Why is it profitable to buy the cheapest last-minute tours and trips to Thailand?
Thailand attracts more tourists than any other country in Asia. Why is this happening? Why are tours to Thailand in great demand among the population? Because of what last minute tours to Thailand sold out in a matter of minutes - is it just because of the prices? Why do those who want to go on vacation or honeymoon first think about buy a tour to Thailand? A trip to Thailand is a win-win option - the beauty of nature, rich culture and history, Thai hospitality, excellent cuisine and comfortable hotels in Thailand. Thailand is one of the most interesting countries in the world!
Tours to Thailand can be bought not only by avid travelers and romantics, but also by nature lovers, archaeologists, historians, and, of course, cheerful and carefree youth, who can be sure to enjoy the nightlife of Thailand. Prices for tours to Thailand not very high as one might expect. In 2011, prices for the cheapest tours to Thailand were more attractive than to other Asian countries. 
Even though Thailand has changed throughout history due to the influence of other foreign cultures, the country has managed to preserve the Thai way of life, which has remained the same and revered for many hundreds of years.
Before you decide to choose your tour to Thailand (and other resorts), read about the rules of behavior in the country. And also check out the long list of entertainment that awaits you in Thailand. Our managers will help you calculate the cost of a tour to Thailand. We also personally have offers for last-minute tours to Thailand from Moscow.
About Pattaya resort:
High-level hotels, the presence of all kinds of entertainment and attractions annually attract thousands of tourists to the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The entire coastal strip is occupied by resort complexes, although the water near the shore is somewhat muddy.
Here you can relax with the whole family - there is enough entertainment for children, but all types of sexual services that can be used after dark are especially popular. One of the capitals of the Asian sex industry offers a vibrant nightlife - Walking Street is replete with bars, discos and restaurants. Go-go bars are especially popular - admission is free, but alcohol is overpriced. 
Dancing girls are quite accessible - you can touch and stroke them, you can take the stripper you like with you for a fee. The main source of income for such establishments is the sale of alcohol. In addition to establishments, a large number of girls and boys offer their services on the streets. A variety of sex shows held on the street are designed to attract tourists. The main thing is not to let your guard down, keep a close eye on your pockets, do not show money, that is, follow the usual precautions in an unfamiliar city.
You can have a snack in Pattaya in cafes, restaurants and snack bars, of which there are many on the streets of the city. Snack bars offer you to taste dishes that are prepared right in front of you, on the street, in special camp kitchens. The food is very tasty, although the method of consumption is a little unusual, which pays off with the low cost and taste of the dishes. Cafes are usually located in the areas of train stations and supermarkets. To eat there, you need to purchase a special coupon at the entrance. Offered dishes high quality and relatively cheap. In Pattaya restaurants you can taste the same dishes, but at inflated prices - you will have to pay for service, quality of service and comfortable conditions. Restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and other Asian countries are very popular among tourists. You can enjoy seafood in specialized restaurants - everything is of the highest quality and prepared by professionals. Available for fast food lovers international networks fast food establishments - American and Japanese restaurants, French pastry shops, buffets, etc.
Women will be interested in shopping centers and supermarkets that offer things that vary significantly in price and quality. Almost all the world's famous brands produce clothing in Thailand, and in street markets you can buy ceramics, various handmade souvenirs, clothing, etc. Jewelry in Thailand it is better to buy in specialized centers, otherwise there is a risk of running into a fake.
For those who want to see something unusual, Pattaya offers a visit to a garden of tropical plants, elephant shows, crocodile farms, a tiger zoo, Khmer temples and other exotic places. “Elephant villages” with elephant rides through the jungle are especially popular. The aquarium hosts performances with the participation of marine mammals. In Pattaya itself there is a park of mini-copies of Mini Siam - historical buildings from all over the world are collected in a collection of buildings. There are mini-trees, rivers and fountains around the sculptures and buildings - all this is especially beautiful in the evening when the lights turn on. Among the architectural and historical attractions, one can highlight the Temple of Truth - a beautiful wooden structure made of valuable teak and mahogany. The temple is not yet completed, and the craftsmen continue to work on the majestic structure. A dolphin show is held near the temple, where you can admire the sea animals and even feed them.
About Phuket Island:
The island of Phuket is one of the provinces of Thailand and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places on the Andaman coast. Many who had the opportunity to spend their holidays in this paradise claim that nowhere else in the world is there such magnificent nature and ideal conditions for an unforgettable holiday.
This island was especially loved by Europeans living in countries where there are protracted and cold winter. Here at this time the hot sun is shining, snow-white beaches beckon, warm sea water and exotic fruits, the abundance of which will shock anyone.
The average air temperature in Phuket ranges from 22 to 32 degrees, and water temperature - 25-28. This island, like the whole of Thailand, lies in the subequatorial zone, so there are no traditional four seasons, but a wet season and a dry season. The rainy season begins in May and lasts until October, and all other months there is wonderful hot weather, attracting tourists from all over the world.
The entire island is covered with lush vegetation. There are a great variety of flowers of unearthly beauty, small rivers hidden in tropical thickets, and waterfalls falling from rocks covered with thick moss. The inhabitants of the island are very careful about the flora and fauna of their region, so you will not find garbage, unkempt parks and gardens anywhere, but you will see corners of pristine nature and plunge into an atmosphere of calm that smoothly turns into wild fun.
Phutet is also attractive for tourists because there are affordable prices for accommodation, food and transport, as well as for any entertainment, of which there are countless, from harmless shopping and going to restaurants to forbidden pleasures.
The most popular entertainment on the island is located on Patong Beach, which is famous for its incredibly vibrant nightlife. Those who prefer calm, measured pleasures can visit Panwa Beach. This beautiful place is surrounded by picturesque hills, and the sea water in the bays is very warm.
While spending your holiday on the island, be sure to take the time to explore its very interesting sights. This is the Thalang Museum with unique exhibits found during archaeological excavations, and a monument dedicated to the Two Heroines, and several Buddhist temples with ancient stone figures.
At each hotel you can sign up for organized excursions in national park and a huge oceanarium located near the city of Phuket, where you will be introduced to all the underwater inhabitants of the Andaman Sea.
