|
Thailand guide
Positioned at the meeting point of two
great cultural systems of Asia - China and India, Thailand is a country like no other. In
every day life, Chinese culture has mixed very well with that of
India, which is based on Buddhism and Brahmanism, extending a strong
influence that is both fascinating and intriguing.
Still despite these two very important influences, Thailand has a very
special and individual character of it’s own. A big part of Thailand’s unique
individuality is due to the fact it has never been colonized by Europe and in fact the
name Thailand means land of the free.
COUNTRY
Thailand covers an area of 517, 000 sq. Km and is bordered by Myanmar (Burma),
Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. From the north of the country down to the south, Thailand can
boast just about every type of landscape and environment. It is said that the only thing
you can not get here is snow.
In the north of Thailand the mountain scenery and lush green hills offer a
gateway into the history of the many different hill tribe villages. At the opposite end of
the country and in total contrast to the north Thailand offers some of the best beach
resorts in Asia.
CLIMATE
Thailand is a tropical country and as such always hot and sticky. The
lesser-visited northeast can often be the hottest part of the country.
There are three main seasons (as shown below). The temperature in Bangkok varies very
little but in the northern regions it can actually get quite chilly at certain times of
the year. (Based on Bangkok)
PEOPLE
The Thai people are certainly one the biggest assets of Thailand. It
doesn’t matter if you can speak their language or if they can speak yours. Thai
people will always be gracious and are the perfect hosts for any occasion.
RELIGION
Buddhism is the most dominant religion in Thailand. Throughout the country you
will see many glorious temples (Wat) and monuments of the Lord Buddha. Buddhism is more a
way of life than a religion and it plays a key part on the general nature of the people,
they are far more relaxed and carefree.
Other religions do exist in Thailand and the King protects everyone’s religious
choice.
LANGUAGE
For the many visitors who come to Thailand learning the language can prove to be
quite a challenge. The Thai language is quite complex, for example one sound with five
different tones to mean five different things. All Thai people appreciate the visitor who
attempts to learn and try a few words so best be prepared:
Hello / Goodbye = Sawasdee + Khrap (male) Kha(female)
How are you? = Khun sabai dii, mai.
Well, thank you. = Sabai dii, Khapkhun.
Thank you. = Khapkhun.
Never mind = Mai pen rai.
I cannot speak Thai. = Phuut Thai mai dai.
At the end of each phrase or sentence it is usual to add Khrap for men or
Kha for women. These words are also used as an affirmative response.
ETIQUETTE
Religion and the Thai Monarchy are the two most sacred things in Thailand. Almost
all types of behavior are tolerated as long it doesn’t insult one of these.
If you are intending to visit the many temples in Thailand please adhere to local advice
about the dress code. Shorts and short sleeve tops are not acceptable attire and remember
to remove your shoes (especially applicable to the Grand Palace).
When greeting someone in Thailand you would not shake hands but instead
"Wai" This is done by placing the palm of you hands together (prayer style) and
bow gently. If somebody wai’s you remember to return the gesture.
People are usually addressed by their first name and by using the prefix Khun.
For example Billy Smith would be Khun Billy.
TIPPING
Tipping is not as common in Thailand as it is in other part of the world and you
certainly do not see Thai people waiting with their hands out. In bars and restaurants it
in common for a service charge to already be included. In such cases you should not leave
a tip unless you want to. It is always good to reward a job well done and a small tip for
hotel porters or a helpful taxi driver for example would be gratefully received.
MONEY
The local currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. One Baht is divided into one
hundred stang.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES/CREDIT CARDS
US Dollar travellers cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and
authorized money changers. Travellers cheques in other currencies are best changed in
Bangkok where better rates prevail. Rates of exchange can vary so it is wise to shop
around. Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand and you will find plenty of
ATM’s (24 Hour cash dispensers) in large cities and resorts
PASSPORT AND VISAS
All visitors entering Thailand must possess a valid passport. Most nationalities
do not require a visa for a stay up to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward
travel. Longer visits require a visa from Thai embassies and consulates, tourist
visa’s permit stays up to 90 days, please contact your nearest Thai Embassy or
consulate for full details.
Do I need a visa? Temporary visitors who are exempted from applying for entry
visa must have a valid passport onward travel ticket and be of the nationality of:
Americas - Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, USA
Asia - Bahrain, Brunei, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman,
Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, United Arab
Emirates
Pacific - Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Western Samoa
Africa - Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa,
Tunisia, Yemen
Europe - Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, French, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovene, Spain, Sweden, UK
Persons meeting the above conditions are exempted from visa requirements and are
permitted to remain in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days, except for the
nationals of the Republic of Korea and New Zealand who are permitted to stay in Thailand
for a maximum 90 days from the date of entry.
