History of Thailand: It is difficult to determine the type of culture which existed in Thailand before the Christian era, since no written records or chronologies exist but archeological excavations in the area north of Nakorn Ratchasima indicate that there were people living here over 4000 years ago.

However, by the 6th century AD thriving agricultural communities were established from as far north as Lamphun to Pattani in Southern Thailand. Theravada Buddhism was flourishing, and probably entered the region around the 2nd or 3rd centuries BC when Indian missionaries were said to have been sent to a land called "Suvarnabhumi". (An area comprising Burma, Central Thailand and Cambodia).

Best time to go to Thailand

Thailand is largely tropical, so it's hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F). The best time to visit most of Thailand is between November and February, primarily because it rains the least and is not too hot during these months. This period is also Thailand’s main season for both national and regional festivals.

Thailand’s peak – and we mean peak – tourist season runs from November to late March, with secondary peaks in July and August. If your main objective is to avoid crowds and to take advantage of discounted rooms and low-season rates, you should consider travelling during the least crowded months (typically April to June, September and October).

What to Pack

We have compiled a “what to pack” list specifically made for the needs of a traveler in Singapore. Staying on resorts or in hotels in Thailand minimizes the list as they provide most everything. There are also shops located in hotels and in Thailand where you should find your basic needs.

• Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• Sunglasses

• Hat or Cap for shade from the sun

• Light cotton clothing

• Insect Repellent

• Bathing Suits

• Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

Health Care

On first entering a hot zone don't overdo it. Your body needs a few days to adjust to the higher temperatures and new humidity, so gradually increase your daily activity and exposure to the sun. This will help build up your defenses, providing you drink plenty of water.  Adjusting to the tropical climate of Thailand can take a while, but you can lessen the degree of discomfort by heeding a few suggestions.

• The sun is very strong, and you can become sunburned in a very short period of time. Wear a hat to protect you head and a sun block to protect exposed areas of the body.

• Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Water and fruit juices are best.

• Use a fan to circulate air instead of air-conditioning. This will greatly speed up the process of acclimatisation.

By international standards the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is surprisingly low. Nevertheless health and accident insurance is strongly recommended.

Festivals & Culture of Thailand:

The culture of Thailand incorporates a great deal of influence from India, China, Cambodia, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Thailand's national religion Theravada Buddhism is central to modern Thai identity and belief. In practice, Thai Buddhism has evolved over time to include many regional beliefs originating from Hinduism, animism as well as ancestor worship. In areas in the southernmost parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent. Several different ethnic groups, many of which are marginalized, populate Thailand.

: "Thais do not like someone touching them on head. They believe that soul, which is considered extremely sacred, resides in head. So, don't ever touch a Thai on the head, not even a Thai child."

Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture.

Festivals of Thailand

• The King's Birthday (December 5) is the country's National Day

• Coronation Day (May 5)

• Songkran: Songkran is the celebration of the Thai New Year, sometime in April (officially April 13th to 15th, but the date varies in some locations).

• Loy Krathong: Falls on the first full moon day in the 12th month in Luna calendar, usually on November, when people head to rivers, lakes to float flower and candle-laden banana-leaf floats called krathong. The krathong is meant as a thank you offering to the river goddess who gives life to the people. Thais also believe that this is a good time to float away your bad luck and many will place a few strand of hair or finger nail clippings in the krathong.

• Makha Bucha: Falls on the full moon in of the 4th Lunar month, which usually falls in February or March, and commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 people before the Buddha, which led to their ordination and subsequent enlightenment. At temples in Bangkok and throughout Thailand, Buddhists carry candles and walk around the main shrine three times in a clockwise direction

Thailand Shopping - a Shopper's Paradise

Thailand has long been known as a bargain hunter's paradise. Thailand is one of the best places in Asia for shopping and visitors will be spoilt for choice with the huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, small shops and bustling street markets. Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets.

Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, leather goods, batiks, silver and gold, pottery with celandine green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones (in particular rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, dolls, masks, painted umbrellas, lacquer ware, pewter ware, bamboo and wood artifacts and bronze ware.

The weekend market at Chatuchuk in Bangkok is a regular cornucopia with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from genuine antiques to fighting fish. Tailor-made clothes are also good value and can be made in a matter of days, yet the standard is very high.

Duty-free shops are located throughout the country and items can be purchased there and delivered to the airport in time for the departure flight. Value Added Tax (7%) can be refunded on goods bought in shops labeled 'VAT Refund for Tourists', where there is a minimum transaction of $2,000 including VAT.

VAT Refund Application for Tourists forms are completed at the time of purchase and it is necessary to show one's passport. Cash refunds (minimum  $5,000) can be obtained in the airport departure hall and often the goods purchased must also be shown.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 1000-2100/2200.

Entry Formalities and Thailand Visa:

A Tourist Visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter Thailand for the purpose of tourism.

The documents required when applying for a Tourist visa are:

• Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months

• Visa Application Form completely filled out

• Two recent photographs of the applicant (3.5 X 4.5 cm)

• Instrument of means of transportation (Confirmed plane ticket, paid in full)

• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family)

• Chennai applicants in addition to the above mentioned documents have to carry self attested photocopy of application form and all other originals.

Visa Fee: Nil. However there will be a Service Charges to be paid to VFS for processing the applications.

Time required to process Thailand Visa: From 2 working days to 2 weeks. It is advisable to allow plenty of time.