Thailand: "Land Of Smiles"
Facts - Regions - Climate - History - People & Culture
Thai Holidays & Festivals - Thailand Tourism & Image Problems
Located at the very heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand with its splendid beaches, fascinating cultural attractions, shopping and entertainment facilities has become Asia's most favourite tourist destination. For the
year 2007 the Tourism Authority of Thailand expected nearly 15 million visitors from all over the globe. Indeed, it were roughly 14.5 million!
Thailand Tourism Statistics (TAT Statistics Division)
What is it that attracts all these different people to the so-called Land of smiles? - Simple answer.
There's simply something for everybody: from white sand beaches and gold-ornamented Buddhist temples to lush evergreen rain forests, from tranquil retreats on tropical islands to the bustling nightlife and shopping paradises of Bangkok and Pattaya, from inexpensive bungalow huts for backpackers to five-star accommodation! Additionally, Thailand isn't just one of the world's most exotic countries, it's also cheap yet provides an infrastructure of Western standards and a safe environment for travellers. Unsurprisingly Thailand has also become a favourite second home for many expats and retirees from all over the globe.
Thailand can be reached most conveniently by air. Because of its central location it also serves as a perfect hub for tours around other Southeast Asian countries. For regional low cost carriers operating flights throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia please read our
Get Around In Thailand page.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide & Flight Schedule
Thai Airports Flight Schedule (official website)
Thailand's most popular destinations include, besides Bangkok, the beach resorts of Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hua Hin and the mountainous Northern region around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the "Golden triangle". Discounted hotels and resorts in Thailand's favourite tourist destinations
Thailand Facts
Thailand shares borders with Myanmar (Burma) to the West, Laos to the North, Cambodia to the East and Malaysia to the South. It has coastlines along the Gulf Of Siam and the Andaman Sea.
Thailand covers an area of 514,000 sq km and has a total population of approximately 65 million (2007)
Since the late 18th century Bangkok ("Krung Thep") with approximately 8 to 12 million inhabitants (figures roughly estimated) has been the capitol of ancient Siam which was renamed as Thailand in 1939.
Despite their cultural and ethnic diversity all Thai people are unified by the common use of standard Thai language (including various regional/ ethnic dialects). Most employees in the tourism industry, however, especially in Thailand's main tourist destinations, speak some basic English, usually with a strong Thai accent and a simplified use of grammar.
With 95% the large majority of Thai people are Buddhists, 3.8% Muslims live predominantly in the Southernmost provinces along the Malaysian border.
Thailand's currency is the Thai Baht. Unlike in less developed Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia or Laos payments in US dollars are generally not acceptable.
The international calling code from abroad is +66, the time zone is UTC (GMT) +7. When making international phone calls from Thailand you have to dial 001+ country code (alternatively 008 or 009).
The official Thai calender is based on the Buddhist Era (B.E.) and is 543 years ahead of the Western Gregorian calender. For example, the year A.D. 2008 corresponds to the year 2551 B.E..
Regions & Destinations
Thailand's 76 provinces ("changwat") can roughly be subdivided into five geographic and cultural regions.
Northern Thailand
including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle.
Isaan (Northeast Thailand)
Geographically Thailand's largest region, Isaan (or "Esarn") has been influenced both by Lao and Khmer culture over the centuries. Traditionally rural "Isaan" has been Thailand's poorest area, and a large majority of the working girls in Thailand's sex industry originate from Isaan. Recently this region and its infrastructure has developed significantly
Central Thailand
including the capitol Bangkok.
Eastern Seaboard
with the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Samet and, of course, Pattaya! South Thailand
including picturesque islands and beach resorts along the Andaman sea coastline and the Gulf Of Siam: Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak, Koh Pha Ngan, Hua Hin, Cha-Am and many more. The three southernmost Muslim-majority provinces of Naratiwat, Pattani and Yala along the Malaysian border have been home to a violent conflict between Muslim separatists and the Thai government since 2004 and should thus be avoided by travellers.
