CURRENCIES
The national currency is the " Thai Bath " (BTH).
Like all countries in the world, the most stable currency for the exchange is the US dollar which records the main world currency. With travelers' checks the exchange rate will be better than with cash. In recent times, Visa / Master credit cards have become the most common payment method in hotels and large shops. Moreover in the big cities you can find ATMs that accept various credit cards.
As an indication 1 € is worth approximately 37 BTH (as of April 2017)
RELIGIONS
The official religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism which is the root of what is Thai culture, professed by about 95% of the population and introduced into the country in 329 BC Buddhism exerts a strong influence in the daily life of the Thai people and the monks are highly respected figures. In Thailand, however, there is a great religious tolerance that is a positive prerogative and the basis of Thai culture. This allows the peaceful coexistence of other faiths such as Islam (4%), Christianity (1%) and Hinduism.
Every man expects to become a monk for a short period of his life, earning the family honor and merit. Usually the time spent in the monastery is 3 months, and this period tends to begin in July, when the rainy season begins, and to last until the end of September. It can also begin in conjunction with the death of a relative. This period of withdrawal from the world to concentrate on contemplation is called phansaa.
More than the philosophical aspects of Buddhism, practical ones are evident. The monks are called to be part of the everyday life of the population. They recite blessings for weddings as well as for starting economic activities. They study the right position for the construction of houses and cemeteries. The identification of a suitable burial place for the dead is especially important. If this place is suitable, the deceased will be able to continue to "live" his passing, leaving behind the bonds that unite him to the ground.
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
Makha Bucha: February 25 - A day in which 1250 disciples unite without warning and listen to Buddha teaches some important people in the sermon. The Thais go to the temple very early in the morning, attend ceremonies, and at night they walk temple with candles on their hands three times around the temple.
Chakri Day : April 6 - The foundation of the Chakri Dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is celebrated and is the ninth king (Rama IX).
Songran : April 13th - 15th - Traditional festival of the new year and is the most important festival of the year. All are sprayed by water as a gesture of purification and brings good luck for a new year.
Visakha Puja (sixth lunar month on which night is full moon) - The birth, illumination and death of the Buddha is celebrated.
Asalha Puja (eighth lunar month on which night is full moon) - It is celebrated to remember the first sermon of the Buddha.
Khao Phansa (July) - The beginning of the Buddhist Rain Retreat is celebrated.
Ok Phansa (October) - The end of the Buddhist Rain Retreat is celebrated.
Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday : December 5th - The birthday is celebrated for the father and the king pìu loved by all the Thais, this day is also Father's Day. The whole of Thailand is covered in yellow on this special day, as the King was born on Monday, the day of the week to which he is associated yellow. The Thais wear a yellow shirt all of Monday of the year, or whenever they want to show their love and respect for the king.
DO AND DON’T
It would be better to healthy as local people do when you are in Thailand. The Thais greet each other with a slight bow, bringing both hands close to the tip of the nose, while the man pronounces " sawasdee kap ", while woman pronounces " sawasdee kaa ".
You have to take off your shoes before entering both the temples and the houses and if you sit in a temple be very careful that the soles of your feet are not facing either the Buddha statue or another person. Know that for the Thai to show the soles of the feet is to show the middle finger.
The most important thing is that you must be particularly careful to bring respect to Buddhism and the Thai Royal Family. The image of the Buddha is considered very sacred and it is considered sacrilegious to take pictures of the statues of the Buddha. This activity is considered a lack of respect