Going to Thailand? Excellent. But if you're going to a different country, it's not only polite to learn a little of the language so that you can at least ask for directions or order a meal, but it's also polite to learn a little of the local politics so that you can chat with the locals. Even if politics is the last thing you'll want to discuss whilst on holiday, it's worth knowing how a country functions if you're going to be spending any time there. So here is bkknewsblog's crash-course in Thai politics.

Firstly, the country has operated as a democracy for many years. Much of the constitutional power rests with the Prime Minister and the ruling government, although the Thai people have retained their monarchy as a sense of unity and identity. Bureaucrats, generals and businessmen have led political parties. Whilst the King ultimately has very little power under the constitution, the present monarch holds a great deal of respect amongst Thai people. This has often been used to indirectly to influence the course of the government, and intervene on certain political crises.

Recent political history is rather turbulent. In 2006, a violent political clash was concocted against multimillionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, who was Prime Minister at the time. The military seized power in time to prevent the clash, and a new interim civilian government was formed. But since then, Thailand's political history has continued to be difficult. Terrorist attacks continued in rural areas, throughout 2006 and 2007, and Thaskin himself fled to Great Britain in 2008, seeking political asylum. By this time, Samak Sundaravej was in charge, but his appointment did not stop Thai protestors.

Thailand is proud of its vibrant culture, not least its cast of prominent celebrities, some of whom attract worldwide attention.

Thailand's monarch is Bhumibol Adulyadek, or King Rama IX. The reigning king since 1946, he is easily Thailand's most famous individual, as well as being the world's longest-reigning monarch.

The Prime Minister since 2011 has been Yingluck Shinawatra, an attractive 44-year-old brunette, whose Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory at the last general election. The great-granddaughter of a Chinese immigrant who arrived in Thailand in the 1860s, Yingluck earned her early reputation as a shrewd businesswoman in sales and procurement. Upon taking office, one of her first tasks was to take charge of the national emergency following severe flooding in Thailand – the worst in half a century.

After her marriage to an executive, Anusorn Amornchat, the couple agreed to work for seven years before starting a family. Their first child was called Suppasek, which means ‘wise philosopher'.

Paradorn Srichaphan is Thailand's most famous tennis player. At one point he was ranked as the world's number nine. When he isn't excelling on the courts he enjoys his celebrity marriage to Natalie Glebova, a Russian supermodel (and also Miss Universe of 2005).

While celebrity culture hasn't taken off in Thailand to the same extent it has in the west, there are still many faces who are familiar to huge numbers of Thai citizens (at least those living in the populated centres). The most famous Thai supermodel is currently Khemanit Jamikorn, known to most as ‘Pancake'. As well as being voted Model of the World in 2004, her beautiful face adorns posters in countless adverts and billboards right across the country.

Bangkok is a wonderful and unique vacation destination for many reasons. There's exotic weather, incredible sights to see, so much culture to take in, and most of all, all kinds of foods to eat. Thailand is known for many things, especially its food. Thai restaurants in Bangkok are, of course, even better and more authentic than those abroad, and if you are thinking of making a visit, then you should definitely take the time to take in all the delicious food.

However, not all the food in Bangkok may be quite to your tastes. In fact, some Thai food is actually very strange, and includes some surprising ingredients. If you want to know what to look out for, then here are a few suggestions.

One of these is fried insects that are often spiced, flavoured, and then sold in roadside stands around the city. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you might be surprised at how these local delicacies actually taste. Otherwise, you'd do better to avoid them, as they aren't exactly the appetising meals.

Many restaurants, even the mainstream ones, serve dishes that contain what are called “exotic” meats. These are meats ranging from wild cat to boar to snake, all added to soups, fried, or cooked in many other ways. Often serving this meat is actually illegal, and therefore rather hard to come by. However, many cheaper restaurants secretly add strange and less exotic meats to their recipes.

Bangkok is one of the most interesting places in the world and droves of tourists flock there every year. If you are looking to go on an exotic holiday then you should certainly consider making your way to this beautiful Thai city. Bangkok is culturally rich, interesting, and sure to provide you with plenty of fun.

If you'd like a taste of Bangkok life, it is worth taking a look at the natives and what they get up to. The city is awash with every sort of person you could think of and, to accommodate for this mix, there are plenty of things to do - entertainment, adventure, and relaxation.

