>>>About Thailand : Mini Version <<<

About Thailand : Mini Version

      Sawasdee everyone. We, the group of "MINI LOVER" In Thailand would like to warmly welcome you to our small website.

      We believe that many tourists have ever traveled to Thailand but some may not have Thailand's Information or never known about Thailand. We, therefore, would like to provide you a brief Information of Thailand, the country we all love and the Thais are very proud that they were never colonized by any other countries.

      Our THAILAND has the full name of "The Kingdom of Thailand".   Since the Thais have the King to be the Chief of country and Thailand have a very long history and Is always Independent, our country's name Is so outstanding. Thailand Is Known previously as "Siam", the country changed Its official name In 1949 to "Thailand" meaning "Land of the Free" However, the tourist worldwide named Thailand to be "Land of Smile" The word "Thai"   means "freedom" In the Thai language. It Is also the name of the Thai people.

      Currently, Its capital Is "Bangkok" ('Krung Thep Maha Nakhon' In Thai) meaning that "City of Angels". Our capital size Is not so big. However, If comparing with Singapore, our Bangkok Is bigger than the whole area of Singapore.

National Flag : During the 19th century the Thai flag featured a white elephant, one of the symbols of both the country itself ( "The Land of the White Elephant") and its monarchs ("The Kings of the White Elephant"). In the latter part of the century the flag was plain red with a central white elephant.
In 1916 horizontal white stripes above and below the beast were introduced, and in 1917 the animal was omitted altogether.

       Nowadays, the red, white and blue stripes portrayed In the flag symbolize the nation, Buddhism and the monarchy, respectively.
Later that year, as a gesture of solidarity with the Allies in World War I.

      The "Coat of Arm" ('Krut' In Thai) Is the symbol of Thailand and Is appeared In all government documents.

      Thailand has been governed with democracy having the King being the chief. The head of government Is the Prime Minister. He serves four-year term each In this position and can be re-elected. Thailand Is plenty of natural resources and food. Presently, Thailand Is classified as "World's Kitchen" since It Is the biggest country In the world for food exportation. Further, It Is the manufacturing base of electronics and car Industry major group of the World.

      Thais have freedom to choose their religions without conflict. All religions are harmonized. Around 95% of people hold Buddhism.

      The total area of Thailand Is 513,115 sq.km. It Is divided Into 76 provinces. Traveling to Thailand Is convenient. Other than Donmuang Airport where It Is very well known more than 40 years, Suwannapoom Airport Is the new one with the largest area In Asia. Thai International Airways Is the national airport having route flying to attractive places worldwide namely "Airlines Code" or "TG" with the starting flight name and airplane registration - Thai nation with "HS".
There Is an open sea connecting countries worldwide. Thailand has 2 sea ports supporting the modern vessel transportation. Regarding land transportation, Thailand has very good road connecting to our neighboring countries: Myanmar - west and north, Lao P.D.R - north and northeast, Cambodia-southeast and Malaysia - south. We have service station (gas station) with full services along the route. Diesel, Gasoline 91 and 95 are available In service stations.
People use vehicle with right steering wheel, drive at left lanes. While driving outside Thailand, the emblem of Thailand to be affixed at the car Is "T" letter.

Country code:
Cell phone network:Citizen Band (CB):

Time Zone:
Currency:
Cost of Living:
Credit Card:
Average Temperature:
Electricity System:
English Language:

66
GSM 900 and 1800 MHz, Sim Card available nationwide
78 MHz and 245 MHz allowed to be used In car (Channel 39 Is standby channel namely "Charlie Station" (Unit to relieve casualty)
+7 hours GMT
Baht
1 US$ - can buy 3 cans of Coke
All leading brands of Credit Cards are widely accepted
Approximately 28 ํ C
220 Volt 50 Hertz
Mostly, seller and people In attractive places are able to speak English

Army and Country Protection

       Thailand Is a peaceful country and we must always prepare ourselves to protect our country. Due to the geography, Thailand has the army consisting the weapons as follows:

Royal Thai Army : Rifle M – 16 , HK.33
Tank Platoon – many types according the nature of border area to be used such as Stingray ,M - 60 ,M – 48 , Scorpion , T – 54
Air base consists of Helicopter, Cobra , Chinook ,Black Hawk

Royal Thai Navy : There are 3 dimension Royal Navy, many types of battle war ship including "HTMS Chakri Naruebet" Offshore Patrol Aircraft/Helicopter Carrier, Sea Harier and helicopter S – 76 on ship. Also, it includes Attack Warbird A – 7 and lots of airplane. Major air base is located at U – Tapao where in the past it used to be B –52 Air Base in Vietnam War.