Excursions to the snake farm are extremely popular among tourists. Everyone can hold and stroke the seemingly scary reptiles. Here you will hear interesting stories from the lives of many reptiles, and the most desperate can watch a huge python having lunch. No less interesting is a visit to the monkey school. These are special nurseries where these smart animals are taught to dance, play basketball, dive and even count. Those whose passion is fishing will find something to do in Phuket. Fishing in coastal waters - truly great entertainment. Local fishermen, for just a few dollars a day, provide tourists with their boats with special equipment, and can also accompany you and give practical advice on catching mackerel, tuna, barracuda, and sometimes shark.
After you've had a hectic day, it's time to give yourself into the hands of an experienced masseur or masseuse. Thai massage is an action full of pleasure that restores vitality and can cure many diseases. In order for your trip to pass without any incidents, be sure to take note of the following tips: car traffic on the island, as in all of Thailand, is on the left. If you are planning to rent a car, never leave your passport as collateral. Book excursions around the island only from large tour operators, it is more expensive, but safer.
Respect traditions local residents and their religion. When visiting temples, your body should not be too exposed. Do not touch Buddha statues and never express your emotions violently when you see something very interesting. If you are shopping, you can bargain, but you need to do it very politely. Do not drink unfiltered water under any circumstances, otherwise you risk getting an acute intestinal upset. clean water It's very cheap in bottles here. And, of course, don’t forget to use sunscreen, as you can get sunburned on a cloudy day.
Geography:
territory: 514 thousand km2
capital: Bangkok
time: Moscow +4 hours, +3 hours (summer)
A state in Southeast Asia, on the Indochina and Malacca peninsulas. It borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It is washed by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea. The north is covered with green mountain slopes and hills, while the south has luxurious beaches and picturesque islands. The highest point is Mount Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province (2596m).
State system:
Constitutional monarchy since 1932. The head of state is the king.
Country airports and flight times: Bangkok
Weather:
Tropical. The central plain, north and northeast receive an average of 1000–1100 mm of rainfall per year, with more than 90% falling during the wet season, which runs from May to October. In the south and southeast, the average annual precipitation is 2300–2500 mm, and its amount does not change significantly from month to month.
Monsoon rains begin in April-May. In July, irrigation canals fill with water following the rivers, which flood widely in the Central Plain. To protect themselves from the elements of water, the local population builds houses on stilts.
Language:
Official language: Thai
Used: Chinese, English, Malay.
Religion:
94.6% of Thai residents profess Buddhism. 4.6% are Muslim - mostly Malays living in the south of the country.
Currency:
International name: THB
One baht is divided into 100 satang. The 25 satang coin is commonly called saleng. Banknotes - 10/20/50/100/500/1000 TNV.
IN major cities Currency exchange can be done at any time of the day. However, in Thailand only US dollars, euros, British pounds sterling and Swiss francs are exchanged. Banks are open all days of the week.
Do I need a visa to enter: Yes
Customs restrictions:
The import of drugs and pornography is prohibited. To import weapons, permission from the Police Department is required.
Without duty, you can enter 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, 1 liter of wine or spirits, and a reasonable number of personal items. It is allowed to import any amount of foreign currency necessary for personal use, but large amounts must be indicated in the declaration. Duty-free import of one photo or video camera is allowed, as well as 5 films for a camera and 3 cassettes for an 8 mm or 16 mm video camera. Prohibited for import individual species fruits, vegetables and plants. You cannot import more than 500 baht.
The export of gold bars is prohibited; antique Buddha statues (except for neck medallions and small figurines, which are taken out in hand luggage); precious stones; platinum jewelry; ivory and any products made from the skin and bone of protected animals; stamps; antiques.
Representative offices in Russia:
Embassy
Address: Moscow, Office of the Embassy: B. Spasskaya st., 9.
phone: 208-08-17, 208-08-56, 208-66-71
fax: 290-96-59, 207-53-43
Russian representative offices:
Consular Section
Address: Bangkok, 78 Sap Road, Bangkok, 10500 Thailand
phone: (8-10-662) 234-2012
fax: (8-10-662) 268-1166
www.thailand.mid.ru
Import of animals:
When importing pets, you must present a veterinary certificate with a note on vaccination against rabies.
Mains voltage: 220V
Tips:
As a rule, tips are given to porters, taxi drivers and those hotel workers who serve you well. In those restaurants where services are not usually included in the bill, tips are usually 10 - 15%.
Kitchen:
Thai cuisine was largely influenced by two factors - climate and culture, although the history of this country, immigration, and invasions also played a large role. China, Burma and Cambodia had a big influence. The favorable climate allows you to harvest two or even three harvests here annually, and all kinds of greenery grows all year round. Perhaps it is local abundance that can explain such a phenomenon as the absence of the concept of “hunger” in the Thai language. And the fact that the religion professed by the majority of Thais is Buddhism, there are practically no dietary restrictions here. Thais use all types of meat, fish in large quantities, as well as many vegetables and fruits in their cuisine.
The Thai people highly value their traditions and culture. They are proud of their national dishes and love to treat their guests. The streets and canals of Thai cities are lined with stalls and carts, bicycles and boats selling a variety of snacks.
Thailand loves parties and celebrations; during their noisy and lively festivals, carefully prepared traditional dishes are always served as a sign of respect for their customs and traditions. Guests are served non-stop snack trays, exotic fruit platters, and Thai beer or local whiskey. All dishes are served on the table at once so that the hostess can enjoy dinner with the guests.
In Thai cuisine, dishes are presented with pride, beautifully and brightly. Vegetables for garnish are cut very carefully into various shapes. Intricate designs and artistic execution are an integral part of Thai cuisine.
Daily meals are very dependent on the weather, the time of year, the harvest and the vagaries of the rainy seasons. Thai people take food seriously, choosing only the freshest ingredients with... delicate taste and texture. One of the main products is rice; it is both a side dish and a main dish; it is also served for dessert. Food for an ordinary Thai means khao, i.e. rice. Everything else - vegetables, fish, meat - the Thais call "kap khao", which translated means: "what is eaten with rice." The coconut is almost as central.
Thai cuisine varies from region to region, depending on the ingredients available. If desired, the cook can replace certain ingredients or spices depending on taste, observing only the basic cooking procedure. For example, many recipes substitute chicken or shrimp for pork.
But there are some foods that are a must-have in all Thai homes. These are coconut, lime, rice, chili, garlic, lemon grass, ginger root and coriander. All Thai dishes have a balance, all the extreme flavors are harmoniously balanced in every dish in every meal.