Life in Bangkok can't be described quite like life anywhere else, yet in many ways the city is just as civilised and advanced as any other major capital in the world. Going to Bangkok will be an experience unlike any other, and yet you'll be able to find most of the conveniences of life back home within the city.

Nightlife in Bangkok is a big deal, given that it is a city brimming with young people and visitors. If you are interested in night clubs, parties, dining out, or any other social events, then Bangkok is for you. The local youngsters are often fluent in English and other languages, so it's a great place to go if you want to meet new people.

Bangkok also has many facilities for those looking for a quieter time during their visit. If your idea of fun is reading a book whilst drinking a cup of coffee or tea, then there are thousands of local cafes scattered throughout. These places have a particular local flavour that is enjoyable and tranquil.

Homesickness is a genuine malady. If these negative thoughts get inside your head while away on holiday or traveling for any length of time, there are very few things that can bring you back to reality. All thoughts are with home and the comforts that can be accessed there. A trip of a life time can be ruined in an instant.

But in Bangkok that needs not be the case as it brings a little slice of Britain to its shores for the tourists to enjoy and remind them, they are not so far away. We are talking about the great British pub, the bastion of community and goodwill amongst likeminded men and women, a fellowship of beer lovers and tonic drinkers.

One of the best loved institutions in the land is Cheap Charlie's which has been standing for 25 years. It resembles a driftwood pile from the outside, a sea washed shack in a small parking lot with seats and tables on the outside. On the bar front there is a laminated clipping from The International Herald Tribune, with a headline that reads: “Cheap Charlie's Rules: stay inside the yellow line, no prostitution, and no number 2.” Fair enough.

For the Irish pub experience, head to Finnegan's Pub which is as authentic as you are going to get out of the Emerald Isle, with bona fide Irish landlords. This saloon bar is located in Bangkok's Sukhumvit Soi 4 and the pub grub is extremely well presented in the most welcoming of atmospheres.

Moving up in scale slightly here is the famed Huntsman Pub, with its split-level layout and the a big central bar. It comes equipped with a dance floor area and comfy seated booths to enjoy some tasty food. The nooks and hidey holes are decorated with English county maps, flags and antiques, if you need reminding of home and the bad weather that desperately.

The street food in Bangkok is some of the best available around the world, with fresh meat ready to order, and spiced with rare and exotic herb mixes, the aromas that perfume the air are unique. The Thai cuisine has long been a staple of foreign countries, and then there is the super dish everyone loves, Pad Thai.

But there is always a slight hesitation when travelling to a new country, any country that is, whether or not to sample the local cuisine or to play it safe. We all know there is nothing worse than a dodgy tummy, which can scupper all plans for a fun filled vacation.

Some principles that will stand you in good stead then: just use common sense. Apply the standards you would anywhere else in the world. Appraise the food in the same way you would if you were looking at sandwiches over deli counter, if the hygiene seems iffy – move along. And only eat food that has been cooked in front of you.

But there are so many delicious treats and stalls to sample while in Bangkok, it would be a shame to allow trepidation to stop you. And by and large, the food is perfectly cooked, safe and well managed.

Thailand's street food is known for its full bodied flavor and for its economy. It is a lot cheaper to grab something on the move than dining out in this city, so street food is always going to be the best option for budget travelers. The world is your oyster though, and don't think your options are limited, as you can try little bits of everything until your heart's content, or until your stomach is ready to burst that is.

There are a host of noodle carts with select dishes in huge pots and pans on every corner, and the vendors will deliver you a tasty portion of pad thai noodles for $1. If you want extra egg, meat, or seafood, then the price will go up accordingly.

Best of all are the wonderful BBQ carts that are omnipresent around the busy food districts, and they serve up grilled or deep-fried chicken, seafood, pork and tofu, along with other mystery meats if you are feeling daring. Everything is skewered.

