Thailand is located in the center of South East Asia sharing common borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. There are five distinctive regions, namely: Central, Southern, Eastern, Northern, and North Eastern, each with its own unique natural and cultural attributes.

Up until 1939 the country’s official name was Siam, but it was then changed to Thailand. Thai means "free", and Thailand is actually the only country in South-East Asia that has never been colonised.

The population is approximately 62 million people, 80% of which are ethnic Thais, 10% Chinese, 4% Malays plus Lao, Mons, Khmers, Indians and Burmese - reflecting the country s long history at the crossroads of South East Asia.

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons. The hot season from March to June, the rainy season from July to October, and the cool season from November through to February. Average day time temperature range from 20-35 degrees. The weather is generally cooler in the northern and mountainous regions.

Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT + 7).

Government offices are open from 8:30 to 16:30. Business offices are usually open later, and some work Saturday mornings. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 15:30.

The capital city is Bangkok with approximately ten million inhabitants - a sprawling city that is as bewildering as it is exciting. Amidst the traffic-clogged roads and high-rise buildings are the most exquisite historical edifices that you will ever find. Golden temples built by kings that seem to have come from an Oriental fairy tale. Gigantic mythical creatures standing watch and crowds of people paying homage to Buddha images with candles and incense sticks, just as their ancestors have done for centuries.

The Thai unit of currency is called Baht. The Baht is divided into 100 Satang. Banknotes are valued at 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Baht.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with a democratic system of government and a much beloved monarch, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX of the Chakri dynasty. Buddishm is the predominant religion.