Thailand - Personal Experience

Travel Stories - An Unforgettable and Enjoyable trip in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

2011-05-29T06:11:00.001-07:00

"Whether the trip is enjoyable and unforgettable or not, it all depends on whom you go with and share the happy moments and experiences together."

I was back from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai by the end of Sep 2010. Chiang Mai is de facto capital of Northern Thailand and the heart of Lanna culture while Chiang Rai is a gateway to the Golden Triangle, ethnic minorities and mountain trekking. Both places are different from Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui, they do not have coastline but surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital.

Tips:

1. Upon arriving Chiang Mai Airport, don’t forget to take a tour map at customer services centre, you would find it very useful and easy to locate yourself, sightseeing spots, temples, night bazaar, restaurants along the riverside and etc.

2. No worries regarding transportation in Chiang Mai/ Chiang Rai, just you need is to have the address of those places that you want to go, preferred in Thai language, and simply take a tuk tuk or taxi. You may rent a car with or without driver.

Recommended Activities:

1. Temple Visit As traditional centers of merit making, temples are the best places to see Buddhist ceremonies. Chiang Mai has a picturesque historical aura with over 300 temples. The group of temples is a big sightseeing to take. If you just have half day visit to temples, you may visit those with different architectural design, i.e. Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh and etc. The one that I highly recommend is Wat Rong Khun, the white temple. It is located in Chiang Rai province about 170km from Chiang Mai on highway No.1, it takes around 3 hours drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, you could rent a car or join day tour to visit Wat Rong Khun, and also the Golden Triangle and the Padong (long-necked Karen hill tribe). Wat Rong Khun is totally different from any other temples in Thailand, as it is designed in white color with some use of white glass while other temples are mostly in gold color. It is really worth to visit though taking long travelling hours.

2. Chiang Mai Night Safari If you like to have chance to interact with giraffe, zebra, deer and other animals closely, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the place that you probably should visit. It takes around 30-40mins from the heart of Chiang Mai to the Night Safari. The 2 exciting tram tours walking through natural trail starts at 7pm. It is suggested to arrive there at 4:30pm or 5pm, walk along the park for 1.5 hour and followed by dinner before the tram riding. So you won’t get back to hotel too late after the tram riding and the shows.

3. Night Bazaar and Night life at Restaurant along Riverside at Chiang Mai Apart of the above, we wandered round the night bazaar. The night bazaar is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chiang Mai and located in the heart of the city, on the Chan Klan road. Some nice restaurants could be found inside the market, cheap price with good food. Or you may have dinner at restaurants along riverside; we really had a good time there, it was so relaxing having dinner with the live band music. Better to make reservation and request for table that can enjoy the river view.

4. Adventure Tour If you like enjoying exciting experience and love discovering extreme sports, adventure tour in Chiang Mai must be included in your travel itinerary. Firstly, we had fun-filled activity of elephant riding through the jungle along the riverside forest and then continued by mountain biking from the local village through dirt road and beautiful forest. Weather on that day was not good and it rained suddenly, however, it gave us the experiences of riding under the heavy rain; enjoy the feeling of the freedom. And then followed by 4+level base water rafting trip in Mea Teang River…should be 5+level base after the heavy rain. It was so exciting and unforgettable.

5. Spa and Massage Don’t forget having massage in a luxurious spas or a famous traditional Thai massage during your trip as a rejuvenating spa treatment in Thailand offers the perfect antidote after a long day of shopping and sightseeing.

With wonderful tasty food, tropical climate, fascinating culture, interesting activities, night life, wonderful tourist attractions both inland and coastline such as islands, crystal beaches, under the sea, mountains, waterfall, natural forests, sightseeing, and historical places, Thailand is definitely a magnet and easiest exotic country for all travellers over the world. No matter, how many times you have been there, you will never feel bored.

Last but not least, you never know what will happen next, i.e. weather may change suddenly, rain like cats and dogs and that may affect your travel plan, so you always need to be flexible. This really did happened in our trip, however, we enjoy it as a most important, whether the trip is enjoyable and unforgettable or not, it all depends on whom you go with and share the happy moments and experiences together. Wish you all enjoy your trip in the near future with your sweet buddies.

Top Questions related to Thailand

2011-05-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

Questions

What's Thailand’s climate like?
Are there any poisonous/dangerous animals in Thailand?
Is it safe to drink the water?
What is the voltage of electricity supply?Do I need to take a converter?
What is the capital of Thailand?
Are there any international schools in Thailand?
Is it safe to walk the streets at night?
What languages are spoken in Thailand?
Where are the foreign embassies?
What are some cultural Do’s and Don’t in Thailand?
Are Internet and email facilities widely available in Thailand?
When is the best time in the year to visit Thailand?
What is there to see and do?
Is English widely spoken?
Can I buy a SIM card for my cell phone?
Is it convenient to make phone calls in Thailand?What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers?
What are the work days and hours in Thailand?What about shops and stores hours?
What should I do if I lost my passport while traveling in Thailand?
What important phone numbers should I be aware of?
I am considering moving to Thailand, where can I get relocation information?

