ASIAN COUNTRIES
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THE BEST OF ASIAN´s COUNTRIES
jueves 30 de agosto de 2007
THAILAND
Name: Daniela Botero Hiller
Cod: 200712036
Program: Service Institutions Management.
Semester: Second
Level: Six
Teacher: Hugo Martinez
General information about Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand, previously known as Siam, is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia with Bangkok as the capital city. It shares a border with Cambodia to the east, Laos to the northeast, Myanmar to the west, and Malaysia to the south. Thailand, with its shape resembling a head of an elephant, is around 198,114 square miles. The Kingdom borders two bodies of water—the Gulf of Thailand to the south and the Indian Ocean to the west.
Thailand is divided into four natural regions: the north, northeast, the central plain, and the south. The north is a mountainous region comprised of ridges, natural forest, and deep, narrow alluvial valleys. The northeast is an arid region characterized by a rolling surface and undulating hills. Central Thailand is a lush, fertile valley and possesses the richest and most extensive rice-producing area in the country. The south is hilly with thick forests and rich deposits of minerals and iron ores. The southern region is also the center for rubber production and the cultivation of other topical crops.
Climate
Thailand is a warm and rather humid tropical country. The climate is monsoonal, marked by a pronounced rainy season lasting from about May to September and a relatively dry season for the remainder of the year. Temperatures are highest in March and April and lowest in December and January. The average temperature is 23.7 to 32.5 degrees Celsius.
Food
Most Thai food is highly spiced, chili hot, and varies from region to region. The traditional ingredients of Thai food have changed little up to the present day, consisting largely of seafood and locally grown vegetables and fruits, a diet common to most of the country. What gives the distinctive Thai flavor, and the differing taste from region to region, is the carefully blended sauces and chilies. These go into dishes ranging from salty and bland soups to the spiciest salads and sweetest desserts, often all present within a single meal. The wide variety of Thai food tastes is a reflection of the combination of influences from various surrounding nations, which, with Thai ingenuity, have culminated in one of the world's favorite cuisines.
The Northeast is famous for its spicy dishes, but it really covers all taste extremes, being also strongly sour and salty. Its most famous dish, a regional staple that can also be found all over the country, is som tam, a Thai salad that simultaneously covers the four extremes of taste, and is eaten with a form of sticky rice.
Arts and culture
The Thais have their own culture (including literature, drama, architecture, music, painting, sculpture, folk dances, and many handicrafts), their own language, their own cuisine, their own martial arts, and their own beliefs. Though many fortuitous Indian and Chinese cultural traits have partially influenced Thai culture in many aspects, it is the mixture of these and Thai eclecticism that has, over the centuries, developed the idiosyncratic culture that is unique to Thailand.
Towards the end of the 19th century, a passion for the outward trappings of Western culture manifested itself in Thailand. However, the more refined Thai arts and crafts, such as those elegant accessories and ceremonial objects created for use in royal palaces, aristocratic homes, and Buddhist temples, were not entirely suppressed by the newfound taste for Western goods. Such items, displaying the highest levels of skill, had originated in the first independent Thai capital of Sukhothai and continued to be produced through the 400-year rule of Ayutthaya, and into the Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, Period. They and their creators were known as chang, which roughly means "craft" or "craftsmen". Production of such refined crafts increased enormously in the Ayutthaya Period. To supply these needs, a large body of change evolved, passing their specialized skills down from master to apprentice and eventually forming a hierarchy of their own
The flag
Thailand’s national flag, ceremoniously raised each morning in every town and village, is composed of five horizontal bands of red, white, and blue. Outer bands of red representing the nation enclose equal inner bands of white, evoking religion. The blue band, occupying the central one - third of the total area, symbolizes the monarchy. The harmony of design expresses the complementary nature of these three pillars of the Thai nation.
This tri-colored flag, called in Thai the "trirong," first introduced by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917, succeeded an earlier design that placed a white elephant (emblem of the absolute monarch) on a red background.
