Introduction to Thailand Part 1
UNDERSTANDING THAILAND-PART ONE
Thailand embodies the East at its most mysterious and enigmatic to many outsiders. While on the outside, Bangkok looks like any other modern city, contrasts emerge when you mix with the locals.
Thais react in remarkable and unforeseen ways. They chuckle when you get annoyed and disconcerted if you touch them. Thai people can often throw flattery your way when it is unjustified, and in the most stressful circumstances, they never seem to lose their heads. However, they can smile and become impenetrable if you endeavour to probe beneath the surface.
Although the Thais seem lovely, considerate, and patient, not every visitor feels at peace when dealing with them.
Foreigners sometimes dislike their passivity, detest that they do not give direct answers, or get aggravated by their visible superiority complex.
However, Thai people’s actions, reactions, and behaviours are firmly established by how they observe the world, inspired by their beliefs, customs, and folklore.
Thai people put great energy into social skills to maintain social harmony. They avoid confrontation at all costs since this only causes disturbance and potential loss of face for all parties.
But not everything is what it seems. One of the Thai’s most effective weapons is the smile which puts people at ease and helps to diffuse difficult situations. On the other hand, a smile may serve to cover up feelings or thoughts they do not wish to divulge. Or it is a wise way to indicate that there is nothing more to be said on a subject.
There are also times when the façade of charm can turn out to be diaphanous when you interact with authority, for example.
Whether you are visiting on business, for long-term employment, or on holiday filled with fun, you need to know that different rules and criteria apply. Thailand's long and vigorous culture remains a dominant influence in modern times.
Even on a short stay, you can enhance your encounters if you try to understand the people and engage with their lifestyles. As their guest, you will be made to feel at home- all the more reason not to abuse this courtesy by doing something they might find offensive.
Thailand Important Facts
Official Name
The Kingdom of Thailand
Local name: Prathet Thai (Land of the Free)
Telephone
The country code is 66
To call abroad from Thailand, dial 00
Population
69 million +
Capital City
Bangkok: Population 10 million +
Local name: Krung Thep (City of Celestial Beings)
Climate
Tropical
Religion
Buddhism 95%
Islam 3.5%
Others 1.5%
Language
Thai
Other languages spoken include Malay, Chinese, Khmer, and Mon.
Tribal Languages: Akha, Meo, Karen, etc.
Principal foreign language: English
Calendar
Thailand uses two calendars: Gregorian and Buddhist. The Thai Buddhist calendar is 543 years in advance of the Gregorian calendar.
Currency
Baht
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 Baht
Notes 20 Baht is green, 50 Baht is blue, 100 Baht is red, 500 Baht is purple, and 1,000 Baht is brown.
Internet domain
.th
Major Cities
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Korat, Phitsanulok
Business hours
09:00 am-5:00 pm Monday to Friday (except on public holidays)
Banking Hours
09:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday (except on public holidays)
Some banks are in supermarkets and shopping malls with late opening and closing for convenience.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 Hz
Plugs are not standard, and universal adapters are needed.
Local Time
GMT +7
Relevant
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about the school year in Thailand and how it is different from most other countries.
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