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: 2026-07-07
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.418884
AAVE 0.000328
ADA 0.166014
AED 0.110213
AFN 1.909215
AGIX 0.393837
AKT 0.048092
ALGO 0.347802
ALL 2.466801
AMD 11.024244
AMP 67.859346
ANG 0.053992
AOA 27.534170
APE 0.221381
APT 0.048414
AR 0.015035
ARB 0.384269
ARS 44.587149
ATOM 0.018832
ATS 0.361063
AUD 0.043214
AVAX 0.004419
AWG 0.053718
AXS 0.029982
AZM 255.087613
AZN 0.051018
BAKE 40.115527
BAM 0.051320
BAT 0.343043
BBD 0.060021
BCH 0.000126
BDT 3.694135
BEF 1.058499
BGN 0.051320
BHD 0.011284
BIF 89.271373
BMD 0.030010
BNB 0.000052
BND 0.038771
BOB 0.207712
BRL 0.154216
BSD 0.030010
BSV 0.002118
BSW 89.121082
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.571744
BTG 0.087208
BTN 2.861245
BTT 112,160.428808
BUSD 0.030002
BWP 0.404700
BYN 0.086793
BYR 588.366937
BZD 0.060377
CAD 0.042670
CAKE 0.021016
CDF 69.241287
CELO 0.423367
CFX 0.680588
CHF 0.024176
CHZ 1.687069
CLP 27.818376
CNH 0.203937
CNY 0.203872
COMP 0.001745
COP 100.707208
CRC 13.664603
CRO 0.518399
CRV 0.144601
CSPR 15.810977
CUC 0.030019
CUP 0.795496
CVE 2.893429
CVX 0.023747
CYP 0.015357
CZK 0.634225
DAI 0.030028
DASH 0.000864
DCR 0.002723
DEM 0.051320
DFI 40.995967
DJF 5.340101
DKK 0.196138
DOGE 0.400073
DOP 1.772186
DOT 0.034997
DYDX 0.234777
DZD 3.997085
EEK 0.410560
EGLD 0.010670
EGP 1.466003
ENJ 1.004318
EOS 0.401900
ERN 0.450155
ESP 4.365885
ETB 4.818883
ETC 0.004277
ETH 0.000017
EUR 0.026239
EURC 0.026256
FEI 0.030031
FIL 0.038587
FIM 0.156013
FJD 0.067164
FKP 0.022412
FLOW 1.081135
FLR 4.418524
FRAX 0.030327
FRF 0.172120
FTT 0.129454
GALA 13.402153
GBP 0.022412
GEL 0.079018
GGP 0.022412
GHC 3,419.732002
GHS 0.341973
GIP 0.022412
GMD 2.218570
GMX 0.005136
GNF 263.120104
GNO 0.000285
GRD 8.941109
GRT 1.663100
GT 0.004472
GTQ 0.228834
GUSD 0.030071
GYD 6.266922
HBAR 0.415981
HKD 0.235374
HNL 0.802685
HNT 0.126840
HOT 86.940498
HRK 0.197702
HT 0.868436
HTG 3.915154
HUF 9.283914
ICP 0.013764
IDR 539.817380
IEP 0.020665
ILS 0.089816
IMP 0.022412
IMX 0.216332
INJ 0.006332
INR 2.861245
IQD 39.255156
IRR 41,296.754839
ISK 3.778639
ITL 50.806753
JEP 0.022412
JMD 4.738211
JOD 0.021277
JPY 4.857863
KAS 1.007637
KAVA 0.665607
KCS 0.004286
KDA 4.806999
KES 3.880555
KGS 2.624921
KHR 120.252645
KLAY 0.864142
KMF 12.908987
KNC 0.270019
KPW 27.016860
KRW 45.698620
KSM 0.008742
KWD 0.009310
KYD 0.024957
KZT 14.173022
LAK 677.034719
LBP 2,686.013890
LDO 0.107811
LEO 0.003195
