The new "visa run" rules

The new "visa run" rules

http://www.thaivisa.com/visa/the-new-visa-run-rules.html

The new "visa run" rules Tuesday, 09 January 2007 Be prepared, don't be caught out by the new visa rulesAs of the 1st October 2006 new rules regarding the use of the 30 day visa exemption stamp came into forceThe new rules state that the 30 day stamp can only be used back to back for a maximum of 90 days, after which no more will be issued for another 90 days.This means anyone using the 30 day visa exemption , and therefore doing the visa run every 30 days, to stay long term in Thailand, now need to find another way to stay long term.It seems so far that a person can leave and enter as many times as they like within that 90 day period, but after 90 days of getting back to back entries using this method, people will be refused another 30 day visa exemption .So, what to do ?The rules only apply to those using the 30 day stamp to stay long term. Anyone who has a visa issued at an embassy or consulate outside of Thailand will not be affected.So the answer is clear, If you are staying or plan to stay in Thailand long term, or an extended time, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in your home country before travelling. Tourist visas can easily be obtained in countries neighbouring Thailand, but the consulates seem to be only issuing the single entry type, but for those with no other choice it's a good option.

About Thailand(2)

About Thailand(2)


Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

Northern Region:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi- coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; In addition to its renowned mountain peaks, the northern region is very rich with cultures of many different local tribes like the long-neck tribe, Meow and Mong. Each of these tribes, even until this day, firmly stick to their traditional dress and rituals. These tribes have inherited interesting art and craft skills for their ancestors and also soft-sounding languages.


Northeastern region:
The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries; the region is interspersed with both savannahs and wet lands – another of kind charm to behold. The face of the land will change to reflect the prevailing seasons of the year. Living in a hut surrounded by paddy fields is another interesting experience.

Southern Region:
The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing. The region is rich in farming areas like those of palm trees and rubber trees. The products are both for export and domestic consumption – for example, rubber derived from the rubber trees are used for both local and export tyre industries. When traveling on the southern highways you will be greeted with endless span of beautiful shorelines, mountains and palm trees. The southern region also has its own dialect, which is spoken in almost like a compact format – one that is short and concise!


Central region:
The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colorful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok; a mix of urban and rural. The name of the city of Bangkok can be translated into “City of Angels” – a place close to heaven by day and night. The Grand Palace is the highlight of the city – you are considered “not” having been to Bangkok had you not step in to the Grand Palace!




Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 78 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

Religion: Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)

Government: Thailand has had a constitutional monarchy since 1932. Parliament is composed of 2 houses, The House of Representatives and the Senate. Both representatives and senators are elected by the people. A prime minister elected from among the representatives leads the government. The country is divided into 76 provinces. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration comes under an elected governor. Appointed provincial governors administer the other 75 provinces (Changwat), which are divided into districts (Amphoe), sub-districts (Tambon) and villages (Mu Ban).

Head of State: H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)

National Flag: The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.

Time: The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).

Climate: Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travelers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.

Clothing : Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area

Travel in Thailand

About Thailand (1)

Full Country Name: Thailand means "land of the free"
Capital: Bangkok means "city of angels")

Geography:

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the hub of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. The shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him become the longest king in the world. rich. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Neighboring Countries:
1) Myanmar - west and north,
2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,
3) Cambodia - southeast and
4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.