Purchases:
It is customary to bargain in markets and tourist shops. This also applies to private, non-metered taxis.
Most shops are open until 21:00 and open at 8 or 10 am. Official working days are from Monday to Saturday. Markets are open from dawn until noon, and in the evening there is trade for tourists.
VAT is set at 7%, which is charged in hotels, restaurants and high-end stores. It is not possible to claim a VAT refund.
Souvenirs:
Antiques - sculptures and carved wood or bone images of Buddhist temples, wooden ornaments and various decorations used in the decoration of palaces, puppets, masks, silver bowls, vases, etc.
Cotton products - clothes, tablecloths, bed linen, pillows, carpets, blankets, towels.
Thailand has been one of the leaders in the production of precious stones and jewelry since the early 80s.
Ceramic products are produced by several factories called "Celadon". This is a wide selection of lamps, vases, tableware sets and various souvenirs.
Wood carvings - wood carving as a craft developed in Thailand over 7 centuries, mainly in the north of the country. Products are divided into four categories - furniture, home products (lamps, dishes), decorative items (picture frames) and souvenirs.
Office hours:
Typically banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30. Exchange offices are often open daily from morning until late evening. ATM instructions are written in Thai and English.
National characteristics. Traditions:
When entering a temple with an image of Buddha, near which believers, sitting on the floor, offer prayers, they are required to take off their shoes. Women are not allowed to enter the monks' quarters or hand them anything directly. Women should avoid appearing in public wearing shorts (especially in temples) or wearing overly revealing dresses.
Pointing your toe at someone is the height of rudeness, so to avoid doing this inadvertently, it is better not to sit with your legs crossed.
If a man and a woman hold hands in front of everyone, thus flaunting their relationship, this is considered a violation of moral standards (but it is considered quite common if two men hold hands - this is just a sign of friendship, nothing more).
Safety:
There are a lot of swindlers and pickpockets in the country. In transport and public places, not only money, but also things can be stolen. They can put drugs in food or drink and then rob you.
As a country with developed sex tourism, Thailand is dangerous for people who practice complete freedom of intimate relationships, as the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is high.
Country code: +66
Geographic first level domain name:.th
Medicine:
Officially, no vaccination certificates are required. But it is recommended to get vaccinated against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A. For those who are traveling for more than 2-3 weeks or are going to visit remote areas of the country, it is also recommended to get vaccinated against tuberculosis, hepatitis B, rabies, diphtheria and encephalitis. It is also better to stock up on anti-malaria medications.
Emergency numbers:
Police – 123, 1644 (in English)
Tourist police - 1155
Ambulance - 191
Fire service - 199
Brief information
It’s not for nothing that Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles”, because there live very polite and hospitable people who love to smile. Probably, Thais develop the habit of smiling from an early age under the influence of Buddhism. This is not surprising considering that there are over 18,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand. Another amazing thing about Thailand is nature, mountains, palaces, ancient monasteries and temples, pagodas, floating markets, Thai cuisine, Thai massage, coral islands, and, of course, white sandy beaches surrounded by palm and coconut groves.
Geography of Thailand
Thailand is located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Thailand borders Laos and Cambodia to the east, Malaysia to the south, and Myanmar and Laos to the north. In the east of the country there is the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to the South China Sea, and the western shores are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. The total area of Thailand, including islands, is 514,000 square meters. km., and the total length of the state border is 4,863 km.
There are several geographical regions in Thailand. There are mountain ranges to the west, south and north, and the Korat plateau to the east. The highest peak is Mount Doi Intanon, whose height reaches 2,565 m. In the central part along the Chao Phraya River is the Menam Lowland. It is the Chao Phraya that is considered the largest river in Thailand.
Capital
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok, which is now home to more than 15 million people. The history of Bangkok dates back to the 15th century.
Official language of Thailand
The official language of the population of Thailand is Thai, which belongs to the Thai-Kadai language family.
Religion
More than 94% of the population of Thailand professes Theravada Buddhism (the most conservative direction this religion).
Government of Thailand
According to the current Constitution, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the King, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.
The bicameral parliament in Thailand is called the National Assembly, it consists of the Senate (150 senators) and the House of Representatives (480 deputies).
The main political parties in Thailand are the For Thailand Party and the Democratic Party.
Climate and weather
The climate in Thailand is tropical with high rainfall. On the west coast of the country, the monsoon brings rain from April to November, while on the east coast the rainy season lasts from September to December.
At all, best time to visit Thailand - from November to February. During this cool season, the air temperature in Bangkok ranges from +18C to +32C.
The summer period (i.e. the hot, dry season) lasts from March to June. In Bangkok at this time of year the average air temperature is +34C, but often reaches +40C. Try not to go to Thailand in April, unless, of course, you plan to swim in the ocean all the time. The fact is that April is the hottest month in Thailand.
The monsoon season continues from July to October in Thailand. Floods often occur in the country at this time.
Sea in Thailand
In the east of Thailand there is the Gulf of Thailand, which belongs to the South China Sea, and the western shores are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. The total length of the coast is 3,219 km. The average annual water temperature is +26-29C.
Rivers and lakes
The largest river in Thailand is the Chao Phraya River, which flows through the Menam Lowland in the central part of the country. Another large local river is the Mun, which is a tributary of the Mekong River. The Tapi River flows through the south of Thailand, it originates in Khao Lang and flows into the Gulf of Thailand near the city of Surat Thani.
Also in the south of Thailand is the largest lake in this country - Lake Songkhla, located near the city of the same name. Its area is 1,040 km. sq.
Story
Archaeological finds indicate that people lived on the territory of modern Thailand already 10 thousand years ago, and they began to grow rice more than 5 thousand years ago. The ancient Thais were nomads, and their ancestral homeland is still not precisely known.
Buddhism began to spread in the territory of modern Thailand around the 3rd century BC. From the 9th to the 11th centuries, Thailand was part of the Khmer Kingdom.
In the XIII-XVII centuries, there were two strong Thai states - Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which formed Thai principalities. It is interesting that the Europeans were never able to establish their protectorate over Thailand (it was called Siam in the Middle Ages and in modern times).
In 1932 after the bloodless revolution absolute monarchy Thailand became a constitutional monarchy. In 1939, Siam officially became known as Thailand.
After World War II, Thailand experienced several military coups. Only in 1997, after the adoption of the new Constitution, the political situation in this Asian country stabilized.
