Bangkok's facts

This is the facts about Bangkok that you have to know.

Name: Bangkok

Country: Kingdom of Thailand

Government type: Special administrative area

Governor: Apirak Kosayothin

Time zone: GMT+7

Area: 1,562.2 km²

Population: about 10 millions

Language: Thai (English is widely spoken)

Measures: Metric System

Voltage: 220 volts

Mobile Phones: GSM 900/1800

Visas:

Visitors from most countries are issued 2- to 4-week entry permits on arrival and upon presentation of a passport and a ticket for the return or onward journey. Entry permits cannot be extended while you are in Thailand. It is advisable to check with a Thai embassy or consulate in your country before departure.

If you are planning a longer stay, apply for either a 60-day tourist visa or 30-day transit visa from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These can be extended at the Immigration Office in Bangkok for a nominal fee.

Currency: Thai bath

THB 1.00 equals:

.01 British Pound (GBP)
.02 Euro (EUR)
.03 US Dollar (USD)
.03 Australian Dollar (AUD)
.04 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.04 Singapore Dollar (SGD)
.22 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
.23 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
1.16 Indian Rupee (INR)
3.30 Japanese Yen (JPY)

Taxes:

A value-added tax (VAT) of 7% is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is refundable for tourists only at participating shops.

Tipping:

A service charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills in Bangkok. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.

Business Hours

Bank Hours
8:30-9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Office Hours
8-9 am to 4-5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Shop Hours

8-9 am to 9 pm or later throughout the week.
Department stores are open 10 am to 8-9 pm all week.

Public Health:

Check with your local clinic about vaccination requirements. Drink only bottled or boiled water.

Dress:
Light clothing for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months. Suits are appropriate for business occasions. Shorts and T-shirts are frowned upon in government offices. It is more respectable to wear modest dress in temples.

Weather:

As a tropical city, Bangkok enjoys warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The May-June summer temperatures range from 35C to 40C (95F to 104F) while winter temperatures range from 30C to 34C (56F to 93F).

Districts:

Since Bangkok have an area about 1,500 sq.km., They have been divided in to 50 districts.

1. Bang Kapi 26. Lak Si
2. Bang Koknoi 27. Min Buri
3. Bang Kokyai 28. Nong Chok
4. Bang Khuntien 29. Nong Khaem
5. Bang Khen 30. Pathumwan
6. Bang Kholaem 31. Prawet
7. Bang Khae 32. Pomprap Satruphai
8. Bang Sue 33. Phaya Thai
9. Bang Na 34. Phra Nakhon
10. Bang Bon 35. Phra Khanong
11. Bang Phlat 36. Phasi Charoen
12. Bang Rak 37. Ratchathewi
13. Bueng Kum 38. Rat Burana
14. Chatuchak 39. Saphan Sung
15. Chom thong 40. Sathorn
16. Don Muang 41. Sai Mai
17. Din Daeng 42. Samphanthawong
18. Dusit 43. Suan Luang
19. Huai Kwang 44. Taling Chan
20. Kanna Yao 45. Thawi Watthana
21. Khlong Sarn 46. Thung Khru
22. Khlong Toei 47. Thon Buri
23. Khlong Samwa 48. Wang Thonglang
24. Lad Krabung 49. Watthana
25. Lad Phrao 50. Yan Nawa