Answers
What's Thailand’s climate like?

There are three seasons in Thailand, although what they are called and when they start is subject to much debate.

The Summer “hot” season runs essentially from March through to June, with temperatures between 33 C – 48 C in the day, and not below 27 C at night.

The Monsoon “rainy” season runs from July through to November with frequent heavy rain around 5.00pm.

The temperatures range from 32 C during the day to 16 C at night.

The winter “cool” season runs from November through to February with temperatures at 32C during the day, to a bearable 16 C at night, although in the North, it could be as low as 12 C.

This also doubles up as the dry season During the rainiest months of July to November, we recommend that you pack a light waterproof jacket and a pair of closed shoes.

For an up to date weather report, go to the Thai met-office website http://www.thaimet.tmd.go.th

Are there any poisonous/dangerous animals in Thailand?

Mostly, poisonous animals are found in forests. While participating in an adventurous trip in or near the forest you should be aware of dangerous animals, such as snakes and centipedes.

While there certainly are deadly snakes in Thailand it is extremely uncommon for visitors to see one, let alone be attacked and killed by one.

Furthermore, there are no man-eating sharks endemic to Thai waters and one’s risk of being killed by a wild tiger is far lower than a road accident.

Dangerous wild animals are not a serious concern for travelers to Thailand.

The following are the most dangerous animals you may come across.

Thailand has poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipedes and jellyfish.

If you see a centipede, do not try to hold it or touch it, they have an extremely painful sting and if you are stung by one, you will be off your feet for days.

Scorpions like to hide in clothing that's been left on the floor, in shoes, under logs etc.

Snakes can turn up anywhere, even in the cities. If you are bitten, call for help immediately but try not to panic as snake bites are easily survivable and treatments are available everywhere.

You should use caution when bathing in the sea. Swimmers have received fatal stings from jellyfish. Certain varieties are very dangerous and are found in coastal waters all around Thailand.

Generally, jellyfish stings are just painful and don't pose a threat to life. but you should be aware of the dangers.

Is it safe to drink the water?

Despite the fact that the authorities have made efforts to make tap water meet World Health Organization standards, very few people drink tap water in Thailand, even the local population. Bottled water is widely used instead.

Some people actually boil tap water before use, but this will not remove chemical toxins or remnants of whatever else was there before boiling. You should also be careful with ice, as freezing does not protect you from bacteria, viruses or chemicals.

Brushing your teeth with tap water is considered to be safe, although those with very sensitive stomachs may occasionally experience problems.

In restaurants, you will find the water to be generally safe. You can always buy small bottles if you like but make sure the seal has not been broken.

However, you should be very careful with street vendors and street food stalls. The biggest risk is actually from the cleanliness of the glasses themselves.

You can become very ill indeed if you are not careful.

Drink directly from the bottle if you are in any doubt.

Don't worry too much about the ice that is served in cafes etc as they usually have the ice delivered to them from government inspected ice factories.

What is the voltage of electricity supply?Do I need to take a converter?

The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 cycles per second.

Most receptacles in Thailand have two prongs, missing the third earth prong at the bottom. However, the newest office and condominium dwellings usually offer the third prong due to increased awareness of the importance of grounding for both safety and equipment damage reasons.

What is the capital of Thailand?

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (the rough translation of Krung Thep is “City of Angles”) is the capital city of Thailand.

It is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand, and is the 22nd most populous city in the world.

Bangkok has a recorded population of about 7 million, but the actual number is thought to be much higher.

The city is a major economic and financial center of Southeast Asia. Bangkok has one of the fastest rates in the world for construction of high rise buildings. The city's wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Bangkok became the capital around 1782 when “King Rama I” decided to move across the river from Thonburi, as he thought it was a better place to defend the city from invaders.

Former Capitals include the cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, now both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Are there any international schools in Thailand?

American Education System

International School of Bangkok

International Community School

Nakorn Payap International School (Chiang Mai)

Ruamrudee International School

International Education System

Kesinee International School

Prem Tinsulanonda International School (Chiang Mai)

National Curriculum for England and Wales

Dulwich International College (Phuket)

Harrow International School

Modern International School

American Education System

American Pacific International School

Bangkok: 1000/133 Soi Tonglor, Sukhumvit 55 road,

Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Tel: (02) 381-4988 to 9

Fax: (02) 381-4987

Chiang Mai:158/1 Moo 3, HangDong to Samoeng Road,

Ban Pong, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230 Thailand

Tel: (053) 365-303, 356-305

Fax: (053) 365-304

Bangkok International Academic School

Address: 959/44, Soi Prichatower, Patanakan Soi 44 Rd.

Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 Thailand

Tel: (02) 322-1979, 1983

Fax: (02) 322-1978

Chiang Mai International School

Address: P.O. Box 38, 13 Chetupon RoadChiang Mai 50000

Tel: (053) 242-027, 306-152

Fax: (053) 242-455

Ekamai International School

Address: 57 Soi Charoenchai, Ekamai 12, Sukhumvit 63,

Bangkok 10110

Tel: (02) 391-3593

Fax: (02) 381-4622

International School of Bangkok

Address: 39/7 Soi Nichada Thani Samakee Road, Pakkret

Nonthaburi 11120 Thailand

Tel: (02) 583-5401 to 10

Fax: (02) 583-5431

E-mail: usomboon@isb.ac.th

International Community School, Thailand

Address: 72, Soi Prong Jai, Sribhumpen Road, Thungmahamek,

Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand

Tel: (02) 679-7175 to 77, 286-9749 to 51

Fax: (02) 287-4530

E-mail: icsbkk@loxinfo.co.th

International School Eastern Seaboard

Address: P.O.Box 6, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

Tel: (038) 345-556 to 9, 372-591 to 5

Fax: (038) 345-156, 372-590

Nakorn Payap International School, Thailand

Address: 114 Moo 1 Super-Highway Road, Tambon Nong-Pha-Krung, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50000

Tel: (053) 304-573 to 3

Fax: (053) 304-577

E-mail: nakorn@cm.ksc.co.th

Phuket International School

Address: P.O. BOX 432 Phuket 83000

Tel: (076) 354-076

Fax: (076) 354-077

Ruamrudee International School

Address: 42 Moo 4, Ramkamhaeng 184,Minburi, Bangkok 10510 Thailand

Tel: (02) 518-0320 to 29

Fax: (02) 518-0334

E-mail: director@rism.ac.th

RIS Swiss Section

Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok

Adress: 42/1 Ramkamhaeng Road Soi 184

Minburi Bangkok 10510 Thailand

Tel.: (02) 518-0340,42-44 Ext. 102

Fax: (02) 518-0341

E-Mail: djuergen.fritsche@dssb.org

The American School of Bangkok

Address: 59-59/1 Sukhumvit Road Soi 49/3 Wattana, Bangkok 10110

Tel: (02) 662-4900, 261-0329, 258-3931

Fax: (02) 261-0330

Thai-Chineses International School

Address: 101/177 Moo7,Soi Mooban Bangpleenives, Prasertsin Rd.,

Bangplee Yai, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540,

Tel: (02) 751-1201 to 7

Fax: (02) 751-1210

QSI International School of Phuket

Address: P.O Box 432 Phuket 83000

Tel: 967-1-370191 or 967-1-370192

Fax: 967-1-370193

International Education System

Kesinee International School

Address: 999/124 Pracha-Utit Road, Huay-Kwang, Bangkok 10320

Tel: (02) 274-3444

Fax: (02) 274-3452

E-mail: info@kis.ac.th

New International School of Thailand

Address: 36 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok 10110

Tel: (02) 651-2065

Fax: (02) 253-3800, 251-6399

Prem Tinsulanonda International School

Address: P.O. BOX I, Mae - Rim Chiang Mai 50180 Thailand

Tel: (076) 354-076

Fax: (076) 354-077

E-mail: carolyns@premcenter.in.th

National Education System

Christian German School Chiang Mai

Address: P.O. Box 221 Chiang Mai 50000,or

83/1, Ban Krok Nua, T. Tha Wang Tarn A. Saraphi C.

Chiang Mai 50140

Tel: (053) 816-624, (01) 950-3755

Fax: (053) 816-270

Thai-Japanese Association

Address: 258 Soi Rongrien Yeepun, Rama 9 Road,

Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320 Thailand

Tel: (02) 314-7334 to 53

Fax: (02) 314-7797 to 8

National Curriculum for England and Wales

Bangkok Pattana School

Address: 2/38 Soi Lasalle, Sukhumvit 105, Bangkok 10260,

Tel: (02) 398-0200 (Automatic 10 lines)

Fax: (02) 399-3179

Dulwich International College

Address: 59 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road Koh Kaew, Amphor Muang

Phuket 83200

Tel: Phuket : (076) 238-711 to 20

Bangkok: (02) 512-0466 to 7

Fax: Phuket : (076) 238-750

Bangkok: (02) 512-0468

E-mail: info@dulwich-phuket.com

Garden International School, Thailand

Address: Rayong:188/24 Pla - Banchang Road

Tambol Pla Amphur Banchang, Rayong 21130

Bangkok: 2/1 Yen Akart Sai 2 Yen Akart Road, Bangkok 10120 Thailand

Tel: Rayong: (038) 880-360 to 3

Bangkok:(02) 4249- 1880, 240-1037

Fax: Rayong : (038) 630-735

Bangkok: (02) 249-1943

Harrow International School, Thailand

Address: Bangkok Garden 289, Soi Naradhiwas Rajanakarindra 24

Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Tel: (02) 672-0123

Fax: (02) 672-0127

E-mail: headmaster@harrowschool.ac.th

International School of Pattaya

Address: 382 Moo 6, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150

Tel: (038) 421-033

Fax: (038) 726-459

International School of The Regents(Bangkok Campus)

Address: 592 Pracha-Uthit Road, Huai Kwang, BangKok 10320

Tel: (02) 690-3777

Fax: (02) 690-3778

International School of The Regents(Pattaya Campus)