National Dress:
Although there is no official national dress, the traditional dress has been adopted as the unofficial national costume and can be seen on both formal and informal occasions. For women, it is a full-length pasin - a rectangular piece of cloth worn like a skirt or sarong - generally made of Thai silk. The pasin can be of any color and generally has contrasting bands around the hem. It is worn with a long-sleeved silk blouse. On formal occasions a sash may be worn across the breast from the left shoulder to the right part of the waist. For men, the traditional dress is trousers with a seua phra ratchathan, a short - sleeved shirt (long - sleeved for formal occasions) with a high collarless neck. On formal occasions, a cummerbund is tied around the waist.
In 1998, the country welcomed 7.7 million overseas visitors, an increase of 7.5% over 1997. During the year, Japan was Thailand's largest market for arrivals, followed by Malaysia and China. The average length of stay for all tourists was around eight days. In another promotion of the Thai tourist industry, Thai citizens are themselves being encouraged to take more trips within the country and discover the excitement of Thailand.
Thailand's outstanding tourism performance is due to several factors, including the economic stability of its main markets, the increased number of flights to Thailand, the opening of the new airport terminal in Bangkok, bigger financial support from the government and greater cooperation from the private sector.
Thailand has more than 2,500 hotels and other types of accommodation, with over 100,000 rooms in major tourist destinations. The hotels range in quality from deluxe and first-class, with swimming pools, sports centers, conference facilities, and ballrooms, to low budget guesthouses and hotels providing just the basics in comfort and security.
Bangkok alone has over 73,000 rooms of all sorts. Pattaya, the country's second most popular tourist destination after Bangkok, boasts about 24,000 hotel rooms. The northern provincial capital of Chiang Mai is also well endowed with quality hotels while Phuket's popularity in recent years has drawn many hotel developers to this southern island. In the South, the cities of Songkhla and Hat Yai both boast many four-star hotels. Equally good accommodations can be found in all major towns of the Northeast, the West and in towns like Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat in the East.
Thai Airways International, the national carrier, has signed a series of marketing alliances with foreign airlines like Lufthansa, United Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Ansett Australia, all of which increase Thailand's penetration into the key tourism markets.
Much stress has been laid on opening up of new markets from South Africa, South America, the Middle East, and the former Eastern European countries where growing prosperity and economic development are leading to more outbound travel by citizens of those countries. The policy of the Thai government is now to spend much more effort on product development, including preservation of the environment, increased training of tourist manpower, and setting up the proper legal structures to protect tourists against crime.
Bangkok is considerably one of the most exhilarating cities in the world. Awarded by Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice 2006 for Asia's Top City, the cosmopolitan Bangkok boasts fascinating characteristics its worldwide admirers. Whether you are taking a glimpse tour of dazzling Bangkok temples, exercise your haggling expertise at Chatuchak Market, having an hour foot massage for $5 or being stuck in a heavy traffic inside a magenta taxi, daily life here is never the same as elsewhere. For your Bangkok vacation, we offer the widest and finest selection of hotels in Bangkok from the 5 stars luxury Bangkok hotels, Bangkok Airport Hotels to cheap Bangkok hotels, budget Bangkok hotel or Nana hotel Bangkok, we have them all. Recommended Bangkok Thailand Hotel for your Bangkok hotel booking are all available below for your fantastic Bangkok travel.
Accommodation:
With a tropical climate, the country can be visited at any time of the year. There are various kinds of hotels that are available in Thailand. There are luxury hotels, five star hotels, four star hotels, three star hotels, cheap hotels as well as discount hotels to choose from.