Climate: Seasons And Temperatures
Thailand's tropical, hot and humid climate can roughly be subdivided into three major seasons:
Please note that the seasons vary slightly from region to region and that the rainy season on Koh Samui partly coincides with dry season in other parts of the country.
Annual average temperatures in Thailand do not change significantly with average highs between roughly 30 and 33 and average lows between 23 and 27 °C. It is mainly the humidity which frequently climbs up to more than 90% during the rainy season that sometimes makes the "real feel" temperature much higher than it actually is.
Of course, "cool" in the dry and sunny months of December and January is just a relative term and does by far not compare to central European standards. Even in the early morning hours with a fresh breeze from the ocean temperatures hardly ever sink below 20 °C. As humidity is very low in these European winter months this is also the favourite holiday season for most Western tourists and the absolute peak of "high season" all over Thailand.
The coolest region especially during the winter months is the mountainous area around Chiang Mai in the North, the warmest region during the humid summer months are the Northeastern provinces of Isaan where temperatures can climb up to more than 40°C.
Thai History And Politics
According to most historical sources Thai people originate from the Southern Chinese territory, however, due to their turbulent history, they
are rather a "mix-up" of various cultural and ethnic influences (Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Chinese) instead of a homogenic group.
The first ever unified Thai kingdom was established in the 14th century. Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya were the first capitols of Siamese empires before the Chakri dynasty took over in the 18th century and "Krung Thep" (Bangkok) became the new political and cultural centre. Unlike Thailand's four neighbouring countries, it is the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been colonised by a European power.
Following a string of coup d'états, military dictatorships and short-lived civilian governments in the 20th century, Thailand managed to stabilize into a fair approximation of a democracy "Asian style" and the economy, hobbled by the Asian economic crisis in 1997, is booming again.
Despite a bloodless revolution in 1932 which resulted in a constitutional monarchy, King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, who ascended to the Thai throne in 1946 and is the world's longest-reigning monarch, is a deeply admired and respected figure of near-mythic proportions. As a tourist or foreign resident you are expected to pay the same respect to the King and the monarchy as a Thai citizen. It is illegal (lese majeste) to show disrespect to the King or critisize members of the Royal Family!
In September 2006 yet another bloodless military coup endorsed by King Bhumiphol overthrew the democratically elected yet widely criticized "Thai Rak Thai" ("Thais love Thais") government and ousted prime minister and telecommunications tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra.
The first post-coup general elections were finally held in late December 2007. Ironically yet not really surprisingly the pro-Thaksin "People Power Party" (PPP) won the large majority of the votes, and Thaksin Shinawatra
who had lived happily in his luxurious London exile in the meanwhile and purchased Manchester City FC, has returned to Thailand again.
Let's wait and see how long this "new" government will stay in power?
For updates on Thai politics please read Thailand's English-language newspapers or visit our daily updated Thailand news page.
Books On The History Of Thailand & Siam
Facts - Regions - Climate - History - People & Culture
Thai Holidays & Festivals - Thailand Tourism & Image Problems
Located at the very heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand with its splendid beaches, fascinating cultural attractions, shopping and entertainment facilities has become Asia's most favourite tourist destination. For the
year 2007 the Tourism Authority of Thailand expected nearly 15 million visitors from all over the globe. Indeed, it were roughly 14.5 million!
Thailand Tourism Statistics (TAT Statistics Division)
What is it that attracts all these different people to the so-called Land of smiles? - Simple answer.
There's simply something for everybody: from white sand beaches and gold-ornamented Buddhist temples to lush evergreen rain forests, from tranquil retreats on tropical islands to the bustling nightlife and shopping paradises of Bangkok and Pattaya, from inexpensive bungalow huts for backpackers to five-star accommodation! Additionally, Thailand isn't just one of the world's most exotic countries, it's also cheap yet provides an infrastructure of Western standards and a safe environment for travellers. Unsurprisingly Thailand has also become a favourite second home for many expats and retirees from all over the globe.
