Songkran Festival

Festivals in Thailand - April

:: Chakri Day

When:	6 April 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

A public holiday commemorating the founding of the Chakri Royal Dynasty by King Rama I, in 1782. Traditional ceremonies are held around statues of all past Chakri kings.

:: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year)

When:	13-17 April 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

The hottest month in Thailand is perfect timing for this festival, when water, lots of it, is sprinkled on Buddha images and thrown around by everyone, in a symbolic act of blessing to bring good luck for the coming year. If you are taking photos, be sure to have a waterproof bag for your camera, but it is all good-natured fun, with traditional music and dance, games and other festivities held throughout Thailand.

:: Poi San Long Procession

When:	April 2011
Where:	Mae Hong Son

Poi Sang Long is a ceremony practiced amongst Tai Yai people to ordain boys into Buddhist novices in order to study Buddhist doctrines. On the first day, the boys’ s hair is shaved except for the eyebrows, beautified by colourful clothes, makeup and flowers and brought to pay respect and apologise the elderly for any wrongdoings they might have done. On the second day, they are carried on the horse back or a person’s shoulders in a procession along the street accompanied by people in the village. The third day, they are again brought in a procession along the street to the temple to start the ordainment.

:: Cantaloupe Festival

When:	April 2011
Where:	Sakaeo

In front of the Aranyaprathet Train Station, the festival features different types of cantaloupe such as Sun Lady, Jade Dew, Honey World, Greenette, agricultural exhibitions, cantaloupe salad competition and other competitions.

:: Phum Pone Castle Traditional Event

When:	April 2011
Where:	Surin

There are the castle worshipping ceremony, Thai boxing competition, silk fashion show, light & sound show of the triangle love legend and a mini-concert. The event aims to promote the tradition and historical site Phum Pone Castle located Dom, Sankha, Surin, the oldest stone castle in Thailand.

:: The Underwater of Chumphon

When:	April 2011
Where:	Chumporn

To maintain the marine environment sustainably, the activities on this festival include letting newly bred aquatic animals into the sea, diving to clean the sea, treasure hunting games, tourism entrepreneur fair. The event is held on Thung Wua Laen Beach, Sa Phlee, Pathiew, Chumphorn.

:: Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair

When:	April 2011
Where:	Phetchaburi

An inauguration is the ceremony to worship the city pillar shrine and King Rama IV, V and VI. There are also tram city tour with the guide telling stories about the town as well as performances from The Fine Arts Department, parades, Red Cross fair, cow racing, travel photography competition and many more. The fair is held at Khao Wang and around Mueang District surrounding.

Festivals in Thailand - March

:: Pattaya International Music Festival

When:	March 2011
Where:	Pattya Beach, Chonburi

A full programme of concerts, featuring international and local musicians, at this popular beach resort.

:: Maha Jessadabodin Cultural River Fair

When:	March – April 2011
Where:	Nonthaburi

Held at Chaloem Prakiat Waraviharn Temple and Golden Jubilee Commemoration Park, Bang Si Muang, Muang, Nonthaburi, the fair features music performance, films, traditional games, Thai opera, local products (OTOP) and other entertainment.

:: International Kite Festival

When:	March 2011
Where:	Petchaburi

See the sky adorned with a variety of shapes and vivid colours of more than 100 kites from 23 countries around the world. There are also Thai kite exhibition, acrobatic performance, satellite kite from Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, radio-control small plane, parachute performance and many more.

:: Phanom Rung Ascending Traditional Ceremony

When:	March - April 2011
Where:	Burirum

Set on the rim of an extinct volcano, Phanom Rung is the Khmer stone temple complex, the work of articulate architecture, art and religious belief. Witness the splash of sunlight during the sunset that can be seen accurately through 15 doors of the castle which makes the distinct to the festival. This phenomenon happens at 06.30 pm. during 2 – 4 April 2010, only 4 times a year. There are also a rally in the morning and a procession of the sacred deities and light & sound show in the evening, folk music performance, drawing demonstration, mini marathon competition, traditional market, local products (OTOP).

:: Thao Suranari’s Victory Celebration

When:	March - April 2011
Where:	Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Procession and dances are performed in order to celebrate the victory of Thao Suranari or Ya Mo, the Lady who successfully plotted to harass the Laotian troop during their captivation in 1826. There are also torch running, fireworks display at 4 City Gates, food fair, Korat traditional dresses, Korat in the Past exhibition, light & sound presentation under the theme the history of Korat at Suranri Stadium.

:: Trat Independence Day

When:	March 2011
Where:	Trat

The event is held at the Provincial Town Hall to mark the day the province returned to Thai sovereignty after French occupation by the diplomatic discussion between King Rama V and France. In the event, historical play is performed. Local product stalls, exhibitions from state and private organization, folk games and sports show, music performance and other stage performances.

Festivals in Thailand - February

:: Chiang Mai Flower Festival

When:	1st week February 2011
Where:	Chiang Mai

The festival is held in Nong Buak Hat Park, at the foot of Nawarat Bridge and Khuang Pratu Tha Pae area. The highlight of the festival is the car parade of which each car is colourfully decorated with flowers at their best to win the competition. The street along the parade is decorated with plants and flowers, an ideal for photo hunters. Flower exhibition, beauty pageant, local product stalls are included in the festival as well as music performance to entertain the audience.

:: Chinese New Year

When:	3 February 2011
Where:	Bangkok

Marking the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, this is celebrated in all Chinese homes with gifts and feasting, while dragon dancers and noisy fire crackers enliven the streets of Chinese districts. Celebrations over several days are particularly lively in Bangkok’s Chinatown, with processions and bands. However, many Chinese-owned shops and businesses are closed during the festival.

:: Trang Underwater Wedding Festival

When:	14 February 2011
Where:	Trang

Hundreds of brides and grooms from many countries come to South Thailand for this unique event, with traditional Thai wedding ceremonies, lavish processions and beach parties, plus an underwater declaration of marriage vows at Koh Kradan.

:: Makha Bucha Day

When:	18 February 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

An important Buddhist lunar festival and public holiday, observed nation-wide. During the full moon evening, Thai people join candle-lit processions around temples, to celebrate the time when the Lord Buddha gave a sermon to 1,250 enlightened devotees. Foreign visitors are welcome to participate.

:: Pink Blossoms of Chompoo Phu Kha in Full Bloom

When:	February – March 2011
Where:	Nan

During the month of February and March, the Chompoo Phu Kha (scientific name: Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl), one of the world’s rare and endangered plant is in its full bloom in Nan province. Held in front of the Pua District Office, the festival is held aiming to sustain and promote the local customs and traditions of ancient Eastern Lanna civilisation as well as tourism in Nan.

:: Chinese New Year in Trang

When:	February 2011
Where:	Trang

On Ratcha Damnoen Rd., Trang’s Chinese New Year is convivially celebrated with the festival including kid pageant, China Girl pageant, lion dance, Thai folk dance, other performances on stage as well as food stalls along the street.

:: Suphanburi Food and Culture Fair

When:	February 2011
Where:	Suphanburi

Held in the west side of Nane Khaew Street, Suphanburi Municipal, the fair aims to promote buying and selling hygienic food as well as tourism in the province. There are also souvenir stalls, food, desserts, seasonal fruit, local products (OTOP), mini-concert, traditional games and food competition.

