Asia · South-Eastern Asia

Thailand

Kingdom of Thailand

Flag of Thailand
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+07:00
🏛️ Capital
Bangkok
👥 Population
65,859,640
📐 Area
513,120 km²
💱 Currency
Thai baht (฿)
🗣️ Languages
Thai
📞 Calling Code
+66
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+07:00
🌐 Region
Asia / South-Eastern Asia

About Thailand

Thailand is the travel destination that has captured the imagination of the world for good reason — a kingdom where golden temple spires pierce tropical skies, turquoise water laps at powdery white beaches, and the scent of lemongrass and jasmine drifts through every market and alleyway. From the moment you land, Thailand wraps you in a sensory experience so vivid and welcoming that you immediately understand why millions of visitors return year after year. This is a country of astonishing contrasts and seamless hospitality, where ancient traditions coexist effortlessly with a vibrant modern energy.

Bangkok, one of the world's great cities, is a place where you can spend a morning marveling at the jeweled spires of Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace compound and an afternoon browsing cutting-edge concept stores in Silom, before eating the best street noodles of your life beside a canal as longtail boats roar past. The city pulses with a creative energy and culinary scene that rewards curiosity at every turn. Beyond Bangkok, the medieval temple city of Chiang Mai in the northern mountains offers a cooler, more reflective pace — a base for elephant sanctuaries, jungle trekking, and the finest northern Thai cooking.

Thailand's southern islands and peninsula need no introduction: Koh Samui's palm-fringed beaches, the dramatic limestone karsts of Krabi and Phang Nga Bay, and the world-class diving around Koh Tao and the Similan Islands attract beach lovers and underwater enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Thailand achieves the rare feat of delivering exceptional experiences at every price point, making it as rewarding for budget backpackers as for luxury resort travelers. The Land of Smiles earns its nickname with every genuine greeting you receive.

History & Background

The territory of modern Thailand has been home to complex civilizations for thousands of years. The Mon people established the Dvaravati kingdom in the 6th century AD, spreading Theravada Buddhism across the region before the Khmer Empire from present-day Cambodia extended its influence over much of central and northeastern Thailand between the 9th and 13th centuries — leaving spectacular temple complexes at Phimai and Phanom Rung as enduring monuments to their power.

The Thai people migrated south from southern China over centuries, establishing the Sukhothai Kingdom in 1238 AD — traditionally considered the first Thai state — followed by the grander Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1351, which flourished for over 400 years as one of Asia's wealthiest and most cosmopolitan trading cities. Ayutthaya's destruction by Burmese forces in 1767 was catastrophic, but the kingdom was swiftly rebuilt under General Taksin and then the Chakri dynasty, which established Bangkok as the new capital in 1782. Thailand (known as Siam until 1939) is the only Southeast Asian nation never colonized by a European power — a point of intense national pride that explains much of the country's distinct cultural self-confidence.

Culture & People

Thai culture is deeply shaped by Theravada Buddhism, which permeates daily life from the saffron-robed monks who receive alms at dawn to the spirit houses that stand at every threshold to appease local protective spirits. The concept of sanuk — the idea that life should be fun, playful, and light-hearted — infuses social interactions with a warmth and humor that visitors find immediately disarming. Equally important is kreng jai, a social grace of consideration and reluctance to cause embarrassment or discomfort, which explains the Thai preference for indirect communication and the famous Thai smile.

The monarchy holds a place of profound reverence in Thai society, and the royal family is spoken of with the deepest respect — visitors should be aware that lese-majeste laws are strictly enforced. Thai festivals are spectacular: Songkran, the April water festival marking the Thai New Year, turns entire cities into joyful water battles; Yi Peng releases thousands of glowing lanterns into the Chiang Mai night sky in November; and Loi Krathong floats candle-lit banana leaf boats on rivers nationwide in a scene of breathtaking beauty. Traditional Thai dance, shadow puppetry, Muay Thai boxing, and the art of fruit and vegetable carving are cultural practices of extraordinary refinement that deserve full appreciation.

