Money:
The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided
into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks,
hotels and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs
are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Most large hotels
and shops accept travellers cheques, but a better rate will be
given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and
larger businesses.
Time:
Electricity:
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Both flat and round two-pin plugs
are used.
Language:
Thai is the official language, although English is widely
spoken in tourist areas.
Health:
As a health precaution, travellers should take medical advice at
least three weeks before travelling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk
outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts, and immunisation
against Hepatitis A and typhoid fever is also advised. Yellow fever
vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected
areas. There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue
fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese
encephalitis is also recommended. Outbreaks of leptospirosis occur
during the rainy season and after flooding. There have been
outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the Provinces of Khon Kaen, Lop
Buri, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri. Outbreaks of cholera have also
been reported. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water
and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during your
visit you should seek immediate medical attention.There have been
outbreaks of bird flu in poultry, and several human deaths,
although the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight;
contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg
dishes are best eaten well-cooked. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in the
major cities and resorts. Medical facilities are good in major
cities, but good medical insurance is vital - without insurance, or
cash/credit card, travellers will not be treated. Bangkok has
excellent international hospitals.
Tipping:
Tipping is not expected, but is becoming more common in places
frequented by tourists. A 10% service charge is added to the bill
at most hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Safety:
Terrorist threats have been made recently, and in January 2012
the US government issued a warning to US citizens in Bangkok. The
political situation in Thailand is very uncertain. There have been
major political demonstrations in Bangkok and outbreaks of
violence. There is a threat to westerners from terrorism throughout
South East Asia and travellers should be particularly vigilant in
public places, including tourist resorts. Avoid the border areas
and don't camp in undesignated areas in national parks. Visitors to
major cities are advised to secure their passports and credit cards
and not carry too much money or jewellery. In Bangkok visitors
should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind
strangers. In tourist areas, particularly at the Full Moon Party on
Ko Phan Ngan, be careful about accepting drinks from strangers as
there have been reporteds of drinks being drugged. Incidents of
sexual assault do occur and female travellers should be cautious.
The security situation in the southern provinces near the Malaysian
border is unstable and travel to Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat and
Songkhla is to be avoided - the government has announced a state of
emergency in the area. Violence near the Preah Vihear temple area
has been recurrent and visitors are advised to avoid travel there.
Further attacks could take place in areas frequented by foreigners.
Thai authorities have put security measures in place throughout the
country, including Bangkok. There have been several sinkings of
passenger boats thought to be caused by overloading. The monsoon
season in September and October (November to March on Koh Samui)
brings about flooding in the north, north-east and central regions,
causing mudslides and flash floods; visitors planning to trek in
the jungle during this time should check conditions with licensed
tour guides before leaving.
Customs:
Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Dress is
informal, although beachwear should be confined to the beach. Drugs
are illegal and travellers should know that possession of even
small quantities can lead to imprisonment, and that drug
traffickers risk the death penalty.
Business:
Business culture in Thailand is considerably more relaxed than
other Asian countries within the region. However, Thailand shares
its neighbours' work ethic and value systems, as well as emphasis
on hierarchy and building relationships. Senior managers must be
consulted on all matters and decisions. Appearance and age are
important in Thai business culture as they illustrate social
standing and status. Older individuals are generally afforded a
great deal of regard in Thailand. Building relationships is central
to business culture in Thailand. It is ill regarded for a
businessman to start negotiating before being properly acquainted
with his business associates.The concept of 'face' and saving face is important in Thailand;
so if you make a mistake, don't expect it to be pointed out to you.
Also, if a business associate makes a mistake, it is impolite to
draw attention to it or correct them. In 2010, Thailand was the
fastest growing economy in South-east Asia. Despite this, Thais
value family time and time to actually live life. Placing family in
front of business priorities is the norm.English is the language of business in Thailand, but translators
are often needed. Business hours are from 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm
with an hour for lunch. Dress styles tend to be quite formal, but
due to the humid climate, heavy suits are rare. However, meetings
with senior management tend to be slightly more formal and jackets
are usually worn. Men generally wear shirts, slacks and a tie while
women wear below-the-knee skirts and blouses. Pants-suits for women
are quite rare. Shaking hands is not a popular form of greeting and
the wai (putting cupped hands in front of oneself and bowing
slightly) is more acceptable. Thais use first names rather than
surnames preceded by Kuhn for both men and women. As with many
Asian nations, giving gifts to business associates is generally a
good idea. When receiving gifts, don't open them in front of the
giver. Wait to be introduced to others, as it is an indication of
rank. Often the hierarchical structures favour the elders in a
group and respect must be given accordingly.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Thailand do not have to pay duty on 200
cigarettes, 250g tobacco or equivalent amount of cigars, 1 litre of
alcohol, 1 camera with 5 rolls of film or 1 movie camera with 3
rolls of 8 or 16 mm film. Goods to the value of Bt10,000 per person
for non-residents with transit visas and Bt20,000 per person for
holders of tourist visas are allowed. Family allowances are double
the individual allowances. Prohibited items include firearms and
ammunition without licenses, fireworks, and drugs. Trafficking in
drugs carries the maximum penalty. Restrictions apply to meat
imported from countries affected by BSE or mad cow and
foot-and-mouth diseases. Antiques or objects of art and religious
articles may not be exported without a license.
Communications:
The international country dialling code for Thailand is +66. The
outgoing code is 001, followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
00144 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g.
Bangkok is (0)2 and Chiang Mai is (0)53. To dial a mobile in
Thailand an 8 must precede the city code. International direct dial
facilities are available throughout most of the country. Mobile
phone networks cover most towns, cities and holiday resorts;
operators use GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 networks. Internet cafes are
available in the main towns and resorts.