Many hotels in Thailand are in close proximity to the international airport. Most of Thailand hotels have a swimming pool and spa facility, apart from basic amenities and facilities. Thailand and specially Bangkok rank high with tourists. The beautiful landscape features, rich heritage and amazing sight seeing facilities have made Thailand a preferred holiday destination for many people. There are several languorous beaches in Thailand, which is one of the primary attractions of the country. The following links can be explored to know more about hotels in Thailand:
Thailand Hotel Booking
Bangkok Thailand Hotel
Phuket Thailand Hotel
Krabi Thailand Hotel
Hotel Pattaya Thailand
Hotel Pattaya Beach Thailand
Hotel Koh Samui Thailand
Hotel Rayong Thailand
Surat Thani Hotel Thailand
Hua Hin Thailand Hotel
Korat Thailand Hotel
Hotel Trang Thailand
Thailand Samui Hotel
Ambassador Hotel Thailand
Oriental Hotel Bangkok Thailand
Hotel Kanchanaburi Thailand
Hat Yai Hotel Thailand
Nana Hotel Bangkok Thailand
Hotel Udon Thani Thailand
Hua Hin Thailand Hotel
Marriott Hotel Thailand
Currency Baht
The Baht is the standard currency unit.1 Baht = 100 satangs Bank Notes: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht Coins: 1, 5, and 10 baht.
Language
The national and official language is Thai while English is widely spoken and understood in major cities, particularly in Bangkok and in business circles.
Business Hours
Government and business offices are open from 8:30 to 16:30 hours, Monday to Friday
Health and Medical Facilities
Bangkok has numerous clinics and hospitals catering to a variety of needs. Major public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology and internationally qualified specialists. Almost all pharmaceuticals are widely available. Drinking of tap water should be avoided.
Union
Astrology also retains its ancient influence and is used by many people to determine auspicious dates for major undertakings. Today it enjoys a kind of reassurance-consultancy role, as certain types of psychological counseling do in the West. Buddhist monks, Brahmans, and professional astrologers cast horoscopes according to which and hour to embark on a trip are decided. Purchasing land, starting a new business, or opening a shop are also often subject to an astrologer's calculations, and few couples would agree to be married without first determining the suitability of their union and the most auspicious day and minute for the ceremony.
Lifestyle
In terms of present-day Thailand, to speak of urban life essentially means to speak of Bangkok, for though many provincial capitals have grown rapidly in recent years the national capital is still the ultimate city to every Thai. One out of ten Thailand largest cities is Bangkok, which is 45 times bigger than Chiang Mai, the second most populous city The metropolitan area now covers some 1,537 square kilometers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River.
Given such facts, it is not surprising that Bangkok acts as a magnet for people from all parts of the country. They come to be educated at its schools, colleges, and universities, to find employment in its numerous factories and commercial firms, or sim ply to see its famous buildings and monuments and enjoy its highly varied pleasures. Both metaphorically and literally, all Thai roads converge on the capital.
By contrast, provincial cities tend to reflect regional characteristics.
Buddhism is at the center of the Thai view of life and forms the foundation of most attitudes, in the city as well as in the village. But just as even the toughest material will change its shape under pressure, Buddhism has undergone certain alterations caused by the stress of Bangkok´s fast-paced urban life style.
Traditional Thai life-styles, which survive virtually intact in upcountry villages, have undergone extensive reshaping under the pressures of urban demands. Family ties in the city, for example, are not as pervasive as in the village, and young married couples often set up housekeeping on their own.
Working Opportunities
To work in Thailand legally, you must have a work permit.
If you are coming to Thailand for the purpose of working, then your employer should apply for a work permit for you, and you should come on a nonimmigrant visa, normally a nonimmigrant B for business employment. Your employer would send a letter for you to present to the Thai embassy or consulate in your own country when you apply for your nonimmigrant B visa. Your employer should take care of most everything and instruct you.
Teaching English in Thailand
Thailand is such an agreeable place that many want to stay, and teaching English in Thailand is one realistic way to do so. Although jobs aren't as easy to come by as they are in Bangkok and rates are up to 30 per cent lower, the atmosphere is far more relaxed. Teaching isn't for everyone, but it can be fun and rewarding.
If you have the requisite qualifications, a good attitude and look reasonably smart, then you shouldn't have a problem finding a teaching job in Thailand.
In order to secure a work permit, the Thai manpower department will also want to see proof of a degree (or equivalent), but in reality few positions here offer full time contracts with work permit, preferring the convenience of a larger staff of part-time teachers. Invariably, most teachers here have several positions.