Address: 33/3 Moo 1 Pong, Banglamung Chonburi 20150

Tel: (038) 734-777

Fax: (038) 734-778

Lanna International School

Address: 300 Grandview Moo 1, Chiang Mai to Hang Dong Road

Chiang Mai 50100

Tel/Fax: (053) 271-159, 806-230 to 1

(For fax press 16 or 25 after recording begins)

E-mail: piano@chmai.loxinfo.co.th

Modern International School

Address: 127-135 Soi Prommitr, Sukhumvit 39 Road,

Wattana Bangkok 10110

Tel: (02) 258-8222, 258-8216

Fax: (02) 258-8219

E-mail: misb@samarts.com

Rasami International School

Address: 48/2 Soi Rajvithi 2,Rajavithi Rd., Samsen Nai,Phayathai,

Bangkok 10400

Tel: (02) 644-5291, 644-5292

Fax: (02) 640-9527

St. Andrew's International School Bangkok

Address: 9, Soi Panitkun, Sukhumvit Soi 71, Prakanong, Klongtoey,

Bangkok 10110

Tel: (02) 381-2387 to 8 ,390-1780, 391-4845

Fax: (02) 391-5227

St. Andrew's International School Samakee

Address: 9/10 Soi Tiwanon 48 samakee road, Nonthaburi 11000

Tel: (02) 952-4003, 952-4586

Fax: (02) 952-4002

St. Andrew's International School Rayong

Address: P.O. Box 54, Banchang Post Office, Rayong 21130

Tel: (038) 893-716 to 9

Fax: (038) 893-720

St. John's International School

Address: 1110/3 Ladprao Road,Ladyao, Chatuchak,Bangkok 10900

Tel: (02) 513-8575, 513-8590

Fax: (02) 513-5273

St.Stephen's International School

Address: 107 Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., Lad Yao, Chatuchak,

Bangkok 10900 Thailand

Tel: (02) 513-0270 to 1

Fax: (02) 513-0265, 930-3307

Thai-Sikh International School

Address: 1799 Rim Thang Rod Fai Kao, Moo 1,Samrong Nua,

Samutprakarn 10270 Thailand

Tel: (02) 393-6976, 393-6983, 399-3837, 748-5453

Fax: (02) 361-2361

Traill International School, Thailand

Address: 36 Ramkamhaeng Soi 18, Huamark Bangkok 10240 Thailand

Tel: (02) 314-5250, 718-9152

Fax: (02) 318-7194, 718-8546

Is it safe to walk the streets at night?

Thailand has more than its fair share of scams, but most are easily avoided with a modicum of common sense.

More a nuisance than a danger, a common scam by touts, taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers in Thailand is to wait by important monuments and temples and waylay Western travelers, telling them that the site is closed for a Buddhist holiday, repairs or a similar reason.

The 'helpful' driver will then offer to take the traveler to another site, such as a market or store. Travelers who accept these offers will often end up at out-of-the-way markets with outrageous prices - and no way to get back to the center of town where they came from.

Always check at the front gate of the site you're visiting to make sure it's really closed.

Avoid any tuk-tuks in Bangkok. Tuk-tuk drivers might demand much higher price than agreed, or they might take you to a sex show, pretending they didn't understand the address (they get commissions from places).

For the same reason, avoid drivers who propose their services without being asked, especially near major tourist attractions.

Don't buy any sightseeing tours at the airport. If you do, they will phone several times to your hotel in order to remind you about the tour.

During the tour, you will be shortly taken to a small temple, without a guide, and then one shop after another (they get commission).

They might refuse to take you back home until you see all the shops.

On your way back, they pressure you to buy more tours.

Terrorism: National security is currently at the top of the agenda of countries around the world and Thailand is no exception. The insurgency in southern Thailand is limited to the country’s three southernmost provinces and has thus showed no signs of having an effect on the capital.

Nonetheless, Thailand’s tourist destinations are not entirely unlikely targets as they do host millions of international tourists each year.

Use whatever caution and common sense you would use a tourist destination in your home country.

Drugs: While the situation has lightened somewhat since the severe crackdown of the infamous ‘war on drugs’ in 2003, Thai authorities still draw a hard-line on drugs and possession of even a small amount of marijuana may result in a hefty fine or even jail time and/or deportation.

Foreigners caught trafficking drugs are likely to end up living a hellish existence at the infamous ‘Bangkok Hilton’, Bangkwang prison.

Do not be drawn into any suspicious deals, no matter how financially rewarding it may sound to a desperate soul. Furthermore, those offering drugs are not likely to provide guarantees of the content of those drugs and overdoses and adverse reactions to illegal narcotics consumed in Thailand are not uncommon.

Be smart and avoid getting involved in illegal drugs in Thailand.

Violence: Thais, on the whole, are passive people and manage to maintain a passive environment.

However, there is the odd occasion when alcohol fuelled fights break out and the aggressor will stop at nothing with his rage.

Thai men are proud and controlled, but some are known to get drunk easily and if their national or self pride is insulted by an insensitive foreigner they can really ‘lose it’! Some men have also reported rather destructive jealousy-fueled tantrums from their Thai female companions which have left their hotel rooms trashed.

