HISTORY
Throughout its 800-year history, Thailand can boast the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized. Its history is divided into five major periods
Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.) The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of China, which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number of people migrated south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and settled down over the Central Plain under the sovereignty of the Khmer Empire, whose culture they probably accepted. The Thai people founded their independent state of Sukhothai around 1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period
Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.) Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th century, gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness", this is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai.
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767) The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and come into conflict with its neighbours, During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.
Thon Buri Period (1767-1772) General Taksin, as he is popularly known, decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defense and withdrawal easier in case of a renewed Burmese attack. He established his new capital at Thon Buri on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces.
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present) After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action as king was to transfer the royal capital across the river from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the Grand Palace. Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor. King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut, Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with European countries, avoided colonialization and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father's tradition of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public welfare and administrative system. Compulsory education and other educational reforms were introduced by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI (1910-1925). During the reign of King Prajadhipok, (1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946). The country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939. Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.
31.5.08
6.4.08
Street Food in Thailand
Street Food in Thailand...A Smorgasbord For All The Senses Like other Southeast Asian countries, food stalls are everywhere in the streets, markets and festivals of Thailand, providing an endless smorgasbord of aromas, color and flavors - food in Thailand is a feast for all of the senses.
Picture a barbecue hotdog stand outside a North American sports stadium. Now, instead of hotdogs and buns sizzling on a grill, the food cart is laden with fresh bananas, which are slathered in batter and deep-fried to golden in a giant wok, then scooped into a paper bag like a super size order of extra thick homecut french fries. That was my first breakfast in Thailand while I watched hundreds of beautifully costumed elephants play soccer and tug-of-war in an annual Elephant Round-up in Surin, in the far northeast of the country!
The next 'hotdog stand' does have a grill, placed over a large bin of charcoal, with flattened chicken quarters sizzling on sticks that you eat like a Popsicle; next door to that is yet another steel cart heaped with fresh, ripe pineapple, mango and papaya, and sporting a huge mortar and pestle for transforming the greener papayas into a crunchy, sweet-sour-spicy salad with morsels of shrimp or squid, chiles, garlic and sugar.
What makes Thai food so delicious and distinctive among other Southeast Asian food is this unique blending of fresh herbs, spices and other ingredients that combine for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salt and heat that leaves your mouth feeling clean and your tastebuds popping in the afterglow.
Fresh fruit, salads and even soups and noodles are ladled into plastic bags with a skewer, fork, spoon or straw for eating on the go or perched on a folding chair at a nearby metal card table in the market.
Thai buses and trains become moving picnic grounds, with everyone chatting, eating and sharing the fare hawked through the vehicles' windows at roadside stops and terminals: Gai Yang, the flattened barbecue chicken on a stick, skewered meat and fish balls and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.
Carnivals and markets feature huge woks at knee-height, bubbling with deep-fried critters of all sorts, many unidentifiable. Are they grasshoppers? crickets? spiders? baby birds? small frogs? -- my mouth and eyes were constantly wide open in wonder and amazement!
I spent an inordinate amount of time in the fresh produce and night food markets -- exuberantly fascinated and often visibly discombobulated, to the great amusement of the vendors and shoppers.
After traversing every aisle of food carts and woks on my mission to find the freshest, most interesting and tasty-looking dishes, I was often met with earnestly shaking heads or "No, you don't want that - that's Thai food!" by English speaking cooks or bystanders when I pointed and gestured and tried to ask for a meal I knew I truly wanted. On my first such adventure, I did not know that the custom was for the cook to show the ladle with the amount of the garlic and chili for you to indicate how much you wanted: thinking she was simply asking if I wanted those Thai ingredients, I nodded vigorously at the heaped display, and in it all went! Yes, it was Thai food, and I enjoyed every sizzling touch to my lips under the watchful, laughing eyes of the vendors and bystanders who had gathered.
I spent as much time learning about, admiring and experiencing the food as I did with major tourist attractions, often spending hours strolling through streets and markets taking in the sights and smells and sounds: quiet clucking rising up from a heap of vibrantly coloured roosters or hens tied together at the feet - a Thai rooster's plumage is extraordinarily beautiful; plastic tubs and buckets just full enough of murky grey water to keep the fish, frogs or turtles alive until a sale was clinched; mounds and mounds of green and red, and purple and orange; the pleasant stench of durian and jackfruit - pleasant because I was just so thrilled and in awe of it a
Picture a barbecue hotdog stand outside a North American sports stadium. Now, instead of hotdogs and buns sizzling on a grill, the food cart is laden with fresh bananas, which are slathered in batter and deep-fried to golden in a giant wok, then scooped into a paper bag like a super size order of extra thick homecut french fries. That was my first breakfast in Thailand while I watched hundreds of beautifully costumed elephants play soccer and tug-of-war in an annual Elephant Round-up in Surin, in the far northeast of the country!
