When is the best time to visit Thailand?

Looking for the best time to go to Thailand? Wherever you travel in the world, it is important to get the timing right. As far as Thailand is concerned, there are no absolute extremes. If you can avoid the rainy season (July to October), it would probably be best, but if you can't, the rain isn't permanent - it comes in bursts and cools things down after it has gone!

The weather in Thailand is reasonable most times of year, although it certainly gets hot during the summer! November through February are the coolest times of year and there is certainly less rain then than at other times in the year. However, Thailand is a big country with a diverse landscape. There is somewhere to visit whatever time of the year you visit the kingdom.

The figure below shows the average rainfall in four cities each from a distinct regions of Thailand. Bangkok (central), Chiang Mai (north), Phuket (south), and Ubon Ratchathani (northeast).

Average Rainfall in Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ubon)

Thailand's Seasons

Regions of Thailand

Thailand's seasons are reasonably uniform through the country, but there are some regional differences. Basically Thailand has three seasons: summer, rainy and winter. The southern part of Thailand however does not have a winter. What follows is a summary of the seasons as they impact the kingdom's various regions:


Central Thailand and the East

In central Thailand and the eastern provinces, the hot summer weather starts around mid February and goes on to April. In April, the extreme temperatures can go up to the 40 degrees centigrade mark. The winter months are from mid November to mid February. There may really be only a few days of genuinely cold weather during these months, but the period leading up to the New Year are a welcome respite from the heat throughout the rest of the year. Aside from these days, visitors from Europe still may feel the temperatures as being a bit warm during Thailand's winter, although not uncomfortably so. The rainy season kicks in around May and goes on until October. The rain is frequent and sometimes fierce. Usually rainstorms go on for around 30 minutes or so. If you're visiting the beach destinations in the east (Pattaya, Rayong, Koh Chang), the best time is from December to May.

Northern Thailand and the Northeast

Northern Thailand and the Northeast have the same basic seasons as those in the central and eastern regions. The winters are though significantly cooler. Mountainous regions can get particularly cold, on some occasions down to 0 degrees centigrade. In these parts, winter starts in November and goes on to February. Without doubt these are the best months for a visit to the North and Northeast - flowers are in bloom, it is dry and cool, and in the mountains' mists and fogs often form making what is already wonderful scenery quite exquisite. However, although hot, April is also a great month - during the Songkran Festival people will most likely throw water at you… You will be drenched so that will keep you cool!

Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand's seasons are less distinct and really there are only two proper seasons - summer and the rainy season. The Gulf of Thailand lies to the east of the Thai peninsula while the Andaman Sea lies to the west. Visiting areas west of the peninsula (Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi) is best done between mid November and April to avoid the monsoons that occur during other months - monsoons obviously make visiting islands by boat difficult and sometimes dangerous. Clearly they are best to be avoided. Areas east of the peninsula (Koh Samui, Hat Yai) are best visited from December to June. However, visiting the Gulf of Thailand region is possible throughout the year but those going to this region should check the current weather situation to avoid rain. If you are planning to visit both sides of the coast during your stay in Thailand, December to April would be best.

Average low, high temperature, sunlight and rainfall in Thailand (Chiang Mai and Phuket)

Source: discoverythailand.com
Rainfall figure: http://www.thethaireport.com/?p=1067
Weather information: http://www.tmd.go.th/en/

Why do Thai people have really long last names?

During the time when China mainland transformed their political system from a monarchy to communism, lots of Chinese left the country seeking a new life opportunity. Many of them selected Thailand as their destination. They started a new life in the Kingdom with prosperity. They still kept their identity by using their Chinese name. Thereafter, their kids, the following generation, were born with a Thai name. However, they still used a Chinese family name like Tang, Lim, Ng, etc. They then came to realise that it was not localized enough to have a Thai name with a Chinese last name. They began to apply for a Thai last name. That is the starting point of this story.

When you go to apply for Thai last name, the regulation for registration of the new last name is as follows:

1. The applicants submit 5 alternatives to the government officer. Each one has a maximum of 10 Thai character.
2. The officer will search in the database for identical last names. The law does allow identical last names to those existing already So hopefully, one of your 5 alternatives will be unique and can be used.
3. About one month later, you will check with the officer. If there is any duplication, you need to create the new one and resubmit it again. If not the case, you can use the real NEW last name. 