Food & Cuisine

Thai food is one of the world's great culinary traditions, celebrated globally for its masterful balancing of sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami flavors in dishes of extraordinary freshness and complexity. A proper Thai meal is not a sequence of individual courses but a communal spread of contrasting flavors eaten simultaneously — fragrant jasmine rice, a rich coconut milk curry, a sour and spicy som tam papaya salad, a grilled meat dish with nahm jim dipping sauce, and a clear herbal soup all arriving together at the table. Pad thai, massaman curry, tom yum goong, and green curry have become globally recognized, but the true depth of Thai cooking reveals itself in regional specialties almost unknown outside the country.

Northern Thai cuisine (lanna) is distinct and magnificent — khao soi, an egg noodle curry soup topped with crispy fried noodles and a squeeze of lime, is arguably the single greatest bowl of food in Southeast Asia. Southern Thai food is fiercer and more aromatic, using fresh turmeric, shrimp paste, and coconut in ways the central dishes do not. Street food remains the soul of Thai eating culture: boat noodles in Bangkok's Phra Pradaeng district, fresh crab at a Phuket seafood shack, mango with sticky rice drizzled in coconut cream — these are moments that define why food lovers make Thailand a pilgrimage.

Top Attractions

  • Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok — The glittering centerpiece of Thai royal and spiritual heritage, housing the sacred Emerald Buddha and an extraordinary complex of jeweled spires, mosaic walls, and gilded halls.
  • Chiang Mai Old City — Thailand's cultural capital in the north, enclosed by ancient moats and walls and home to over 300 temples, including the hilltop Doi Suthep with its panoramic mountain views.
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park — The magnificent ruined capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where sandstone Buddha heads, crumbling prangs, and vast temple complexes speak of medieval glory.
  • Phang Nga Bay — Spectacular karst limestone formations rising dramatically from jade-green waters, best explored by sea kayak or longtail boat through James Bond Island and hidden sea caves.
  • Koh Tao — Southeast Asia's top destination for affordable scuba diving certification, with clear warm waters, abundant marine life, and a relaxed island culture that draws divers from around the world.
  • Sukhothai Historical Park — Thailand's first capital city, a peaceful UNESCO-listed archaeological park where ancient Buddha statues, lotus ponds, and temple ruins are best explored by bicycle at dawn.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting temples — cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering, and never touch or point your feet at Buddha images or monks.
  • Negotiate tuk-tuk and taxi fares before boarding, or insist on the meter in Bangkok — always use GrabTaxi or Bolt for transparent metered pricing and safer rides.
  • Buy a local SIM card (AIS or DTAC) at the airport for excellent 4G coverage and cheap data throughout the country — a travel SIM with data for a month costs under $10.
  • Street food is generally safe to eat where you see high turnover — busy stalls with local customers lining up are your best quality indicator in any Thai market.
  • Thailand operates on 220V electricity with Type A, B, and C sockets — a universal adapter is recommended for travelers from North America or the UK.
  • Learn to say "mai pet" (not spicy) if you have a low heat tolerance — Thai spicy is genuinely hot and restaurants do not automatically moderate it for foreigners.
  • Respect the "wai" greeting — palms pressed together at chest level with a slight bow. You do not need to initiate it, but returning one shows genuine cultural respect.

Visa Overview

Thailand offers a generous visa exemption policy, allowing citizens of over 60 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, most EU nations, and Japan — to enter without a visa for stays of 30 to 60 days depending on nationality (recent policy changes have extended some exemptions to 60 days). A visa-on-arrival is available at international airports for additional nationalities at a cost of approximately 2,000 THB. For longer stays, the Tourist Visa (TR) issued in advance allows initial 60-day stays extendable by 30 days at an immigration office. Always check current policies before travel, as Thailand periodically updates its entry rules.

