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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.281022
AAVE 0.000163
ADA 0.110253
AED 0.109107
AFN 1.919546
AKT 0.038822
ALGO 0.231330
ALL 2.436871
AMD 10.748081
AMP 46.332399
ANG 0.053424
AOA 27.213968
APE 0.185432
APT 0.036186
AR 0.006590
ARB 0.145730
ARS 45.155593
ATOM 0.016318
ATS 0.364522
AUD 0.042632
AVAX 0.002617
AWG 0.053179
AXS 0.022685
AZM 252.531315
AZN 0.050506
BAKE 115.746912
BAM 0.051812
BAT 0.281649
BBD 0.059418
BCH 0.000094
BDT 3.652147
BEF 1.068639
BGN 0.051812
BHD 0.011171
BIF 89.258846
BMD 0.029709
BNB 0.000038
BND 0.038012
BOB 0.356388
BRL 0.148508
BSD 0.029709
BSV 0.001488
BSW 72.197574
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.425208
BTG 0.045033
BTN 2.864499
BTT 79,913.037091
BUSD 0.029704
BWP 0.408894
BYN 0.090634
BYR 582.380104
BZD 0.059748
CAD 0.042391
CAKE 0.012148
CDF 68.657744
CELO 0.285668
CFX 0.541436
CHF 0.024711
CHZ 1.776056
CLP 28.907877
CNH 0.199141
CNY 0.199205
COMP 0.001212
COP 95.028883
CRC 13.594522
CRO 0.437494
CRV 0.080590
CSPR 11.646972
CUC 0.029713
CUP 0.711648
CVE 2.921148
CVX 0.013421
CYP 0.015504
CZK 0.648072
DAI 0.029721
DASH 0.000524
DCR 0.001611
DEM 0.051812
DFI 32.506321
DJF 5.285288
DKK 0.197994
DOGE 0.313329
DOP 1.780503
DOT 0.024012
DYDX 0.203337
DZD 3.993697
EEK 0.414493
EGLD 0.006647
EGP 1.557594
ENJ 0.897427
EOS 0.292350
ERN 0.445637
ESP 4.407710
ETB 4.832549
ETC 0.003348
ETH 0.000011
EUR 0.026491
EURC 0.026487
FEI 0.029722
FIL 0.024889
FIM 0.157508
FJD 0.066848
FKP 0.022483
FLOW 0.938987
FLR 4.121633
FRAX 0.030010
FRF 0.173769
FTT 0.115008
GALA 12.262145
GBP 0.022483
GEL 0.077110
GGP 0.022483
GHC 3,492.803721
GHS 0.349280
GIP 0.022483
GMD 2.198806
GMX 0.003384
GNF 261.207938
GNO 0.000245
GRD 9.026764
GRT 1.020328
GT 0.002654
GTQ 0.226723
GUSD 0.029770
GYD 6.201771
HBAR 0.295120
HKD 0.233141
HNL 0.796616
HNT 0.057254
HOT 64.872870
HRK 0.199595
HT 0.814537
HTG 3.882155
HUF 9.731503
ICP 0.008521
IDR 532.246730
IEP 0.020863
ILS 0.090855
IMP 0.022483
IMX 0.162025
INJ 0.003919
INR 2.864499
IQD 38.839928
IRR 53,432.705931
ISK 3.627430
ITL 51.293480
JEP 0.022483
JMD 4.701341
JOD 0.021064
JPY 4.697357
KAS 0.692506
KAVA 0.428547
KCS 0.003913
KDA 3.042982
KES 3.856514
KGS 2.598324
KHR 120.354892
KLAY 0.713333
KMF 13.032654
KNC 0.207412
KPW 26.741953
KRW 39.883478
KSM 0.005799
KWD 0.009183
KYD 0.024698
KZT 13.525952
LAK 666.635821
LBP 2,679.249577
LDO 0.064856
LEO 0.003341
LINK 0.002148