Thai culture
Thailand's culture is rooted in family and Buddhist traditions. Thai children are taught to respect parents, elderly people, teachers, and Buddhist monks. Every Thai village has a Buddhist temple, which is the center of local life. This is why Thais are so polite and friendly.
In April, Thai people celebrate the New Year (Songkran). To be more precise, Thais celebrate this holiday for three days - from April 13 to April 15. Before the New Year, Thais do a thorough cleaning of their homes to throw away all the bad luck of the past year.
Songkran begins with the distribution of food to Buddhist monks, who appear on the streets on this holiday in the morning. Then the youth pours water on everyone (including themselves), after which folk festivities, games, and dances begin.
Other popular festivals in Thailand are Visakha Puja (May), Rocket Festival, Full Moon Night (November) and Elephant Festival (November).
Kitchen
Thai cuisine is considered one of the best in all of Asia. It was noticeably influenced by Indian and Chinese culinary traditions. The staple food is rice, which is eaten at every meal. Other staple foods in Thailand are noodles, fish, and seafood. Meat is not often eaten in this country (due to its high cost).
We warn you that most Thai dishes are very spicy. Therefore, if you do not like a lot of spices, in a restaurant simply tell the waiter “No spicy.”
In Thailand, we recommend that tourists try rice in oyster sauce, “khao phat” (rice with vegetables and crabs), “laap” (fish salad with spices), “mee crop” (noodles with sweet and sour sauce), “naem” ( pork sausages), “mu daeng” (marinated meat), “salaphao” (pies with various fillings).
At the bazaars in Thailand, tourists are offered a variety of exotic fruits that grow in this country all year round.
Fruit season in Thailand:
lychee – June
durian – May-August
mangosteen – May-September
rambutan – May-September
Longan – June-August
Long Kong – August-October
mango – March-May
sapodilla – January-May
We must also not forget that in Thailand there are also other fruits - watermelons, bananas, coconuts, pineapples and papaya.
Sights of Thailand
Thailand is waiting for tourists huge amount various historical, cultural and architectural monuments. According to official data, Thailand now has several thousand temples, palaces, pagodas and other attractions. The Top 10 most interesting attractions in Thailand, in our opinion, may include the following:
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
- Buddha's footprint at Phra Buddha Bath
- Royal Palace in Bangkok
- Wat Mahathat temple in Ratchaduri
- Hill Temple in Bangkok
- Seated Buddha statue at Mahahtati Si Chum
- Temple of Dawn in Bangkok
- Wat Lok Moli Temple in Chiang Mai
- Marble Temple in Bangkok
- Temple of the Mountain in Bangkok
Cities and resorts
The largest Thai cities are Nonthaburi, Pakkret, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, and, of course, the capital - Bangkok.
Excellent beach resorts await tourists in Thailand. The most popular of them are Cha-am, Krabi, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Samet Island, Koh Samui, Phuket Island, Phi Phi Island, Chan Island.
Many tourists believe that Thailand is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Which ones to choose? In our opinion, the top ten best beaches in Thailand include the following:
- Patong - the largest beach on Phuket, soft white sand, warm sea, a large number of hotels, restaurants. Shopping as well as a lively nightlife.
- Railay Beach – Accessible only by boat, this small beach near Krabi is surrounded by clear water and majestic mountains.
- Maya Bay, Koh Lay - the beach is located in a small bay, surrounded by high cliffs. This beach can only be reached by boat.
- Hua Hin – This beach, located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, is considered an ideal beach for families with children.
- Kata Beach - this beach is located in the quiet southern part of Phuket, in the low season the waves are quite large and therefore there are many surfers there.
- Lamai Beach, Koh Samui – this beach combines beautiful nature and dozens of bars.
- Sairi Beach, Koh Tao – considered an excellent place for beach holiday and diving.
- White Sand Beach, Koh Chang – This beach, located on an island, is surrounded by palm and coconut groves.
- Haad Rin, Koh Phangan – Once a month this beach hosts a fun all-night music party.
- Ko Mun Nork – this beach is located on desert island in the Gulf of Thailand. The white sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees. You can get there in 45 minutes by ferry.
By the way, Thailand and the Andaman Sea are in the top ten best places in the world for diving. The infrastructure on the islands is very little developed, and therefore the coral reefs and underwater world remain untouched. On the west coast, diving can be done almost all year round (the best time is from mid-November to the end of April).
Souvenirs/shopping
From Thailand, tourists usually bring handicrafts (including wooden carvings), ceramics, Thai silk, silk scarves, clothing, Buddha figurines, silver jewelry, items depicting elephants (elephants are the symbol of Thailand), Thai sauces and spices.
Office hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:30-15:30
Stores:
Mon-Fri: 10:00-20:00 (store opening hours vary)
Visa
Geography of Thailand
Thailand is an Asian country located in the western part of the Indochina Peninsula.
The area of Thailand is 513,120 square meters. km. The territory of the state is divided into several geographical regions. In the north of Thailand lies the Thai Highlands region, where the highest point of the country is located - Mount Doi Ithanon of the Thanon Thong Chai mountain system, 2,565 m high. In the northeastern region of Isan there is the Khorat Plateau, in the eastern part of which the Mekon River flows. The central region of the country rises above the valley of the Chao Phraya River, which flows into the Gulf of Thailand. Main natural resource The country is considered to be the Andaman Sea, where the famous resorts of Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Phang Nga and Trang are located.
Government of Thailand
Thailand is a unitary state that has faced different regimes of government throughout its history, from military dictatorship to electoral democracy, but has always been headed by a king.
Weather in Thailand
The climate of Thailand is tropical. The country is characterized by three climatic seasons: hot season (March - May), rainy season (June - October) and cool season (November - February). Continental Thailand receives most of its moisture from June to October. The air temperature in the country rarely drops below +13°C or exceeds +35°C.
In the northeast of the country, 1020 mm of precipitation falls annually, and on the Malacca Peninsula - more than 3800 mm. Average temperatures in Bangkok are + 28°C. In the southeast of the country, it rains from mid-May to September, but the weather is warm; from November to May, a dry and cool monsoon comes here.
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, during which time it rains less often and temperatures remain moderate.
You should come to the northern provinces of the country from March to May and at the very beginning of the rainy season (June, July). It is recommended to refrain from traveling to the northeast and central part of Thailand in March, when the air temperature rises to + 40°C.