Getting Around

Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT subway provide efficient, air-conditioned coverage of the main tourist and business districts; a Rabbit Card (stored-value) makes transit seamless. Long-distance trains operated by the State Railway of Thailand connect Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the northeast, and the deep south in comfortable overnight sleeper carriages. Budget domestic airlines — Thai Smile, Nok Air, and AirAsia — offer cheap flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and other regional hubs. Songthaew (red truck taxis) and tuk-tuks provide affordable local transport; the Grab app is reliable in all major cities for metered ride-hailing.

Safety Notes

Thailand is generally safe for tourists, but several risks deserve attention. Road accidents involving motorbikes are the leading cause of tourist fatalities — always wear a helmet, exercise extreme caution, and ideally avoid renting scooters unless experienced. Bag snatching from motorbikes occurs in busy Bangkok areas; keep bags on the side away from traffic. Gem scams around tourist sites are persistent — avoid anyone who approaches you claiming to offer special shopping deals. Rip currents on Andaman beaches during monsoon season can be deadly; respect all red flag warnings and swim only at patrolled beaches.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Thailand.

Thai baht (THB) ฿
Updated: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.330651
AAVE 0.000345
ADA 0.122488
AED 0.112793
AFN 1.930151
AGIX 0.363488
AKT 0.038775
ALGO 0.261843
ALL 2.521626
AMD 11.298484
AMP 36.441693
ANG 0.055361
AOA 28.160791
APE 0.209798
APT 0.032083
AR 0.013767
ARB 0.271397
ARS 42.936207
ATOM 0.015257
ATS 0.363579
AUD 0.042924
AVAX 0.003280
AWG 0.054976
AXS 0.025217
AZM 261.059341
AZN 0.052212
BAKE 35.333664
BAM 0.051678
BAT 0.308828
BBD 0.061426
BCH 0.000082
BDT 3.775454
BEF 1.065873
BGN 0.051678
BHD 0.011548
BIF 91.454708
BMD 0.030713
BNB 0.000047
BND 0.039252
BOB 0.212205
BRL 0.153729
BSD 0.030713
BSV 0.002038
BSW 41.422517
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.096082
BTN 2.969294
BTT 95,269.468593
BUSD 0.030726
BWP 0.416618
BYN 0.084154
BYR 841.535759
BZD 0.061839
CAD 0.042232
CAKE 0.020938
CDF 70.485814
CELO 0.375234
CFX 0.517503
CHF 0.024180
CHZ 0.668656
CLP 27.603106
CNH 0.208872
CNY 0.208882
COMP 0.001343
COP 114.002211
CRC 13.888731
CRO 0.443218
CRV 0.127765
CSPR 10.347590
CUC 0.030713
CUP 0.737124
CVE 2.913586
CVX 0.017777
CYP 0.015464
CZK 0.642043
DAI 0.030731
DASH 0.000610
DCR 0.001759
DEM 0.051678
DFI 33.981759
DJF 5.474305
DKK 0.197451
DOGE 0.293611
DOP 1.808832
DOT 0.024524
DYDX 0.200981
DZD 4.076136
EEK 0.413420
EGLD 0.007741
EGP 1.640845
ENJ 0.679790
EOS 0.376826
ERN 0.460693
ESP 4.396299
ETB 4.957747
ETC 0.003383
ETH 0.000014
EUR 0.026422
EURC 0.026403
FEI 0.030898
FIL 0.031669
FIM 0.157100
FJD 0.067605
FKP 0.022848
FLOW 0.850260
FLR 3.675514
FRAX 0.030935
FRF 0.173319
FTT 0.093592
GALA 8.974664
GBP 0.022848
GEL 0.081957
GGP 0.022848
GHC 3,546.574609
GHS 0.354657
GIP 0.022848
GMD 2.261029