Festivals in Thailand - January

:: New Year’s Day

When:	1 January 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

The start of the international calendar, marked in Thailand as a public holiday, with lavish parties, is just one of three New Years observed with enthusiasm by Thai people.

:: Bor Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival

When:	January 2011
Where:	Chiang Mai

This 3-day fair stretches 1 km long, starting from the entrance to the end of the village. The houses and shops along the road are colourfully decorated in Lanna style and the illuminated with handmade lanterns. Umbrellas are craftily painted and brought to adorn the houses. There is a car parade displaying decorated umbrellas, handicraft competition, handicraft stalls, Kon Tok dinner, beauty pageant, traditional performances and other forms of entertainment.

:: Chrysanthemum in Bloom Festival

When:	January 2011
Where:	Nakorn Ratchasima

Witness the beauty of colourful chrysanthemums in bloom and experience the refreshing temperate climate during the cool season in front of Office of Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Thai Samakkee, Wang Nam Khoew, Nakorn Ratchasima

:: Boon Khoon Lan

When:	January 2011
Where:	Amnat Charoen

In January every year, after harvesting the rice, farmers will gather all crops in the rice ground. To show gratitude to the rice and deity is Mother Posop who provides food to people, Buddhist ceremonies to revere the rice grain are held in the evening and the morning of the following day. Then there will be blessing ceremony and the local ceremony.

:: Unseen in Trang

When:	January 2011
Where:	Trang

The fair is held to help promote tourism in the province through the exhibition of tourism entrepreneurs, local products (One Tambon One Product or OTOP), local food products, exhibition of attractions, sports, recreation, Thai traditional performance, Trang’s cultural performances as well as locals’ activities of the residents.

:: Orchid Festival at Ancient City

When:	December 2010 - January 2011
Where:	Samut Prakan

The festival is held at Suan Krai Thong, Ancient City in Samut Prakan. Various types of orchid and decorative plants are displayed. There is also competition for the most in traditional Thai dresses.

:: Phimai Historical Park Fair & Mini Light and Sound Presentation

When:	January - April 2011
Where:	Nakhon Ratchasima

Guests are welcomed in blessing ceremony by Phimai residents. Experience the Khmer’s invaluable architecture, dine the local cuisine amidst the historical ambience while watching traditional Thai performances and mini-light and sound performance which is originated from the pictures engraved on the temple which is delivered through traditional dances. Ancient Thai boxing dance and Phimai Pura dance telling story about the prosperous period of Phimai in the past and Khmer civilization are performed. There is also parade of the Buddha.