Language of Thailand
The official language of the country is Thai. Also widespread in the country is Lao, a dialect of the Isan region and the northeastern provinces. English is taught in many schools as a second language.
Religion of Thailand
The national religion of the country is Buddhism. According to the latest data, 94.6% of residents profess it. Muslims are the second largest religious community by number of believers - 4.6%, live mainly in Pattaya, Yala, Narathiwat. Christians make up 0.7% of the population.
Currency of Thailand
The monetary unit of Thailand is the baht. There are 100 satangs in one baht. The government issues coins in denominations of 25, 50 satang and 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht. Old coins featured exclusively Thai numerals. Nowadays, in addition to them, you can see Arabic numerals on coins. Banknotes in circulation include 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (magenta) and 1,000 baht (beige).
The most favorable exchange rates are offered by banks and exchange offices. US dollars are most readily accepted for exchange, followed by British pounds, followed by euros. Most banks charge a commission for cashing travel checks.
ATMs can be found in major and resort cities in Thailand.
Credit cards are accepted in large restaurants and hotels, but travelers will not be able to use them in family guest houses or small restaurants.
Customs restrictions
The following are allowed to be imported into the country duty free:
- 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250 g tobacco
- 1 liter of alcohol
- gifts and personal items up to 10,000 baht
It is prohibited to import into the country:
- narcotic substances
- weapon
- pornographic products
Duty-free import/export of local currency is allowed in the amount of up to 50,000 baht per person, 100,000 baht per family. The import/export of foreign currency is unlimited; amounts exceeding 20,000 US dollars are subject to declaration.
Tips
In Thailand, it is not customary to leave a tip on purpose. In gratitude for good service, you can give the waiters your change, for example, if the bill amounted to 488 baht, then it is enough to pay with a 500 baht bill and leave 12 baht. However, amounts less than 10 baht are usually not left. In many restaurants across the country, a 10% service charge is already included in the bill. Bangkok has its own tipping standards.
Purchases
When shopping in Thailand you need to remember the following:
- since prices in stores for the same goods may differ, advice - go and ask the price, you will probably be able to buy the thing you like cheaper
- always ask for a receipt for your purchase and check it immediately
- never follow the advice of local residents about which stores you should visit; most often, these advisors receive money from the owners of the outlets for customers.
Most shops in the country are open 5 days a week from 8 am to 9 pm, markets are open from morning until lunch.
Prices in stores are mostly fixed. But you can bargain in markets and tourist shops.
Souvenirs
Thailand is considered one of the world leaders in clothing production; here you can buy quality items at very reasonable prices. The country has developed the production of silk fabrics; tourists can choose products of a wide variety of colors.
Lovers of antiques will also be able to find goods to suit their tastes in Thailand. Many travelers bring ceramics and porcelain from Thailand.
Thai orchids are another souvenir that tourists love.
In Thailand, they produce excellent quality furniture to order, and stores provide services for sending it abroad.
Office hours
Banks in Thailand are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30. Exchange points are open from morning to evening.
National characteristics of Thailand
Traditions
In Thailand there is a very interesting tradition greetings - wai. Thais, when greeting each other, fold their hands in a prayer gesture and bow slightly. The wai is accompanied by a smile expressing friendliness. That's why Thailand is called the "Land of Smiles."
In Thailand, it is not customary to publicly demonstrate affection, especially for lovers; while friends can hold hands while walking, lovers cannot.
It is considered rude to touch someone's head or point your toe at someone, as feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body in Thailand.
In Thailand, it is not customary to publicly express anger and speak in a raised voice. Thais resolve all conflict situations with a smile. And emerging problems are commented on with the phrase “may pen rai,” which translates as “doesn’t matter.”
Safety
In Thailand, tourists can easily become victims of scammers and pickpockets. Therefore, you should be careful when interacting with strangers and do not accept city tours offered by auto-rickshaws. Those who travel to Thailand for love affairs need to remember the threat of HIV infection.
Medicine
Mains voltage:
220VCountry code:
+66Geographic first level domain name:
.thIn its shape, the territory of the state resembles the head of an elephant, and its shores are washed by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea.
Peculiarities
Until 1939, the kingdom was called Siam, which means “country free people" It must be said that Thailand fully justifies this status, since it is the only power in Southeast Asia that has never been conquered by foreigners in its history. The modern name translates as “country of the Thais,” which fully reflects its current image. The Siamese shores have long been considered the world Mecca of tourism. Every year millions of tourists from around the world come here to relax, significantly replenishing the state treasury. Fine sandy white beaches, vibrant tropical landscapes, affordable prices, a wealth of wildlife, an excellent climate and a whole scattering of historical and natural attractions have been creating a high reputation for Thailand for many years, making it one of the most popular and popular tourist centers on the planet. The country has enormous land resources, being one of the world's leading exporters in such areas as rice, fruits and rubber. A significant part of the population is employed in agriculture, the fishing and textile industries, as well as in tourism and other fields.
The king acts as the unquestioned authority and symbol of Thailand for its residents. Today it is Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has ruled for more than 60 years. Thais are no less devoted to the Buddhist religion. A huge number of temples have been built in the kingdom, most of which amaze with their luxury and splendor. While staying on the shores of Siam, you should be especially respectful of the culture and traditions of this freedom-loving people, who have lived according to the laws of their ancestors for centuries. Particular attention should be paid to the rules of conduct in public places, where increased displays of people’s love for each other and public nudity are not encouraged. various parts body, since there are special institutions for this in Thailand. The developed infrastructure of sex tourism is widely known outside the country and many adventure lovers, mostly male, come here just for this. The shores of Siam are known for their artistic crafts, local folklore, alternative medicine, including the famous Thai massage, as well as martial arts and Siamese cats.
General information
The area of Thailand is more than 514 thousand square meters. km, and the population is over 67 million people. The official language is Thai. At the same time, English is quite widely spoken in the country's resorts. The Thai baht (THB) serves as the single national currency. 100 THB = $THB:USD:100:2. Local time is 4 hours ahead of Moscow. Time zone UTC+7. Mains voltage 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz, A, B, C, F, I. Country telephone code +66. Internet domain.th.
