Thailand – Land of Smile
Thailand a secret no more
It is not called the Caribbean of Asia for nothing.
Yet, until recently, Thailand's unparalleled marine playground
has been quite difficult to access, enjoyed by but a handful
of cruising yachts and an even smaller group of charter holidaymakers.
But no more. A surge in the development of marina facilities
and in the number of yachts available for charter mean that
Thailand is set to burst upon the international scene as the
world's newest yachting playground.
Thailand - Unimaginable coastline, &beaches
Over 1,000 miles of coastline bordering the
Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, literally thousands
of islands, countless beaches with pristine white sand, crystal
waters and superb coral reefs, hidden creeks and headlands
meeting the sea, mystical sea mountains. All these combine
with a tropical climate to create the world's most stunning
cruising waters. Welcome to Thailand... The Thailand that
independent cruising yachtsmen tell tales about on their travels...
The Thailand that many have never left.
Thailand - Safe tropical climate
Although in the tropics, Thailand has no typhoons.
It is not in a hazardous weather zone. Even the seasonal monsoons
are gentle. Temperatures range from 25' - 35'C for most of
the year, and the sea rarely varies from a balmy 28'C. This
means comfortable, exotic cruising all year round.
Thailand - Stunning culture
Who has not heard of the friendliness of Thailand's
people, the magnificent cuisine and the stunning culture?
They are all fact. And all are harnessed to ensure visitors
to this magical Kingdom have an unforgettable experience.
Whichever part of the kingdom you visit, the experience of
Thailand adds a wonderful extra dimension to a boating holiday.
Thailand's weather
Coastal Thailand lies between 5'C and 13'C north
of the equator, which places it firmly in the monsoonal weather
patterns of the northern hemisphere. This means that the prevailing
winds from November to April are northeasterly and from May
to October are southwesterly. Typhoons are not a risk in Thailand
waters and temperatures range from maximum 35'C to minimum
25'C.
The Andaman Sea coast in the West experiences
regular, fair to strong, breezes between May and October,
when the best sailing is in the sheltered waters of Phang-nga
Bay. Rain showers are frequent but not persistent and are
interspersed with excellent sunny clear days. During this
season, the Gulf experiences the same prevailing winds, but
tends to be dryer in the lee of the southern Thailand peninsula.
Between November and April, the winds can be
quite strong in the early mornings tailing off in the afternoons.
Later in the season, the winds become lighter. Thailand is
unique as a sailing holiday destination. There is no off-season.
Indeed, the May-October 'Green Season' offers near-perfect
conditions for keen sailors with reliable winds averaging
12 – but rarely exceeding 25 – knots, bright sunshine
interspersed with showers, and generally cooler temperatures.
Thailand - A regional base
Thailand has deservedly become Asia's premier cruising and
boating destination. Residents of South East Asia already
take advantage of this magical marine world, as do cruising
yachts on their way between the two hemispheres. If you base
your own boat in Thailand, you may find you never need finish
exploring within the Kingdom's borders, but should you want
to look further, there is no better base from which to explore
the whole region. And Thailand welcomes you each time you
return.
Thailand - Explore the region from Thailand
Thailand's coast borders three other countries – Myanmar,
Cambodia and Malaysia – each with coastal assets of
its own. North of the Andaman Sea coast is the border with
Myanmar and its magnificent Mergui Archipelago. An unspoiled
region with many uninhabited islands, only a few dive and
adventure holiday operators have been given access to date,
but the region is earmarked for sustainable development. The
gateway to this little-explored area is Phuket and Ranong.
Southwards, at the entrance to the Malacca Straits,
is the Malaysian west coast with a number of islands offering
marina facilities. Phuket and Satun are well placed to provide
easy access to these cruising grounds, the last stop in Thailand
waters being Ko Tarutao. On the Gulf coast of Malaysia, marinas
are planned in each major sea port as stepping stones to or
from Ko Samui.