Thailand Statistics

:: Location
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma.
:: Geographic coordinates
15 00 N, 100 00 E
:: Map references
Southeast Asia
:: Area
Total: 514,000 sq km
Land: 511,770 sq km
Water: 2,230 sq km
:: Area-comparative
Slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming
:: Land boundaries
Total: 4,863 km
Border countries: Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 km
Coastline: 3,219 km
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Territorial sea: 12 nm
:: Climate
Tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon
(November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid.
:: Terrain
Central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere
:: Elevation extremes
Lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
Highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m
:: Natural resources
Tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite
:: Land use
Arable land: 34%
Permanent crops: 6%
Permanent pastures: 2%
Forests and woodland: 26%
Other: 32% (1993 est.)
:: Irrigated land
44,000 sq km (1993 est.)
:: Natural hazards
Land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts.
:: Environment-current issues
Air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting.
:: Environment-international agreements
Air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting.
:: Environment-international agreements
Party to: Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94.
:: Signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea.
Geography-note: controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore.
= People =
:: Population (December 2007 est.)
Total : 63,038,247
Male : 31,095,942
Female : 31,942,305
:: Age structure (December 2007 est.)
0-14 years: 21% (total : 12,924,777, male 6,640,218; female 6,284,559)
15-64 years: 70% (total : 43,904,274, male 21,581,405; female 22,322,869)
65 years and over: 9% (total : 4,710,969, male 2,048,169; female 2,662,800)
:: Population growth rate
0.64% (2007 est.)
:: Birth rate
12.87 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
:: Death rate
6.32 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
:: Net migration rate
56.80 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
:: Sex ratio
Under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7731 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
:: Infant mortality rate
23 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
:: Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 71 years
Male: 68 years
Female: 75 years (2007 est.)
:: Total fertility rate
1.6 children born/woman (2005 est.)
:: Nationality
Noun: Thai (singular and plural)
Adjective: Thai
:: Ethnic groups
Thai 80%, Chinese 15%, other 5%
:: Religions
Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (2007)
:: Languages
Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
:: Literacy
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 93.8%
Male: 96%
Female: 91.6% (2007 est.)
= Government =
:: Country name
Conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand
Conventional short form: Thailand
:: Data code
TH
:: Government type
Constitutional monarchy
:: Capital
Bangkok
:: Administrative divisions
76 provinces (changwat , singular and plural);
1.Amnat Charoen 20.Loei 39.Phatthalung 58.Samut Songkhram 2.Ang Thong 21.Lop Buri 40.Phayao 59.Sara Buri 3. Buriram 22.Mae Hong Son 41.Phetchabun 60.Satun 4.Chachoengsao 23.Maha Sarakham 42.Phetchaburi 61.Sing Buri 5.Chai Nat 24.Mukdahan 43.Phichit 62.Sisaket 6.Chaiyaphum 25.Nakhon Nayok 44.Phitsanulok 63.Samut Songkhram 7.Chanthaburi 26.Nakhon Pathom 45.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 64.Sukhothai 8.Chiang Mai 27.Nakhon Phanom 46.Phrae 65.Suphan Buri 9.Chon Buri 28.Nakhon Ratchasima 47.Phuket 66.Surat Thani 10.Chon Buri 29.Nakhon Sawan 48.Prachin Buri 67.Surin 11.Chumphon 30.Nakhon Si Thammarat 49.Prachuap Khiri Khan 68.Tak 12.Kalasin 31.Nan 50.Ranong 69.Trang 13.Kamphaeng Phet 32.Narathiwat 51.Ratchaburi 70.Trat 14.Kanchanaburi 33.Nong Bua Lamphu 52.Rayong 71.Ubon Ratchathani 15.Khon Kaen 34.Nong Khai 53.Roi Et 72.Udon Thani 16.Krabi 35.Nonthaburi 54.Sa Kaeo 73.Uthai Thani 17.Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok) 36.Pathum Thani 55.Sakon Nakhon 74.Uttaradit 18.Lampang 37.Pattani 56.Samut Prakan 75.Yala 19.Lamphun 38.Phangnga 57.Samut Sakhon 76.Yasothon
:: Independence
1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)
:: National holiday
Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December (1927)
:: Constitution
New constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON on 11 October 1997
:: Legal system
Based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
:: Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
:: Executive branch
Chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946)
Head of government: Prime Minister SAMAK Sundaravej (since 29 January 2008)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers
Note: there is also a Privy Council
Elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister designated from among the members of the House of Representatives;
following a national election for the House of Representatives, the leader of the party that can organize a majority coalition usually becomes prime minister.
:: Legislative branch
Bicameral National Assembly or Rathasapha consists of the Senate or Wuthisapha (a 253-member appointed body which will be phased into a 200-member elected body starting in March 2000; members serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon (currently has 391 members, but will become a 500-member body after the next election; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
Lections: House of Representatives-last held 17 November 1996 (next scheduled to be held by 17 November 2000, but may be held earlier)
Election results: House of Representatives-percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-NAP 125, DP 123, NDP 52, TNP 39, SAP 20, TCP 18, SP 8, LDP 4, MP 2
:: Judicial branch
Supreme Court (Sandika), judges appointed by the monarch
:: Political parties and leaders
Parties Leader 1. People's Power Party (Palang Prachachon Party) Samak Sundaravej 2. Democrat Party (Prachathipat Party) Abhisit Vejjajiva 3. Thai Nation Party (Chart Thai Party) Banharn Silpa-Archa 4. Great People's Party (Mahachon Party) Sanan Kachonprasat 5. Royalist People's Party (Pracha Raj Party) Sanoh Thienthong 6. Thais United National Development Party (Ruam Jai Thai Chat Pattana Party) Chettha Thanajarong 7. Natural Democratic Party (Matchima Thippathai Party) Anongwan Thepsuthin 8. For the Motherland (Pua Paendin Party) Suwit Khunkitti
:: International organization participation
APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
:: Flag description
Five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red
=  Economy =
:: Economy Overview
After months of speculative pressure on the Thai Baht, the government decided to float the currency in July 1997, the symbolic beginning of the country's current economic crisis. The crisis which began in the country's financial sector has spread throughout the economy. After years of rapid economic growth averaging 9% earlier this decade, the Thai economy contracted 0.4% in 1997 and shrunk another 8.5% in 1998. In the years before the crisis, Thailand ran persistent current account deficits. With the depreciation of the Thai Baht and the collapse of domestic demand, however, imports have fallen off sharply by more than 33% and Thailand posted a trade surplus of approximately $12 billion in 1998. Foreign investment for new projects, the long-time catalyst of Thailand's economic growth, has also slowed. The CHUAN government has closely adhered to the economic recovery program prescribed by the IMF. The cooperation afforded Thailand stability in the value of its currency in the second half of 1998 and helped replenish foreign reserves. Tough measures including passage of adequate bankruptcy and foreclosure legislation as well as privatization of state-owned companies and recapitalization of the financial sector remain undone. Bangkok is also trying to establish a social safety net for those displaced by the current economic crisis and is working to increase the quality of Thailand's labor force.
:: GDP
Purchasing power parity-$369 billion (1998 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: -8.5% (1998 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$6,100 (1998 est.)
GDP-composition by sector:
Agriculture: 12%
Industry: 39%
Services: 49% (1997 est.)
:: Population below poverty line
13.1% (1992 est.)
:: Communications
Telephones
1,553,200 (1994 est.)
:: Telephone system
Service to general public adequate, but investments in technological upgrades reduced by recession; bulk of service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network
Domestic: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic satellite system being developed
International: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)
:: Radio broadcast stations
AM 200 (in government-controlled network), FM 100 (in government-controlled network), shortwave
:: Radios
10.75 million (1992 est.)
:: Television broadcast stations
6 (all in Bangkok; in addition, there are 131 repeaters) (2008 est.)
:: Televisions
3.3 million (1993 est.)
= Transportation =
:: Railways
Total: 4,623 km
Narrow gauge: 4,623 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)
:: Highways
Total: 64,600 km
Paved: 62,985 km
Unpaved: 1,615 km (1996 est.)
:: Waterways
3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craft.
:: Pipelines
Petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 km
:: Ports and harbors
Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, Songkhla
:: Merchant marine
Total: 293 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,848,626 GRT/2,989,382 DWT
Ships by type: bulk 41, cargo 135, chemical tanker 5, combination bulk 1, container 13, liquefied gas tanker 17, multifunction large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 61, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 11, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 2 (1998 est.)
:: Airports
107 (1998 est.)
:: Airports with paved runways
Total: 56
Over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 9
1,524 to 2,437 m: 17
914 to 1,523 m: 20
Under 914 m: 4 (1998 est.)
:: Airports - with unpaved runways
Total: 51
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 15
Under 914 m: 35 (1998 est.)
:: Heliports
3 (1998 est.)
=  Military =
Military branches
Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, Paramilitary Forces
:: Military manpower - military age
18 years of age
:: Military manpower - availability
Males age 15-49: 17,486,014 (1999 est.)
:: Military manpower - fit for military service
Males age 15-49: 10,536,417 (1999 est.)
:: Military manpower - reaching military age annually
Males: 585,562 (1999 est.)
:: Military expenditures - dollar figure
$1.95 billion (FY97/98)
:: Military expenditures - percent of GDP
2.5% (FY97/98)
= Transnational Issues =
:: Disputes - international
Parts of the border with Laos are indefinite; maritime boundary with Vietnam resolved, August 1997; parts of border with Cambodia are indefinite; maritime boundary with Cambodia not clearly defined; sporadic conflict with Burma over alignment of border
:: Illicit drugs
A minor producer of opium, heroin, and marijuana; major illicit transit point for heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a drug money-laundering center; minor role in amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing indigenous abuse of methamphetamines and heroin.

Thailand in brief

Location

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 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. 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 Neighboring countries:
Myanmar - west and north
Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast
Cambodia - southeast and
Malaysia - south

Climate

Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two.
In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has the higher relative temperatures as although the northeast monsoon does not directly effect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February. The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest.
The southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons -- the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.
Overall the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain with around 2,400 millimeters every year, compared with the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around 1,400 millimeters.

Time

Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+ 7).

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 Perio.

:: 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 Ramkhamhaeng 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.

People

Throughout her long history, Thailand has gently absorbed immigrants. Many were skilled as writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians and architects, and helped enrich indigenous culture. People inhabiting Thailand today share rich ethnic diversity - mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian stock - with the result that there is no typically Thai physiognomy or physique. There are petite Thais, statuesque Thais, round-faced Thais, dark-skinned Thais and light-skinned Thais. Some 80% of all Thais are connected in some way with agriculture which, in varying degrees, influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals that help make Thailand such a distinctive country.

Religion

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais.

The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.

Language

Spoken and written Thai remain largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and other European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants, in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nation-wide.

Bangkok Sky Train - BTS

The BTS Skytrain is the safest, most comfortable and convenient way to get around Bangkok. In service since December 5, 1999, it has transformed the face of public transportation in the Thai capital, for the first time offering both residents and visitors a comfortable ride through central Bangkok - lifting commuters above the chronic congestion, noise and pollution of the streets below.

Stations The typical station consists of two levels - concourse and platform. The concourse provides ticketing facilities and other passenger amenities as well as access to the system. The platform is for waiting, boarding and alighting from the train. Please be aware that the train may approach the platform anytime, from any direction.

Trains The trains are designed to high international standards. Doors open / close automatically. Beeper sounds will warn you when the doors are about to close. If standing please stand clear of the door's at all times.

Track Stay away from the track and electrified rails. Pay attention to all warning signs. Trespassing onto the track area can cause severe injury to yourself or others.

