1. Study Abroad & Cultural Experiences Program in Thailand

2. Contents Accommodation 2 History and Cultural 4 About Thailand & Bangkok 31 Travel around Thailand 33 Emergency contacts 35

3. 1. About Thailand Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and hospitality, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation.

4. 1. About Thailand Fast Facts Visitor information about Thailand in the form of fast facts. Select from various categories of Thailand facts, including economics, geography, people, and more. >> More Fast FactsMore Fast Facts http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/fast-facts/

5. 1. About Thailand Geography Located in the center of Southeast Asia, Thailand is truly at the heart of the region. Looking over a map of Thailand will reveal a country whose borders form the rough shape of an elephant’s head. >> More GeographyMore Geography http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/geography/

6. 1. About Thailand Weather & Temperature The weather in Thailand is generally marked by three seasons, the rainy season, hot season, and cool season, though the climate is generally pleasant year round. >>More WeatherMore Weather http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/weather/

7. 1. About Thailand Religion While religion in Thailand is centered around Buddhism, people in Thailand have compassion and tolerance towards any religion and welcome others to study Buddhism or learn to meditate. >> More ReligionMore Religion http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/religion/

8. 1. About Thailand Population The population of Thailand comprises of roughly 65 million citizens, the majority of whom are ethnically Thai, though peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin are also represented to varying degrees. Approximately 7 million citizens live in the capital city, Bangkok, though this number varies seasonally and is otherwise difficult to accurately count.

9. 1. About Thailand Politics Thailand is a Constitutional Monarchy presided over by the King of Thailand, who is the official head of state. >> More PoliticsMore Politics http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/politics/

10. 1. About Thailand Economy The Thai economy remains largely export driven and robust and remains the second largest in Southeast Asia. >> More EconomyMore Economy http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/economy/

11. 1. About Thailand Language & Communication The Thai language can be tricky to master, but most Thais speak English and encourage visitors who try to speak Thai. >> More Language & CommunicationMore Language & Communication http://www.tourismthailand.org/about- thailand/language/ /

12. 1. About Bangkok Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, meaning "city of angels" for short, it was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It came to the forefront of Siam when it was given the status as the capital city in 1768 after the burning of Ayutthaya.

13. 1. About Bangkok Economy Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand, dominating the country's economy and dwarfing any other urban centers. Development continues to pour in to Bangkok mostly neglecting the rest of the nation. It is ranked as the 54th richest urban agglomeration. The Stock Exchange of Thailand In Ratchadaphisek Road, Bangkok Sathorn's Robot BuildingThai Airways International headquarters

14. 1. About Bangkok Hospitals & Medical Centers Center Bangkok has a large number of hospitals and medical centers, which include eight of the country's fifteen medical schools. Many hospitals in Bangkok act as tertiary care centers, receiving referrals from distant parts of the country. Lately, especially in the private sector, there has been much growth in medical tourism, with many hospitals providing services specifically catering to foreigners.

15. 1. About Bangkok Tourist Hotspots Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's tourist hotspots. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts.

16. 1. About Bangkok Shoppingpping Center Siam Paragon is a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia.Opened on December 9, 2005, it includes a wide range of specialty stores and restaurants as well as a multiplex movie theater (consisted of 15 large size theaters) and the Siam Ocean World (Underwater world) aquarium (the largest aquarium in South East Asia) and an exhibition hall and the Thai Art Gallery and also an opera concert hall.

17. 1. About Bangkok National Galleryt The National Gallery located near Sanam Luang is a popular venue for art in Thailand. The arts in Bangkok have well developed almost exclusively and anonymously in the services of Theravada Buddhism since the golden age in Ayutthaya period and continuing to the present day by incorporating Western elements which is called the Rattanakosin or Bangkok style.

18. 2. Accommodation Thailand features not only some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world but also arguably the greatest variety of accommodation to choose from. Thailand accommodation options range from rural home stays to luxurious five-star spa-resorts and nearly everything in between. http://www.tourismthailand.org/where- to-stay/

19. 2. Accommodation Hotels If you are looking for Thailand hotels, our comprehensive listing of hotels in every Thai town and city will help you find the hotel that best meets your business or holiday needs. >> More HotelsMore Hotels http://www.tourismthailand.org/where- to-stay/hotels/

20. 2. Accommodation Serviced Apartments Looking for an apartment in Thailand? Here’s a comprehensive list of serviced apartments and other Thailand apartment options for various destinations throughout the kingdom. >> More Serviced ApartmentsMore Serviced Apartments http://www.tourismthailand.org/where- to-stay/serviced-apartments/

21. 2. Accommodation Resorts & Spas Jungle retreats, beach resorts, holistic wellness centers, luxurious spas: Thailand features some of the most spectacular resorts and spas in the world. >> More Resorts & SpasMore Resorts & Spas http://www.tourismthailand.org/where- to-stay/resorts-spas/

