Thailand Travel Service
Welcome to Thailand! Situated in Southeast Asia, Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist kingdom almost equidistant from India and China. Known by outsiders as Siam for centuries, Thailand has been something of a Southeast Asian migratory, cultural, and religious crossroads. Thailand offers over 1,000 miles of coastline of white sandy beaches, bays and coves, with many beach and island activities for people of all ages. Visitors can experience a revitalizing Thai massage in the “heavenly land of spas” or go shopping in one of Thailand’s upscale shopping malls, high street shops, bustling markets, and back street stalls. Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world, made up of the Thailand’s four main regions - Northern, Northeastern, Central and Southern.
Travel to Thailand and experience all that Thailand has to offer! |
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Geography
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
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Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity).
Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.
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History
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only South-East Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power, and fiercely proud of the fact. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict. After a string of military dictatorships and quickly toppled civilian presidents, Thailand finally stabilized into a fair approximation of a democracy and the economy, hobbled by the 1997 Asian economic crisis, is booming once again. Above it all presides the King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the world’s longest-reigning monarch and a deeply loved and respected figure of nearmythic proportions.
In September 2006, a swift and bloodless military coup endorsed by the King overthrew the previous democratically elected but widely criticized government, promising elections in late 2007. Although martial law still applies and political gatherings are restricted, there has been no violence, no curfews are in effect, there is no longer any significant military presence in public places, and all services are functioning normally. |
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Religion
Buddhism (95%), Muslim (4%), others (1%)
People
Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hilltribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Language
Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.
Manners
Thais are very easy going and would rarely tell you if you are doing something that offends them. However, here are few things to think about before you arrive:
- Heads: Never touch an adult on the head. Thais consider the head to be the highest part of the body (spiritually) and would feel incredibly uncomfortable if you were to do so. Children under the age of 10 can be touched on the head in a playful manner, but the best rule of thumb is just to not do so.
- Feet: On the opposite side of things, Thais consider the feet to be the lowest part of the body (spiritually) therefore it is extremely rude to do almost anything but walk with them. Do not put them up on chairs, ledges, etc to relax. Do not gain someone’s attention by tapping him or her with your foot.
- Naughty Bits: Do not tan nude at any time in Thailand. Thais consider it very inappropriate and rude to expose your private bits and pieces in public. It doesn’t matter if you see others on thebeach doing it – the Thais don’t like it; as mentioned before they are just too polite to tell you.
- Royalty: Refrain from speaking publicly about the Royal Family of Thailand. Thais highly revere all members of the Royal Family, to the point that it is almost rude to speak publicly about them out of respect. Never speak about any past or present Royal Family members passing away either.
- Monks: Women must never come into physical contact with or directly hand anything to a monk.
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Places to Visit
Set within a lush tropical landscape, Thailand is a theatre of cultural and sensual contrasts for the visitor. The long, rich heritage and abundant natural resources of this proud Buddhist nation make the country one of the most popular destinations in Asia.
Thailand is located in a fertile monsoon belt midway between India and China, the two civilizations that have moulded Southeast Asia. But the Thais have long delighted in their distinctive culture. For instance, though the Tai (rather than Thai) ethnic group probably originated in Southern China sometime in the first millennium AD, their tonal language is quite unlike any form of Chinese. Moreover, the elegant Thai script, though derived from that of ancient Southern India, is distinct. Its food as well has a world renowned taste and importance, as the Thais have created their own unique method of preparation which produces an astronomical delight.
Blessed with mountains and rivers, beaches and islands, Thailand has something for everyone and at all levels of interest and comfort. You could be trekking in the highlands and riding elephants, and then retiring to your deluxe boutique hotel in the evening. Or spending days studying Thai cooking and learning about the ancient art of massage; Thailand has it all.
The range of products available for shoppers is unsurpassed, as is the gentleness of the Thai people which makes for a great location to spend some time. |
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Visa Procedures for Thailand
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfa.go.th) oversees immigration and visas issues. Check the website or the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for application procedures and costs. In the past five years there have been some shifting rules on visas and visa extensions; Thaivisa (www.thaivisa.com) stays abreast of any changes and developments.
Tourist Visas & Exemptions
The Thai government allows tourist-visa exemptions for 41 different nationalities, including those from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and most of Europe, to enter the country without a prearranged visa. Do note that in 2008, the length of stay for citizens from exempted countries was slightly altered from years past. For those arriving in the kingdom by air, a 30-day visa is issued without a fee.