Tickets - Ticket Types :

- BTS Sky SmartPass

1. Price 100 Baht (Price excludes 30 Baht issuing fee for a new SmartPass) 2. Refill up to 2,000 Baht. (minimum 100 Baht) 3. 5 year lifetime from date of first use. - 30 Day SmartPasses 30 Day Student SmartPass          30 Day Adult SmartPass 20 trips, 340 Baht (17 Baht per trip)           20 trips, 440 Baht (22 Baht per trip) 30 trips, 450 Baht (15 Baht per trip)           30 trips, 600 Baht (20 Baht per trip) 40 trips, 660 Baht (15 Baht per trip)           40 trips, 800 Baht (20 Baht per trip)

Ticket Usage
1. Purchase a ticket from the Ticket Issuing Machine or ticket office.
2. To enter the the skytrain system, insert the ticket into the entry gate and be sure to hold on to it - you will need it to exit.
3. To exit, insert the ticket into the exit gate. The Single - Journey Ticket will be taken; the Stored-Value Ticket will be returned to commuters for future rides.

Checking the remaining valueThe current value of any stored value or concession ticket can be checked at any BTS ticket office. Also when exiting the gateway the remaining value will show on a display located on top of the gate.

Refunding tickets
1. SJT Tickets : If a passenger purchases a ticket and is within the system less than 5 minutes or does not enter the system and decides not to travel an immediate cash refund can be obtained by applying at the BTS Station Ticket Office at the station where the ticket was purchased. An immediate cash refund can also be obtained in case of train delay.
2. Concession Tickets : These tickets are non refundable.
3. Sky Card : If no value or negative value remains on a Sky Card ticket a cash refund of net ticket value (30 baht - negative value) can be obtained immediately at any Station Ticket Office. If there is value remaining on the ticket and the passenger wants a refund then the passenger must request a refund envelope at any BTS Station Ticket Office. It is then necessary to fill in the required information, insert the ticket to be refunded into the envelope and return it back to the Station Ticket Office. The refund envelope's stub will be returned to the passenger for reference. A refund in the form of a check will be available in two weeks time. Passengers requesting a refund will be notified by telephone when their refund check is ready. Refund checks can be picked up at the station where the refund envelope was submitted.
Replacing tickets Concession Tickets - in case of a damaged or malfunctioning ticket the passenger should take the ticket to any BTS Station Ticket Office where the ticket will be analyzed. If it is possible the station staff will replace the ticket immediately. If not, the ticket will be sent to the Head Office. In this case a new ticket will be sent to the station where the complaint was registered within 3 working days. Sky Cards - Replacement of Sky Cards will follow the same procedure except if the ticket must be returned to the Head Office in which case a new ticket will be made available within one weeks time.
Expiring Sky Card - Sky Cards have a 2 year validity period. The expiry date of a Sky Card can be checked at any BTS Station Ticket Office. If the ticket is close to the expiry date the passenger can ask for an immediate replacement. The deposit and any remaining value will be transferred to the new ticket at no cost.

Top 10 Thai Food

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

The quintessential Thai aroma! A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce shapes this classic soup, giving it its legendary herbal kick. Succulent fresh prawns and straw mushrooms lend it body. A versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal, the distinctive smell reminds you of exotic perfume, while it's invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams 'Thailand'!

Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)

From Cape Town to Khao San Road, the default international Thai dish! Dropped in a searing hot wok, fistfuls of small, thin or wide noodles (you choose) do a steamy minute-long dance alongside crunchy beansprouts, onion and egg, before disembarking for the nearest plate. A truly interactive eating experience, half its fun (and flavour) lies in then using a quartet of accompanying condiments - fish sauce, sugar, chilli powder and finely ground peanuts - to wake it from its slumbers.

Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

Made with morsels of meat, red curry paste, smooth coconut milk and topped off with a sprinkling of finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling. At its best when the meat is stunningly tender, it could be likened to a beautiful woman: it's mild, sweet and delicately fragrant. And like all true love affairs, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts)

Pardon the pun, but tourists go nuts for this stir fried dish. Perhaps it's the wildly contrasting textures of a dish that saut's chicken alongside roasted cashews, sweet soy sauce, onions, chilies, pepper, carrot and mushrooms. Perhaps it's the sweetening dash of honey that appeals. Do you really care? The important thing is that this dish works: it's simple but scrumptious, a little bit tame and yet still totally Thai.

Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)

Hailing from the Northeast state of Isaan, this outlandish dish is both great divider - some can't get enough of its bite, some can't handle it - and greatly distinctive. Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry tomatoes and shredded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a rounded sweet-sour-spicy flavour that's not easily forgotten. Regional variations throw peanuts, dry shrimp or salted crab into the mix, the latter having a gut-cleansing talent that catches many newcomers by surprise!

Khao Pad (Fried Rice)

Fried rice, egg, onion, a few herbs - nothing more, nothing less. A popular lunch dish served typically with a wedge of lime and slices of cucumber, the secret of this unpretentious dish lies in its simplicity. The concept is this: you're the one devouring it, so you dress it. To do so, Thais use everything from prawns, crab or chicken to basil, chili and left-over vegetables, in the process turning an unremarkable pauper into a gastronomic prince!

Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)

A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yum, this iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. However unlike its more watery cousin, lashings of coconut milk soften its spicy blow. Topped off with fresh lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and compelling.

Pak Boong (Morning Glory)

Found all across South-East Asia, the leafy plant with hollow green stems and thin fragile leaves forms the main component of this super easy favourite. Cloves of garlic and birds eye chilies join it in a wok alongside oyster sauce, fish sauce and black fermented bean. A few lazy stirs, until the leaves are shrunk and soft, and it's done! The result is an alluring favourite with an unobtrusive flavour, a staple for those who love their Thai food but not spice induced sweats.

Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)

Morsels of fresh chicken. Cherry-sized eggplants. Tender bamboo shoots. Sprigs of Coriander. Generous handfuls of sweet basil. These humble elements form the body of this seminal curry. But how does it get so gloriously green you ask? Oh, that'll be the spoons of green curry paste that's stirred furiously into hot creamy coconut milk. Sounds unexciting? Sure, but it's not. Served alongside a bowl of fragrant Thai rice, Gaeng Keow Kan Gai is the extreme opposite.

Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)

If there was such a thing as a 'Salad Hall of Fame', Thailand's zesty own breed, or 'yam' as they are known here, would surely take pride of place. Unconvinced? Experience the fresh, fiery thrill of yam nua - with its sprightly mix of onion, coriander, spearmint, lime, dried chili and tender strips of beef - and you won't be. It perfectly embodies the invigorating in-the-mouth-thrill of all Thai salads, the yummy-ness of yam.

