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Official name:	Krung Thep ( City of Angels )
Population:	Officially 6,355,000 ( taken from the 2000 consensus ) but probably a lot higher
Currency:	Thai Baht. ( THB ) ....1 dollar roughly equals 38 Baht
Neighbours:	Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia
Temperature	19c - 38c ( Ave. 29c ) Humidity between 66% and 83%
Electricity	220 Volts
Religion	Predominantly Buddhist with 95% being Buddhist

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and many visitors might get what is known as culture shock due to the different ways of doing things.

All over Thailand, things are very much the same. There is not much difference in the way people do things from one province to the next but you might find that people outside of Bangkok are happier and friendlier but this is probably the same in any country. The larger the city, the less friendly the people.

Money:

Thai money is made up of Satang and Baht. There are 100 Satang in one Baht.

Coins used:

25 Satang	small gold coloured coins. Useless really but still used. Supermarkets use them
50 Satang	slightly larger coins which are also useless but still used. Supermarkets use them.
1   Baht	the smallest silver coin in use.
5   Baht	slightly larger and thicker coin.
10 Baht	largest coin used. The coin has a silver outter rim and a gold center.

Notes used:

10      Baht	Brown coloured notes that have since been taken out of circulation but are still legal tender.
20      Baht	Green coloured notes.
50      Baht	Blue coloured notes. .
100   Baht	Red coloured notes .
500   Baht	Purple coloured notes
1000 Baht	Silver coloured notes

Greetings:

People of Thailand greet each other by means of a Wai. A Wai is when you place your palms together, with fingers pointing upwards and raise your hands to your head.
The more important the person, the higher up your head you should raise your hands, but if you wish to use the Wai, then raise your hands so that your middle fingers are at mouth level.

There is no need to Wai people who are "lower" than yourself. This in general means hotel staff, maids, waiters and so on. Do not Wai children either but if they Wai you first it's courteous to give a wai back but with your fingers touching your chin.

Eating:

Eating in Thailand is pretty much the center of everything. Thais love to eat and they will nibble away constantly through out the day.
When you order food, you will notice that you will probably end up with a fork and spoon rather than a knife and fork. Thai food is generally such that you will scoop everything up with the spoon and so a knife is unnecessary.
Chopsticks are commonly used with noodle dishes too, but the many Chinese restaurants might provide you with just chopsticks but don't feel shy to ask for a spoon and fork.

Food is also provided on the table so that the only dish presented to you will probably be plain rice. Anything else is placed in the centre of the table and everyone takes a share for the dishes around them. Try to remember to use the serving spoons rather than use the spoon you eat with.

In Isaan, the North Eastern provinces, you might find yourself in some circumstances eating with your fingers.
A dish of Naam Tok and Kao Neow ( Sticky rice with a dish of grilled pork with vegetables and gravy ) is generally eaten by grabbing a small ball of rice, and then thumbing some food into the rice and then quickly putting the two into your mouth before all the juices drip down your chin.

Manners

Thai people are, for the most part, very polite and to remain calm in any situation is a good thing. Getting upset, moody or argumentative is seen as "losing face".

Losing face

Losing face in Thailand is a bad thing. Either losing it yourself, or making someone else lose it.
Never make a Thai person lose face as it could have bad consequences. So, never shout at a person in public, or make someone look stupid to others. Always make a Thai person feel relaxed or if there is something that really needs to be said, take that person to one side, away from others and say it calmly but gently.
If you have a Thai partner, argue at home and not in public and support them when around others.

We'd like to suggest that you visit our chat forum because you might pick up a lot of hints and tips from people who've been here quite a while.