The next 'hotdog stand' does have a grill, placed over a large bin of charcoal, with flattened chicken quarters sizzling on sticks that you eat like a Popsicle; next door to that is yet another steel cart heaped with fresh, ripe pineapple, mango and papaya, and sporting a huge mortar and pestle for transforming the greener papayas into a crunchy, sweet-sour-spicy salad with morsels of shrimp or squid, chiles, garlic and sugar.
What makes Thai food so delicious and distinctive among other Southeast Asian food is this unique blending of fresh herbs, spices and other ingredients that combine for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salt and heat that leaves your mouth feeling clean and your tastebuds popping in the afterglow.
Fresh fruit, salads and even soups and noodles are ladled into plastic bags with a skewer, fork, spoon or straw for eating on the go or perched on a folding chair at a nearby metal card table in the market.
Thai buses and trains become moving picnic grounds, with everyone chatting, eating and sharing the fare hawked through the vehicles' windows at roadside stops and terminals: Gai Yang, the flattened barbecue chicken on a stick, skewered meat and fish balls and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.
Carnivals and markets feature huge woks at knee-height, bubbling with deep-fried critters of all sorts, many unidentifiable. Are they grasshoppers? crickets? spiders? baby birds? small frogs? -- my mouth and eyes were constantly wide open in wonder and amazement!
I spent an inordinate amount of time in the fresh produce and night food markets -- exuberantly fascinated and often visibly discombobulated, to the great amusement of the vendors and shoppers.
After traversing every aisle of food carts and woks on my mission to find the freshest, most interesting and tasty-looking dishes, I was often met with earnestly shaking heads or "No, you don't want that - that's Thai food!" by English speaking cooks or bystanders when I pointed and gestured and tried to ask for a meal I knew I truly wanted. On my first such adventure, I did not know that the custom was for the cook to show the ladle with the amount of the garlic and chili for you to indicate how much you wanted: thinking she was simply asking if I wanted those Thai ingredients, I nodded vigorously at the heaped display, and in it all went! Yes, it was Thai food, and I enjoyed every sizzling touch to my lips under the watchful, laughing eyes of the vendors and bystanders who had gathered.
I spent as much time learning about, admiring and experiencing the food as I did with major tourist attractions, often spending hours strolling through streets and markets taking in the sights and smells and sounds: quiet clucking rising up from a heap of vibrantly coloured roosters or hens tied together at the feet - a Thai rooster's plumage is extraordinarily beautiful; plastic tubs and buckets just full enough of murky grey water to keep the fish, frogs or turtles alive until a sale was clinched; mounds and mounds of green and red, and purple and orange; the pleasant stench of durian and jackfruit - pleasant because I was just so thrilled and in awe of it a
Amazing Thailand
AMAZING THAILAND ! THAILAND embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors. THE KINGDOM of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it is a natural gateway to Indochina, Myamar, and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide it into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central plains; the semiarid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsular South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial, and cultural activities. It is alsothe seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and Upholder of all religions. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethnic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India, an ...........................................................
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT : A BACKGROUNDER IT TOOK Suvarnabhumi Airport 40 years to be completed; the foundation stone for the airport was laid by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on jan, 19, 2002. On Sept. 28 last year, Suvarnabhum Airport has been officially opened for commercialpurposes. The airport, built with an estimated total investment of Bt 120 billion ($us 2.7 billion), was designed by the MJTA group of consultants. It is locatied in an area of 20,000 rai (8,000 acres) on km. 15 of Bang Na-Trat Road in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province just east of Bangkok. It is five times larger than Don Mueang, which at its peak, was the 22nd busiest airport in the world, and the busiest in Southeast Asia. Suvarnabhumi (pronounced "soo-wan-na-poom") boasts the world's longest runway:75.3 meters by 4,000 meters long. It full operation, the airport is expected to help boost Thaliland's economic, social, communication, and tourism development, and advance the government policy of making Thailand an aviation hub in Southeast Asia. Suvarnabhumi Airport can handle up to 45 million passengers annually but this will rise to 120 million passengers a year in the final phase. The two parallel runways have a total capacity of 76 flights per hour. Upon full completion of all the phases, the airport will have four runways. At 563,000 square meters, the passenger terminal is the world's largest single building structure . The airport has a public transport center consisting of a bus terminal, parking lots for buses, coaches, limousines, cars for rent, and taxis. The center also includes service areas for convenience stores and fod shops. Roughly 25 kms form downtown Bangkok, the expected travel time by road is around 40 minutes. A number of roads are being constructed all around the airport to boost accessibility from various sides and make travel to the new airport easier and quicker. New routes link Suvarnabhumi to the popular tourist spots of Pattaya and Rayong. .......................................................