Bangkok Best Restaurant Yellow Page

:: AMERICAN / MEXICAN ::

Bourbon Street	29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Klongtoey, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 Tel: 662-2590328-9
Hard Rock Cafe	424/3-6 Siam Square SOI 11, Bangkok, 10330 Tel: 02-2510797‎
Henry J. Bean's	Amari Watergate Hotel, Petchburi Tel: (02) 653-9000, 653-9045
Larry's Dive Bar & Grill	8 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 Tel: 02-6634563‎
New York Steak house	JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 2, Bangkok Tel: (02) 656-7700
Prime Restaurant	Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel, 123 Charoennakorn Klongsan Bangkok. Tel: 0-2442-2000
Ronny's New York Pizza	20/10 Sukhumvit Soi 4 Bangkok. Tel: 02-255 2626‎
Senor Pico	Rembrandt Hotel, 22 Sukhumvit, Soi 20 Tel: (02) 261-7100
The Circle Restaurant	20/27-29 Ruamrudee Village, Ploenchit Rd. Prathumwan, Wireless Rd. Bangkok‎Tel: 02-6508047‎
Tony Roma's	87 Sukhumvit Rd. Nai Lert Building Bangkok. Tel: 662 254 2912

:: CHINESE ::

Bangkok Shark Fin	218/3-4 Siam Square Soi 1, Tel.251 -0987, 250-0976
Bai Yun	The Westin Banyan Tree Bangkok South Sathorn Rd. Tel: (02) 679-1200
Chao Sua	6th Floor, World Trade Center, Tel: (02) 255-9648-52
Chanphen	1030/1 Rama IV Road, Tel: (02) 287-1535-6
Canton Palace	Evergreen Laurel Hotel Tel: (02) 236-0400, 236-0420
China House	Oriental Hotel Tel: (02) 236-0400, 236-0420
China Palace	297 Siphaya Rd.(Corner of Rama 4)Tel: (02) 631-5111-3
Chinatown Scala Shark Fins	483-5 Yaowarat Rd. (Corner Chalermburi) Tel: (02) 623-0183, 221-1713
Coca	416/3-8 Siam Square, Henri Dunant Rd. Tel: (02) 251-6337
Conton Chinese Restaurant	488/3-6 Siam Square, Henri Dunant Rd. Tel: (02) 251-7131-3
Chokdee Dim Sum	Phahonyothin Road Soi Aree, Tel: (02) 619-5224-5
Dao	2 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: (02) 285-1384, 258-1388
Dynasty	Sofitel Centara Grand  Bangkok,1695 Phaholyothin Rd. Tel: (02) 541-1234
Fu Marn Lau	Twin Towers Hotel,Charumuang Rd. Tel: (02) 216-9555
Foo Doo Shark's Fin Restaurant	97/10-11 Ratchadapisek Bokkalor Thonburi Other Zone, Bangkok. Tel: 02-4779814‎
Fook Yuan	Radission 92 Soi Seang Jeam, Rama IX Rd.Hui Kwang Tel: (02) 641-4777
Galaxy	19 Rama IV Road, Tel: (02) 235-5000-9
Golden Lotus	Sheraton Grande Hotel,Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: (02) 653-033
Hai Tien Lo	Amari Watergate Hotel,Petchburi Tel: (02) 653-9000
Hong Min	128/47 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24 Tel: (02) 719-0634
Jade Garden	Montien Hotel Tel: (02) 234-8060 ext. 5112
Khao Hom	Restaurant Nation Tower 2nd floor, 46/149Bangna-Trad Rd. Tel: (02) 751-40600
Lee Kitchen	9/4-5 Thaniya Plaza, 2nd Floor, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 231-2158
Lin-Fa	Siam City Hotel Tel: (02) 247-0120, 247-0130
Lok Wah Hin	Novotel Bangkok, Siam Square Soi 6 Tel: (02) 255-6888
Mandarin Roast Duck	729-72/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55 Tel: (02) 391-7048
Man Ho	JW Marriott Hotel, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2 Tel: (02) 656-7700
Mayflower	946 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: (02) 200 9000 Ext: 2799
Mei Jiang	The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoen Nakorn Rd. Tel: (02) 861-2888
M.K. Suki	Silom complex Bldg. GroundFloor, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 231.3106
New Great Shanghai	648 Sukhumvit Rd. (near Soi 24) Tel: (02) 258-7042
New Rincome	114/19-22 Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 235-8337-8, 234-4125
Ruenhor Restaurant	6 Paholyothin Soi 9 Tel: (02) 270-1431
Royal Dragon Chinese Restaurant	At the foot of (Km 1),Bangna-Trad Expressway Tel: (02) 398-0037-8
Royal Kitchen	912/6 Sukhuvmit 55 (opposite soi thonglo 25) Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel. (02) 391-9634, 714-8548
Shang Palace	Shangri La Hotel,Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Rd. Tel:(02) 236-7777
Silver Palace	5 Soi Phiphat,SilomRoad,Tel: (02) 235-5118-9
Stella Palace	Bayoke Sky Hotel, 222 Rajprarop Rd, Rajthevee, Bangkok. Tel: 02-6563000‎
Summer Palace	Le Royal Merdien, Ploenchit Rd. Tel: (02) 656-0444
The China Journal	41 Sukhumvit 55 Thonglor Tel: (02) 712-8589
The Chinese Restaurant	Royal Princess Srinakarin Hotel,905 Srinakarin Rd. Tel: (02) 721-8400
The Emperor	Montien Riverside Hotel,Rama 3 Rd. Tel: (02) 292-2999, 292-2888
The Great Wall	Asia Hotel, 296 Phayathai Rd. Tel: (02) 215-0808
The Imperial China	199 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Tel: (02) 261-9000 ext. 505
The Mayflower	Dusit Thani Hotel, 946 Rama IV Rd. Bangkok. Tel: (02) 2200 9000
The Rice	Mill Marrriott Royal Garden Riverside Hotel,Charoen Nakorn Rd. Tel: (02) 476-0021-2
Xing Fu	Novotel Lotus Hotel,Sukhumvit Soi 33 Tel: (02) 261-0111
Yok	The Emerald Hotel,Ratchadapisek Rd. Tel: (02) 276-4567

:: ENGLISH ::

Bobby's Arms	114/1-4 Patpong Soi 2, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 233-6828
Bulls Head	Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 Tel: (02) 259-4444
Chequers Bar & Grill	5/11 Soi Nana Tel: (02) 255-3993
Offshore Fish & Chips	7/8 Sukhumvit Soi 23 Tel: (02) 661-7830
The Huntsman Pub	The Landmark Hotel,Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: (02 )254-0404
The Londoner Brew Pub Bistro	591 UBC II Bldg., Sukhumvit 33 Tel: (02) 661-7830
Witch's Oyster Bar	20/10-11 Ruamrudee Village,Soi Ruam Rudee Tel: (02) 251-9455, 252-1820
Witch's Tavern	306/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 Tel: (02) 391-9791, 391-7170

:: FRENCH ::

Auberge Dab	Mercury Tower, Ploenchit Rd. Tel: (02) 658-6222
Ailoi	18/5 Sukhumvit Soi 23 Tel: (02) 258-4237
Cafe de Paris	Patpong Soi 2, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 237-2776-7
Crepes de France	314/1-3 Silom Rd. (Opposite Pramuan Rd.) Tel: (02) 233-3455
Cucina Steak & Seafood	29/1 Sukhumvit Soi 49 Tel: (02) 662-8250-3
La Banyan	59 Sukhumvit Soi 8 Tel: (02) 253-5556
Le Bouchon	37/17 Patpong 2, Surawongse Rd. Tel: (02) 234-9109
La Boulange	2/1 Convent Rd. Tel: (02) 631-0355
La Paloma	425-15 Trinity complexes, Soi Pipat Tel: (02) 231-5360,231-5265
Le Moulin de Sommai	93/3a Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Tel: (02) 652-2513
Le Normandie	Oriental Hotel, 48 Oriental Ave, Soi Burapha Tel: (02) 236-0400
Les Nympheas	The Imperial Queen's Park Hotel, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Tel: (02) 261-9000 ext. 5089
Le Pre grill	73/2 lang suan soi4 Ploenchit road lumpinee Prethumwan Tel: (02) 253 5919
Lyon	33/2 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Tel: (02) 253-8141, 650-7852
Mistral Restaurant	Gayson,Lobby Level 999 Ploenchit Road,Lumpinee Tel: (02) 656-1440
Philippe's Restaurant & Catering	20/15-17 Sukhumvit Soi 39 Tel: (02) 259-4577-8