Bangkok is a city that was founded in the year 1782; and since then, it has grown quite rapidly. It is today considered as one of the fastest growing cities of Asia. It is also a very famous tourist destination attracting thousands of tourists from across the world. Though its growth story has been quite spectacular, it has come with its own share of urban problems. While on the one side, the growth of the city has created many opportunities to thousands of people of Bangkok, a number of serious issues have also cropped up. It is a city that is struggling to cope with the steady rise in population over the past few years. The population which was around 3 million in 1970 has today touched around 12 million which means it has grown by approximately four times over the past 40 years. This rapid growth of population has come with its own share of urban problems.
The transport system of Bangkok is quite robust and efficient but even such well managed traffic system is definitely feeling the pressure of growing population growth. The city is notorious for regular traffic jams and traffic snarls and this is especially true during peak hours when it is quite difficult to reach destinations within the stipulated time. This is typical of the many urban problems which big cities often encounter. Though a lot of steps are being taken to find remedies to the situation, most of these could be described as stop gap solutions. The long term solution would lie in spreading the population far and wide and decongesting the city as a whole. There are other typical problems too which the city is grappling with. Since Bangkok happens to be a famous tourist destination, prostitution and trafficking in women is quite rampant. This is a social problem and it cannot be addressed by administrative measures alone. However, the authorities are alive to the situation and are taking steps to make things better.

Thailand is known around the world as a leader in the hotel industry. Given its luxurious hotels, Bangkok is the place to visit. These hotels are known for being world class and offer a number of excellent services, including delicious food from their renowned restaurants, state-of-the-art bars, relaxing saunas and massages to ease away the tensions of the day.

1. Peninsula Bangkok hotel is a 37 story building located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The hotel is 50 minutes' drive from Suvamabhumi Airport and 35 minutes from Dong Muand Airport. It gives an elegant view over the beautiful Chao Phraya River. There are dedicated hotel staff that make sure your stay is relaxing and enjoyable.

2. Sukhothai Bangkok hotel. Strategically located in the centre of Bangkok, with its great rooms, nice swimming pool, deluxe studio, iPad and iPhone connection ports, this hotel gives a touch of class. A short distance away, there is to the ever blazing Silom entertainment district. This hotel makes you feel comfortable and relaxed during your stay and high security is guaranteed.

3. The Intercontinental Bangkok. This hotel offers a wide range of services and spacious rooms. There are also swimming facilities and other luxuries, such as LCD TV with satellite channels and high speed internet connection. This is definitely a hotel which will give you the feeling of being in a home away from home.

4. Renaissance hotel. Standing tall in the city's shopping district, this hotel will give you the best accommodation on your arrival in Thailand. It is probably more suitable for those visiting for the weekend and business class travellers. Guests will be greeted by a state-of-the-art spa, gym and business conference facilities. With its dedicated event planners, your event will be coordinated from start to the end of your visit.

5. Dusit Thani Bangkok. 20 years ago this was said to be Bangkok's highest building. No wonder now it is Bangkok's highest luxurious hotel. It has a beautiful view over the whole of Bangkok and is located in heart of the capital. With its unequalled service for over 36 years, this hotel is still proving to be one of the best Thailand has to offer.

Bangkok is regarded as a great holiday destination because travellers and tourists will always find fun, no matter what the season. There are some areas where entertainment and activities take place within a specific season and some that continue all year round. Whether you are on a vacation alone, with your family or as a member of a group, Bangkok will provide you with plenty to do.

• Boat rides. One of the most interesting things to do in Bangkok is to take a boat ride. While on the journey, you will see from a distance the hidden beauty of Thailand. It is a great way to acclimatise yourself to the city and many travellers opt to do this when they first arrive.

• Ice skating and water parks. If it is a family trip and you have children with you, going ice skating and to a water park is a must. If your kids can do some skating, then that is great, as Bangkok has many world class ice rinks. If the kids can't skate then take them to the water parks, while you relax by the water's edge.

• Siam Ocean World. This is an exciting place for both adults and kids. There are dozens of underwater creatures living together in this enclosed environment. The good thing about this is that you don't view the creatures from above; you see them as if you were also in the water, by means of thick glass panelling.

Bangkok is under the tropical climate belt. The temperature very seldom comes below 30 degrees centigrade even during the relatively mild months of November and December.

Summers are pretty hot, humid and uncomfortable and it is quite common to see the temperature touching around 40 degrees centigrade during this season. If you are a tourist coming from other parts of the world, it would be very useful to have a good understanding of the Bangkok climate so that you could be well prepared. The best time to visit this city is during the dry season of November/December time. Though humidity during this period would be high, it would not be as bad as it is during the months from March to August. Unless you are aware of the extreme Climate during the above period, you may make the mistake of visiting the city during this period and could end up wasting the whole trip. However, for those who are used to this hot and humid weather, it would be a nice and exciting experience and the beaches could be the right place for tanning your skin and enjoying the life during this period.