Thailand can be reached most conveniently by air. Because of its central location it also serves as a perfect hub for tours around other Southeast Asian countries. For regional low cost carriers operating flights throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia please read our
Get Around In Thailand page.
Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide & Flight Schedule
Thai Airports Flight Schedule (official website)
Thailand's most popular destinations include, besides Bangkok, the beach resorts of Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hua Hin and the mountainous Northern region around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the "Golden triangle". Discounted hotels and resorts in Thailand's favourite tourist destinations
Thailand Facts
Thailand shares borders with Myanmar (Burma) to the West, Laos to the North, Cambodia to the East and Malaysia to the South. It has coastlines along the Gulf Of Siam and the Andaman Sea.
Thailand covers an area of 514,000 sq km and has a total population of approximately 65 million (2007)
Since the late 18th century Bangkok ("Krung Thep") with approximately 8 to 12 million inhabitants (figures roughly estimated) has been the capitol of ancient Siam which was renamed as Thailand in 1939.
Despite their cultural and ethnic diversity all Thai people are unified by the common use of standard Thai language (including various regional/ ethnic dialects). Most employees in the tourism industry, however, especially in Thailand's main tourist destinations, speak some basic English, usually with a strong Thai accent and a simplified use of grammar.
With 95% the large majority of Thai people are Buddhists, 3.8% Muslims live predominantly in the Southernmost provinces along the Malaysian border.
Thailand's currency is the Thai Baht. Unlike in less developed Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia or Laos payments in US dollars are generally not acceptable.
The international calling code from abroad is +66, the time zone is UTC (GMT) +7. When making international phone calls from Thailand you have to dial 001+ country code (alternatively 008 or 009).
The official Thai calender is based on the Buddhist Era (B.E.) and is 543 years ahead of the Western Gregorian calender. For example, the year A.D. 2008 corresponds to the year 2551 B.E..
Regions & Destinations
Thailand's 76 provinces ("changwat") can roughly be subdivided into five geographic and cultural regions.
Northern Thailand
including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle.
Isaan (Northeast Thailand)
Geographically Thailand's largest region, Isaan (or "Esarn") has been influenced both by Lao and Khmer culture over the centuries. Traditionally rural "Isaan" has been Thailand's poorest area, and a large majority of the working girls in Thailand's sex industry originate from Isaan. Recently this region and its infrastructure has developed significantly
Central Thailand
including the capitol Bangkok.
Eastern Seaboard
with the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Samet and, of course, Pattaya! South Thailand
including picturesque islands and beach resorts along the Andaman sea coastline and the Gulf Of Siam: Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak, Koh Pha Ngan, Hua Hin, Cha-Am and many more. The three southernmost Muslim-majority provinces of Naratiwat, Pattani and Yala along the Malaysian border have been home to a violent conflict between Muslim separatists and the Thai government since 2004 and should thus be avoided by travellers.
Climate: Seasons And Temperatures
Thailand's tropical, hot and humid climate can roughly be subdivided into three major seasons:
Please note that the seasons vary slightly from region to region and that the rainy season on Koh Samui partly coincides with dry season in other parts of the country.
Annual average temperatures in Thailand do not change significantly with average highs between roughly 30 and 33 and average lows between 23 and 27 °C. It is mainly the humidity which frequently climbs up to more than 90% during the rainy season that sometimes makes the "real feel" temperature much higher than it actually is.
Of course, "cool" in the dry and sunny months of December and January is just a relative term and does by far not compare to central European standards. Even in the early morning hours with a fresh breeze from the ocean temperatures hardly ever sink below 20 °C. As humidity is very low in these European winter months this is also the favourite holiday season for most Western tourists and the absolute peak of "high season" all over Thailand.
