Overview
Love it or hate it, buzzing, sweaty, exotic Bangkok is a city that really is larger than life. For some, the frenetic pace, heat, traffic and lack of personalspace can be overpowering and are good reasons to pass through the city as quickly as possible but, for many others, the sheer dynamism is intoxicating.
A curious blend of the traditionalEast with the modernWest, Bangkok's every street has a surprise in hold for the visitor. Ramshacklebuildings crouch next to exotictemples surrounded by delightfulgardens, which are in turn overlooked by modern hotels and offices.
The chaos on the roads is mirrored by the busy traffic on the ChaoPhrayaRiver, which dissects the city and is regularly crisscrossed by long-tailed boats, river taxis and small rowing boats, all miraculously missing each other.
But traditionalThailife is never very far away. Weaving among the nose-to-tail traffic in the morning rush hour, saffron-robed monks can still be seen collecting alms, while just moments from the city centre whole communities live in stilt houses by the river, eking out a living using skills that have not changed in centuries.
Bangkok became the capital in 1782, but the absolute rule of the monarchy ended in 1932 when it was replaced by a system of constitutional monarchy. To this day, the monarchy is regarded with almost religious reverence and it is an offence, punishable by imprisonment, to insult the royal family. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest-reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946.
Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this has been thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodlesscoup overthrew the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Anti-government demonstrations took place in August 2008 and the Prime Minister, only elected in December 2007, was removed from office and replaced by Prime Minister Somchai in September.
Thailand is a tropical country so it is hot throughout the year, but the besttime tovisit is between November and March, during the dryseason. During the rainyseason, humidity is very high and the downpours are short but violent and the streets of Bangkok often flood.
Business Etiquette
Most senior businesspeople in large or international companies will speak English, but it is not common in smaller companies. It is essential to make appointments for business meetings and to exchange business cards. Punctuality is also very important (although the visitor is quite often likely to be kept waiting after arrival), so the Bangkok traffic must be taken into consideration when going to appointments. Thai hosts are quite likely to give small gifts to visitors, so it is a good idea to reciprocate with a typical national gift of one's own. Visitors should never get angry or raise their voice if things are not going according to plan, as this will mean a loss of face on both sides. Much more progress will be made by remaining calm.
Meetings often take place over lunch and these are generally held in a Thai restaurant. Thai businesspeople are quite formal in their dress but, because of the extreme heat, it is quite acceptable and practical to dispense with the wearing of a suit jacket. Office hours are usually Monday to Friday 0800-1700. There is a large expat community in Bangkok, as well as a big after-work drinking scene.
CITY STATISTICS
Location
Central Plain, Thailand.
Dialling code
66.
Population
7 million (city); 10 million (metropolitan area).
Time zone
GMT + 7.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; two-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temperatures
26°C (79°F).
Average July temperatures
29°C (84°F).
Annual rainfall
1,500mm (58.5 inches).
Money
Title : Thai Bath
You can use the currency converter at the bottom line (scroll down)
Tourist Information
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
First Floor, 1600 New Phetburi Road
Makkasan, Rajatevee
Tel: (02) 250 5500.
Website: www.tourismthailand.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
The TAT Call Centre(tel: 1672) is open daily 0800-2000. The tourist police provide 24-hour assistance for complaints and emergencies through the toll-free hotline (tel: 1155).