:: GERMAN ::

Bei Otto	1 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Tel: (02) 262-0892,258-1495
Bier Kutsche	7 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Tel: (02) 233-2063
Bierstube	569 Sukhumvit Road, between Soi 31-33, Tel: (02) 260-4326
Cottage	Silom Soi 2, Tel: (02) 632-7223
Haus Hamburg	111 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Tel: (02) 252-1785
Haus Muenchen	4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Tel: (02) 252-5776
Rasstube	Goethe Institute, Tel: (02) 287-2822
Singha Bier House	Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asok), Tel: (02) 258-3951

:: INDIAN-MUSLIM ::

Abu Fares	2/9 Sukhumvit Soi 3 Tel: (02) 655-5242
Akbar	1/4 Nana Soi 3 (Nana Nua), Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: (02) 255-6935, 655-5097, 253-3749
Ali	Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 Tel: (02) 253-2625
Himali Cha Cha2	Sukhumvit Soi 35 Tel: (02) 258-8843, 258-8864
India Palace	296/5 Silom Soi 28 Tel: (02) 235-8854
Indian Hut	296/5 (Opposite Manohra Hotel) Surawongse Rd. Tel: (02) 237-8812
Mrs. Balbir’s	155/18 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Tel: (02) 651-0498, 651-0019
New Bukhara Indian Restauran	Sukhumvit Road (between Soi 5 & 7) Tel: (02) 253-6265
New Dhaba	1/15 Sukhumvit Soi 10 Tel: (02) 251-5404, 254-2474
Pasand 214	Sukhumvit Soi 12 Tel: (02) 653-1171-3
Rang Mahal Rembrandt Hotel & Towers	19 Sukhumvit Soi 18 Tel: (02) 261-7100
Tandoor Restaurant Holiday Inn	Crowne Plaza Hotel 981 Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 238-4300
Woodlands	Soi 32 Prysanee Klang Tel: (02) 235-6440-1

:: INDONESIAN ::

Bali Indonesian	15/3 Soi Ruam Rudi, Phloenchit Road, Tel: (02) 250-0711
Batavia Satay House	1/2 Convent Road, Tel: (02) 266-7164

:: INTERNATIONAL ::

Baiyoke Sky	77th Fl., 222 Rajprarop Rd. Tel: (02) 656-3000
Bourbon Street Restaurant	29/4-6 Sukhumvit Soi 22 (Behind Washington Theatre) Tel: (02) 259-0328-9
Capitol Club	Sukhumvit Soi 24 Tel: (02) 661-1210
Chokchai Steakhouse	294 Viphawadee Rangsit Rd. Tel: (02) 259-9596
Cheesecake House	69/2 Soi Jamjan 22, Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 Tel: (02) 392-5485, 711-4149
Coffe Beans	Casa Villa, Ground Floor, 47 Ekamai Soi 12 Tel: (02) 713-2508
Crepes & Co	18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 12 Tel: (02) 653-3990
Chistera Cafe & Restaurant	Siam Square Soi 6 Rama 1 Rd. Tel: (02) 255-6888
Coco's Cafe Restaurant	Sukhumvit 33 Tel: (02) 261-0111
Eat Me Restaurant & Gallery	1/6 Soi Pipat 2, Convent Road Tel: (02) 238-0931, 233-1767
Espresso Restaurant	Intercontinental Hotel, 973 Ploenchit Rd. Tel: (02) 656-0444
Fusion Bar	395/2 Naratwiat Soi 24 Chong Nonsi, yanawa Tel: (02) 674-0624
Greyhound Cafe	Emporium Shopping Plaza, 2nd Fl., 622 Sukhumvit Soi24 Tel: (02) 258-4321
Grace Cafe	Charn Issara Bldg., Rama IV Rd. Tel: (02) 267-2099
Gourmet Gallery	6/1 Soi Prom Sri 1, Sukhumvit Soi 39 Tel: (02) 260-0603, 260-0653
Gulliver's Travellers' Tavern	Khao San rd., Banglumphu Tel: (02) 254-0404
Horizons Sky Lounge & Karaoke	25th Fl., Westin Grand Hotel 259 Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: (02) 651-1000
Homework	29/2-3 Sukhumvit Soi 31 Tel: (02) 259-4845-6
Jesters	The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoen Nakorn Rd. Tel: (02) 861-2888
Jim Thompson's Farmers Market & Cafe	120/1 Sala Deang, Silom Rd. Tel. (02) 636-2632, 6636-2633
Kuppa	39 Sukhumvit Soi 16 Tel: (02) 663-0495, 663-8806
Mingles Pub & Restaurant	Amari Atrium Hotel, 1880 New Petchburi Rd. Tel: (02) 7196-2000
Neil'sTavern	58/4 Soi Ruam Rudee, Wireless Rd. Tel: (02) 256-6874-6
Neil'sTavern 2	24 Prime Bldg. Sukhumvit Soi 21
Pacific Rim Bar & Grill	8 Bangna-Trad (Km. 1), BITECH Tel: (02) 749-3939
Parkview	Imperial Queen's Park Hotel 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22 Tel: (02) 261-9000
Peppermill	Amari Boulevard, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 5 Tel: (02) 255-2939
Pickle Factory	55 Soi Rajavithee 2, Samsennai Tel: (02) 246-3036
Pit-Stop Club	48/11 Soi Ruam Rudee Tel: (02) 256-6941
Ploy	Grand Diamond Suites Hotel And Service Apartment Tel: (02) 656-6888-98
Rom Sai	The Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathom Rd. Tel: (02) 679-1200
Splash Poolside	Siam Square Soi 6, Rama 1 Rd. Tel: (02) 255-6888
Square One	Royal Princess Srinakarin Hotel, 905 Srinakarin Rd. Tel: (02) 721-8400
Sugar Beet	50 Prachachuen Rd. Ladyao,Jatujak Tel: (02) 954-2878
Shin Restaurant	67 South Sathorn Rd., Thungmabameak, Sathorn Tel: (02) 286-9992-3
The Colannade	The Sukhothai Hotel, 13/3 South Sathorn Rd. Tel: (02) 287-0222
The Shutters	118 North Sathorn Rd. Tel: (02) 266-4962
That's it	126 Soi Sala Daeng 1, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 238-3228, 253-3834
Teak House	46 Sukhumvit Soi 3 Tel: (02) 254-3008-9
The Wall	120/20-22 Soi Pranote 3, Mahesak Rd. Tel: (02) 235-8041, 237-2786
White Cafe	122 Sukhumvit Soi 49 Tel: (02) 712-8808

:: IRISH ::

O’Reilly Irish Pub	62/1-4 Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 632-7515
Shenanigans Irish Pub	1-5 Soi convent, Silom Tel: (02) 266-7161
The Dubliner	440 Sukhumvit Rd.(Washington Square) Tel: (02)204-1841-2

:: ITALIAN ::

