Statistical Yearbook Thailand 2014

other international airports operating in the big cities of the country, namely, Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, U-Tapao International Airport. Water transport, there are many ports and harbors in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Klong Toey, Laem Chabang. These port can serve for both goods shipment and passengers. In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is a major transportation artery, with ferries, waterway taxis (the Chao Phraya Express) and long-tailed boats. Moreover there is the Khlong Saen Saeb boat service, which provides fast, inexpensive transport in central Bangkok. Social Language: The official language of Thailand is Thai, it is the principal language in formal communication and in education with Thai alphabet as a standard format in writing. There are several other dialects within the regions, namely, Southern Thai and Northern Thai, Northeastern Thai. Religion and Culture: Buddhism is the major religious of Thailand, however, Thai people are free to be with any religious, such as Muslims, Christian (mainly Catholics), Hindu and Sikhs. Thailand is well-known as “Land of Smiles” as Thai people are friendly and kind and always provide warm hospitality to foreigners. The traditional greeting is “Wei”, which is a symbol for paying respect to the others. Education: The Thai Government provides 12 years education for all, with 9 years compulsory. School system is well organized of for kindergartens, primary, lower secondary etc. After lower secondary school, students can choose to extent to upper secondary school or vocational colleges or soldier/police institutions. - 15 -