Cheap Bangkok flights

History:  

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006 ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat. The interim government held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government, eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August. Clashes in October 2008 between PAD protesters blocking parliament and police resulted in the death of at least two people. The PAD occupied Bangkok's international airports briefly, ending their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition government with the support of some of THAKSIN's former political allies, and ABHISIT Wetchachiwa became prime minister. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the violence associated with their cause

Airport
Bangkok's Don Muang Airport is 30 kilometers from downtown Bangkok, though the notoriously heavy traffic can make the trip into town a long one. Always use officially certified transportation. Airport facilities include foreign currency exchanges, post office, ATMs, business center, Internet center, mini supermarket, day rooms and hotel booking agency. International flight information: (662) 535-1254 (departures); (662) 535-1301 (arrivals). Domestic flight information: (662) 535-1253. Visas
Travelers are required to have on onward ticket to enter Thailand. Citizens of most nations can get a 30-day visa upon arrival. Two-week extensions can be obtained by going to the Immigration Department, located near the Silom business district (507 Suan Plu Road; Tel: 287-1740 or 287-3101) with a photocopy of your passport (every page), two photographs, and the extension fee of 500 baht. Agencies can facilitate this process, with pick up and delivery service to your hotel room. Currency
Foreign currency changers are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. The baht is divided into 100 satangs. Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20- (green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five-, one-baht disks, as well as 50- and 25-satang brass disks.

Credit Cards
Major establishments readily accept American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa cards. Expect a 3-5 percent surcharge. Major Bangkok banks also recognize these credit cards.

Tipping
Tipping is not the usual practice in Thailand, but is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip but the gesture is appreciated. For more information on business and social etiquette.

Useful Numbers
Tourist Police: 1155
City police: 195
Local directory assistance: 100
International directory assistance: 100
International flight information: 535-1254 (departures)/ 535-1301 (arrivals)
Domestic flight information: 535-1253
Visa: 001-800-11-535-0660
Mastercard: 001-800-11-887-0663

Electricity
Electrical outlets are 220 volts, 50 cycles and accept flat-pronged plugs.