People
Though the great majority of Thailand’s 61 million people are ethnically Thai and Buddhist, the country has a substantial number of minority groups who have historically lived together in harmony. Of these, the Chinese are perhaps the most numerous (particularly in urban areas), though they have become so thoroughly assimilated it would be difficult to isolate them as a distinct group. Similarly, while there are Lao and Khmer groups in the Northeast and East, nearly all regard themselves as Thai, culturally as well as by nationality. More clearly defined as an ethnic group are the Muslims, who are mainly concentrated in the southern provinces, and assorted hill tribes who live in the far North; there are also sizeable communities of Hindus and Sikhs in large cities like Bangkok.
Some 80 percent of all Thais are connected in some way with agriculture, which, in varying degrees, influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals that make Thailand such a distinctive country.
Foreign investment
Mutually advantageous foreign investment is welcomed in Thailand. Foreign investors are eligible for generous promotional benefits. Projects attracting the most generous incentives are those which will:
a) generate employment, b) be located outside Bangkok, c) feature energy conservation, d) provide foreign exchange earnings or savings, and e) complement development of basic industries.
Working Overseas
Visas
Foreigners, who wish to work, conduct business or undertake investment activities in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulates-General. Various categories of the Non-Immigrant Visa are currently provided to meet the needs and qualifications of individual business persons. These include business visa Category “B”, business-approved visa Category “B-A” and investment and business visa Category “IB”. Holder of this type of visa wishing to work in Thailand must be granted a work permit before starting work.
Application for Visa
Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” (Business Visa)
Is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom to work or to conduct business. (1) Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand must provide the following documents:
Passport or travel document with validity of not less than 6 months. - Completed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past 6 months.
Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).
Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labor.
Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labor
Corporate documents of hiring company in Thailand.
It is recommended that the applicant should apply for visa at the Thai Embassy/ Consulate in the country where he/she has the residence.
Additional documents may be requested as and when necessary. In the absence of a required document, applicant must provide a letter explaining the unavailability of such document. Applicant must endorse on each and every page of the submitted copies of documentation.
Convalidation
Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Thai and should be notarized by notary organs or by the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission.
Non-Immigrant Visa category “B-A” (Business Approved Visa)
The granting of such visa to qualified applicants is under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. The applicant’s associated company in which he or she will invest in or conduct business with may apply for this type of visa on behalf of the applicant at the Office of the Immigration Bureau. Once the application is approved, the Immigration Bureau will advise the concerned Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Consulate-General via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue the visa to the applicant. The holder of this category “B-A” visa will be permitted to stay for a period of one year from the date of first entry into the Kingdom. Non-Immigrant Visa Category “IB” (Investment and Business Visa) is issued to foreign citizens employed to work on investment projects which are under the auspices of the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI). Such projects must be involved in or bring benefit to Thailand in the following ways:- Export-promotion- Increasing employment- Utilizing local raw materials- Projects engaging the provinces - Encouraging technology transfer to Thai nationals- Not hindering existing domestic businesses
Non-Immigrant Visa Category “B” (Teaching)
Foreigners who intend to take up employment as school teachers at the levels below university level in Thailand must submit the following required documents:
Passport or travel document with validity of not less than 6 months- Completed visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past 6 months.
Letter of acceptance from employing institute or school in Thailand.-
Letter of approval from government agencies such as the Office of the Private Education Commission, the Office of the Basic Education Commission.
Evidence of educational qualification such as diplomas or teaching certificates.
School license or business registration, list of shareholders and school profile.
Applicant’s resume.
Police certificate verifying that applicant has no criminal record or equivalents or letter issued by authorized agencies in applicant’s country.
Going to work overseas legally
There are five legal channels to go overseas for employment:
Through the arrangement of licensed private recruitment agencies
currently, there are 234 overseas recruitment license holders. It is possible that the overseas recruitment agencies may make the recruitment in advance although there is no job vacancy available at that time. In order to avoid the deception, the job seekers should be aware of the following questions before making the final decision:
- Is it a legal recruitment agency or not?-Are there really job vacancies opening at that moment?- Does the person who persuades you belong to the licensed recruitment agency?