The coolest region especially during the winter months is the mountainous area around Chiang Mai in the North, the warmest region during the humid summer months are the Northeastern provinces of Isaan where temperatures can climb up to more than 40°C.
Thai History And Politics
According to most historical sources Thai people originate from the Southern Chinese territory, however, due to their turbulent history, they
are rather a "mix-up" of various cultural and ethnic influences (Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Chinese) instead of a homogenic group.
The first ever unified Thai kingdom was established in the 14th century. Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya were the first capitols of Siamese empires before the Chakri dynasty took over in the 18th century and "Krung Thep" (Bangkok) became the new political and cultural centre. Unlike Thailand's four neighbouring countries, it is the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been colonised by a European power.
Following a string of coup d'états, military dictatorships and short-lived civilian governments in the 20th century, Thailand managed to stabilize into a fair approximation of a democracy "Asian style" and the economy, hobbled by the Asian economic crisis in 1997, is booming again.
Despite a bloodless revolution in 1932 which resulted in a constitutional monarchy, King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, who ascended to the Thai throne in 1946 and is the world's longest-reigning monarch, is a deeply admired and respected figure of near-mythic proportions. As a tourist or foreign resident you are expected to pay the same respect to the King and the monarchy as a Thai citizen. It is illegal (lese majeste) to show disrespect to the King or critisize members of the Royal Family!
In September 2006 yet another bloodless military coup endorsed by King Bhumiphol overthrew the democratically elected yet widely criticized "Thai Rak Thai" ("Thais love Thais") government and ousted prime minister and telecommunications tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra.
The first post-coup general elections were finally held in late December 2007. Ironically yet not really surprisingly the pro-Thaksin "People Power Party" (PPP) won the large majority of the votes, and Thaksin Shinawatra
who had lived happily in his luxurious London exile in the meanwhile and purchased Manchester City FC, has returned to Thailand again.
Let's wait and see how long this "new" government will stay in power?
For updates on Thai politics please read Thailand's English-language newspapers or visit our daily updated Thailand news page.
Books On The History Of Thailand & Siam
| November - February | "cool" and dry |
| March - May | hot and humid |
| June - October | hot, humid and rainy (with most rainfall in September and October and thus more moderate temperatures than in summer) |
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Official Flag of Thailand |
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| Capitol Area Population Government Language Religion Currency Calling code Time zone Electricity Climate |
Bangkok (Krung Thep) 514,000 km² approx. 65 million Constitutional Monarchy Thai (including ethnic and regional dialects) Buddhism (95%), Islam (3.8%) Thai Baht (THB) +66 UTC +7 220V/50Hz Tropical |
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Thai People & Culture
Despite the ethnic diversity of Thai people (including ethnic Chinese, the "Lao" and "Khmer" from Isaan, the hill-tribes in the Northern mountains and the Muslims in the deep south) there are two main unifying factors that define Thai identity.
The first one is the high respect paid to the King and the monarchy, the second one is a unique and common language. Irregardless of the many regional and ethnic dialects found all over the country, standardized Thai language (including a standard alphabet) is being spoken and studied by students in all parts of Thailand.
Want a basic introduction to Thai language or just pick up some useful words and phrases? Please visit our Thai Language page.
Most aspects of Thai culture have been heavily influenced by Theravada Buddhism. In fact, 95% of Thai people are Buddhists which is a higher percentage than in any other Asian country. Other roots of modern Thai culture include ancestor worship and an ancient Asian animistic belief which is reflected in the humble respect Thai people pay to images and belongings of deceased family members and the pre-Buddhist tradition of "spirit houses". A common sight in the morning hours are orange-robed Buddhist monks collecting alms from devote worshippers and a visit to a gold-ornamented temple ("Wat" in Thai) is a definite must for every first-time tourist, especially when in Bangkok or Siam's ancient capitols of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
Books On Buddhism In Thailand
Traditionally Thais have a strong sense of social hierarchy, and seniority is a basic concept of traditional Thai culture. This may be most evidently reflected in the traditional Thai greeting which is not a handshake but a so-called "Wai". A "Wai" consists of a bow of the chin towards the chest with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The younger or socially lower-ranking person is always expected to "wai" first in order to show respect, and the lower someone bows his head the lower is his social ranking.