A brief excursion into history
Initially, the kingdom of Sukhothai, formed in 1238, was located on the territory of modern Thailand. A little over 100 years later, Ayutthaya became his successor. It was during the period of its existence that these lands were most often subjected to raids by the Burmese, which stopped only in the 18th century, after Thaksin the Great ascended the throne. He was the founder of the Chakri dynasty, from which the roots of the modern history of the kingdom begin. All attempts by Burma, and then Great Britain, to subjugate Siam were unsuccessful, thanks to which the country remained unconquered. The third millennium was marked by the devastating tsunami of 2004, which killed thousands of people, massive flooding in Bangkok in 2011, as well as the coup d'état of 2006 and the subsequent political crisis, which ended only recently, but its economic consequences are reflected in the life of the state to this day.
Climate
The country is dominated by a humid tropical and subequatorial climate, which is very strongly influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. From June to October is the rainy season, and the period from November to February is dry and cool. The period from March to May is considered the hottest. However, this division is very relative, given the different topography and geographical orientation of the regions. The air temperature throughout the year averages about +26 - +28 degrees, although in the north, especially in mountainous areas, it is somewhat colder and sometimes the thermometer drops there to 0 degrees. The most optimal time to visit the country is considered to be from November to February, although during the rainy season the tourist rush subsides significantly and prices become noticeably lower. The weather does not greatly affect the quality of recreation, especially on the southern and eastern coasts, since the rains here are short-lived and do not have the same consequences as in the north.
Visa and customs regulations
Since 2007, Thailand has abolished visas for Russian citizens and now, in case of arrival for a period of less than one month, Russians will not need to obtain one. Citizens of Ukraine can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport if the period of stay does not exceed 15 days. Customs rules comply with generally accepted international standards, but the export of platinum jewelry, untreated precious stones, gold, Buddha images is prohibited (with the exception of souvenir products), ivory and other things that are state property.
How to get there
A direct flight from Moscow to the capital’s airport takes just over 9 hours. There are also direct flights to several other cities in Russia and the CIS countries. The most economical option seems to be a flight with Turkmenistan Airlines, but it involves a transfer, which is not very convenient.
Transport
Inside the kingdom, the most popular means of transportation are the so-called “tuk-tuks”, which are open mini-buses that look more like roomy scooters. This type of transport serves as part of the national flavor and is used in all cities. Buses and taxis are also common. There are good railway connections between provinces and cities. It is not recommended to rent a car, since driving rules in Thailand are very specific, and in some places they are non-existent. In controversial situations during accidents, the police almost always take the side of the locals. Water transport is extremely popular at the resorts, including yachts, boats, boats and canoes.
Regions
Cities and resorts
Select from list Ao Nang Bangkok ★ Jomtien Khao Lak Krabi Kood Island Lanta Island Lipe Island Koh Phangan Phuket Island Samet Island Samui Island Chang Island Phi Phi Islands Pattaya Rayong Similan Islands Hat Ray Leh Hua Hin Cha Am Chiang Mai Chiang Rai
Information
Geographically, Thailand is divided into 5 regions: Central, Northeast, South, North and East Coast.
The central region consists of fertile plains, some below sea level, along the Chao Prai River and its tributaries. It is considered the main area for growing rice, exported to many countries around the world. In addition, here is the capital of the kingdom - a city whose population exceeds 12 million people. It contains iconic national attractions, including the famous Temple complex with the Grand Royal Palace and the Temple of the Golden Buddha. Not far from Bangkok lies a historical relic of the country - an archaeological complex, and nearby is the modern city of the same name Ayutthaya.
The southern part of the country, located on the Malay Peninsula, is dominated by mountainous hills, as well as plantations of tropical fruits and rubber trees. In addition, there is a whole scattering of island resorts here, among which the most famous are,.
The eastern coast, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, is famous, first of all, for its Chon Buri province, where the most popular and noisy resort in the country is located. The province is home to one of the largest trading ports in Southeast Asia, Laem Chabang, as well as a scattering of manufacturing centers owned by the world's largest companies.
The north-eastern region is considered the poorest in the state as its agricultural lands are often subject to floods and droughts. However, there are also many rice plantations here, which annually produce a significant percentage of rice for export.
Famous for its amazing natural landscapes, formed from mountain ranges and fertile plains. The rainy season is most pronounced here, so there are often floods, causing a lot of trouble for local farmers. On tourist map The province of Chiang Mai is well known in the world, with the city of the same name, where most tourists traveling to Northern Thailand go.
The islands are considered the most prestigious holiday destinations in Thailand. Among them, the most famous are and, as well as such exotic resorts as
One of the most exotic islands in Thailand is the island, which is located in the waters of the Andaman Sea. It is located just a few kilometers away and is a real tropical paradise with turquoise bays, green palm trees, rich underwater world and a complete lack of roads.
Thailand has long been considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This fabulous kingdom, like a magnet, attracts travelers here who want to enjoy the warm waters of the Andaman and South China Seas, as well as enjoy admiring the tropical landscapes and majestic Buddhist temples, reflected by the gilding of their domes in the bright rays of the Siamese sun.
Accommodation
In Thailand, all major cities and resorts have a type of accommodation for each price segment. Prices vary by region and time of year. Most low prices during the rainy and monsoon season from May to August, and the peak prices are observed in December-February. In general, housing prices in Thailand are considered quite inexpensive, but it all depends on the services provided, which are included in the price. There are very expensive luxury boutique hotels with all the amenities and the highest Thai service.
Name [ | ]
The name (the word “thai” (ไทย) means “freedom”, “land” - country) fully justifies itself: Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has retained independence from European countries, while all neighboring countries were colonies of France or Great Britain. “Thailand” (Thailand) - the English version of the country’s name, introduced into use in 1939, means “country of the Thais”, the Thai version sounds like Prathet Thai or Mueang Thai.
Geography [ | ]
Relief of Thailand
Climate [ | ]
Poppy Island
Story [ | ]
| Periods of Thai history |
|---|
 |
| Primitive Thailand |
| Early history of Thailand |
| (3000 BC - 1238 AD) |
| Sukhothai (1238-1448) In parallel there were: |
| Ayutthaya (1351-1767) |
| Thonburi (1768-1782) |
| Rattanakosin (1782-1932) |
| Kingdom of Thailand |
The history of the country dates back to the kingdom of Sukhothai, formed in 1238. Its successor was the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya), founded in 1350. Thai culture has been heavily influenced by China and India. In the 18th century, Siam suffered from predatory raids by the Burmese, which were stopped by Thaksin and Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke. The latter, after the brutal execution of Thaksin in 1782, ascended the throne as king under the name, founding the Chakri dynasty. Thanks to his successors Kings Rama IV and Rama V, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. However, Thailand was forced to leave three southern provinces, which later became the three northern states of Malaysia. This was caused by the interests of Great Britain, which was trying to conquer Thailand.
