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Tourism
As Thailand enters the 21st Century, the tourism industry continues to play a major role in the economic and social development of the kingdom. Known round the world for the enduring hospitality of its people, its ancient culture and Thai cuisine, record numbers of tourists continue to take advantage of the myriad tourist destinations and products the kingdom has to offer. The number of foreign visitors to Thailand has steadily increased over the last 10 years, resulting in the "Golden Decade" of Thai tourism during the period 1987-1996.
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand borders four countries (Myanmar, Laos PDR, Cambodia and Malaysia) as well as the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The country is endowed with a wealth of natural resources which serve as a backdrop for both business and leisure travellers. The scenery is rich and varied, ranging from misty mountains and lush rain forests in the north, through the flat emerald rice fields of the central plains, to white sandy beaches and magnificent tropical islands along the eastern seaboard and throughout the south.
Tourism policy in Thailand supports not only promotion of its own destinations but of those of its neighbours in the Greater Mekong Subregion (Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Yunan Province of China and Thailand); BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sir Lanka and Thailand), and those of all Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has worked closely with other government agencies and the private sector to develop a sophisticated array of tourism products for visitor. From sports to eco and agro tourism, shopping to health spas, culture, heritage and architecture: Thailand offers something for everyone.
Source: Thailand into the 2000's, (Bangkok: The National Identity Board, 2000)
Telephone Services:
Direct Assistance: 1133 (Bangkok) and 183 (upcountry) (these are freecalls)
Long Distance Service: 100
IDD: 001+country code+area code+phone number
AT&T USA Direct Service : 001-999-11111
Emergency Calls:
Mobile Police: 191
Fire Brigades: 199
Ambulance(BKK): +66(0) 2252 2171-5
Tourist Information (TAT Head Office) : +66(0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
TAT Call Centre: 1672 Operation hours 08.00-20.00 hrs.
Tourist Information Counter (Airport Office) : Terminial1 (66) 2504 2701-2, Terminal2 (66) 2504 2703, 2535 2669 Open daily 08.00-24.00 hrs.
Tourist Police: 1155 http://tourist.police.go.th/
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