LKR 9.799041
LRC 2.893707
LRD 5.069835
LSL 0.494625
LTC 0.000426
LTL 0.091468
LUF 1.068639
LUNA 0.581781
LUNC 561.866992
LVL 0.018618
LYD 0.190617
MAD 0.296517
MANA 0.287290
MBX 1.004513
MDL 0.532451
MGA 131.565320
MGF 657.826599
MINA 0.220511
MKD 1.629891
MKR 0.000015
MMK 62.364714
MNT 106.809646
MOP 0.240135
MRO 11.894642
MRU 1.189464
MTL 0.011373
MUR 1.408280
MVR 0.459294
MWK 51.421489
MXN 0.537000
MXV 0.061046
MYR 0.121381
MZM 1,896.313283
MZN 1.896313
NAD 0.494625
NEAR 0.005685
NEO 0.011722
NEXO 0.034936
NFT 124,501.099076
NGN 39.276837
NIO 1.092203
NLG 0.058378
NOK 0.285144
NPR 4.585347
NZD 0.053078
OKB 0.000228
OMR 0.011434
ONE 0.202843
OP 0.221004
ORDI 0.006530
PAB 0.029709
PAXG 0.000007
PEN 0.102292
PEPE 6,869.434543
PGK 0.133848
PHP 1.867112
PI 0.340340
PKR 8.214591
PLN 0.116047
POL 0.271675
PTE 5.310943
PYG 173.560591
QAR 0.108141
QNT 0.000115
QTUM 0.030308
ROL 1,416.029525
RON 0.141603
RPL 0.015537
RSD 3.111470
RUB 2.520520
RUNE 0.038266
RVN 12.108782
RWF 43.790435
SAND 0.451792
SAR 0.111409
SBD 0.239714
SCR 0.420793
SDD 1,783.086266
SDG 17.830863
SEK 0.298419
SGD 0.038012
SHIB 5,075.232422
SHP 0.022483
SIT 6.348272
SKK 0.798064
SLE 0.684941
SLL 684.941411
SNX 0.118658
SOL 0.000248
SOS 16.903098
SPL 0.004952
SRD 1.120208
SRG 1,120.208166
SSP 170.133537
STD 653.625786
STN 0.653626
STX 0.079280
SUI 0.024893
SVC 0.259955
SYP 386.331952
SZL 0.494625
THETA 0.128302
TJS 0.273432
TMM 521.303336
TMT 0.104261
TND 0.088914
TOP 0.071553
TRL 1,460,965.505441
TRX 0.088411
TRY 1.460966
TTD 0.201153
TUSD 0.029733
TVD 0.042632
TWD 0.944212
TWT 0.052042
TZS 78.384271
UAH 1.338080
UGX 119.435150
UNI 0.003353
USD 0.029709
USDC 0.029717
USDD 0.029730
USDP 0.029886
USDT 0.029724
UYU 1.200134
UZS 349.471968
VAL 51.293480
VEB 2,586,849,487.340191
VED 25.868495
VEF 2,586,849.487340
VES 25.868495
VET 3.404437
VND 772.300537
VUV 3.571399
WAVES 0.099584
WEMIX 0.155135
WOO 2.170395
WST 0.082686
XAF 17.376873
XAG 0.000491
XAU 0.000007
XAUT 0.000007
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.080420
XCG 0.053424
XCH 0.018984
XDC 0.884069
XDR 0.021960
XEC 3,725.561324
XEM 47.320473
XLM 0.137658
XMR 0.000053
XOF 17.376873
XPD 0.000025
XPF 3.161202
XPT 0.000017
XRP 0.019773
XTZ 0.088920
YER 7.017236
ZAR 0.494625
ZEC 0.000022
ZIL 8.141532
ZMK 587.360509
ZMW 0.587361
ZWD 10.751745
ZWG 0.795360
ZWL 1,987.384319

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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.