GMX 0.004592
GNF 269.436765
GNO 0.000257
GRD 9.003396
GRT 1.215610
GT 0.004337
GTQ 0.234175
GUSD 0.030779
GYD 6.424915
HBAR 0.343171
HKD 0.240574
HNL 0.816955
HNT 0.036993
HOT 76.049350
HRK 0.199079
HT 0.212998
HTG 4.021486
HUF 9.502525
ICP 0.012005
IDR 542.252943
IEP 0.020809
ILS 0.089228
IMP 0.022848
IMX 0.177525
INJ 0.006046
INR 2.969294
IQD 40.238893
IRR 40,594.130814
ISK 3.788998
ITL 51.160689
JEP 0.022848
JMD 4.860304
JOD 0.021775
JPY 4.880044
KAS 0.878602
KAVA 0.520416
KCS 0.003831
KDA 3.714162
KES 3.977290
KGS 2.686541
KHR 123.196517
KLAY 0.600558
KMF 12.998915
KNC 0.213686
KPW 27.642142
KRW 45.967088
KSM 0.006128
KWD 0.009486
KYD 0.025541
KZT 14.504794
LAK 673.888899
LBP 2,741.762203
LDO 0.084849
LEO 0.003054
LINK 0.003179
LKR 10.583386
LRC 1.822569
LRD 5.622052
LSL 0.505842
LTC 0.000565
LTL 0.091231
LUF 1.065873
LUNA 0.479760
LUNC 400.185851
LVL 0.018570
LYD 0.195514
MAD 0.283318
MANA 0.343393
MBX 0.784902
MDL 0.533882
MGA 128.970070
MGF 644.850351
MINA 0.535394
MKD 1.628753
MKR 0.000018
MMK 64.488955
MNT 109.899685
MOP 0.247791
MRO 12.277452
MRU 1.227745
MTL 0.011343
MUR 1.455917
MVR 0.474371
MWK 53.257727
MXN 0.531306
MXV 0.060342
MYR 0.121912
MZM 1,961.555961
MZN 1.961556
NAD 0.505842
NEAR 0.018374
NEO 0.010549
NEXO 0.034756
NFT 108,710.798921
NGN 42.126917
NIO 1.130335
NLG 0.058227
NOK 0.284653
NPR 4.753098
NZD 0.052312
OKB 0.000378
OMR 0.011823
ONE 15.124397
OP 0.236163
ORDI 0.007166
PAB 0.030713
PAXG 0.000007
PEN 0.104989
PEPE 8,195.916170
PGK 0.133938
PHP 1.888468
PI 0.202253
PKR 8.558498
PLN 0.112233
POL 0.337515
PTE 5.297194
PYG 189.451870
QAR 0.111795
QNT 0.000416
QTUM 0.034097
ROL 1,384.044640
RON 0.138404
RPL 0.017559
RSD 3.102586
RUB 2.196003
RUNE 0.069558
RVN 5.570956
RWF 44.957381
SAND 0.423093
SAR 0.115173
SBD 0.246812
SCR 0.449106
SDD 1,843.379148
SDG 18.433791
SEK 0.286830
SGD 0.039252
SHIB 5,281.785179
SHP 0.022848
SIT 6.331838
SKK 0.795998
SLE 0.701786
SLL 701.786402
SNX 0.096698
SOL 0.000354
SOS 17.527232
SPL 0.005119
SRD 1.140538
SRG 1,140.538483
SSP 144.579751
STD 652.515218
STN 0.652515
STX 0.125961
SUI 0.028459
SVC 0.268738
SYP 3.395290
SZL 0.505842
THETA 0.151617
TJS 0.285496
TMM 538.836553
TMT 0.107767
TND 0.089253
TON 0.014883
TOP 0.073967
TRL 1,399,976.133669
TRX 0.085714
TRY 1.399976
TTD 0.208275
TUSD 0.030755
TVD 0.042924
TWD 0.970197
TWT 0.066302
TZS 80.263381
UAH 1.359685
UGX 115.853727
UNI 0.008501
USD 0.030713
USDC 0.030729
USDD 0.030731
USDP 0.030761
USDT 0.030749
UYU 1.238596
UZS 371.362034
VAL 51.160689
VEB 1,592,589,426.117575
VED 15.925333
VEF 1,592,533.286061
VES 15.925333
VET 4.600179
VND 809.846884
VUV 3.653513
WAVES 0.079021
WEMIX 0.109687
WOO 1.782310
WST 0.083165
XAF 17.331887
XAG 0.000404
XAU 0.000007
XAUT 0.000007
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.083153
XCG 0.055361
XCH 0.008491
XDC 0.876471
XDR 0.022480
XEC 4,222.072016
XEM 45.713986
XLM 0.212652
XMR 0.000076
XOF 17.331887
XPD 0.000022
XPF 3.153018
XPT 0.000016
XRP 0.022308
XTZ 0.089725
YER 7.328634
ZAR 0.505842
ZEC 0.000047
ZIL 7.723203
ZMK 583.304244
ZMW 0.583304
ZWD 11.114986
ZWG 0.806051
ZWL 2,014.099402