For those arriving via a land border, the arrival visa has been shortened to 15 days (no fee is charged). The exception to this rule is for Malaysian nationals who will still receive a 30-day visa if arriving via a land border.
Without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for one’s projected stay any visitor can be denied entry, but in practise your ticket and funds are rarely checked if you’re dressed neatly for the immigration check.
If you plan to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days (or 15 days for land arrivals), you should apply for the 60-day tourist visa from a Thai consulate or embassy before your trip. Obtaining a tourist visa is a good idea for overland travellers who need more time in Thailand than the land-arrival visa allows. Alternatively you can extend your visa in Thailand but it will be cheaper and you’ll get more time if you arrange for a tourist visa before your arrival. Contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate to obtain application procedures and fees for tourist visas.
Non-Immigrant Visas
The Non-Immigrant Visa is good for 90 days and is intended for foreigners entering the country for business, study, retirement and extended family visits. There are multiple-entry visas available in this visa class; you’re more likely to be granted multiple entries if you apply at a Thai consulate in Europe, the US or Australia than elsewhere. If you plan to apply for a Thai work permit, you’ll need to possess a Non-Immigrant Visa first.
Visa Extensions & Renewals
You can apply at any immigration office in Thailand for visa extensions. Most foreigners use the Bangkok immigration office (tel:0 2287 3101; Soi Suan Phlu, Th Sathon Tai; 9am-noon & 1-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat) or the Chiang Mai immigration office (tel:0 5320 1755-6; Th Mahidon; 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri) for extensions of most types of visa. The usual fee for a visa extension is 1900B.
Those issued with a standard stay of 15 or 30 days can extend their stay for seven to 10 days (depending on the immigration office) if the extension is handled before the visa expires. The 60-day tourist visa can be extended by up to 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities.
Another visa renewal option is to cross a land border. Since 2006, Thailand has been tweaking the border visa rules in an attempt to crackdown on foreigners who work or live in the country illegally (ie without the proper documentation). As of 2008, passport holders from visa-exempt countries could only obtain a 15-day visa upon arrival at a land border. The 30-day visa is still available if you arrive by air and many expats have been booking flights to nearby Kuala Lumpur for their ‘visa runs’. There was a short-lived limit placed on the number of times immigration would grant a stay to visitors crossing the land borders, but this seems to have been lifted with the new 15-day land visas. If you’re arriving in Thailand via a land border and would like to stay longer than 15 days, you should consider securing a tourist visa from a Thai embassy or consulate in whichever country you’ll be visiting prior to your arrival in the kingdom.
For all types of visa extensions, bring along two passport-sized photos and one copy each of the photo and visa pages of your passport. Remember to dress neatly and do all visa extensions yourself, rather than hiring a third party.
If you overstay your visa, the usual penalty is a fine of 500B per day, with a 20,000B limit. Fines can be paid at the airport or in advance at an immigration office. If you’ve overstayed only one day, you don’t have to pay. Children under 14 travelling with a parent do not have to pay the penalty.
Foreign residents in Thailand should arrange visa extensions at the immigration office closest to their in-country address; this is a recent procedural change so check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more details.
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Getting around Thailand
Thailand is a modern country with a modern public transport network. The country has an extensive range of airports and its domestic air routes make even the farthest flung corners of the kingdom accessible to the visitor. Thailand also has an excellent road and rail system complemented by a very cost-efficient urban bus services and an intercity bus and coach system that links the entire country and provides even the most advanced countries with a genuine definition of efficiency and convenience. But where the public transport system doesn't reach, the entrepreneurs take over and imagination kicks in. As a result, there are some pretty unique methods of transport on offer. What follows is an overview of some of the types of transportation you might experience on your trip to Thailand.
