The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometres, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29 o C, ranging in Bangkok from 35 o C in April to 17 o C in December. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity.
Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed during the cool season evenings or if visiting mountainous areas or national parks. Jackets and ties are required in a few restaurants and nightclubs. Entering temples or palaces, visitors should dress properly and avoid wearing tang tops and shorts. Most offices open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.