Visas
Visitors to Thailand who hold valid passports or travelling documents issued by any country included in an officially issued list of eligible countries are permitted one-month visa-free visits. If planning a longer stay, a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.

Language
The official national language, spoken by almost 100 per cent of the population, is Thai, classified by linguists as belonging to a Chinese-Thai branch of the Sino-Tibetan family. It is a tonal language, uninflected, and predominantly monosyllabic. Most polysyllabic words in the vocabulary have been borrowed, mainly from Khmer, Pali or Sanskrit. Dialects are spoken in rural areas. Principal other languages are Chinese and Malay. English, a mandatory subject in public shoools, is widely spoken and understood, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities.

Festivals
January:Legends of a Kingdom
The night shows at the Temple of the Dawn of "Ratri of Wat Arun" will transport you back in time. Be dazzled by the Phra Nakorn Si Ayutthaya's "Traveling Light-and-Sound" Show or spend time at the fantastic "Sukhothai Night". Meet "Akha Mountain people" in Chiang Rai.

February:Flower Paradise
Cities blossom with new-season flowers such as the Cotton Flowers Bloom in Loei or the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. See the Phor Dok Puka Festival and the Maneepruek Forest in Nan.Toxin-free Vegetables and Alpine Roses in Tak are also a joy to see. And join the Chinese New Year Festival and the Dragon Parade at Pak Nampo, Nakhon Sawan.

March:Summer Music & Sport Festival
Enjoy the Music Festival in Pattaya, the Thai Music Festival in Suphan Buri, the Mountain Bike Race in Prachin Buri, the International Kites Festival in Prachuap Khiri Khan or the National Fishing Competition in Satun. At these events, you can meet the people of the Kingdom and together be entertained by a variety of outdoor music performances.

April:Songkran Splendors
It's Songkran! This is the Thai New Year Festival when Thais from throughout the Kingdom return to their hometowns to enjoy the company of family and friends. Whether you travel to the north, south, east or west of Thailand this celebration will surly make your trip one to remember.

May:Thai Fruit Festival
Luscious fruit for you to savor! Succulent, nutritious fruit is available all year everywhere in the land. Taste this extra special treat! Or, join the Thailand Fruit Fair in Chonburi, and learn first-hand how to plant and nourish those tasty fruits from practical farmers!

June:Green Adventure Festival
Whatever the adventure, this is the month to explore the many natural wonders in Thailand. Learn about adventure opportunities at the Eco Tourism Mart in Bangkok and then set course for one of Thailand's many National Sanctuaries. Or, challenge your body and refresh your soul by climbing steep cliffs along the coast, biking through jungles or joining the Dok Krachiao Blossom Festival in Chaiyaphum. Adventure in Thailand can even include shopping during the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale in Bangkok but if you still crave more challenge venture into a military comp for activity-based training.

July:Timeless Thai Elegance
Travel northeast to Ubon Ratchathani and be amazed! See what the skillful hands of Thai craftsman can create in the International Sculpted Candle Festival. You can see floral beauty at its best in the Flower Decoration Contest. Also, witness the "Pictures of Thai Lifestyles" contest.

August:Fun Fair Festival
Pack up the family and experience something new and exciting together! Drive southerly along the East Coast of Thailand as part of the Khao Yai National Park Rally or learn together about the history of Northern Thailand during the Caravan Rally. Spend your weekends on the banks of "The River of Kings". And, if you're prepared, you can even compete in the Songkhla International Marathon with family members cheering along the race course.

September:International Boat Races
The most memorable and spectacular event in the Thai calendar is the glorious assembly of the Royal Flotilla...truly unforgettable! And cheers! Cheer Cheers! All over the Kingdom, trained oarsman vie to win their regional race. Join them!

October:The Magnificent Makong River
Along the border of Laos, the mighty Makong River flows. Along its banks, is a remarkable history, engraved in stone. Also worth a visit is the Isarn Rocket Festival in Nong Khai, the Light Boat Race in Nakhon Phanom, and the Wax Castle Procession in Sakon Nakhon. Taking a trip to the Makong River Festival.

November:Loy Krathong Festival
For nearly a century, this exquisite tradition of floating candle-lit garlands has gladdened the hearts of Thais. Experience the ancient tradition of the Loy Krathong Festival at Sukhothai or travel north to Chiang Mai. There, the tradition is kept and the dark sky sparkles with light lanterns, during the Yi Peng Festival.

December:Thailand Extravaganza
Of all the wonders of Thailand, nothing can equal the love and respect of the people for their King. On His Birthday, all hearts are with Him. This special year is also the 220th Anniversary of Bangkok. Witness the Bangkok Fashion Extravaganza international in front of the Royal Palace and join the countdown to the New Year with the proud throng that welcomes this events.

Top 5 Places

Bangkok
It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities. It is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic center. Major tourism attractions include glittering Buddist temples, palaces, timeless "Venice of the East" canal and river scenes, Pasteur Institute Snake Farm, Dusit Zoo, Bangkok Doll Museum, Siam City Park, Safari World, Express Boat Trip, classical dance extravaganzas, an almost legendary nightlife and numerous airconditioned shopping centers selling Thai silks, cottons, gemstones, bronze and pewterware and many, many more internationally admired handicrafts.

Cha-am & Hua Hin
Both of them are closely associated with Thai royalty, and located on the sunrise side on the Thai Gulf, major attractions include Cha-am Beach, Chao Samran Beach, Hua Hin Beach, Khao Tao/Sai Noi Beach, Khao Sam Roi Yot, Khao Wang, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Khao Luang Cave, Sea Pine Tree Garden, Pala-U Waterfall and Poyal Hua Hin Golf Club.

Phuket
It is Thailand's largest island, and is approximately the size of Singapore. The major attractions include Mai Khao Beach, Nau Yan Beach, Wat Phra Thong, Phuket Town, Rang Hill, The Thai Village, Ton Sai Waterfall, Forest Park, Khao Phra, Thaeo Wildlife Park, Sing Cape, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon & Kata Beach, Nai Han Beach, Phromthep Cape, Rawai Beach, Chalong Bay, Wat Chalong, Phanwa Cape, Pearl Farms, Phi Phi Island, Similan Island.

Songkhla/Hat Yai
Songkhla is an eastern coastal province in southern Thailand edging the Thai Gulf. It is Thailand's principle commercial, communication, entertainment and shopping center. The major attractions include Cat & Rat Island, Tang Khuan Hill, Sengkhla National Museum, Central Market, Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, Chana Doves, Taksin Ratchaniwet Palace, Tomo Chinese Goddess Shrine, Manao Bay, Lochut Folk Museum, Sirindhorn Waterfall, 300-year-old Mosque, Wat Hat Yai Nai, Wat Pha Kho, Wat Chaimongkhon.

Songkhla was formerly known Singha-la (a lion) by Indian, Persian and Arabian merchants since the petitie offshore Cat and Rat islands presented a somewhat leonine appearance from the sea. Once a medieval private stronghold, Songkhla is a historic town with a thriving fishing community edging the fine Samila Breach and the Great Songkhla Lake, Thailand's largest body of inland water.

Samui
Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourism attraction. It is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills. Major attractions include Oyster Farms, Wiphawadi Waterfall, Khao Tapet Nature & Wildlife Centre, Phumriang Village, Khao Sok National Park, Angthong Marine National Park, Kaho Wang Thong Cave, Nai Pihlao Beach, Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum, Karom Waterfall, Elephant Trekking & Rafting, Kiriwong Village, Phra Buddha Sihing Chapel, Monkey School, Suan Mokkha Phalaram, Tapo River Estuary, Ko Samui and Environs.