The 'Taxi-Meter'
Before the introduction of the 'Taxi Meter' you could spend 10 minutes arguing over the price of a journey. That's all changed, and Taxi Meters are standard as far as cost is concerned - prices start at 35 Baht (just less than a dollar) and it's 2 Baht a kilometre after that, all charged on a meter! However, these days you can be drawn into a discussion on where you are going - taxi drivers have the right to refuse a fare if it is not 'economically viable' and they often have a very broad interpretation of this rule! Whereas London is famous for black cabs, Thailand is famous for taxis sporting every colour under the sun. One thing to remember: Yellow and Green taxis are owned by the driver. As such it's their business and the likelihood is they will know what they are doing. Other colours are owned by taxi companies and although there has been a major push for educating taxi drivers recently, some may not have been in town very long and they might not really know the area. There are odd occasions when you might have to give them directions! Note of caution: if you pick up a taxi at the airport in Bangkok you will get a 50 Baht surcharge - this is legitimate. The airport isn't exactly in Bangkok and the surcharge is for intercity travel. In addition, you pay for any expressway and toll-way fees! Be warned! However, taxi travel is not expensive a good option for visitors. Enjoy it!
The Motorcycle Taxi
Not for the feint hearted - the Motorcycle Taxi is fast, cheap, convenient, exhilarating, and often, a bit dangerous! Get on the wrong one and you can be in for a white knuckle ride! You'll recognise a Motorcycle Taxi by the fact the rider is wearing a vest of some description (blue, orange, any number of colours) with a
number on the back over his shirt. The cost of the trip is entirely dependent on where you are going and sometimes how much you weigh! For short distances expect to pay 20-40 Baht. The standard price from one end of a Soi to another is 5 Baht. This form of transport is not recommended for long journeys! You should wear a helmet or the rider can be fined. Note of caution: most of the helmets they offer you will be cheap plastic affairs with little safety value! Don't expect them to save your life! If you are over 100 kilograms the fact is you might burst a tyre. If you do, you owe 150 Baht on top of your fare! It happens more often than you think. The cities, especially Bangkok, wouldn't work with out Motorcycle Taxis, but don't imagine if anything does go wrong you are covered by insurance - you aren't! This is a full-on risk-laden form of transport, but one you'll quickly get addicted to if you start using it.
The Bus System
The bus system in Thailand is well organised, cheap and efficient. In cities a bus ticket costs around 3.50 Baht for a standard bus without air-conditioning on a journey of up to 8 kilometres. This is amazingly cheap if you think about it, but they do pack them in, and you might on occasions be sharing a bus with a LOT of people! Air-conditioned buses on inner-city bus routes cost up to 20 Baht per trip depending on the destination and type of bus, smaller air-conditioned buses being the most expensive. These prices are likely to go up soon (as of 27 June 2005) as the price of oil goes up worldwide. However, comparing costs of public transport in places like London, you really are onto a winner!
The Tuk-Tuk
Thailand's ubiquitous form of transport. In London you have the Black Cab; in Bangkok you have the 'Tuk-Tuk' (meaning 'every' in Thai). Equally at home carrying a single tourist , 9 or 10 schoolboys or half the contents of a huge warehouse, the Tuk-Tuk is the all purpose, all terrain vehicle of Southeast Asia. There was a bit of a campaign a few years ago to rid the capital's streets of the three-wheeled Tuk-Tuk, but as the campaign got going it became very clear this vehicle is very much a part of the national identity. The swing has gone so much in the Tuk-Tuk's favour that Thailand recently blocked moves to give a similar vehicle in the United States the same name. To hire a Tuk-Tuk you have to negotiate the price with the driver. Often, the Tuk-Tuk is not cheaper than a taxi, especially on shorter journeys. However, if you are coming to Thailand, and you don't have at least one Tuk-Tuk journey, you are missing out!
Intercity Coaches
Thailand is connected by an excellent bus/coach system for longer inter-province/intercity travel. Buses leave for most cities in Thailand from centralised stations (like Morchit in northern Bangkok) daily and round the clock. For an example of costs, Bangkok to Rayong (eastern Thailand) is a journey of 220 kilometres and costs around 90 Baht). Excellent way to see the country and genuinely efficient.
Long-tail speedboats
Long-tail speedboats are motorcycle taxis on water; sometimes a bit messy, they occasionally feel a bit dangerous, but above all, fast! Whether you want to cross the river or get to an island, these guys will be ready to give you a pretty exhilarating trip!
Transport specific to certain areas
The Bicycle Rickshaw
Yes, they still exist in Thailand… The Bicycle Rickshaw is still prevalent in the certain provinces, especially areas such as border towns where there are
reasonable numbers of people passing through but the area might not be as developed as major cities. Costs vary being a bit less than as motorcycle taxis, but obviously a lot slower. You might end up paying out a lot in tips - they work so hard! Have mercy; the average Samlaew driver is half the size of the average European or North American!