Sounds complicated? It actually is. And as you're not expected to "wai"
first as a foreigner anyway and it is easy to make a mistake - or even a total fool of yourself (if you "wai" the receptionist at your hotel), a "Wai" should be avoided by those not familiar with its subtle degrees.
Thailand is also known as the "Land of Smiles". Indeed, Thais can smile and party without the slightest reason for happiness, and the Thai words "sanook"/ "fun" and "sabai" (most conveniently translated as "feel good") describe two characteristic features of genuine Thai mentality.
Thai people do not like "problems" and avoid public arguments. "Serious" discussions on "complicated" subjects tend to give the average Thai a "headache".
As Thai society is generally non-confrontational it is advisable to avoid confrontations and aggressive public behaviour as in most cases it just would not help. If you should be unsatisfied with the room service in your hotel, for example, an angry cowboy-style complaint to the Thai manager would probably not get you any further but simply earn you disrespect. In the best case he would just say "solly" and leave you with a broad smile on his lips! Now you may have a guess how many meanings a Thai smile can have?!
Books On Thai Culture & Society
Despite the ethnic diversity of Thai people (including ethnic Chinese, the "Lao" and "Khmer" from Isaan, the hill-tribes in the Northern mountains and the Muslims in the deep south) there are two main unifying factors that define Thai identity.
The first one is the high respect paid to the King and the monarchy, the second one is a unique and common language. Irregardless of the many regional and ethnic dialects found all over the country, standardized Thai language (including a standard alphabet) is being spoken and studied by students in all parts of Thailand.
Want a basic introduction to Thai language or just pick up some useful words and phrases? Please visit our Thai Language page.
Most aspects of Thai culture have been heavily influenced by Theravada Buddhism. In fact, 95% of Thai people are Buddhists which is a higher percentage than in any other Asian country. Other roots of modern Thai culture include ancestor worship and an ancient Asian animistic belief which is reflected in the humble respect Thai people pay to images and belongings of deceased family members and the pre-Buddhist tradition of "spirit houses". A common sight in the morning hours are orange-robed Buddhist monks collecting alms from devote worshippers and a visit to a gold-ornamented temple ("Wat" in Thai) is a definite must for every first-time tourist, especially when in Bangkok or Siam's ancient capitols of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
Books On Buddhism In Thailand
Traditionally Thais have a strong sense of social hierarchy, and seniority is a basic concept of traditional Thai culture. This may be most evidently reflected in the traditional Thai greeting which is not a handshake but a so-called "Wai". A "Wai" consists of a bow of the chin towards the chest with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The younger or socially lower-ranking person is always expected to "wai" first in order to show respect, and the lower someone bows his head the lower is his social ranking.
Sounds complicated? It actually is. And as you're not expected to "wai"
first as a foreigner anyway and it is easy to make a mistake - or even a total fool of yourself (if you "wai" the receptionist at your hotel), a "Wai" should be avoided by those not familiar with its subtle degrees.
Thailand is also known as the "Land of Smiles". Indeed, Thais can smile and party without the slightest reason for happiness, and the Thai words "sanook"/ "fun" and "sabai" (most conveniently translated as "feel good") describe two characteristic features of genuine Thai mentality.
Thai people do not like "problems" and avoid public arguments. "Serious" discussions on "complicated" subjects tend to give the average Thai a "headache".
As Thai society is generally non-confrontational it is advisable to avoid confrontations and aggressive public behaviour as in most cases it just would not help. If you should be unsatisfied with the room service in your hotel, for example, an angry cowboy-style complaint to the Thai manager would probably not get you any further but simply earn you disrespect. In the best case he would just say "solly" and leave you with a broad smile on his lips! Now you may have a guess how many meanings a Thai smile can have?!