SUVARNABHUMI Airport. By now the name of Thailand's new international airport must be a by-word among international travelers. Described as the "Pride of Thailand," the airport replacing Don Mueang International Airport has been built to become a regional aviation hub, a geteway for visitors from around the world. Bangkok is by far Thailand's most important geteway. About 70 percent of all visitor arrivals come through Bangkok. Many of them use the Thai capital as the gateway for taking onward flights to numerous other destinations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Certainly one of the biggest airports in Asia today, Suvarnabhumi boasts two runways that are able to manage about 76 flights per hour and a 563,000 sqm-passenger terminal that can accommodate up to 45 million passengers a year. The airport, run by the Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT), has 51 parking space for the aircraft connected to the buildings and 69 more remote aircraft parking space. The airport also has a cargo area, which is named Free Zone, a cargo system facility with the ability to handle three million tons of cargoes per year, as well as other facilities. As the airport marks its first anniversary this September, the airport management continues to further develop its services, particularly as regards concerns for security and better facilities. Serirat Prasutanond, General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, assured Lookeast Magazine editor Percy Roxas in an exclusive interview that in two years time, Suvarnabhumi Airport will be among the top 10 best international airports in the world. ............................................................Things about Thailand and flight to Thailand
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT : A BACKGROUNDER IT TOOK Suvarnabhumi Airport 40 years to be completed; the foundation stone for the airport was laid by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on jan, 19, 2002. On Sept. 28 last year, Suvarnabhum Airport has been officially opened for commercialpurposes. The airport, built with an estimated total investment of Bt 120 billion ($us 2.7 billion), was designed by the MJTA group of consultants. It is locatied in an area of 20,000 rai (8,000 acres) on km. 15 of Bang Na-Trat Road in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province just east of Bangkok. It is five times larger than Don Mueang, which at its peak, was the 22nd busiest airport in the world, and the busiest in Southeast Asia. Suvarnabhumi (pronounced "soo-wan-na-poom") boasts the world's longest runway:75.3 meters by 4,000 meters long. It full operation, the airport is expected to help boost Thaliland's economic, social, communication, and tourism development, and advance the government policy of making Thailand an aviation hub in Southeast Asia. Suvarnabhumi Airport can handle up to 45 million passengers annually but this will rise to 120 million passengers a year in the final phase. The two parallel runways have a total capacity of 76 flights per hour. Upon full completion of all the phases, the airport will have four runways. At 563,000 square meters, the passenger terminal is the world's largest single building structure . The airport has a public transport center consisting of a bus terminal, parking lots for buses, coaches, limousines, cars for rent, and taxis. The center also includes service areas for convenience stores and fod shops. Roughly 25 kms form downtown Bangkok, the expected travel time by road is around 40 minutes. A number of roads are being constructed all around the airport to boost accessibility from various sides and make travel to the new airport easier and quicker. New routes link Suvarnabhumi to the popular tourist spots of Pattaya and Rayong. .......................................................
SUVARNABHUMI Airport. By now the name of Thailand's new international airport must be a by-word among international travelers. Described as the "Pride of Thailand," the airport replacing Don Mueang International Airport has been built to become a regional aviation hub, a geteway for visitors from around the world. Bangkok is by far Thailand's most important geteway. About 70 percent of all visitor arrivals come through Bangkok. Many of them use the Thai capital as the gateway for taking onward flights to numerous other destinations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Certainly one of the biggest airports in Asia today, Suvarnabhumi boasts two runways that are able to manage about 76 flights per hour and a 563,000 sqm-passenger terminal that can accommodate up to 45 million passengers a year. The airport, run by the Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT), has 51 parking space for the aircraft connected to the buildings and 69 more remote aircraft parking space. The airport also has a cargo area, which is named Free Zone, a cargo system facility with the ability to handle three million tons of cargoes per year, as well as other facilities. As the airport marks its first anniversary this September, the airport management continues to further develop its services, particularly as regards concerns for security and better facilities. Serirat Prasutanond, General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, assured Lookeast Magazine editor Percy Roxas in an exclusive interview that in two years time, Suvarnabhumi Airport will be among the top 10 best international airports in the world. ............................................................Things about Thailand and flight to Thailand
23.1.08
Bussiness Information :
THAILAND,with a population of 64 million puls, and covering a land area of 513,115 sq km (about the same size as France) receives more than 12 million tourists, including business tourists and visitors to MICE (metings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) events per year. Foreign investment continues to increase, and in 2006 Thailand's GDP grew by nearly six percent. Time difference is GMT + 7 hours. Head of Bhuimibol Adulyadej, rama IX
GENERAL INFORMATION :
CURRENCY - Thai Baht, with an approximate exchange rate of Bt34 to the US$ (October 2007) comes in denominations of 1,000(grey); 500(purple); 100(red); 50(blue); 20(green); 10(brown). Coins are minted in values of 10; 5; 1; 50 and 25 satang.
