Thailand fast facts

[CrazyExpat]

CLIMATE: Thailand is an all-year-round destination with warm tropical climate throughout the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has three seasons. March to May is Thailand's hottest period when temperatures in some regions may climb over 40C during the day with humidity levels around 80%. Northeastern Thailand and central Thailand are generally very hot during this time, while the northern and southern regions are substantially cooler. June to December, also known as the "rainy" season, offers plenty of sunshine and temperatures averaging around 32C. Don’t automatically assume that you'll be stuck in your room for 24 hours a day. Sunshine generally prevails, with intermittent heavy showers. If you can allow flexibility in your itinerary, this is a wonderful time to visit Thailand as you'll benefit from lower hotel prices and fewer tourists. When Canadians are enduring winter from November to February, Thailand's temperatures average 28-32C. The southern region of Thailand has two seasons – wet and dry. On the west coast (Andaman Sea), the rains occur from April to October while the east coast (Gulf of Thailand) gets the most precipitation between September and December. But, with careful planning, you’ll never see a drop of rain.

CURRENCY: There's no need to take U.S. currency to Thailand as Canadian dollars or travellers cheques can be easily exchanged. One Canadian dollar currently is worth about 31 baht. Prices for goods and services in Thailand vary widely and depend on where you are. For example, a 30-40 minute taxi ride may cost about $8 in the northeast, $15 in Bangkok or $30 in Phuket. A small bottle of water goes for 50 cents and a 375 ml bottle of Heineken purchased at a grocery store is about $1.50. Interestingly, many Thais dine out rather than cook at home because of the affordability and the wide variety of food options available.

TERRAIN: Thailand is perhaps best known for having some of the world's most beautiful beaches. But, the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula south make up just one of the four distinct geographic areas of the kingdom, a land of rushing rivers and lush forests. Mountains and forests dominate the north, the central plains have vast rice fields and semi-arid farmlands are found in the northeast plateau.

WHEN DINING: You'll notice that spoons and forks are used and no knives. The spoon is used to put food into your mouth and the fork to push food onto your spoon. Sharp objects such as forks are not put into your mouth. Chopsticks are also commonly available.

GREETINGS: In general, Thais do not shake hands. The "wai" is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together in a prayer-like gesture while the head is lowered with a slight bow. The height to which the hands are held depends on the status of the people involved.

ATTIRE: Attire in Thailand is relatively casual except when visiting religious sites or attending more formal events. Sleeveless tops, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate when visiting temples where women should cover their shoulders and legs.

LANGUAGE: English is widely spoken in most major tourist areas of Thailand. You can encounter difficulty in some of the more remote areas of the country. Since many taxi drivers don't have a good working knowledge of English, obtain from your hotel concierge a card showing the hotel address in English on one side and in Thai on the other. Or feel free to simply ask, "Does anyone speak English?" and someone will quickly come to your rescue and provide the necessary translation.

RELIGION: Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country with more than 93% of its people describing themselves as Buddhist. As the saying goes, "To be Thai is to be Buddhist."

EASY ON THE SPICE: World-renowned Thai cuisine is famous in part for its spiciness. To tell a waiter that you don't want your food too hot, say "mai pet."

NEIGHBOURS: Thailand’s neighbours are Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the southeast and Malaysia to the south.

Thailand fast facts | Thailand | Asia Now Asia Wow | Special Sections | Toronto Sun

[Wino]

EASY ON THE SPICE: World-renowned Thai cuisine is famous in part for its spiciness. To tell a waiter that you don't want your food too hot, say "mai pet."

Or "pet nic noi" if you want it a little bit spicy.

[lvdkeyes]

Actually, it is Phet nid noi or Phet nit noi.

[Bob]

Actually, it is Phet nid noi or Phet nit noi.

Close enough. Pet [low tone] nit [high tone] noi (or noy) [low tone].

Some people, for example, only want one chili [neung (low tone) prik (high tone] and that's how they say it. Mind you, even one chili in somtam, for example, is a bit spicy for some people. And to think some Thais eat it with 4-5 while chilis (enough to remove the chrome from your car bumper) remains in the "incredible" category for me.

[lvdkeyes]

If you like som tom , but don't like it too spicy, just tell them mai prik kee nu. There will be enough residual chili in the mortar to add a little spiciness, but not to blow your head off.