Politically motivated violence, an unfortunate consequence in Bangkok, is not directed in any way at foreigners.

While standing in between protesters and riot police to get some photos would not be safe idea, it is unlikely that foreigners would otherwise be injured in politically motivated violence.

Women alone: Thailand is generally a safe country for women to travel alone, but there have been a few cases of rape by taxi drivers or women lured by local men into fatal or fearsome situations, particular late at night on the beaches and islands.

As with all strange countries, keep your wits about you and be wary of befriending strangers too quickly.

Hustlers and touts: Pushy touts are likely to be among the first Thai people you meet upon landing in the Bangkok airport and you are likely to meet many more during your stay.

They will all want to cart you off to some destination or other, all the time with an eye on making a bit of extra money from someone unfamiliar with the city.

Relative to other tourist destinations in developing countries the Thai are generally quite polite and, apart from market vendors and tuk tuk or taxi drivers, they respect your privacy.

A firm ‘Mai ow krap/ka’ (not interested thanks!) will serve you well in most cases and if it does not simply ignoring the persistent pleas and continuing on your path will cause the tout to move on to the next person.

Motorcycles: Many consider motorcycle taxis so dangerous in Bangkok that there used only as a last resort when you need to beat the traffic.

They can be particularly dangerous for those who have much larger body types than Thai people.

Remember that a motorcycle driver is accustomed to having a thin-framed Thai person on the back of his bike and may at times not leave too much room to negotiate himself through a tight traffic squeeze, including while riding on sidewalks or into oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road.

Motorcyclists can also be a hazard to pedestrians.

Be careful when jaywalking as motorbikes drive quickly through lanes between cars and drive on sidewalks and the wrong side of the road.

Finally, it is extremely important never to open a taxi door without looking through the rear window to see if a motorbike is about to speed past, even if you are parked near the curb.

If you hit a motorbike with the taxi door you will be expected to pay damage to both the bike and the taxi as well as medical costs for the injured bike rider.

Buses: getting off and on the buses in Bangkok is not a simple matter.

You must be sure that it has come to a full stop, and as such it is best to get off with a group of people and be careful about doing so. Numerous terrible injuries occur every year due to people falling off buses.

Construction: Bangkok is one big ongoing construction project and much of the work that was abandoned after the 1997 financial crisis is now being finished off. Sidewalks are a particular hazard, full of holes and sometimes loose debris.

Safety laws in Thailand are rather loosely applied and falling masonry and collapsing walls and billboards are a hazard from time-to-time, but seldom cause any widespread casualty.

Scams: Tuk tuk drivers, especially those who congregate in tourist areas, are notorious for offering ‘tours’, even on occasion bringing you to the famous site of your choice for free, provided you stop off at look at a jeweler or suit shop along the way.

These scams are arranged with the owner of the shop and making purchases during such a trip is not a good idea as you will be paying far higher rates than you would normally and quite possibly receiving goods of dubious quality.

Also be aware of recommendations from taxi drivers when it comes to jewel shops, suits shops, bars and restaurants.

Gem scams are the most prolific and every week someone lodges a complaint about losing larges sums of money buying what they thought were cheap ‘illegally smuggled’ Burmese gems, only to discover the goods are fake and the shop gone when they return.

The solution to this one is simple; don’t be greedy, and imagine you are scoring a bargain illicitly.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon in tourist areas for travelers to be approached by a clean cut, well dressed man who often will be toting a cell phone.

These scammers will start up polite conversation, showing interest in the unsuspecting tourist's background, family, or itinerary. Inevitably, the conversation will drift to the meat of the scam. This may be something as innocuous as over-priced tickets to a kantok meal and show, or as serious as Bangkok’s infamous gem scam.

Once identified, the wary traveler should have no trouble picking out these scammers from a crowd. The tell-tale well pressed slacks and button down shirt, freshly cut hair of a conservative style, and late-model cell phone comprise their uniform.

Milling around tourist areas without any clear purpose for doing so, the careful traveler should have no difficulty detecting and avoiding these scammers.

Many visitors will encounter young Thai ladies armed with a clipboard and a smile enquiring as to their nationality, often with an aside along the lines of please help me to earn 30 baht.

The suggestion is that the visitor completes a tourism questionnaire (which includes supplying their hotel name and room number) with the incentive that they just might win a prize - the reality is that everyone gets a call to say that they are a winner, however the prize can only be collected by attending an arduous time-share presentation. Note that the lady with the clipboard doesn't get her 30 baht if you don't attend the presentation; also that only English-speaking nationalities are targeted.

Another recurrent scam involves foreigners - sometimes accompanied by small children - who claim to be on the last day of their vacation in Thailand, and having just packed all their belongings into one bag in preparation for their flight home, lost everything when that bag was stolen.

Now cash is urgently needed in order to get to the airport in a hurry and arrange a replacement ticket for his/her return flight in a few hours time.

What languages are spoken in Thailand?

The main language spoken in Thailand is Thai.

Different parts of Thailand have different dialects and different ways of speaking, so it can be quite difficult to understand Thai speakers from another part of the country.