LINK 0.003811
LKR 10.034445
LRC 2.395552
LRD 5.437240
LSL 0.487121
LTC 0.000681
LTL 0.090600
LUF 1.058499
LUNA 0.607577
LUNC 492.162691
LVL 0.018441
LYD 0.192230
MAD 0.280977
MANA 0.431022
MBX 1.172813
MDL 0.528155
MGA 127.269139
MGF 636.345694
MINA 0.605557
MKD 1.617226
MKR 0.000021
MMK 63.015600
MNT 107.511139
MOP 0.242435
MRO 11.956425
MRU 1.195643
MTL 0.011265
MUR 1.412481
MVR 0.463946
MWK 51.941961
MXN 0.522010
MXV 0.059540
MYR 0.122321
MZM 1,916.720025
MZN 1.916720
NAD 0.487121
NEAR 0.014869
NEO 0.015288
NEXO 0.040184
NFT 113,312.805172
NGN 41.051145
NIO 1.103466
NLG 0.057824
NOK 0.294081
NPR 4.580138
NZD 0.052660
OKB 0.000378
OMR 0.011550
ONE 24.320665
OP 0.285003
ORDI 0.008669
PAB 0.030010
PAXG 0.000007
PEN 0.102031
PEPE 11,232.110934
PGK 0.131710
PHP 1.842814
PI 0.268175
PKR 8.330559
PLN 0.112555
POL 0.404222
PTE 5.260547
PYG 181.572758
QAR 0.109238
QNT 0.000458
QTUM 0.043013
ROL 1,372.285895
RON 0.137229
RPL 0.016469
RSD 3.079222
RUB 2.314393
RUNE 0.075796
RVN 7.915089
RWF 43.977948
SAND 0.608235
SAR 0.112539
SBD 0.242848
SCR 0.438398
SDD 1,801.171447
SDG 18.011714
SEK 0.289147
SGD 0.038771
SHIB 6,930.331407
SHP 0.022412
SIT 6.288033
SKK 0.790491
SLE 0.689235
SLL 689.235093
SNX 0.135587
SOL 0.000371
SOS 17.106907
SPL 0.005002
SRD 1.133960
SRG 1,133.959636
SSP 142.611735
STD 647.024651
STN 0.647025
STX 0.179885
SUI 0.040883
SVC 0.262590
SYP 3.318032
SZL 0.487121
THETA 0.210184
TJS 0.277275
TMM 525.184884
TMT 0.105037
TND 0.088468
TOP 0.072278
TRL 1,405,530.458905
TRX 0.091067
TRY 1.405530
TTD 0.203376
TUSD 0.030070
TVD 0.043214
TWD 0.962745
TWT 0.086725
TZS 78.810179
UAH 1.338524
UGX 109.507211
UNI 0.009598
USD 0.030010
USDC 0.030025
USDD 0.030070
USDP 0.030109
USDT 0.030042
UYU 1.205287
UZS 361.048100
VAL 50.806753
VEB 2,008,514,523.2890
VED 20.086568
VEF 2,008,656.832560
VES 20.086568
VET 6.091207
VND 789.323451
VUV 3.611293
WAVES 0.114746
WEMIX 0.113260
WOO 2.535510
WST 0.083062
XAF 17.211983
XAG 0.000492
XAU 0.000007
XAUT 0.000007
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.081263
XCG 0.053992
XCH 0.018712
XDC 1.087431
XDR 0.022107
XEC 5,728.049860
XEM 71.538129
XLM 0.153277
XMR 0.000092
XOF 17.211983
XPD 0.000024
XPF 3.131205
XPT 0.000019
XRP 0.026631
XTZ 0.121974
YER 7.114961
ZAR 0.487121
ZEC 0.000067
ZIL 9.824212
ZMK 550.669087
ZMW 0.550669
ZWD 10.860731
ZWG 0.807152
ZWL 2,016.849167

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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.