Temporary visitors visas are issued on arrival from Don Muang Airport Bangkok,
Chiang Mai Airport, Phuket airport and Hat Yai airport.
As visa requirements are subject to short notice change we advise that you
confirm your visa requirements from Thai Embassies and consulates before traveling.
HEALTH
You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible and
ensure that vaccinations or preventive measures such as malaria tablets are taken early
enough (which may be a month or more prior to your departure.)
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
include typhoid, polio, malaria, cholera, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B,
hepatitis E, Japanese encephalitis, amoebic and bacillary dysentery, trachoma, rabies,
tuberculosis. For detailed information we would strongly recommend you contact your
doctor. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of
age arriving from infected areas. Countries and areas included in endemic zones are
considered to be infected area. It is essential to use a sunblock when at the beach or
when exposed to the sun for any length of time.
CLOTHING
Casual cottons are perhaps the best things to pack for your trip to Thailand.
Beach resorts are invariably more relaxed on dress codes than Bangkok especially in some
hotels.
There are strict rules on dress codes for visiting temples. Ask for local advice if in
doubt.
HOLIDAYS
Customs and Holidays Many of Thailand’s holidays are religious events. As
such they are determined by the lunar calendar.
Public Holidays 2000
6 April - Chakri Day
13-15 April - Songkran " Thai New Year"
1 May - Labour Day
5 May - Coronation Day
17 May - Visakha Bucha Day
16 July - Asalaha Puja Day
17 July - Buddhist Monk Day
12 August - Her Majesty the queen’s Birthday
23 October - Chulalongkorn Day
5 December - His Majesty the King’s Birthday
10 December - Constitution Day
31 December - New Year’s Eve
BUSINESS HOURS
It’s sometimes difficult to establish business hours in Thailand, some guidelines are
Banks 09.30 hr 15.30 hr Monday Friday closed on public holidays
Bank currency exchange centers 09.00 hr 21.00 hr seven days a week including most public
and bank holidays
Government Offices:- Generally open 08.30 16.30 hr Monday Friday with a 12.00 hr 13.00 hr
lunch break, closed on public holidays.
Department Stores/Malls: Open various hours, many for 12 hours or more, seven days a week.
ELECTRICITY
Thailand operates on 220 volt, 50 cycle AC power. A travel plug adapter kit may
be required as American & European style 2- pin plugs are in use.
TRAVEL
Air Thai Airways International (TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG) run services to all
major towns.
Airport tax: Outgoing passengers on international flights must pay 500 baht per person. 30
baht per person is collected for domestic flights, except Samui flights, where 100 baht
per person is collected at Samui airport.
River taxis are available in Bangkok. They ply the Chao Phraya River and serve the many
landing stages on both banks. They cover a route up to the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.
Rail
An efficient rail service links all major towns with the exception of Phuket. Northern and
north-eastern towns are linked with Bangkok (terminus is Hualampong station). Regular
western and southern routes out of Bangkok (Thonburi station) enable travel by train to
Kanchanaburi province and to southern Thailand. On express trains, sleepers are available.
Journeys are leisurely but comfortable. Advance tickets are available at all principal
stations.
By Road
Bus
Intercity bus services link to all corners of the country. Fares are cheap and the buses
often crowded. Privately owned air-conditioned buses are comfortable and reasonably
priced. They can be booked in advance through major hotels and travel agents and some bus
terminals.
Taxi There are three types of taxi which operate day and night
a) metered-taxi: Ensure the driver turns on the meter before commencing your journey
b) unmetered-taxi: Agree the fare before commencing your journey
c) tuk-tuk: These are 3 wheeled open-air vehicles. Best for shorter trips during off peak
hours. Agree a fare before commencing your journey. In wet weather, riding in a tuk-tuk
can be dangerous.
Make sure you have change as taxi drivers often don’t. Tipping is not expected.
Passengers must pay for any expressway way tolls.
Car Self drive and chauffeur driven cars are widely available in major cities and resorts.
A valid International driver’s license is required. Traffic drives on the left.
Journey times
The following table gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Bangkok.
Air Road Rail
Chiang Rai 1.20 12.30 -
Chiang Mai 1.00 10.30 14.30
Hat Yai 1.20 15.00 17.30
Hua Hin 0.40 2.45 4.00
Pattaya - 3.15 -
Phuket 1.10 11.00 -
Samui 1.20 13.30 14.45
|
