Thailand has borders with Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It is landlocked to the north but has a long coastline to the south bordering onto the Gulf of Thailand to the south and east, and the Andaman sea to the west – where the major tourist resort of Phuket and neighbouring islands are to be found.

It was the south that was badly affected by the tsunami surge wave that hit six provinces in 2004 resulting in five thousand deaths and eight thousand injuries. The country’s major industries include tourism and IT, electronics, and vehicle manufacturing. According to the Foreign Office Thailand’s economy made a good recovery from the Asian financial crisis in 1997 with average annual growth of around 6 per cent between 2002 and 2004.

Rising oil prices caused inflation to increase to six per cent in the first quarter of 2006. The Bank of Thailand reacted by raising the short term interest rates. The Foreign Office rates Thailand’s human rights record as ‘generally good’.

Demonstrations for or against past governments were common and recent large scale street protests had passed off peacefully.

However, political activities are currently banned, as are groups of demonstrations involving more than five people. The Foreign Office rates the threat if terrorism throughout Thailand as ‘high’. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those places frequented by foreigners. The ‘fluid border’ with Burma is also a potential problem with large numbers of refugees, illegal immigrants and drugs crossing into Thailand. Relations with Cambodia have also caused concerns in the past.

The Foreign Office also warns visitors that penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty, which the Thai Government has used as a high profile part of its fight against drugs.

‘There has been a number of incidents where tourists have had their drinks drugged (in both tourist areas and red light districts)’. British passport holders may enter Thailand for up to thirty days, without obtaining a visa in advance of arrival. Longer stays require an extension.

Thailand is a favourite tourist destination in South East Asia. It is famous for its rich cultural, historical and natural attractions. It is also known as the “Rice Bowl of Asia”. A package Thailand has plenty to offer a tourist in terms of beaches, shopping, heritage sites and wildlife.

Places of interest in Thailand include Bangkok, Pattaya which famous for beaches, and Phuket. Any Bangkok package must invariably include these places. Other than these three major places, there are many places of interest to mesmerize the tourist. Important among them are Grand Palace, Crocodile farm, National Museum, numerous amusement parks and Water Park. These places of interest are scattered along the length and breadth of Thailand.

When it comes to a package for Bangkok, one is besieged with tourist spots. For a tourist with a religious bent of mind, it may be the Golden Buddha or the Reclining Buddha, or it may be the famous shopping places for the modern youth. For one interested in adventure, Pattaya is the right place. One can experience snorkelling, or feel the wind with parasailing or simply walk along the beautiful, lengthy beaches. Through Adventure Motorbike Tours one can explore the wild mountain provinces of northern Thailand.

Phuket is another place that is famous for its spectacular beaches with clear blue sea. There are many beautiful small islands nearby Phuket which one can include in a package Thailand. Few of the world famous beaches at Phuket include the Patong beach and the Rewai beach. For honeymooners nothing beats the romanticism of the various places of Thailand or its enchanting night life.

If one is keen on history, then a conducted bus tour of the Golden Triangle is the ideal one. This tour runs along the borders of Myanmar and Laos and covers many ancient historical temples. This bus tour can be included as an add-on to the Bangkok Package.

Of late, Bangkok is gaining attention as Asia’s most favoured medical tourism destination. Hence, present day package for Bangkok also suits those seeking medical treatment. Bangkok boasts of very good state of the art hi-tech hospitals with sophisticated equipments along with well qualified and trained doctors. The best part of this is that it is much cheaper compared to similar treatment available in developed countries. Even the language will not pose any problem as all hospitals have English speaking staff. The treatment offered at these hospitals are second to none compared to those of western countries.

For a common tourist who has come to Bangkok for pleasure, a Bangkok Package includes visit to Bangkok Dream World, an amusement park that has all the ingredients for both children and adults alike to get enthralled! Sampran Elephant Ground and Zoo is famous for its animal shows like Crocodile Wrestling and Elephant Theme shows. One cannot leave Bangkok without a visit to The National Gallery Museum. Of course, a package for Bangkok is incomplete without a visit to the famous Chatuchang Market. Last but not the least, a package Thailand is never complete without including a visit to the Floating Market, or the traditional Thai massage and spa.