Air Plane	63/10 Soi Langsuan 2, Ploenchit Tel: (02) 252-4630, 729-5325
Al Gotto Nero	8/25-28 New Ratchadapisek Rd. (opposite Sukhumvit Soi 16) Tel: (02) 229-4300-3
Angelini's	Shangri La Hotel 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Bangrak Tel: (02) 236-7777, 236-9952 ext.1204
Biscotti	The Regent Hotel, 155 Ratchadanui Rd. Tel: (02) 251-6127
Brownery	Merisess Sukhumvit 16, 160 Sukhumvit 16, Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: (02) 663-3376
Buono	Room 286 Silom Village, Silom Tel: (02) 235-8760-1
Ciao	Oriental Hotel Tel: (02) 236-0400, 236-0420
Duilio's	17 Sukhumvit Soi 49 Tel: (02) 258-7930
Focazzia	Novotel Bangkok, Siam Square 6, Rama I Rd. Tel: (02) 255-6881
Gianni's	43/1 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd. Tel: (02) 252-1619
Giorgio's	Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, 2 Captain Bush Lane, Sriphaya Rd. Tel: (02) 266-0123
Grappa	Prachacheun Rd. Tel: (02) 588-5378-9
Govinda	Italian Vegetarian Restaurant 22 Sukhumvit Village Sukhumvit Soi 22 Tel: (02) 663-4970
Grappino	The Amari Watergate Hotel, Petchburi Rd. Tel: (02) 653-9000
Harbour View	Montien Riverside Hotel, Rama 3 Rd. Tel: (02) 292-2999, 292-2888
Il Colosseo	578-580 Phloenchit Road, Tel: (02) 251-1936
Italian Pavilion	19 Soi Nana Tai, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: (02) 250-1550
La Fontana	1st Floor, World Trade Centre, Tel: (02) 255-9534
La Gritta	Sukhumvit Soi 19, Tel: (02) 255-7350
Libra Ristorante De Roberto	36 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Tel: (02) 258-1327
L'opera	53 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Tel: (02) 258-5606
Paesano	96/7 Soi Ton Son, Phloenchit Road, Tel: (02) 252-2834
Pan Pan Italian	45 Soi Lang Suan, Phloenchit, Tel: (02) 252-7104
Paparazzi	Chateau de Bangkok, 29 Soi Ruam Rudee 1 Tel: (02) 651-4400
Pane E Vino	Huay Kwang, 327 Thiamruammit Tel: (02) 274-4785
Pianeta	6th FI.World Trade Centre, Rajdamri Rd. Tel: (02) 255-6367
Pomodoro	37 Nailert Bldg., Sukhumvit Soi 5 Tel: (02) 254-5282, 252-9090
Rossini's	Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, 250 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Tel: (02) 653-0333
Roberto	Century Park Hotel, 9 Rajaprarop Rd. Tel: (02) 246-7800-9, 248-2550-9
Rivai's	The Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit 250 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Tel: (02) 653-0333
Spasso's	Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Tel: (02) 254-1234
Scoozi	160 Sribumpen Condo Home, Soi Sribumpen, Yanawa Tel: (02) 240-2070, 240-2063
Sara Jane's	24 Convent Road, Tel: (02) 234-0913
Spaghetti Land	Siam Square Soi 6, Tel: (02) 251-0762
Toto	217 Sukhumvit Soi 63, Tel: (02) 391-3797
Trattoria Da Roberto	Patpong Arcade Plaza, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 233-6851
Vito's	Ruan Rudee Village, Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd. Tel: (02) 252-7617
Vivaldi	Amari Atrium Hotel, New Petchaburi Rd. Tel: (02) 718-2000
Via Bar & Restaurant	1/1 Soi Convent, Silom Rd. Tel: (02) 266-7162
Zanotti	21/2 Saladaeng Colonnade Bldg., Soi Saladaeng Tel: (02) 636-0002. 636-0266
Zanzibar	139 Sukhumvit Soi 11  Tel: (02) 651-2900

:: JAPANESE ::

Aoyama	960/1 Rama 4 Road, Tel: (02) 233-4832
Da1kichi	113 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thong Lo), Tel: (02) 714-9350
Fuji	Central Latphrao, Tel: 541-1281. Central City Bang Na, Tel: 361-0861, Central Plaza Pinklao, Tel: (02) 884-8140
Goro	399/1 Silom Road, Tel: 234-1001-2; 126 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Tel: (02) 661-2085
Hanaya	683 Si Phaya Road, Bang Rak, Tel: (02) 234-8095, 233-3080
Jinya U.F.M.	Fuji Supermaket Sukhumvit 33/1, Tel: (02) 259-0620
Kobe Steak House	460 Siam Square Soi 7, Tel: 250-1417,250-1615
New Kobe	Ground Floor, Trinity Complex, Soi Piphat 2, Silom Road, Tel: (02) 231-5294
Nippon Tei	Underground Floor, Thai Obayashi Building, Tel: (02) 252-9438
Nishiki	92 Soi Saengcham, Rimklongbangkapi Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Tel: 02) 641-4777, 641-4888
Shabu House	414/12-13 Henri-Dunant Rd., Siam Square, Tel: (02) 251-2707,252-8490
Shindaikoku	Opposite Sino Thai Building, Asok Road, Tel: (02) 254-9980-4
Toraya	108/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49, Tel: (02) 392-0355
Uokuni	7th Floor, Mali Boonkrong Centre, Tel: (02) 217-9412, 217-9589

:: KOREAN ::

Arirang	106-8 Silom Road. Tel: (02) 234-1096
Korea House	57/23 Wireless Road. Tel: (02) 252-2589
Koreana	446-450 Siam Square Soi 7, (02) Tel: 252-9398
Myung Dong	128/4-5 Silom Soi 6, Tel: (02) 235-6208-9
New Korea	41/1 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Tel: 251-5273 SEOUL 47 Ratchaprasong Road, Tel: (02) 252-9285

:: MEDITERRANEAN ::

Cedar

4/1 Sukhumvit Soi 49, Tel: (02) 391-4482

:: MONGOLIAN ::

Giant Pan Mongolian Kitchen	87 Lang Suan Soi 4-5, Tel: (02) 652-2332
"I Do" Mongolian Fresh Grill	145 Ekamai Soi 5, Tel: (02) 711-5109
River City Bbq	River City Shopping Complex, Tel: (02) 237-0077, 3rd Floor, Ambassador Hotel, Tel: (02) 651-0403-4

:: POLYNESIAN ::

Trader Vic's

257 Charoennakorn Road, Tel: (02) 476-0021-2

:: SCANDINAVIAN ::

Mermaid's	6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 8, Tel: (02) 253-3648
Two Vikings	2 Sukhumvit Soi 35, Tel: (02) 258-8843

:: SEAFOOD ::

New Rostip	34 Soi Sukhumvit 11 (Soi Chaiyot), Tel: (02) 252-5366
Savoey Seafood	1st Floor, River City, 23 Yotha Road, Tel: (02) 237-0954-5
Seafood Market	Soi Sukhumvit 24 Sukhumvit Road, Tel: (02) 661-1252-60, 216-2071-5
Seafood Palace International	348 Sukhumvit Road, Asok Square, Tel: (02) 653-1145-8

:: SPANISH ::

Ole Ole

365/11 Soi Phayanak, Phayathai Road, Tel: (02) 216-0524

:: SWISS ::