Since we have a lot of immigrant Chinese, subsequent applicants have to create a new name that has a low probability of duplication. Thus, the new surnames just get longer and longer.

Source: http://www.apmforum.com/columns/thai4.htm

Central Embassy, a new shopping complex with 6-star hotel in Bangkok

Amanda Levete Architects have unveiled Central Embassy, a 30-storey retail and hotel project in Bangkok, Thailand.

The tower will be built in the former gardens of the British Embassy in the city.

Amanda Levete Architects was formed after Levete and former partner Jan Kaplicky, who had previously worked together as Future Systems architects, we separate nt their ways.

From Bangkok Post (09/02/2011) :

Central Retail Corporation is taking the lead in developing the retail business in the Phloen Chit area with the unveiling of its 13-billion-baht Embassy project.

The long-awaited plan for Central Embassy, which occupies land that Central acquired from the British Embassy, was officially announced yesterday with work to start imminently and is scheduled to be completed in the last quarter of 2013.

Thai silk-like texture

Apart from Central Embassy, about 100 billion baht worth of investments will be poured into related developments of high-end luxury residences, premium hotels, office buildings and serviced apartments around the intersection of Wireless and Phloen Chit roads. They include Park Ventures by the TCC Land group of liquor tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, and Okura, a top-end hotel and resort chain from Japan.

"The Central Embassy project will become Bangkok's first iconic retail building," said Tos Chirathivat, chief executive of CRC.

Futuristic interior design

Central Embassy, located on a nine-rai site, is a 37-floor complex comprising an eight-story retail and lifestyle podium and a 30-floor luxury hotel tower with 222 rooms, to be managed by the Park Tower chain, its first Thai management contract. The complex has a total area of 144,000 square metres with 70,000 sq m for retail. The company expects to break even within 10 years. 

The project will lead to a 400-metre combined facade for Central Embassy and Central Chidlom, with a skybridge connecting the two. Central Chidlom will be renovated to achieve a consistent look and feel.

"We're not worried about local political and economic uncertainties," added Mr Tos. "Everybody has a role to play to boost the confidence of the country."

Video teaser of this project:

Project development updates from Skyscraper city: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=960978&page=2

How to cook Massaman Curry

Chef Tummy show us how to cook Massaman curry, a famous Thai dish voted to be the world's most delicious food!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 to 1 pound chicken pieces OR chopped chicken breast/thigh
• 1-2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 14 ounce (400 ml) can coconut milk (not lite)
• 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil OR vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup onion, sliced
• 1 thumb-piece ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 red chili, sliced, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. chili flakes/cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup good-tasting chicken stock
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced, OR 2-3 Tbsp. frozen/bottled prepared lemongrass
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews (+ handful more to finish)
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. whole cumin seed
• 1/2 tsp. white pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cardamon
• 1 tsp. tamarind, or substitute 1 Tbsp. lime juice*
• 3/4 tsp. shrimp paste (available by the jar at Asian stores)
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce. I recommend Squid Brand Fish Sauce!
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp. palm sugar OR brown sugar

Preparation:

1. Heat a wok, large frying pan, or soup-type pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the oil and swirl around, then add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chili. Stir-fry 1-2 minutes to release the fragrance.
2. Add the stock plus the following: lemongrass, bay leaves, turmeric, chopped cashews, ground coriander, whole cumin seed, white pepper, cardamon, tamarind (or lime juice), shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir with each addition and bring to a light boil.
3. Add the chicken, stirring to coat with the spicy liquid, then add the coconut milk and potatoes. Stir and bring back up to a boil. Reduce heat to low, or just until you get a good simmer.
4. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken and potatoes are tender. Add red pepper and tomato during last 10-15 minutes of coooking time. Tip: if you prefer a more liquid curry sauce, cover while simmering. If you prefer a thicker curry sauce, leave off lid.
5. Taste-test the curry, adding more fish sauce for increased flavor/saltiness, or more chili if you want it spicier. If too sour, add a little more sugar. If too salty or sweet for your taste, add a touch more tamarind or lime juice. If too spicy, add more coconut milk.
6. Add a handful more cashews and fold in. Transfer to a serving bowl, or plate up on individual plates or bowls. Top with fresh coriander, if desired, and serve with Thai jasmine rice. ENJOY!