THAILAND - FACTS AND FIGURES

Area: 513, 115 km2

Population: 60.4 million (1995 estimate)

Population Growth: 1.5% (1995 estimate)

Capital: Bangkok

System of Government: Constitutional Monarchy

Head of State: HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Prime Minister: Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh

Key Government Ministers: Narongchai Akrasaranee, Minister of Commerce;
Amnuay Viravan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Prachuab
Chaiyasarn, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Language: Thai (official language). English is spoken in Bangok and major tourist attractions.

Literacy Rate: 93%

Ethnic Background: Thai 95%; The remaining 5% includes mainly Chinese and Malay.

Religion: 95% of the population is Buddhist. There are also a few Christians and Muslims (mostly in the far South).

Currency: Baht 1 Bt = 100 Satang; C$ 1.00 = 18.59 Bt (average, week ending September 27, 1996)

For more information on Thailand, check out these sites:

Royal Thai Government Information Center

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thailand Internet Directory

Here are some tips if you are ever doing business in Thailand...

 

• Thais greet each other with the "Wai" which is something like a bow and shows great respect. But, don't worry, shaking hands with the men and smiling at the women will do the trick, too!
  
  
• You can greet each other by first names or even by using a nickname!
  
  
• The head is considered very sacred. If you really want to insult someone, just touch their head or hair and you will have done it!
  
  
• The feet are, let's just say not the most treasured part of the body. Don't point your feet at anyone or sit with your legs crossed.
  
  
• Do not speak loudly, it is considered to be very rude.
  
  
• Please respect the Buddha and the Royal family. Do not take photographs unless you have asked first...in other words...don't act like a tourist!
  
  
• Always make appointments. Never just show up.
  
  
• The person who does the inviting for dinner pays the bill (simple enough?)
  
  
• Take your shoes off when you go to someone's home. Bringing presents is cool, but, do not wrap them in black paper.
  
  
• If you want to give somebody something, use your right hand.
  
  
• Remember..smile! It will be very appreciated. Always look neat (clean clothes, please!)

Some of this information was taken from the Information Series published by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. It is available in print format.