Cambodia is the least developed coastline in the region and,
along with neighbouring Vietnam, is set to become the next
significant area of interest. The Cambodian border is just
a few miles from Ko Chang.
To the east of Phuket lie the Andaman Islands, in Indian waters.
These sleepy islands, steeped in tradition, are just 350 miles
off Thailand's west coast and have only recently begun to
welcome visiting yachts. If you are looking for new frontiers,
Thailand provides the perfect hub from which to explore the
budding cruising grounds of the region.
Thailand - A thousand places to see
The world-famous ‘Pearl of the Andaman' – Phuket
– to the mysterious limestone karsts, mangrove swamps,
creeks, islets and perfect beaches of Phang-nga Bay, Krabi,
Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta. The almost unknown and unspoiled
islands off Thailand's west coast, heading towards the Myanmar
border, to the extraordinary Similan Islands northwest of
Phuket and south to the Malaysian border.
From the favourite holiday islands Ko Samui
and Ko Pha-ngan in the Western Gulf of Thailand across to
the mountainous and heavily forested Ko Chang and Kut Archipelagos
in the Eastern Gulf.
The sheer number of destinations awaiting you
within Thailand's borders is outdone only by the unbelievable
variety. From world-class marina to tiny fishing village,
from big city Pattaya to deserted beaches and uninhabited
islands, this is the marine wonderland of Thailand. This is
Asia's boating playground. This is the ‘Caribbean' of
the East.
About Thailand
Thailand - Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet
Thailand, meaning "land of the free")
Thailand - Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city
of angels")
Thailand - Geography:
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of
Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina,
Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide
into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the
North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid
farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands
and long coastline of the peninsula South.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are
further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages.
Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial,
industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of
Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King
recognised 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 Thailand monarch. 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.
Thailand - Topography:
Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:
The mountainous North, with its profusion of
multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and
winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation
of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;
The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously
guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;
The Central Plain, one of the world's most
fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional
culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the
East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;
The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches
and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining,
rubber cultivation and fishing.
Thailand - Population:
Thailands are well-known for their friendliness
and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens
of Thailand are ethic Thailand, along with strong communities
whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About
7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.
Thailand - People:
Thailand (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%),
and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic
Thailands form the majority, though the area has historically
been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree
of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally
and socially there is enormous unity.
Thailand - Language:
Spoken and written Thailand is largely incomprehensible
to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood,
particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial
language. English and some European Languages are spoken in
most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations,
and Thailand-English road and street signs are found nationwide.
Thailand - Government:
Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy
since 1932. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House
of Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and
senators are elected by the people. A prime minister elected
from among the representatives leads the government. The country
is divided into 76 provinces. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial governors
administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided
into districts (Amphoe), sub-districts (Tambon) and villages
(Mu Ban).
Thailand - Head of State:
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the
Chakri Dynasty)
Thailand - Climate:
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three
distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average
temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with
plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature
29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November
to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to
below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).
Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast
during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate
with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all
year round.
Thailand - Electricity:
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles)
throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and
sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair
dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a
plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt
transformers.
Thailand - Tap water:
Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly
should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended
Thailand - Clothing :
Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket
is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants.
Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts,
tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate
dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.
Thailand - Weights & Measures :
The metric system is used throughout Thailand.
Numerals on vehicle speed ohmmeters, highway markers and speed
limits all indicate kilometres.
Thailand - Business hours :
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate
on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores
open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices
are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon
to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays.
Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm
except on public holidays.
Thailand - Postal Services :
Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient.
Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises.
Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to
4.30 p.m.
International Roaming Mobile Phone : A Subscriber
Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thailand
and foreign customers who are travelling around for work.
The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM
mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile
phone within the 1800-MHz range.
Thailand - Fax and E-Mail :
All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile
(fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer
such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation
services.
Thailand - Internet Services :
Thailand has been expanding its information
service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet
system. Services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels
and at the many " Cyber-Cafes " that are cropping
up in all major tourist destinations.
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