Books On Thai Culture & Society
Traditional Thai Holidays & Festivals
Having said that the concept of "sanook" describes one of the most characteristic features of Thai mentality, it should not come as a surprise that Thai people are literally crazy for all sorts of parties and festivals! In fact, Thailand is probably one of the countries with most public holidays per annum worldwide.
Most holidays are related to the monarchy or Buddhism, others were just adapted from Western culture. Not all but many Thai holidays are official public holidays when banks, government and administrative offices as well as Thai embassies and consulates worldwide close for a full day. Please note that when a public holiday is on a Saturday or Sunday the following Monday will be a holiday as well!
Dates of religiously inspired holidays or the traditional Chinese New Year may vary from year to year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
For a full list of Thai public holidays please click here.
The two most famous traditional Thai holidays are probably the infamous water-festival of Songkran in April and the slightly more contemplative Loy Krathong festival in October or November.
"Songkran" is the traditional Thai New Year's festival which marks the beginning of the long awaited rainy season following months of drought. It starts on April 13th. Known as Thailand's "Water Festival", extensive (ab)use of water (including alcohol, of course) is being made during the crazy days of this joyous celebration, and you cannot help getting soaked from water buckets shed over your head or high pressure water pistols filled with (sometimes ice-cool) water.
Whereas traditionally this throwing of water was introduced as a symbolic method to wash off the sins of the year gone-by and to pay respect to the elderly, Songkran as it is celebrated nowadays (and especially in tourist areas) has more or less lost its links to the original cultural roots and has degenerated to the world's largest water battle! Be prepared to get soaked! As you cannot avoid it anyway your best option is to participate in the wet and crazy fun. For safety reasons be careful when riding a motorcycle and keep your wallet, mobile phone, camera or other important documents in a plastic bag!
Traditionally Songkran is celebrated for 3 days only but in some parts of the country (including "Funtown" Pattaya) it has been extended to as long as a full week and may last from April 12th to 19th.
Songkran 2008 Photo Gallery
Loy Krathong, depending on the traditional Thai lunar calendar celebrated either in late October or November, is a rather contemplative and romantic festival. A so-called krathong is a small raft typically made from a section of a banana tree trunk which has been skillfully decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, incense sticks, candles and flowers. "Loy" means "to float". Now you may guess what "Loy Krathong" is all about!
During the evening and night hours people gather at riversides, lakes or at the sea in order to release ("loy") their "krathongs".This is accompanied by firework and the releasing of small hot balloons which light the nightly sky above the waters. The cultural roots and the exact religious meaning of the Loy Krathong rites are actually unclear but they are supposed to be of ancient Indian origin. As on most festive occasions Thai people (and especially lovers!) wish for good luck in the coming year!
Probably the most important Thai holiday is King Bhumiphol's birthday on December 5th. As on election weekends and other important Thai holidays with an either religious or monarchy-related background the consumption
of alcohol (including by foreign visitors!) is strictly prohibited. Officially all entertainment venues are required by law to close for a day. "Sanook"?
Thai Public Holidays 2008
Having said that the concept of "sanook" describes one of the most characteristic features of Thai mentality, it should not come as a surprise that Thai people are literally crazy for all sorts of parties and festivals! In fact, Thailand is probably one of the countries with most public holidays per annum worldwide.
Most holidays are related to the monarchy or Buddhism, others were just adapted from Western culture. Not all but many Thai holidays are official public holidays when banks, government and administrative offices as well as Thai embassies and consulates worldwide close for a full day. Please note that when a public holiday is on a Saturday or Sunday the following Monday will be a holiday as well!
Dates of religiously inspired holidays or the traditional Chinese New Year may vary from year to year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
For a full list of Thai public holidays please click here.
