Area
513,115 sq. km. (198,115 sq. miles)
Location
South-East Asia
Population
64 million (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 124.7 per sq. km
Capital City
Bangkok with a total population of 9.4 million (including Thon Buri, as per estimates of 2005).
Language
Thai is the official and most popular language of Thailand. English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist regions.
Electricity
AC 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin type plugs are commonly used.
Currency
Baht (THB, symbol ฿). 1฿ = 100 Satang
Notes prevalent = ฿ 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000
Coins prevalent = ฿ 1, 5, and 10; Satang 25, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at banks, some hotels, and Bureaux de Change. Banks offer best rates, while hotels charge hefty commission. Bureaux de Change is open from 0800-2000. Notes of ฿ 1,000 may be difficult to be exchanged outside large towns and tourist places. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. are widely accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also conveniently situated in major cities and all provincial banks.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in banks, major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling, or Euros.
Banking Hours
Banks in Thailand normally function from Monday to Friday from 0830-1530