guest ratio. The budget traveller is also catered for by a range of economy hotels. Youth hostels: Operated by the YMCA/YWCA throughout the country. BANGKOK The capital, whilst appearing highly westernised on the surface still has a strong traditional undercurrent that lends it great appeal. Bangkok's nightlife is of course famous the world over with it's nightclubs, massage parlours, open air restaurants, classical dancing, cinemas. GOOD BUYS: Thai silks Cotton Jewellery Bamboo ware Pottery Masks Dolls Bronzeware Beach resorts: Pattaya is excellent with south-east Asia's best beaches - a good idea is a two centre holiday, Bangkok and Pattaya or Bangkok and the island of Phuket. Climate: Generally hot, particularly mid-February and June. Monsoon season runs from May to October when the climate is still hot with torrential rains. Best time to go is November to February in the cool season. «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Visitors to Thailand should, under NO circumstances, attempt to enter Cambodia by land. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129