Thailand has never been a colony. The main reason for this was the rational policy of the king, who played on the contradictions between Great Britain and France, ceding border territories, for example, in Malaysia and Laos, but maintaining the independence of the country as a whole. A largely peaceful revolution in 1932 resulted in Thailand becoming a constitutional monarchy. Formerly known as Siam, Thailand first received its current name in 1939, and a second time, definitively, in 1949, after World War II. During this war, Thailand supported Japan, and after its end it became an ally of the United States.
One of the most famous representatives of Thai culture during this period was Prince Damrong Ratchanubab. He became the founder of the country's modern education system and provincial government system. He was also a historian and one of Thailand's most influential intellectuals of his time. Damrong Ratchanubab became the first Thai to be included in UNESCO's list of most distinguished people.
On December 26, 2004, a tsunami hit the southwestern coast of Thailand. 5,000 people died in Thailand, half of them tourists.
2006 Thai coup[ | ]
September 19, 2006 at 23:00 local time world news agencies broadcast information about a military coup in Thailand, while local TV channels were captured and stopped broadcasting.
Later, on the evening of May 22, it became known that the commander of the ground forces, General Prayut Chan-ocha, headed the military government of Thailand.
Policy [ | ]
State structure[ | ]
Phra Nang beach in Thailand
Form of government- constitutional monarchy. Head of State- king. The King has lost absolute power, but remains the Supreme Commander, symbol of the unity of the nation and protector of Buddhism. The previous king, Rama IX, who died in 2016, enjoyed the nation's full respect, which was sometimes used during political crises. After his death, Maha Watchiralongkon Mahidol became king. Parliament of Thailand- bicameral National Assembly, consists of a Senate with 150 seats and a House of Representatives with 480 seats. The leader of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister.
The lower house (House of Representatives) is elected by the people of Thailand for a 4-year term. Until March 2000, the Upper House (Senate) was appointed by the king. Since March 2000, 50% of the Senate is appointed by the king, and 50% is elected by the population for a term of 6 years.
Administrative division[ | ]
Thailand is divided into 77 provinces (Changwat). In 2013, the municipality - the capital of the country, Bangkok, received the status of an independent 77th province.
Foreign policy[ | ]
Russian-Thai relations[ | ]
At the end of the 19th century. Thailand (then Siam) saw the Russian Empire as a possible ally, counting on help in defending its independence from the colonial powers of Europe and maintaining political sovereignty. Relations between the two states gradually strengthened. In 1882, under the command of Rear Admiral A.B. Aslanbegov, a squadron arrived from Russia to Siam on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the establishment of power of the Chakri dynasty. In 1888, the Russian composer P. A. Shchurovsky wrote the music of the anthem of Siam, which since 1932 has become the personal anthem of the royal family. In 1891, the Russian Tsarevich Nicholas visited Bangkok. In the same year, the Siamese prince Damrong arrived in Crimea, where he received an audience with the Russian emperor Alexandra III. In 1896, Prince Chira attended the coronation ceremony of Emperor Nicholas II as a guest.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Siam were officially established during the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to Russia from July 2 to July 10, 1897. On December 4, 1897, Alexander Olarovsky was appointed Charge d'Affaires and Consul General of the Russian Empire in Siam. The Russian Consulate General was opened in Bangkok, and it was subsequently expanded into a mission that existed until 1917. On June 23, 1899, the Declaration regarding Jurisdiction, Trade and Navigation was signed in Bangkok. Due to the friendly nature of Russian-Siamese relations and the expansion of cultural ties, the Royal Guards of Siam until the 70s. wore the uniform of the Russian Life Hussars; some elements of this uniform have survived to this day. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of members of the Siamese royal family and dignitaries visited Russia. Many young aristocrats were educated in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The son of King Chulalongkorn, Prince Chakrabon, lived in Russia for several years, studied at the Corps of Pages and the Army Academy, and served in the Russian army. In 1906 he married Ekaterina Desnitskaya.
King Rama the Fifth's son, Prince Chakrapong, was married to Catherine of the Desnitskaya, who bore him a son.
After 1917 there was a short break in bilateral relations. Diplomatic relations between the USSR and Thailand were established on March 12, 1941. In 1947, an Agreement on the exchange of diplomatic missions was signed between the two countries, and a year later the embassy began its work in the capital of Thailand. During the Cold War and until the end of the 70s. bilateral relations were neutral.
A new period of relations was marked by the official visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand Kriangsak Chamanan to the USSR in 1979. During this visit, the Soviet-Thai Friendship Society was created. Since the mid-80s. In connection with positive changes in the world political arena, bilateral relations gradually began to strengthen again. In 1987, the first exchange of visits between the foreign ministers of the two countries took place. In May 1988, General Prem Tinsulanon, Prime Minister of Thailand, paid an official visit to Moscow. In February 1990, N.I. Ryzhkov, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, arrived on an official visit to Bangkok.
On December 28, 1991, the Thai government recognized the Russian Federation as a sovereign state and confirmed its intentions to develop mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
WITH beginning of the XXI V. Bilateral relations have consistently gained momentum in key areas of cooperation. The culmination of this process was the visit to Thailand in October 2003 of the President Russian Federation V.V. Putin and his wife, which became the first visit of the head of the Russian state to the Kingdom of Thailand since the collapse of the USSR. This trip was also unique from the point of view of international diplomatic protocol, incorporating a private visit Russian President at the invitation of the then Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, an official visit at the invitation of the Thai Prime Minister, participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and, finally, a state visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej. In total, the trip took more than 5 days.
The parties managed to reach a number of constructive agreements, in particular, on debt settlement former USSR before Thailand in the amount of $36.5 million.
Relations with Cambodia[ | ]
Some sections of the Cambodia-Thailand border, including the maritime one, are not clearly defined.
Armed forces[ | ]
Economy [ | ]
Advantages: successes in export production, which can even offset imports. Rapid economic growth. Availability of natural gas. One of the world's main exporters of rubber, rice and seafood.