Hill tribes and other ethnic groups have their own languages; for instance there are villages of Chinese settlers in Thailand where little Thai is spoken, or on the islands where sea gypsies have settled.

English is the most common second language, and many Thais have studied some level of English either at school or through practice with foreign friends.

Where are the foreign embassies?

Below is a comprehensive list of Foreign Embassy's and Consulates together with their contact information in Thailand

A

• Argentina

o The Embassy of the Republic of Argentina

Prommitr Villa, 20/85 Sukhumvit Soi 49/1, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 259-0401-2, 259-9198

Fax: (02) 259-0402

• Australia

o The Australian Embassy

37 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 287-2680, 287-3485, 287-4843

Fax: (02) 287-2028-9

• Austria

o The Austrian Embassy

14 Soi Nandha, Soi Attakarnprasit, South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 287-3970-2, 287-3925

Fax: (02) 287-3925

B

• Bangladesh

o The Embassy of The People's Republic of Bangladesh

727 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok 10110

Phone (02) 381-1144, 391-8069-70

Fax: (02) 391-8070

o Visa Department

Phone: (02) 391-8067

• Belgium Updated!

o The Royal Belgian Embassy

17th Floor, Sathorn City Tower

175 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District

Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 679-5454

Fax: (02) 679-5467

E-Mail: Bangkok@diplobel.org

• Bhutane

o Royal Bhutanese Embassy

Rm 107, 19th Flr, JTC Bldg, 919 Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 237-3315-27, 237-3600-3

Fax: (02) 237-7541

• Boliva

o The Consulate of the Republic of Bolivia

1901 Ramkamhang Rd, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240

Phone: (02) 314-0040, 314-1911

Fax: (02) 318-9737

• Brazil

o The Embassy of The Federative Republic of Brazil

23rd Flr, Lumpini Tower, 1168/66 Rama 4 Rd, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 679-8567-8

Fax: (02) 679-8569

• Britain

o British Embassy

1031 Wireless Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10300

Phone: (02) 253-0191

Fax: (02) 254-9579

o Consular Section

Phone: (02) 267-9689

Fax: (02) 255-6051

o Visa Section

Phone: (02) 267-9699

Fax: (02) 254-9579

• Brunei Darussalam

o The Embassy of Brunei Darussalam

154 Ekamai Soi 14, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Luksorndang, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 381-5914-6

Fax: (02) 381-5921

• Bulgaria

o The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria

33/15 Soi Charoenchai, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 391-6180-1

Fax: (02) 391-6182

C

• Cambodia

o Embassy of Cambodia

185 Rajadamri Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 254-6630, 253-9851

Fax: (02) 253-9859

• Canada

o The Canadian Embassy

15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500

Phone: (02) 636-0560

Fax: (02) 636-0568

• Chile

o The Embassy of the Republic of Chile

15 Sukhumvit Soi 61, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 391-4858, 391-8443

Fax: (02) 391-8380

o The Consulate of the Republic of Chile

8th Flr, Southeast Insurance Bldg, 315 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 234-0230-7

• China

o The Embassy of the People's Republic of China

57 Ratchadapisek Rd, Dindang, Bangkok 10310

Phone: (02) 245-7030-45, 2472122-3

Fax: (02) 246-8247, 247-2214, 248-8085

• Colombia

o The Consulate of the Republic of Colombia

9th Flr, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 254-5105-6, 254-6914-5

Fax: (02) 254-5109, 254-6920

• Cuba

o Consulate of Cuba

984/97 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 391-9673-4

Fax: (02) 391-1174

• Cyprus

o The Consolate of The Republic of Cyprus

17th Flr, Richmond Bldg, 75/59 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 261-8408-10

• Czechoslovakia

o The Embassy of Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic

71/6 Ruam Rudee Soi 2, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 255-4978, 255-3027

Fax: (02) 253-7637

D

• Denmark

o The Royal Danish Embassy

10 Soi Attakarn Prasit, South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 213-2021-5679-9349-50

Fax: (02) 213-1752

o Commercial Section

Phone: (02) 287-2896

o The Royal Danish Consulate-General

EAC Building, 55 Oriental Avenue, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 233-2020

• Dominican Repulic

o The Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic

92/6 Changwattana Rd, Laksi, Bangkhen. Bangkok 10210

Phone: (02) 521-0675, 521-1282, 521-5000

Fax: (02) 521-0737

E

• Egypt

o The Embassy of the Arab of Republic of Egypt

49 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 253-0161, 253-8138

Fax: (02) 256-9310, 254-9489

• Ethiopia

o The Consulate-General of Ethopia

962/14 Prannok Rd, Bangkok 10700

Phone: (02) 411-0218, 412-1068

• European Union

o Delegation of The European Commission

19th Flr, Kian Gwan House 2, 140/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok

Phone: (02) 255-9101, 255-9106-11

Fax: (02) 255-9113-4

F

• Finland

o The Embassy of Finland

16th Flr, Amarin Plaza, 500 Ploenchit Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 256-9306-9, 256-9511-3