TELEPHONES - International Direct Dialling (IDD) is available in most areas. There are two telecom companies, the TOT (Telephone Organisation of Thailand), and the CAT (Communications Authority of Thailand). Independent service providers for mobile telephones include AIS,DTAC; Hutch-True;
MEDIA - There are currently three English language daillies in Thailand, The Banfkok Post, The Nation, and Business Day. Several radio stations broadcast in English.
National TV Channels 3,5,7,9,11, plus independent tiTV, and cable operator UBC for programmes in English.
POSTAL SERVICES - The Head Post Office (on Charoen Krung road, near the Oriental and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotels) is open from 08.00a.m. to 12.00 p.m. on Saturdays.
GOVERNMENT STORES - Open from 8 a.m.- noon and again from 1-4:30 p.m.,Monday to Friday.
DEPARTMENT STORES - Are found in all urban areas, and are open seven days a week from 10.00 to 21.00. Thai and international branded names.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Directory Enquiries - 1133
Long Distance Service - 100
IDD...001+ Country Code+Area Code+
Plus Phone Number Tourist Police - 195, 1699 (Bangkok)
Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) Tel: [02]535-111
Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) Tel: [02]132-1888
BUSINESS/INVESTOR INFORMATION :
BANKS - There are 17 Thai banks with branches throughout the country. They are open from 8:30 a.m. in the morning to 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. (Monday - friday)
CREDIT CARDS - All recognised major credit cards are generally accepted in outlets and hotels all over the country.
American Express - 273 0022, 273 0044
Diner's Club - 238 3660
Mastercard - 001 8001 18 870663
Visa - 273 7448, 273 7449
VISA REQUIREMENTS ;
* Transit visa - single entry Bt. 800 - 30 days
* Tourist visa - single entry Bt. 1,000 - 30-60 days
* Non immigrant visa - single entry Bt. 2,000 - 90 days
* Non immigrant visa - multiple entry for use with in one year Bt. 5,000
* Diplomatic visa and Official visa - 90 days
* Courtesy visa - 90 days
* Visa on Arrival - 15 days
* Visa Exemption
- Diplomatic and Official passport -30-90 days
- Ordinary passport -30-90 days
- APEC business travel card -90 days
- Aliens entering for a temporary stay on confor ence purpose or international tournament hosted by Thai government -30 days
- Application for visa extension Bt. 1,900
- Application for a single Re entry Permit Bt. 1,000
- Application for a multiple Re entry Permit Bt. 3,800
- Application for a Residence Permit Bt. 7,600
BOARD OF INVESTMENT :
Through the Broard of Investment, the government offers a range of tex incentives, support services and import duty concessions to an extensive list of businesses that are regarded as priority or promoted industries. The BOI, as an investment promotion agency, remains committed to provide not only up-to-date information on various investment opportunities available throughout Thailand, but also to provide attractive incentives, services, and benefits to both existing and potential investors. www.boi.go.th/english Tel:(66 2) 537 8111-55
DEPT. OF EXPORT PROMOTION :
The Department of export Promotion (DEP) provides invaluable support and a host of other important services to international and local businessmen. The DEP is entrusted with the following duties and responsibilities: To promote and expand the market for Thai exports in goods and services by penetrating new markets and to preserve existing ones; to develop and perform activities that promote trade and increase the competitiveness of the export sector, to build a positive image of Thai goods and services, and thereby increase the market's confidence in Thai products, in terms of quality.
The DEP provides Thai manufacturers and exporters, as well as foreign importers, with trade information services.
