Essential info for Thailand
Time: In Thailand the local time is GMT +7.
Electricity: The country has an electrical current of 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Typically, both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.
Language: The official language of Thailand is Thai, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Health: Outside of Bangkok and other major tourist resort centres, malaria is known to be a risk. It is also advisable for expats to have immunisations against Hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected areas.
Cases of dengue fever are reported to be on the rise, 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.
It is recommended that expats 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 well cooked.
HIV/AIDS is still 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: Most restaurants and hotels add a 10 percent service charge. Tipping is not expected, but in places frequented by tourists it is becoming more of the norm. A 10 percent service charge is added to the bill at most hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not need to be tipped.
Safety: 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 expats moving to Thailand should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist resorts. Avoid the border areas and only camp in designated places.
Those relocating to major cities are advised to secure their passports and credit cards and not carry too much money or jewellery. In Bangkok, expats 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 reports of drinks being drugged.
Incidents of sexual assault do occur and females 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. Further attacks could take place in areas frequented by foreigners. Thai authorities have put security measures in place throughout the country, including Bangkok. Several explosions have occurred in Bangkok.
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.
Local 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: Thailand sees a lot of foreigners every year and although they are used to Western practices it is still important to observe their cultural differences. 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. 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. Formal, conservative attire is favoured. Business hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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 cafés are available in the main towns and resorts.
Electricity: The country has an electrical current of 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Typically, both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.
Language: The official language of Thailand is Thai, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Health: Outside of Bangkok and other major tourist resort centres, malaria is known to be a risk. It is also advisable for expats to have immunisations against Hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected areas.
Cases of dengue fever are reported to be on the rise, 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.
It is recommended that expats 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 well cooked.
HIV/AIDS is still 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: Most restaurants and hotels add a 10 percent service charge. Tipping is not expected, but in places frequented by tourists it is becoming more of the norm. A 10 percent service charge is added to the bill at most hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers do not need to be tipped.
Safety: 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 expats moving to Thailand should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist resorts. Avoid the border areas and only camp in designated places.
Those relocating to major cities are advised to secure their passports and credit cards and not carry too much money or jewellery. In Bangkok, expats 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 reports of drinks being drugged.
Incidents of sexual assault do occur and females 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. Further attacks could take place in areas frequented by foreigners. Thai authorities have put security measures in place throughout the country, including Bangkok. Several explosions have occurred in Bangkok.
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.
Local 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: Thailand sees a lot of foreigners every year and although they are used to Western practices it is still important to observe their cultural differences. 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. 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. Formal, conservative attire is favoured. Business hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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 cafés are available in the main towns and resorts.