Fax; (02) 256-9310

• France

o The French Embassy

35 Soi Rong Phasi Kao 36, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 256-9306-9, 285-6104-7

Fax; (02) 256-9310

o French Consulate

29 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 287-1592-8

Fax: (02) 287-1019

G

• Gabon

o The Consulate General of Gabon

Rm 1008, Dusit Tower, Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 267-7860

Fax: (02) 267-7861

• Gambia

o The Consulate of the Republic of Gambia

610/5-6 Songwad Rd, Samphantawong, Bangkok 10100

Phone: (02) 224-0091

Fax: (02) 224-6212, 224-6894

• Germany

o The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

9 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 285-6627-8, 679-1120

Fax: (02) 287-1776

• Greece

o The Embassy of Greece

99 Rama 9 Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok

Phone: (02) 247-1068, 254-9729

Fax: (02) 247-1068

o Consulate General

412/8-9 Siam Square Soi 6, Rama 1 Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 252-1686

H

• Honduras

o The Consulate of the Republic of Honduras

4A Phirom Mansion, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 41, Bangkok 10110

• Hungary

o The Embassy of The Hungarian People's Republic

28 Soi Sukchai, Sukhumvit Soi 42, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

o The Commercial Counsellor's Office

OAK Tower, 95 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 661-1150-2

Fax: (02) 661-1153

I

• Iceland

o The Consulate-General of the Republic of Iceland

59 Soi Navin, Chuaploeng Rd, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 249-1300

Fax: (02) 249-1253

• India

o The Embassy of India

46 Soi Prasarnmitr, Sukhumvit Soi 23 , Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 258-0300-6

Fax: (02) 258-4627

o The Consulate of India

88/2 Navarat Rd, Chiang Mai

Phone: 23-4066

• Indonesia

o The Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia

600-602 Phetchaburi Rd, Bangkok 10400

Phone: (02) 252-3135-40, 254-2563-4, 252-3180

Fax: (02) 255-1267, 255-8199

• Iran

o The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

602 Sukhumvit Rd (between Soi 22 and 24), Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 261-9790-3

Fax: (02) 259-9111

• Iraq

o The Embassy of The Republic of Iraq

47 Pradipat Rd, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400

Phone: (02) 278-5335-8

Fax: (02) 271-4218

• Ireland

o The Consulate of Ireland

11th Flr, United Flour Mill Bldg, 205 Rajawong Rd. Bangkok 10100

Phone: (02) 223-0876, 226-0680

Fax: (02) 224-5551

• Israel

o The Embassy of Israel

25th Flr, Ocean Tower, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 260-4854-9

Fax: (02) 260-4860

• Italy

o The Italian Embassy

399 Nang Linchee Rd, Tungmahamek, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 287-2054-7, 285-4090-3

Fax: (02) 285-4793, 287-2012

J

• Japan

o The Embassy of Japan

1674 New Petchburi Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310

Phone: (02) 252-6151-9

Fax: (02) 255-6999, 258-6877

o Consular Section

Phone: (02) 260-8502

Fax: (02) 258-9716 Japan Information Service

9th Flr, 159 Sermmit Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 259-0234-7

Fax: (02) 258-6877

• Jordan

o The Consulate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

47 Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 391-7142

Fax: (02) 391-9180, 381-1314

K

•Korea

o Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

14 Moo Ban Suanlaemthong 2, Pattanakarn Rd, Bangkok 10250

Phone: (02) 319-1442-3

Fax: (02) 318-6333

L

• Laos

o Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

502/1-3 Ramkamhaeng Rd, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10310

Phone: (02) 539-6667

Fax: (02) 539-6678

o Visa Section

193 South Sathron Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 287-3964

• Lebanon

o Lebanese Embassy

15th Flr. CTI Tower, 191/67 Ratchadapisek Rd, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 261-1013, 261-1015, 261-5091

Fax: (02) 261-1026

oM

• Malaysia

o Malaysian Embassy

35 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 286-1390, 287-3979-80

Fax: (02) 213-2126

• Malta

o Maltese Consulate

485/14 Silom Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 235-9423-4

Fax: (02) 235-6293

• Mexico

o Mexican Embassy

44/7-8 Convent Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 235-6367, 234-0935, 234-0999

Fax: (02) 236-8410

• Morocco

o Moroccan Embasy

5th Flr, Ban Chang Glass House, Sukhumvit Soi 25, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 260-6410-1

Fax: (02) 260-6412

• Myanmar

o The Embassy of The Union of Myanmar

132 North Sathorn Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 236-6899, 234-4789, 233-2237

Fax: (02) 236-6898

o Office of the Military, Naval and Air Attache

116 North Sothorn Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

N

• Nepal

o The Royal Nepalese Embassy

189 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 391-7240, 390-2985, 392-4741

Fax: (02) 381-2406

• Netherlands

o The Royal Netherlands Embassy

106 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 254-7701-5, 254-1265

Fax: (02) 254-5579

• New Zealand

o New Zealand Embassy

93 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500

P.O. Box 2719, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 254-3856, 253-5363, 253-0429

Fax: (02) 254-9488, 253-9045

• Norway

o The Royal Norweigen Embassy

1st Flr, Bank of America Blgd, 2/2 Wireless Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 253-0390-2, 255-8210-1