Royal Thai Air Force : Thailand has airport in almost every province nationwide. Air bases are located nationwide as appropriate.    Wing of the Royal Thai Air Force comprise the major fighting warbirrd , i.e., F – 16 , F – 5 , Alfa Jet , L – 39 and supporting wing comprise C – 130, Super Puma. Recently, there will be the new fighting wing to increase potential of the Royal Thai Air Force. They are on the process of selecting the specific type such as F – 18 , Su – 30 and Gripen .

Royal Thai Police : Since Thailand has many tourists attractions scattered nationwide, tourists polices have direct duty to help and resolve tourists' problems.   Also, officials and survey police cars are available to help tourists.

      Speaking about the cars In Thailand, the history was noted that - The First motorcar in Thailand was imported by Field Marshal Chao Phrya Surasakdi Montri.
Later, in 1904 , upon his return from Europe, HRH Prince Rabi Badhanasakdi bought a German Mercedes – Daimler car which he presented to King Chulalongkorn. The very First car in the royal fleet, Prince Rabi drove it for the King who was highly impressed with its convinience and speed. His Majesty ordered the prince to import more cars as gifts for members of the Royal Family and high – ranking officials.
Here, King Chulalongkorn relaxes in his car with Her Majesty Queen Sukhumala Marasi, HRH Prince Malini Nobhadara, HRH Prince Urubongse Rajasombhoj and HRH Prince Nibha Nobhadol.

      In 1908 King Chulalongkorn organized a special party, during with those who owned motorcars, inciuding members of the Royal Family and the Thai nobility, official, ambassadors, foreigners and merchants, were invited to drive their cars in a motorcade to Dusit Palace and go for drive together along various roads before returning once again to Dusit Palace. Large crowds of people lined both sides of the road to watch the motorcars parading by.

Now, It's time for Mini In Thailand. MINI has been formed In year 1959 and Imported to Thailand by CKR Motor Ltd, the distributor of Thailand.   CKR has many cars' make such as LAND ROVER, JAGUAR, MG, TRIUMPH, AUSTIN, MORRIS and then they were transferred to Ley-Thai Ltd. located at Nana Intersection, Sukhumvit Road. At that time, Thailand Is plenty of English cars. MINI - not only being personnel car, MINI van Is also the administration car and messenger cars of Bank of Ayudhya and Bangkok Bank.   Some foreign entities located In Thailand use MINI MOKE to be field cars.

      Later, Lay-Thai Ltd was dissolved. Group of English cars did not have any distributor In Thailand. Its employee separately opened their own businesses - retailer shops selling spare parts, I.e. Yontchai Sakul Samsen (Worajak Intersection), Nguan Heng Long (Worajak Intersection), Leaw Eam Seng (In front of prison), Thai Yont, Sahasaeng Thai (Near Sommanus Temple), VJ Auto Part (Soi Rangnam). Later on, there Is only one retailer shop - real MINI LOVER that Is Sahasaeng Thai owned by Khun Chanin or "Hea Wan" who Is very well known by MINI group. The fixing garages are Damrongkij (Yak Garage), located at Sriyan Soi 3, Garage of P' Manat Homsuwan, located at Klongtoey.

      Early 1990, Thai Ultimate Car Ltd Is the distributor who Imports all models of Rover Cars. MINI makes the Thai road colorful again; however, they must be gone after the recession of Thailand's economy. 1 Pound currency has been exchanged from 37 to 77 Baht. No more MINI to be Imported. Until now, year 2002, MINI COOPER by BMW has accessed to Thailand.

      Throughout the past years, lots of tourists worldwide drive MINI to Thailand. Every time known by us, we welcome and take good care of them. If you are the one who will travel to Thailand by your loved MINI, you are very welcome by MINI LOVERS In Thailand.

MINI MASTER.