The DEP also operates a permanent exhibition centre, the Trade Mart, on Ratchadaphisex Road. www. thaitrade.com Tel: (66 2) 5115066
INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AUTHORITY :
The IEAT is the government mechanism for national development, attracting investment and generating employment. At present it accommodates about 2,494 factories, efficiently organized in a systematic, orderly fashion. This represents an investment of 1.2 trillion baht (roughly 27 billion US dollars), and employment of 376,751 people. The IEAT has developed mechanisms for spreading growth and economic progress throughout the country. There are 30 industrial estates in 13 provinces in all regions of Thailand, covering three districts, supported by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). www. ieat.go.th Tel: (66 2) 365 9699
STOCK EXCHANGE OF THAILAND (SET) :
The SET is designed to be a liquid secondary market for securities to raise funds and win confidence from all stakeholders.
www.set .or.th/en Tel: 02 229 2000
TAXATION :
Corporate Income Tax Juristic companies and partnerships organised under Thai law are subject to income tax on income earned from sources within and outside of Thailand. The definition of juristic companies and partnerships for income tax purposes are broader than those under the Civil and Commercial Code. Juristic companies and partnerships for income tax purposes include, but are not limited to:
- private and public limited companies
- registered ordinary and limited partnerships
- joint ventures
- foundations and associations.
A branch of a foreign corporation is taxed only on income derived form sources within Thailand. Tax is imposed on the net profits of juristic companies and partnerships, ascertained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, subject to conditions imposed by the Revenue Code of Thailand.
VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) :
VAT 7 percent on the value of goods sold and services rendered at every level, including on importation. Certain categories of goods and services (eg exports) are to zero percent. In addition, other categories of goods and services (eg sales of agricultural products) are exempt from VAT.
WORK PERMIT :
A foreign citizen is legally able to work in Thailand if he or she has a proper passport visa, a valid work permit, and the individual performs no work which violates the Alien Employment Act BE 2521 (AD 1978). Established governmental procedures exist which allow a non-Thai national or alien to obtain all of the requisite approvals for legally performing work in Thailand. Before applying the person must hold a non- immigrant B class visa.
The Department considers six factors, which it believes constitute an economic benefit to the country. These areas are the promotion of foreign currency importation, exportation of goods, skilled personnal, employment of local labor, new technology, and tourism. This list is not conclusive, and an applicant can attempt to demonstrate that his or her employment will benefit the Kingdom in other ways.
THAILAND,with a population of 64 million puls, and covering a land area of 513,115 sq km (about the same size as France) receives more than 12 million tourists, including business tourists and visitors to MICE (metings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) events per year. Foreign investment continues to increase, and in 2006 Thailand's GDP grew by nearly six percent. Time difference is GMT + 7 hours. Head of Bhuimibol Adulyadej, rama IX
GENERAL INFORMATION :
CURRENCY - Thai Baht, with an approximate exchange rate of Bt34 to the US$ (October 2007) comes in denominations of 1,000(grey); 500(purple); 100(red); 50(blue); 20(green); 10(brown). Coins are minted in values of 10; 5; 1; 50 and 25 satang.
TELEPHONES - International Direct Dialling (IDD) is available in most areas. There are two telecom companies, the TOT (Telephone Organisation of Thailand), and the CAT (Communications Authority of Thailand). Independent service providers for mobile telephones include AIS,DTAC; Hutch-True;
MEDIA - There are currently three English language daillies in Thailand, The Banfkok Post, The Nation, and Business Day. Several radio stations broadcast in English.
National TV Channels 3,5,7,9,11, plus independent tiTV, and cable operator UBC for programmes in English.
POSTAL SERVICES - The Head Post Office (on Charoen Krung road, near the Oriental and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotels) is open from 08.00a.m. to 12.00 p.m. on Saturdays.
GOVERNMENT STORES - Open from 8 a.m.- noon and again from 1-4:30 p.m.,Monday to Friday.
DEPARTMENT STORES - Are found in all urban areas, and are open seven days a week from 10.00 to 21.00. Thai and international branded names.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Directory Enquiries - 1133
Long Distance Service - 100
IDD...001+ Country Code+Area Code+
Plus Phone Number Tourist Police - 195, 1699 (Bangkok)
Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang) Tel: [02]535-111
Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) Tel: [02]132-1888
BUSINESS/INVESTOR INFORMATION :
BANKS - There are 17 Thai banks with branches throughout the country. They are open from 8:30 a.m. in the morning to 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. (Monday - friday)
CREDIT CARDS - All recognised major credit cards are generally accepted in outlets and hotels all over the country.