Cafe Swiss	3 Convent Road, Silom Tel: (02) 233-5345
Laguna Fondue	Sukhumvit Soi 38 (Soi Saeng Chan), Tel: (02) 391-1720
Bodensee	Sukhumvit Soi 19, Tel: (02) 254-5816
Heidelberg	Sukhumvit Soi 4, Tel: (02) 252-3584
William Tell	Sukhumvit Soi 20, Tel: (02) 258-1516

:: THAI ::
Restaurant with Thai classical dances

Baan Thai	7 Sukhumvit Soi 32, Tel: (02) 258-5403,258-9517
Ban Khun Pho	458/7-9 Siam Square Soi 8, Tel: (02) 250-1732-4, Sukhumvit Plaza Soi 12, Tel: (02) 252-5249
Ban Nang Thai	91 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Tel: (02) 259-5170-1
Ban Nanthida	110/26 Soi Santiniwet, Latphrao Road, Tel: (02) 377-6547
Ban Tiebthong	3-5 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 16, Tel: (02) 314-7351
Ban Khun Luang	131/4 Khao Road, Tel: (02) 241-0928
Bua	Ngam Wong Wan Road, Tel: (02) 579-6596; Si Nakharin Road, Tel: (02) 393-5876-7, Liap Maenam Road, Tel: (02) 294-4895
Buatong	30 Ratchadaphisek Road, Tel: (02) 245-5545
Bussaracum	35 Soi Phiphat 2, Convent Road, Tel: (02) 235-8915
Cabbage And Comdom	Sukhumvit Soi 12, Tel: (02) 229-4610-28 ext. 160
Chao Chom	798 Kamphang Phet 2 Road, Tel: (02) 272-4412-3
Chao Phraya	Nopakao Room, Aron Amarin Road, Tel: (02) 424-2389
Chon Ngoen	2/1 Krung Kasem Road, Thewet, Tel: (02) 281-2900
Hua Lamphong Food Station	On Nut Soi 40, Tel: (02) 332-3161
Ittharom	6 Siripong Road, Phranakhon, (beside Bangkok City Hall), Tel: (02) 222-9465
Jitramas	2014/9 Senanikhom 2, Phahonyothin Road, Tel: (02) 579-7499
Jit Pochana	1082 Phahonyothin Road, Tel: (02) 279-5000-2; 26/368-380 New Phahonyothin Road, Tel: (02) 531-1644-5
Green Tamarind	239 Soi Thong Lo, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: (02) 391-8703
Kalapahhruk	27 Pramuan Road, Tel: (02) 238-4002,266-9335
Kanabnum	765/20 Rim Maenam Chao Phraya Road, Tel: (02) 424-8453-4
Khun Ying	55 Sukhumvit Soi 63, Tel: (02) 391-5769; Liap Maenam Road, Tel: (02) 294-4467
Kumluang	560 Asoke-Din Daeng Road, Tel: (02) 246-3272-3
Khrua Rakhang Thong	256 Soi Wat Rakhang, Tel: (02) 411-1183
Khrua Ruamrudi	1124 Soi Ruam Rudi 2, Phloenchit, Tel: (02) 256-6253
Khrua Sathon	240/4-6 Siam Square Soi 2, Tel: (02) 251-0547
Kumpun	59 Sukhumvit Soi 63, Tel: (02) 392-2921
Kung-Luang	1756 Boromrat Chonnani Road, Tel: (02) 424-8367
Kup Kham	208-210 Siam Squrare Soi 1, Tel: (02) 254-7266-7
Lai Kram	11/1 Sukhumvit Soi 49, Tel: (02) 392-5864
Lan The	Maharat Road, Tha Phrachan, Tel: (02) 225-2694-5
Lemon Grass	5/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Tel: (02) 258-8637
Mai Mog	Phahonyothin Road, Tel: (02) 279-4367
Methawalai Sondaeng	98/2 Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, Tel: (02) 224-3088, 224-3178
Mo Khao-Mo Kaeng	Thetsanban Songkhro Road, Tel: 580-2717, Prachaniwet Road, Bangkhen, Tel: (02) 954-4951
Nathong	Ratchadaphisek Road, Tel: (02) 246-2160-1
New Orleans	522 Phrasumen Road, Tel: (02) 281-5311
Oam Thong	42/1 Phahonyothin Soi 11, Tel: (02) 279-5609
Piman	46 Sukhumvit Soi 49, Tel: (02) 258-7866,258-7861
Ruan Phae	688/215 Charan Sanitwong Road, Tel: (02) 424-0240
Ruknkam	94 Setsiri Road, Samsen, Tel: (02) 279-9858
Sala Rim Nam	Opposite the Oriental Hotel, Charoen Nakhon Road, Tel: (02) 437-9417
Sala Thai	120/126 Rajaprarop Road, Phyathai, Tel: (02) 208-0020
Sawasdee	66 Soi Phiphat, Sathon Road, Tel: (02) 237-6310,237-7114-1
Silom Village	Silom Road, Tel: (02) 234-4448
Suwannahong	Si Ayutthaya Road, Tel: (02) 245-4448
Thai Pavilion	981 Silom Road, Tel: (02) 238-4300
Thailand Tonight	2 Charoen Krung Road Soi 30 (Captain Bush Lane) Siphya, Bangrak,, Tel: (02) 266-0139,266-0123
Thanying	10 Pramuan Road, Silom, Tel: 236-4361,6th Floor, Isetan Department Store, Tel: (02) 255-9838-9
Tonkrueng	239 Soi Thong Lo, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 391-8703; North Sathon Road, Tel: (02) 234-9663
Tub Tim Siam	92 Soi Saengcham, Rimklongbangkapi Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Tel: (02) 641-4777, 641-4888
Wichit	77/2 Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, Tel: (02) 281-6472; Ground Floor, World Trade Center
Yok Yor	Tha Wisutkasat, Tel: (02) 585-8639

:: VEGETARIAN ::

Bangkok Adventist Hospital	4th Floor, 430 Phitsanulok, Tel: (02) 281-1026,217-9470
Chennai Kitchen	48/6 Thanon Pan, Silom Road, Tel: (02) 2384141, 2383174
Krua Than	299-301 New Fuji Hotel, Surawong, Tel: (02) 233-4336
Vegetarian Cottage	Soi Vibphavadi 16 Vibphavadi-Rangsit Rd., Tel: (02) 275-4607, 6th Floor, Isetan, World Trade Centre, Tel: (02) 255-9569
Whole Earth	93/3 Soi Lang Suan, Phloenchit Road, Tel: (02) 252-5574 ext. 4900

:: VIETNAMESE ::

Khun Cherie	593/13-14 Sukhumvit 33/1, Tel: (02) 258-5060,258-5058
Le Dalat	47/1 Sukhumvit 23, Tel: 258-4192, (02) 206-1849
Le Danang	Central Plaza Hotel, Phahonyothin, Tel: (02) 541-1234
Saigon	296 Rajthevee Road, Phayathai, Tel: (02) 215-0808
Sweet Basil	5/1 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Soi Ekamai), Tel: (02) 381-2834-5, Si Wiang Road, Silom, Tel: (02) 234-1889,238-3088
Vietnam	82-84 Silom Soi 4, Tel: (02) 234-6174, 235-2124