22. 2. Accommodation Homestays Thailand Homestays are just what they sound like, staying as a guest in the home of a Thai family. These unique cultural experiences are available throughout Thailand. >> More HomestaysMore Homestays http://www.tourismthailand.org/where- to-stay/homestays/

23. 3. Travel around Thailand Thailand travel is convenient for visitors as there are many ways to get to Thailand by bus, air, or rail, whether your destination is Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or the most remote provinces. http://www.tourismthailand.org/travel- and-transport/

24. 3. Travel around Thailand Thailand Airports (International) Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) serves as the primary international airport in Thailand for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights from abroad landing in the Thai capital. However, some chartered flights and international service from nearby Asian nations may land at one of the other, smaller international airports within Thailand, such as Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Koh Samui (USM) International Airports. http://www.tourismthailand.org/travel- and-transport/travel-to-thailand/thailand- airports/

25. 3. Travel around Thailand Thailand Airports (Domestic) Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) serves as the primary international airport in Thailand for numerous international airlines, most with direct flights from abroad landing in the Thai capital. However, some chartered flights and international service from nearby Asian nations may land at one of the other, smaller international airports within Thailand, such as Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Koh Samui (USM) International Airports. http://www.tourismthailand.org/travel- and-transport/travel-to-thailand/thailand- airports/

26. 3. Travel around Thailand Airports Rail Link Airport Rail Link provides train service at the maximum speed of 160 kilometer per hour on an elevated track parallel to the eastern railway, which covers the distance of approximately 28 kilometers, passing through 8 stations; Phyathai Station, Rajprarop Station, Makkasan Station and City Air Terminal, Ramkhamhaeng Station, Hua Mark Station, Thab Chang Station, Lad Krabang Station, and Suvarnabhumi Station.

27. 3. Travel around Thailand Shuttle Bus Free shuttle bus service is provided for passengers and airport staff. Expess route connects the main terminal directly to the transport center. Ordinary route connects to other airport facilities. For passenger convenience shuttle buses serving Suvarnabhumi airport are low-floor type.

28. 3. Travel around Thailand Bus & Coach Bus & Coach The Thailand bus network is arguably the number-one mode of transportation both in and around Bangkok, as well as for long distance travel. The Bangkok bus system features busses of various size, type, and cost. This is due to the fact that there are both public and private city busses. Although waiting for a Bangkok bus can be a sweaty and air-polluted prospect, so can walking from A to B. If you are on a budget and don’t mind a little adventure, hopping on a bus that appears to be going your way will only cost you as little as 7 baht.

29. 3. Travel around Thailand Taxis & Tuk Tuk Bangkok may arguable have more taxis than any city on Earth. Not only are they plentiful, they are very reasonably priced now that meters have become the norm. Rates for a Bangkok taxi begin at 35 baht ($1 US) and then charge 2 baht for the first two kilometers and 2 baht per kilometer thereafter. One of the most iconic modes of transportation, the tuk tuk is a truly Thai vehicle. The colorful, noisy, open-air tuk tuks are both a “must ride” experience for both visitors and locals to quickly travel around.

30. 3. Travel around Thailand BTS Sky Train Thailand has two primary metropolitan rail lines, the BTS skytrain, consisting of two Green Lines (Sukhumvit and Silom) and the first of several planned MRT underground lines, the Blue Line. MRT Subway Bangkok’s MRT underground Blue Line is the newest addition to the metropolitan rail system.

31. 4. History and Cultural The chance to experience the rich diversity of Thailand is one of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad at Sripatum International College.

32. 4. History and Cultural The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo Morakot,) is the palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand, a figurine of the sitting Buddha, made of green jasper (rather than emerald), clothed in gold, and about 45 cm tall. It is kept in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

33. 4. History and Cultural The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand, located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace.

34. 4. History and Cultural Wat Arun, often called The Temple of Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual. The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events in the world.

35. 4. History and Cultural Experience Thais rural life and a charm of countryside at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Arrival at Rose Garden, Enjoy the unique and unforgettable experience of the world-renowned Thai Village Cultural Show.

36. 4. History and Cultural Ayutthaya Full Day Tour Travel by coach and returning by boat with lunch & coffee break.

37. 4. History and Cultural Visit River Kwai, the most wonderful place at Kanchanaburi.

38. 4. History and Cultural Dinner Cruise along Chaopraya river.

39. 5. Emergency contacts In case of such emergencies, approach tourist police or nearest police. Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191 Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155 Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844 Thai Embassy Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel : (662) 643-5000 >> More Thai EmbassyMore Thai Embassy >> More Hospitals in ThailandMore Hospitals in Thailand http://www.tourismthailand.org/travel- and-transport/faqs/health-and-safety/

40. Thank you Hope to welcome you all to The Kingdom of Thailand