American Express - 273 0022, 273 0044
Diner's Club - 238 3660
Mastercard - 001 8001 18 870663
Visa - 273 7448, 273 7449
VISA REQUIREMENTS ;
* Transit visa - single entry Bt. 800 - 30 days
* Tourist visa - single entry Bt. 1,000 - 30-60 days
* Non immigrant visa - single entry Bt. 2,000 - 90 days
* Non immigrant visa - multiple entry for use with in one year Bt. 5,000
* Diplomatic visa and Official visa - 90 days
* Courtesy visa - 90 days
* Visa on Arrival - 15 days
* Visa Exemption
- Diplomatic and Official passport -30-90 days
- Ordinary passport -30-90 days
- APEC business travel card -90 days
- Aliens entering for a temporary stay on confor ence purpose or international tournament hosted by Thai government -30 days
- Application for visa extension Bt. 1,900
- Application for a single Re entry Permit Bt. 1,000
- Application for a multiple Re entry Permit Bt. 3,800
- Application for a Residence Permit Bt. 7,600
BOARD OF INVESTMENT :
Through the Broard of Investment, the government offers a range of tex incentives, support services and import duty concessions to an extensive list of businesses that are regarded as priority or promoted industries. The BOI, as an investment promotion agency, remains committed to provide not only up-to-date information on various investment opportunities available throughout Thailand, but also to provide attractive incentives, services, and benefits to both existing and potential investors. www.boi.go.th/english Tel:(66 2) 537 8111-55
DEPT. OF EXPORT PROMOTION :
The Department of export Promotion (DEP) provides invaluable support and a host of other important services to international and local businessmen. The DEP is entrusted with the following duties and responsibilities: To promote and expand the market for Thai exports in goods and services by penetrating new markets and to preserve existing ones; to develop and perform activities that promote trade and increase the competitiveness of the export sector, to build a positive image of Thai goods and services, and thereby increase the market's confidence in Thai products, in terms of quality.
The DEP provides Thai manufacturers and exporters, as well as foreign importers, with trade information services.
The DEP also operates a permanent exhibition centre, the Trade Mart, on Ratchadaphisex Road. www. thaitrade.com Tel: (66 2) 5115066
INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AUTHORITY :
The IEAT is the government mechanism for national development, attracting investment and generating employment. At present it accommodates about 2,494 factories, efficiently organized in a systematic, orderly fashion. This represents an investment of 1.2 trillion baht (roughly 27 billion US dollars), and employment of 376,751 people. The IEAT has developed mechanisms for spreading growth and economic progress throughout the country. There are 30 industrial estates in 13 provinces in all regions of Thailand, covering three districts, supported by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). www. ieat.go.th Tel: (66 2) 365 9699
STOCK EXCHANGE OF THAILAND (SET) :
The SET is designed to be a liquid secondary market for securities to raise funds and win confidence from all stakeholders.
www.set .or.th/en Tel: 02 229 2000
TAXATION :
Corporate Income Tax Juristic companies and partnerships organised under Thai law are subject to income tax on income earned from sources within and outside of Thailand. The definition of juristic companies and partnerships for income tax purposes are broader than those under the Civil and Commercial Code. Juristic companies and partnerships for income tax purposes include, but are not limited to:
- private and public limited companies
- registered ordinary and limited partnerships
- joint ventures
- foundations and associations.
A branch of a foreign corporation is taxed only on income derived form sources within Thailand. Tax is imposed on the net profits of juristic companies and partnerships, ascertained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, subject to conditions imposed by the Revenue Code of Thailand.
VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) :
VAT 7 percent on the value of goods sold and services rendered at every level, including on importation. Certain categories of goods and services (eg exports) are to zero percent. In addition, other categories of goods and services (eg sales of agricultural products) are exempt from VAT.
WORK PERMIT :
A foreign citizen is legally able to work in Thailand if he or she has a proper passport visa, a valid work permit, and the individual performs no work which violates the Alien Employment Act BE 2521 (AD 1978). Established governmental procedures exist which allow a non-Thai national or alien to obtain all of the requisite approvals for legally performing work in Thailand. Before applying the person must hold a non- immigrant B class visa.
The Department considers six factors, which it believes constitute an economic benefit to the country. These areas are the promotion of foreign currency importation, exportation of goods, skilled personnal, employment of local labor, new technology, and tourism. This list is not conclusive, and an applicant can attempt to demonstrate that his or her employment will benefit the Kingdom in other ways.
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