Thailand 2012 - Sigma Conference

Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation.

Facts About Thailand
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Economics
Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers, is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is HM Bhumibol Adulyadej. A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Geography
Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain.
Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F).
Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 ft) tall.
Thailand covers 510,890 sq km of land and 2,230 sq km of water.
The coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km long.
Thailand’s longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), stretching 1,800 km.

Weather
The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid: typical of its location within the tropics. The weather in February is mostly cool and dry, consequently these are the most popular months to visit Thailand. Bangkok & Phuket has a tropical climate that is warm the whole year round averaging temperatures of around 29C (88F).

Population
The population of Thailand comprises of roughly 65 million citizens, the majority of whom are ethnically Thai, though peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin are also represented to varying degrees. Approximately 7 million citizens live in the capital city, Bangkok, though this number varies seasonally and is otherwise difficult to accurately count.

Area
Thailand has a rough geographical area of 514, 000 sq km (200,000 sq miles). This makes Thailand roughly equivalent in size to France or Texas.

Capital
Bangkok

People
The vast majority (roughly 80%) of Thailand’s nearly 65 million citizens are ethnically Thai. The remainder consists primarily of peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao decent. Of the 7 million citizens who live in the capital city, Bangkok, there is a greater diversity of ethnicities, including a large number of expatriate residents from across the globe. Other geographic distinctions of the population include a Muslim majority in the south near the Malaysian border, and hill tribe ethnic groups, such as the Hmong and Karen, who live in the northern mountains.

Language
More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of it’s regional dialects. While the Thai language is the official language of Thailand, as a result of its cosmopolitan capital city and established tourism infrastructure, English is spoken and understood throughout much of Thailand.

Religion
94.6% of Thais are Buddhist,
4.6% of Thais are Muslim
0.7% of Thais are Christian

Currency
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht.

Time
Thailand Standard time is GMT +7. Thailand does not observe daylight savings.

Electricity
Electrical outlets in Thailand are charged to 220v at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with appliances from the U.K. but not those from the US and many other nations. While most computer cables have adaptors for voltage, visitors from the U.S. and those not on the 220/50 v. will have to bring adapters to run most other appliances. Outlets in Thailand generally feature flat, two pronged plugs, though some feature holes for round plug ends. Few outlets feature three holes (grounded outlets) so it is often necessary to have a three to two prong adapter for using notebook computers in Thailand.

Telephone
The Thai phone system is both modern and widespread, with comprehensive coverage for cell phones and reliable pay phones found throughout the kingdom. Purchasing a second-hand Thai phone is inexpensive and convenient, and calling from Thailand on a public phone is easy with a phone card available at most convenience stores.
Emergency numbers are often three or four digit numbers, including Tourist Police, which is 1155.

Miloni Tanna
Sigma Pharmaceuticals plc
T : 01923 332754 (Direct) | M: 07817 015841
F : 0808 280 2173
Mail: miloni@sigmaplc.co.uk

Hiten Pindolia
Citibond Travel
T: 0800 294 4232
F: 0808 280 2173
Mail: sigma@citibond.co.uk