Through the arrangement of the Department of Employment
foreign employers who wish to employ Thai workers to work overseas can directly request the Department of Employment to recruit Thai workers for them. It is a free of charge service for both employers and job seekers.
Through the arrangement of local employers
the local employers who have the head office or contract overseas may send their workers to work overseas. Through this channel, Thai workers can go to work under their contract after having permission from the Director-General of the Department of Employment. The workers are still the employee of Thai employer and will be paid salary and allowance in full.
Through the training channel the local employers can send their employees for overseas training to acquire new technology. Through this channel, the employers must have permission from the Director-General of the Department of Employment before sending their employees for overseas training.
Through self-arrangement the workers who have directly contact with overseas employers to work overseas must inform the official of the Department of Employment on the departure not less than 10 days in advance.
Proceeding the application procedures for overseas employment by government sector (Department of Employment)
1. How to prepare yourself before applying for a job
- Job seeker should prepare a passport in advance- Job seeker should have a physical examination in advance in order to check if he/she has any prohibited disease.่- Job seekers should regularly keep in touch with job vacancies advertising from radio, newspaper, or even make direct inquiry at the Provincial Employment Office or Bangkok Employment Office 1-10.- Job seeker should check his own qualifications to see whether or not he/she is qualified for the advertised position.
2. Where to apply?-Job seeker can apply for a job at the Provincial Employment Office in the province where the job seeker lives in.-For the job seeker who lives in Bangkok, can apply for a job at any Bangkok Employment Office 1 – 10.
3. Required documents: 3 recent photos of 2 inches - A copy of identification card- A copy of house registration- A copy of name/last name change certificate (if any)- A copy of passport (if any)- A certificate of work (if any)
4. How to apply? Prepare all the required documents as stated in item 3 and check a position you wish to apply for.- Contact the office as stated in item 2- In case of advance application, the applicant should specify a desired position and contact address.
5. Expenses for overseas employment: Air ticket- Visa fee- Membership fee for the Overseas Workers Aid Fund.
Past and present jobs similarities and differences.
In the past, Thailand wasn´t a common country, nowadays Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world. Therefore many people emigrate in order to work there.
In this country, 20 years ago you aren´t able to see any international worker teaching English for example. In contrast the scheme is different, you visit this country and you see many international people teaching English or working in different areas like tourism, hotels or like tourism guides.
In 2004 the active population was 35.272.761 workers, which around 45% they were used in the agricultural sector. 530 union organizations with a total of 300,000 exist affiliated.
Both the past and the present Thailand people always receive inhabitants with affection and hospitality.
Medical Facilities and health Information:
Medical treatment is generally adequate throughout Thailand. In Bangkok, excellent facilities exist for routine, long-term and emergency health care. All employers must affiliate their international workers into a National or International insurance company in order to provide insurance in professional risk or health problems of the employees. This coverage applies to all employees working around metropolitan areas, and provides benefits for workers' employed abroad, medical expenses and occupational diseases. Employees have to right to sue the employer under the Thai Code of Civil Law.
Working in India.
The country that I’m going to select is India. Because I think this country is interesting for working additional you can share their culture and visit an amazing country. In order to work there you have to accomplish many requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
· What do you need to have in mind to work in India? Foreigners entering to India for Employment must obtain a Visa which is valid for the time you are expected to work there. Also you have to be registered with the Foreigners Registration Officer.
· How much time I have to register my work visa?
This should be done within 14 days or arrival in India, irrespective of their actual period of stay.
· Which type of visa do I have to apply?
You have to apply for an EMPLOYMENT VISA: Which requirement I need for this visa? Letter of terms and conditions from the employer. Copy of contract with concerned Indian company. Covering/request letter from the company.
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSIaEBvVXnE
Web Links
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2814.htm
http://www1.thaimain.org/en/introduction.html
http://www.doe.go.th/service_en.aspx
www.wikitravel.org/en/Thailand
Publicado por assiangroup en 20:19 3 comentarios
