Location: Laguna Phuket, Thailand
Capital: Bangkok
Official Language: Thai
Population: 62,828,706 (Est. 2006)

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. The country is divided into four distinct regions, including the mountains and forests in the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula south. Thailand is comprised of 76 different provinces, which are also divided into districts, sub-districts and villages.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. It is known as the “pearl of the south,” due to its beauty and natural resources. Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life, making it the wealthiest, busiest and most popular island and province.

Visa/Entry Information
In order to enter Thailand, a valid Passport is required. U.S. citizens are not required to get tourist visas for travel to Thailand.

Currency
The official currency of Thailand is the Baht (THB) which is made up of 100 Stang. Coins are come in denominations of 25 and 50 Stang and 1, 5 and 10 Baht. Banknotes are valued at 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht. Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates. ATM machines offer the best exchange rate and accept all U.S. bank-issued cards. All major credit cards are accepted. It is best to contact your credit card company in advance of your trip and alert them to your travels.

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

Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. If you are traveling with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances you should carry a plug adapter kit. Better hotels will typically have 110-volt transformers available.

Water
Bottled water is recommended for drinking. Tap water is clean, but drinking it should be avoided.

Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. From February to May conditions are typically hot and dry, with temperatures averaging 93f. Humidity is about 75 percent. From June to October, conditions are typically rainy, but with plenty of sunshine. Temperatures are around 84f, with humidity at 87 percent. Temperatures are cooler from November to January where temperatures range from 68f to 89f with lower humidity.

Communication
The international dialing code for Thailand is 66. Thailand has been expanding its Internet access and services are now available at leading hotels and cyber cafes.

Transportation
Inter-city bus services offer a fast means of transport to all corners of the country. Air-conditioned bus service travels to many provincial areas. Bookings for both regular and tour coaches (private companies) can be made through major hotels and travel agents, or select bus terminals.

The State Railway of Thailand runs an efficient rail service linking Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong is the central train station) to the rest of the country at very reasonable prices for express, fast and ordinary trains. Limited western and southern routes out of Bangkok also operate from the Thon Buri Station, traveling to destinations as far as Kanchanaburi province in the west and Chumporn province in southern Thailand.

The Thailand Tourist Board recommends the following:
Buy the bus ticket at the state bus terminal which has an official symbol;
Remember plate number, coach's number and keep the tickets with you in case you have problem;
Keep your valuables in a safe place;
Please check your belongings before getting off the bus;
In case of emergency, call Tourist Police (1155) immediately.

Restaurants
Phuket restaurants offer several different types of cuisine including Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Seafood and Western-style. Click here for restaurant information.

Tipping
Tipping is not a typical practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated and 10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.

Clothing
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.
Bargaining Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40 percent lower than the original asking price. Remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor – with these you may just get a better price.

Links

Thailand Tourism

Laguna Phuket Triathlon