Ambulance 1554 Emergency 191 Crime 1195 Fire 199 Police 191,   Highway Police 1193  Telephone operator 13, Tourist Service Line 1155 (24 hours)  Tourist Police 1155,  Railway 1690

Thai history is a little vague. Approximately 3500 BC a civilisation existed in the northern part. Mon Buddhist communities came south from Burma in the 6-8th century and settled in the Bangkok area. In 1238 Thais settled down in the Khmer ruled city of Sukhothai. In 1296 Ching Mai was founded. 1351 was the foundation of the Ayutthaya kingdom, which reigned until the 17th century. Europeans which settled down over the years, were expelled by the end of the 17th century and Thailand remained fairly isolated. Wars with Burma and Cambodia were raging which led to the foundation of Thonburi as the new capital for the Ayutthaya kings. 1782 Bangkok was founded and Ayutthaya king Chakri proclaimed  himself Rama I and Bangkok got the additional name of Krung Thep (city of angels) until today. The Rama Dynasty lasted until today. Thailand has basically never been colonized like most other South East Asian Countries except during the WW II by Japanese. Foreigners did return after the 1830's to develop the country. Thai's are mainly a mix of most surrounding countries. In addition you'll find people of Chinese, Indian and Arabic ethnic origins. Thai's carry mostly Thai names. Thai is the national language. English is spoken in the major cities, but mainly in business and tourism.

Most major cities have airports and are connected to Bangkok. An extensive train network by SRT makes the travelling over land quite comfortable as well. Many have eating facilities and service at your seat. Sleeping carriages are available as well.  Bus services are plenty available and so are accidents. Many of them are air conditioned.