The 'Baht Bus'
The Baht Bus no longer costs 1 Baht; expect charges of between 5 Baht and 20 Baht depending on where you are and what you are doing. The Baht Bus is particularly associated with Pattaya where all major attractions are in a limited area and Baht Buses simply circle the area and pick people up. Round and round - they are always there…
Just climb in the back, and when you arrive at your destination, bang on the driver's window. Pay your fare when you get out. It couldn't be more convenient!
The 'Ferry Boat'
Like most cities with rivers in Thailand, Bangkok's has regular ferries taking people from one side of its main artery, the Chao Praya River, to the other. Of course in the south, where there's extensive travel between the mainland and Thailand's islands, ferries are bigger affairs, carrying passengers and cars.
Costs certainly vary - a trip across a river could be as low a cost as 1 or 2 Baht; a journey to one of the far off islands, obviously, much more.
The 'Express Boat'
Express boats run down rivers stopping at each quay and picking up passengers. With fares of only 4-10 Baht, if they are heading in your direction, they are the quickest way of getting anywhere, especially in Bangkok. |
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Currency
The Thai unit of currency is the baht. Notes are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green). Coins consist of, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.
Major currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers. Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores.
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard and - with exceptions - American Express are accepted in virtually every hotel in major cities throughout the country, as well as in most stores and restaurants.
Health
Being a tropical country, Thailand has its fair share of exotic tropical diseases. Malaria is generally not a problem in any of the major tourist destinations, but is endemic in rural areas along the borders with Cambodia (including Ko Chang in Trat Province), Laos and Myanmar. As is the case throughout South-East Asia, dengue fever can be encountered just about anywhere, including the most modern cities. The best way to avoid any health problems while in Thailand is to take proper pre-departure preparations. Please contact your local Health Authority or family doctor to receive proper, accurate and personal advice to meet your individual needs.
Security
When planning your trip abroad, take steps to protect yourself from crime or theft. Thailand is a relatively a safe destination, with a low record of petty crime experienced by travelers but crimes against travelers are a growing problem worldwide.
Communication
Telephone
The country code is 66, the area code for Bangkok is 02. International calls from international hotels cost between US $3 and US $5 per minute.
Mobile Telephone
More roaming contracts being signed with cellular phone providers in different countries.
Time Zone
Standard time in Thailand is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), 7 hours ahead of GMT, 12 hours ahead of time in New York, 3 hours behind time in Sydney.
Electricity
Electricity: 220V / 50V. |
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Eating & Drinking
The food alone is really reason enough for a trip to Thailand. Curries, fruit shakes, stir fries, fresh fish made a zillion ways - and that’s just the beginning. Food in Thailand can be as cheap and easy as 20 baht phat thai (Thai fried noodles) cooked at a street stall or as expensive and complicated as a $100 ten-course meal by a royal chef served in one of Bangkok’s 5 star hotels.
Travellers should worry more about overeating or too much curry spice than about unclean kitchens and bad food. In fact, street restaurants, where you can see what you’ll get and everything is cooked on the spot (usually in a pool of germ- and diet-killing vegetable oil) can be the safest option.
Tap water is usually not drinkable in Thailand. Bottled water (naam plao) is cheap and ubiquitous at 5-10 baht a bottle, and drinking water served in restaurants is always at least boiled . Ice (naam khaeng) in Thailand usually comes packaged straight from the factory and is safe; there is only reason to worry if you are served hand-cut ice.
Shopping
Thailand is a shopper’s paradise and many visitors to Bangkok in particular end up spending much of their time in the countless markets and malls. Particularly good buys are clothing, both cheap locally produced street wear and fancy Thai silk, and all sorts of handicrafts. Electronics and computer gear are also widely available, but prices are higher than in Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
A Thai speciality are the night markets found in almost every town, the largest and best-known of which include Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok and the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. Here a variety of vendors from designers to handicraft sellers have stalls selling goods which cannot normally be found in malls and day markets.
Haggling is the norm and Thai’s will to charge you as much as they think you can afford to pay which is usually much more than an item is worth. It’s not uncommon to buy something, walk outside, and find somebody who bought the same item for half or one third what you paid (or even less). Especially if they ask where you are from, avoid telling them if you an American because they assume all Americans are rich. |
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