Introduction

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand with a population nearing 10 Million people. It can appear to be a chaotic city with all its people, the traffic, the noises and the many different cultures. However it is a charming city and the local Thai people are graceful and gentle in their approach.

Until 1939 the country was called Siam, but the then ruler Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram decided that Thailand would reflect better the country´s ethnic make-up.

The Bangkok of today is a bustling city with many sky scrapers, (serviced) apartment blocks and lots and lots of traffic. But within all this 21st century modernism are still old and authentic buildings, such as the Grand Palace, to be found reflecting the past.

Language Spoken

Thai (Central Thai dialect) and English is also widely spoken.

Currency

The currency in Bangkok is the Thai Baht. 1 GBP = [CCExhange base="GBP" currency="THB"] THB*

Time Zone

ICT – Indo China Time (GMT + 7 hours)

International Dialing Codes

+66 – 2 (+ local number)

Climate

Bangkok has an almost even temperature throughout the year averaging 26 C in winter and 28 C in summer.

Emergency Numbers

General Emergency number: 191 Fire: 199 Tourist Police: 1155

Public Transport Information

Bangkok is best explored by foot, but when you need to be somewhere quickly it is advisable to use one of the many public transport possibilities which there are. Such as: Tuk-Tuks (three wheeled motorised rickshaws), The Bangkok Sky Train (an elevated rail system which crosses the city and connects many points of interest), Bangkok Underground (a new metro system, which operates since 2004 and can carry up to 40000 passengers each way per hour), Buses (a very cheap mode of transport and an ideal way to see the “real” Bangkok).

Airport Code

BKK – Suvarnabhumi Airport which is situated 30km East of Bangkok.

And Another Thing...

There are approximately 26000 temples in Thailand and 200000 Buddhist monks. Also, Bangkok is sinking at the alarming rate of 5cm per year.