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Cities in Thailand 134
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Ao Luk Bacho Bamnet Narong Ban Chang Ban Laem Ban Mo Ban Pong Ban Tak Bang Bo Thong Bang Khla Bang Krathum Bang Kruai Bang Mun Nak Bang Pakong Bang Phae Bang Rakam Bang Yai Bangkhen Bangkok Bangpakong Betong Bo Phloi Bo Rai Chaam Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Kham Chiang Klang Chom Bung Chon Daen Chumphon Damnoen Saduak Den Chai Dok Kham Tai Hat Yai Huai Mek Huai Yot Kaeng Khlo Kaeng Khoi Kalasin Kamalasai Kanchanaburi Kantang Kaset Sombun Kathu Khao Wong Khao Yoi Khiri Mat Khlung Klaeng Ko Tao Krabi Kuchinarai Laem Sing Lampang Lamphun Lang Suan Laplae Loei Lom Sak Long Mae Ramat Mae Sot Mae Tha Mukdahan Nakhon Thai Nan Narathiwat Nong Chik Nong Khae Nong Kung Si Nong Phai Nonthaburi Pa Sang Pak Kret Pattani Phangnga Phanom Sarakham Phanom Thuan Phasat Phatthalung Phatumthanee Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phichit Phitsanulok Photharam Phra Phutthabat Phrae Phu Khieo Phu Kra Dung Phuket Plaeng Yao Pong Rangae Ranong Ranot Ratchaburi Rayong Rong Kwang Sadao Sai Buri Sainoi Saraburi Satun Sawankhalok Si Satchanalai Singha Nakhon Songkhla Soydow Sukhothai Sungai Kolok Sungai Padi Surin Tak Tak Bai Taphan Hin Tha Mai Tha Maka Tha Muang Tha Yang Thap Khlo Thoen Trang Trat Uttaradit Wang Saphung Wichian Buri Yala Yang Talat Yaring Yasothon

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Thailand needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Thailand?
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok.
What currency does Thailand use?
Thailand uses the Thai baht (฿) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Thailand?
The official language(s) of Thailand include Thai.
What is the population of Thailand?
Thailand has a population of approximately 65,859,640 people.
What region is Thailand in?
Thailand is located in Asia, specifically in the South-Eastern Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Thailand?
The international dialing code for Thailand is +66.
What time zones does Thailand observe?
Thailand observes the following time zone(s): UTC+07:00.
What is the current time in Thailand?
The local time in Thailand is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Thailand?
Thailand covers a total area of 513,120 km².
How many states or provinces does Thailand have?
Thailand is divided into 78 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Thailand in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Thailand in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Thailand?
Visa requirements for citizens of Thailand vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.