The two most famous traditional Thai holidays are probably the infamous water-festival of Songkran in April and the slightly more contemplative Loy Krathong festival in October or November.
"Songkran" is the traditional Thai New Year's festival which marks the beginning of the long awaited rainy season following months of drought. It starts on April 13th. Known as Thailand's "Water Festival", extensive (ab)use of water (including alcohol, of course) is being made during the crazy days of this joyous celebration, and you cannot help getting soaked from water buckets shed over your head or high pressure water pistols filled with (sometimes ice-cool) water.
Whereas traditionally this throwing of water was introduced as a symbolic method to wash off the sins of the year gone-by and to pay respect to the elderly, Songkran as it is celebrated nowadays (and especially in tourist areas) has more or less lost its links to the original cultural roots and has degenerated to the world's largest water battle! Be prepared to get soaked! As you cannot avoid it anyway your best option is to participate in the wet and crazy fun. For safety reasons be careful when riding a motorcycle and keep your wallet, mobile phone, camera or other important documents in a plastic bag!
Traditionally Songkran is celebrated for 3 days only but in some parts of the country (including "Funtown" Pattaya) it has been extended to as long as a full week and may last from April 12th to 19th.
Songkran 2008 Photo Gallery
Loy Krathong, depending on the traditional Thai lunar calendar celebrated either in late October or November, is a rather contemplative and romantic festival. A so-called krathong is a small raft typically made from a section of a banana tree trunk which has been skillfully decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, incense sticks, candles and flowers. "Loy" means "to float". Now you may guess what "Loy Krathong" is all about!
During the evening and night hours people gather at riversides, lakes or at the sea in order to release ("loy") their "krathongs".This is accompanied by firework and the releasing of small hot balloons which light the nightly sky above the waters. The cultural roots and the exact religious meaning of the Loy Krathong rites are actually unclear but they are supposed to be of ancient Indian origin. As on most festive occasions Thai people (and especially lovers!) wish for good luck in the coming year!
Probably the most important Thai holiday is King Bhumiphol's birthday on December 5th. As on election weekends and other important Thai holidays with an either religious or monarchy-related background the consumption
of alcohol (including by foreign visitors!) is strictly prohibited. Officially all entertainment venues are required by law to close for a day. "Sanook"?
Thai Public Holidays 2008
Thailand Tourism & Image Problems
Since Thailand's discovery as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations in the 1960s, Thailand and especially the cities of Bangkok and Pattaya have been connoted with what is referred to as international "sex tourism" and have attracted millions of so-called sex tourists from all over the globe. So unfortunately Thailand, in spite of the country's cultural attractions, suffered from a huge image loss before it was even given the chance of building a more respectable reputation.
Books On Sex, Prostitution & Bar Girls In Thailand
Due to negative reports in the international media ("Sex sells!") Thailand became known worldwide as the "sex Capital of Asia" that mainly catered to sex tourists, criminals, perverts and pedophiles. This one-sided focus on Thailand's sex image that had initially launched the country's touristic boom and laid the foundation for its development as a tourist destination of world standard, however, totally overshadowed all other facets of Thailand. Thailand as we know it today is not only about sex and cannot be reduced to its bustling nightlife and sex industry even though "adult entertainment" still plays a major role in ensuring cashflow to the country.
Here is not the place to discuss Thailand's former image problems and the controversial issue of sex tourism in general as there is so much more to a holiday in Thailand than exotic girls in GoGo bars trying to make a living
from the hidden desires of Western civilisation.
Subsequently Thailand's tourism officials have made immense efforts to shift the country's run-down image, away from "sex tourism" to family and so-called "quality" tourism. And it's true that since the late 1990s the Land of Smiles has indeed become a suitable tourist destination not merely for single male tourists but couples, ladies, families and retired people alike.
