Thailand is also known as the land of smiles and once you have spent some time here, you will understand why. The Thais are among some of the friendliest people in the world and are very proud of their cultural heritage and Royal family, so it is important to always show respect when discussing these matters.

It experiences a tropical climate with different areas experiencing different temperatures at different times of the year. One thing should be remembered however and that is that it is always hot and the sun usually always shines.

Along with their culture and history, Buddhism also plays an important role in every life in Thailand. Buddhist symbolism can be seen wherever you are in the country and regardless of whether it is an intricately detailed temple, a spirit house or a shrine, the influence of Buddhism is clear for all to see. The people are also influenced by their Buddhist beliefs and this in part is why they are such a welcoming and accepting nation. However as a people, they also like to party and relish in any festival celebrated throughout the year.

There are three major tourist destinations in Thailand. These include the capital of Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the southern islands and coastline and the north of the country, in particular, Chiang Mai. Each separate area offers something different for the traveller. Bangkok is home to some of the country’s most important historical monuments and of course the best shopping, whereas northern Thailand is where to head to experience jungle treks and an introduction to the hill tribes.

However, most people come on holiday to Thailand to enjoy the beaches and the sunshine and where better to do this than on an idyllic island in the south. Two of the more popular destinations are Phuket and Samui.

A brief history of Thailand

Thailand was not always a united country. For many centuries it was divided into two; the Lanna Kingdom in the north (which included Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) and Siam in the south (including Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Sukothai).

The Thai people are justifiably proud of their heritage as being the only nation in this part of Asia not to have been conquered. This is mainly due to a strong military presence and a ruling Royal Family who made the right decisions and looked out for their people.

The first modern-day people to settle here were the Mons, who migrated south from China in the 6th century AD. Between the 8th and 12th century a Lavo culture thrived in Lopburi and established the very first city. However, the very first Kingdom of Thailand was seen in the 13th century in the north of the country and was known as the Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai was the kingdom’s capital.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Sukhothai, south of Chiang Mai, was developing into a very prosperous area and it was during this time that Thailand experienced its Golden Age. However, this was not the end of the growth. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was where Siam, and Thailand as we know it, really began. It became one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful cities and experienced a 400 year unbroken rule by the monarchy. The downfall was the invasion of the Burmese in 1765.

Unfortunately the Burmese all but destroyed the city; however the ruins have become a popular destination for many visitors to the country.

The Siamese were able to rebuild their capital on the west bank of the river, which is where Bangkok still stands today. The Siamese were however in a much stronger position as they managed to gain control of the north and Bangkok became the country’s first modern city.

The country has enjoyed much stability since the move of the capital to Bangkok and has seen some much-loved monarchs who will never be forgotten by the Thais. Rama V is one of the most famous Thai Kings as he avoided the country being conquered through diplomacy.

Unfortunately, after Rama V, there were a number of monarchs who were not as effective and this climaxed with a bloodless coup on 1932 and a constitutional monarchy being set up. 

In the latter part of the 20th century, Thailand opened its doors to tourism and the rest, as they say, is history.

Festivals and events in Thailand

Festivals are incredibly popular in Thailand and widely celebrated. There are a number of public holidays throughout the year and many more religious, cultural and traditional festivals. The highlights include:

Chinese New Year: is celebrated countrywide and involves the usual dragon dances, firecrackers, gift giving and lively parties.

Songkran: Thai New Year, Songkran, is usually held in April and sees the country literally shutting down for a week of partying, spending time with family and of course playing with water. Songkran is actually the largest water fight in the world and sees people of all ages and nationalities hit the streets to indulge in water fights. The festivities have evolved and now Thailand is famed for its celebrations. To really experience Songkran, make your way to Chiang Mai, but expect to get very wet!

Coronation day: held in May, this day celebrates the coronation of the highly revered monarch, King Bhumibol (Rama IX).

Visakha Puja day: also held in May, this is a Buddhist holiday celebrating the Lord Buddha’s birth date.

Mother’s Day: every August, the Queen’s birthday is celebrated and is the Thai’s Mother’s Day. It is a joint celebration of the Queen of Thailand as well as for mothers around the country.

Loi Krathong: held every November, this is one of the most important events in the Thai calendar. It is basically a time for sins of the past year to be washed away in floating decorative ‘krathongs’ down the river. Not only the most important, Loi Krathong is also one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand.

Father’s Day: As with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is held in celebration of the King’s birthday. It takes place in December and is also a time to pay respect to fathers across the nation.

Important information

Thailand sees over 10 million visitors every year, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Despite being a very friendly and generally safe country, there are still a few things to be aware of.

Thai people in general are very passive and avoid confrontation. Violent crime against tourists is very low and there are strict penalties for those who break the law. However, you still need to keep your wits about you and use common sense at all times.

Driving can be somewhat dangerous in Thailand, mainly due to the number of motorbikes, but also because there is not the health and safety standards on the road as there are in the west. Drink driving is common and many people arrive in Thailand and immediately hire a motorbike, despite never having ridden one before.

It is important that you always remain respectful of the king and the royal family in general. Never raise your voice in public and remember that loss of face can be very costly. Face is very important to all Thai people and to make them look stupid in public could make you an enemy for life.

With regards to your health, Thailands hospitals in the main cities are exceptional and offer very good service at a fraction of the cost in the west. It is adviseable to have a Hepatitis A vaccine as well as keeping up to date with your Tetanus. 

Malaria is only prevalent in some areas of Thailand such as along the Mekong river, on the Burmese border and in Kanchanaburi. Dengue fever however is seen across the country, but there is no vaccine or tablet available to prevent it. The best advice is to cover up and use mosquito repellent. Dengue fever mosquitoes are usually found near stagnant water. While it is rarely fatal, Dengue fever can be very uncomfortable and could leave you weak and vulnerable to catch it again.

One of the most common complaints in Thailand is an upset stomach and diarrhoea. This is not always due to food poisoning or water. It can also be down to overly spicy food when you’re not used to it and the heat. There are many medications around to help.

It is vital to be aware of how strong the sun is here and to always wear suntan lotion when out and about. Heatstroke is also common so be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

By using common sense, your time in Thailand should be trouble-free; but if you do require emergency services, use the following numbers:

Ambulance: 191 (or call the hospitals direct)

Recommended hospital:

Bangkok – Bumrungrad Hospital (66 2) 667 1000

Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai Ram (66 53) 224 861

Phuket – Phuket International Hospital (66 76) 249 400

Samui – Samui-Bangkok Hospital (66 77) 429 500

Police: 191

Tourist police emergency hotline: 1155