Weaknesses: The economy is concentrated mainly around Bangkok. Insufficient fresh water supplies. Rapidly growing external debt. 60% of the population works in small peasant farms.
Energy [ | ]
About 70% of electricity is generated using natural gas. Natural gas is produced in the offshore Platong field, located at the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand. Also a major supplier of natural gas is Qatar, which transports liquefied gas to the Map Ta Phut LNG terminal.
Tourism [ | ]
Tourism brings considerable income to Thailand. Thus, in 2011, Thailand was visited by more than 19 million foreign tourists. Main destinations: Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui.
Agriculture[ | ]
Rice fields in Chiang Mai
Thailand is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of rice: annually the country supplies up to 9 million tons of rice of various varieties to the world market. Including the famous “jasmine” rice, so named because of its delicate natural aroma. The share of agricultural products in Thailand's GDP is currently around 10%, with an increasing trend. Other popular crops are cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, pineapples, coconuts (mainly in southern region), bananas. The country receives large incomes from the export of the “king of fruits” - durian, which they first learned to cultivate here.
Population and social resources[ | ]
The population of Thailand is mainly composed of ethnic Thais and Laotians (~80%). There is also a large community of ethnic Chinese (~10%), which includes former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Other ethnic groups represented by Malays, Hmong, Khmer, and Vietnamese who have settled in eastern Thailand since the Vietnam War.
94.6% of Thai residents profess Buddhism. 4.6% are Muslim - mostly Malays living in the south of the country.
Religion [ | ]
Traditional architecture
In Thailand, the king is not only the head of state, but also the patron and protector of all religions. In times of crisis, he acts as a conciliatory mediator without taking sides. The King of Thailand is a leader and national symbol above politics, and therefore only intervenes in political affairs when necessary to prevent bloodshed. Love and respect for the royal family in Thailand is - according to officials - almost religious in nature. For the last century or more, every reigning king, as well as the members of his family, has been officially credited with an ardent interest in the welfare of the people and a supposed personal interest in the prosperity of all his subjects.
In addition to the nominal (rather moderate) ritualism associated with the cult of the king, the Thais profess Buddhist teachings. In the 13th century, Hinayana Buddhism, meaning “small vehicle” (the second major branch of Buddhism is called “Mahayana” - “great vehicle”), was officially recognized in Thailand. Currently, the term “Hinayana” is considered obsolete and is falling out of use, having been replaced by the self-name of this branch of Buddhism - “Theravada” - “teaching of the elders”. Theravada is one of the variants of Buddhism, recorded in the so-called "Pali Canon"), which its followers call the most ancient, the most beautiful and the closest to the original teachings of Gautama Buddha. (Followers of other versions of Buddhism claim the same thing about their religious and philosophical concepts, but this does not lead to religious conflicts.) This teaching has its own strict rules, in relation to which a disparaging tone is unacceptable (especially by tourists) - this is respect for the image of the Buddha, to temples, monks, as well as some restrictions on freedom of behavior for women, but rites and rituals in general are much simpler than in Indian Mahayana Buddhism.
There are more than 32,700 Buddhist temples in Thailand, home to about 370 thousand monks and novices. This is approximately 1 monk per 170 citizens.
The second most important religion in Thailand is Islam, which is practiced by about 4.6% of the population - mainly residents of the southern provinces close to Malaysia.
Christianity is also represented in Thailand. The very first mention of Christians in Thailand (Siam) was recorded in the travel notes of the Italian traveler Louis of Warsema, who visited Southeast Asia around 1505. From his records it becomes clear that the first Christians in Thailand were Armenians, who lived here permanently and traded with India. In the 16th-17th centuries, Christianity was spread here by Catholic missionaries. Currently, there are Catholic and Protestant communities in the country, as well as seven parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church and one monastery. In total, according to various estimates, from 0.7% to 1.7% of the country's population profess Christianity - these are mainly inhabitants of the mountainous northern regions. Most Christians are Catholics, but there are also communities of Protestants - Presbyterians, Baptists, Adventists, Lutherans, and Assemblies of God believers.
Culture [ | ]
Before 1913, most Thais did not have surnames, only given names (mostly villagers).
Calendar [ | ]
The Thais live according to the Thai solar calendar (a type of Buddhist calendar), according to which their chronology begins with the death of Buddha in 543 BC (thus, 2019 AD according to the Gregorian calendar corresponds to 2562 of the Buddhist era).
The official Thai calendar is based on the Buddhist Era and differs by 543 years from the Western calendar. For example, 2017 is equal to 2560 in Thailand.
Architecture [ | ]
Thai house
Before the formation of the first major Thai state of Sukhothai, regions of Thailand (and from the 12th century the whole country) were part of the Mon and Khmer states of Bapnom, Dvaravati, Chenla and Kambujadesh. After the fall of Cambodia, the Thai states of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok became the main heirs of Cambodian culture, since Cambodia did not have the conditions for its development. Thai architecture originates from Cambodian.
The entire development of Thai artistic culture is associated with Buddhism, which in the Thai version also included some Hindu motifs. In monumental architecture, the main types of buildings are stupa and temple. Thai stupas go back to Mon and Khmer prototypes (prasang, prasat, chedi; the prefix “pra” means “holy”). The basis for the development of temples is vehan- a building with brick or stone columns and a wooden roof.
The most striking example of Thai architectural creativity is the complex of temples and the Grand Royal Palace in Bangkok. The buildings located on the territory of temples have different shapes and meanings - these are usually sanctuaries, halls for religious ceremonies, libraries and schools. The walls can be decorated with scenes from the Hindu epic ("Ramakien": King Rama 2 translated the Ramayana into Thai) and images of mythological animals. The sacred Bodhi tree is often found in the courtyards of monasteries. There are also numerous sculptures of mythical creatures possessing supernatural powers who guard the monastery.
Music [ | ]
Music has always occupied an important place in the ceremonial, court and religious life of the Thais. A traditional orchestra consists of gongs, bells, strings, and xylophones. For Europeans, Thai music sounds quite unusual. It still accompanies important public ceremonies and classical theater performances today.
Movie [ | ]
Film production in Thailand appeared in the 30s of the 20th century, before which films were shot sporadically.
Since the end of the 20th century, a “new wave” of Thai cinema has been developing. Thai directors Pen-Ek Ratanaruang (Thai. เป็นเอก รัตนเรือง ) And