Just read our articles on Pattaya's extensive range of tourist attractions, activities and sports facilities, restaurants or shopping opportunities to find out that vacations in Thailand can no longer be reduced to keywords such as "nightlife", "sex industry" or "sex tourism".
In recent years Thailand's tourist officials from the "Tourism Authority Of Thailand" (TAT) have focussed on attracting so-called "quality" tourists to the country. In line with these ambitions (whatever the definition of "quality tourism" is) it may be expected that future vacations in Thailand (including budget destinations like Pattaya) will no longer be as cheap as they used to be famous for.
According to a recent Pattaya Mail article room rates can be expected to rise in the future "after discovering that prices were lagging behind those of competing Asian destinations." The Thailand Hotel Association (THA) has marked the standard hotel rates as a "problem for Pattaya City (...). Hotel owners and operators have kept their rates deliberately low to attract large numbers of visitors, and as a result Pattaya lags behind in terms of both revenue and image." To quote from the headline: "Pattaya goes for upper end of tourism market" and future tourism campaigns will rather "focus on the quality end of the tourism market to expand Pattaya’s base in that sector."
Good idea??? Tourist figures of the future will show.
Get Around In Thailand
Thai Visa Information
Since Thailand's discovery as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations in the 1960s, Thailand and especially the cities of Bangkok and Pattaya have been connoted with what is referred to as international "sex tourism" and have attracted millions of so-called sex tourists from all over the globe. So unfortunately Thailand, in spite of the country's cultural attractions, suffered from a huge image loss before it was even given the chance of building a more respectable reputation.
Books On Sex, Prostitution & Bar Girls In Thailand
Due to negative reports in the international media ("Sex sells!") Thailand became known worldwide as the "sex Capital of Asia" that mainly catered to sex tourists, criminals, perverts and pedophiles. This one-sided focus on Thailand's sex image that had initially launched the country's touristic boom and laid the foundation for its development as a tourist destination of world standard, however, totally overshadowed all other facets of Thailand. Thailand as we know it today is not only about sex and cannot be reduced to its bustling nightlife and sex industry even though "adult entertainment" still plays a major role in ensuring cashflow to the country.
Here is not the place to discuss Thailand's former image problems and the controversial issue of sex tourism in general as there is so much more to a holiday in Thailand than exotic girls in GoGo bars trying to make a living
from the hidden desires of Western civilisation.
Subsequently Thailand's tourism officials have made immense efforts to shift the country's run-down image, away from "sex tourism" to family and so-called "quality" tourism. And it's true that since the late 1990s the Land of Smiles has indeed become a suitable tourist destination not merely for single male tourists but couples, ladies, families and retired people alike.
Just read our articles on Pattaya's extensive range of tourist attractions, activities and sports facilities, restaurants or shopping opportunities to find out that vacations in Thailand can no longer be reduced to keywords such as "nightlife", "sex industry" or "sex tourism".
In recent years Thailand's tourist officials from the "Tourism Authority Of Thailand" (TAT) have focussed on attracting so-called "quality" tourists to the country. In line with these ambitions (whatever the definition of "quality tourism" is) it may be expected that future vacations in Thailand (including budget destinations like Pattaya) will no longer be as cheap as they used to be famous for.
According to a recent Pattaya Mail article room rates can be expected to rise in the future "after discovering that prices were lagging behind those of competing Asian destinations." The Thailand Hotel Association (THA) has marked the standard hotel rates as a "problem for Pattaya City (...). Hotel owners and operators have kept their rates deliberately low to attract large numbers of visitors, and as a result Pattaya lags behind in terms of both revenue and image." To quote from the headline: "Pattaya goes for upper end of tourism market" and future tourism campaigns will rather "focus on the quality end of the tourism market to expand Pattaya’s base in that sector."
Good idea??? Tourist figures of the future will show.
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| Travel Thailand! Suggested Hotels in Thailand |
| Bandara Suites **** Location: Bangkok/ Silom Rates from: $89 |
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