Fax: (02) 256-0477

O

• Oman

o The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman

7th Flr, 134/1-2 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 236-7385

P

• Pakistan

o Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

31 Soi Nana Nua, Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 253-0288-9, 254-9702

Fax: (02) 253-0290

• Panama

o Consulate-General of Panama

14 Surasak Rd, Bangkok

Phone: (02) 237-9008-9

• Peru

o The Embassy of the Republic of Peru

11th Flr, Ban Chang Glass House, 1102/25 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 260-6243

Fax: (02) 260-6244

• Philippines

o The Embassy of the Republic of the Philipines

760 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 259-0139-40, 261-6869, 261-8805

Fax: (02) 259-2809

• Poland

o The Embassy of the Polish People’s Republic

8 Sukhumvit Soi 5, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 258-4112-3

Fax: (02) 251-8895

o Commercial Counsellor’s Office

27/1-4 Coi Charoenmit, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 392-9817

• Portugal

o Portuguese Embassy

26 Captain Bush Lane, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok

Phone: (02) 234-0372, 234-2123, 238-4275

Fax: (02) 236-1954

Q

• None

R

• Romania

o The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Romania

150 Soi Charoenpohn 1, Pradipat Rd, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400

Phone: (02) 279-3683, 279-7882, 279-7902

Fax: (02) 279-7891

o Commercial Office

43 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 252-7568

• Russia

o Russian Embassy

108 North Sathorn Rd, Bankrak, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 234-9824

Fax: (02) 237-8488

S

• Saudi Arabia

o The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

10th Flr, Sathorn Thani Building, 90 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 237-1938-41, 266-3888, 238-0888

Fax: (02) 236-6442

• Singapore

o Embassy of the Republic of Singapore

129 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 286-2111, 213-1261, 287-5115

Fax: (02) 287-2578

• Slovakia

o Slovakian Embassy

Pantip Court, 68 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 285-0220-2

Fax: (02) 285-0223

• South Africa

o Souh African Embassy

6th Flr, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 253-8473-6

Fax: (02) 253-8477

• Spain

o Embassy of Spain

93 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 252-6112, (02) 252-8368

Fax: (02) 255-2388

o Commercial Office of Spain

26th Floor, Serm-Mit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 258-9020

Fax: (02) 258-9990

email: spaincom@ksc15.th.com

• Sri Lanka

o Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

89 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 251-2788-9, 255-3848

• Sweden

o Swedish Embassy

20th Flr, Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 254-4954-55

Fax: (02) 254-4914

• Switzerland

o Swiss Embassy

35 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500

GPO Box 821, Bangkok 10510

Phone: (02) 253-0156-60, 254-6855

Fax: (02) 255-4481

T

• Taiwan

o Taiwanese Embassy

10th Flr, Kian Gwan Bldg, Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10330

Phone: (02) 251-9274-6, 251-9393-6

Fax: (02) 254-9276

• Turkey

o Embassy of the Republic of Turkey

61/1 Soi Chatsan, Suthisarn Rd, Phayathai, Bangkok 10310

Phone: (02) 274-7262-3

Fax: (02) 274-7261

U

• United States of America

o US Embassy

95 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 205-4000

Fax: (02) 205-4131

• Uzbekistan

o Embassy of Uzbekistan

77 Soi Thonglor 8, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Prakhanong, Bangkok 10110

Phone: (02) 391-3397, 714-9838-9

Fax: (02) 391-3397

V

• Vietnam

o Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

83/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500

Phone: (02) 251-7202, 251-5835

Fax: (02) 251-7201, 251-7203

• Vatican City

o Apostolic Nunciature

217/1 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120

Phone: (02) 233-9109, 212-5883-4

Fax: (02) 212-0932

What are some cultural Do’s and Don’t in Thailand?

Thai people are extremely polite and their behavior is controlled by etiquette and influenced by Buddhism. Thai society is non-confrontational, and as such, you should avoid confrontations at all costs.

Never loose, your patience or show your anger now matter how frustrating or desperate the situation because this is considered a weakness in Thai society. It is important to cultivate an air of diplomacy when traveling in Asia. Conflicts can be easily resolved with a smile.

Dress code is also important. Thais like to dress smartly and neatly. Do not wear revealing clothing such as shorts, low cut dresses, and bathing suits as they are considered as improper attire in Thailand. Keep in mind that this type of clothing is only acceptable in the beach. It is advisable to wear long skirts or long trousers when entering a temple.

Women should not touch monks. If a woman wants to hand something to a monk, she must do so indirectly by placing the item within the monk’s reach.

Remove shoes when entering houses and temples.

Public display of affection between sexes is frowned upon.

Avoid touching people. The head is the highest part of the body, so avoid touching it. The feet are the least sacred, so avoid pointing it at anyone or kicking them as it is extremely insulting to do so. Thais usually do not shake hands.

The ‘Wai’ is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together and raised upwards towards the face while the head is lowered with a slight bow. The height to which the hands are held depends on the status of the people involved. The higher, the more polite.

In case of monks, higher dignitaries, and elderly, hands are raised to the bridge of the nose, while with equals only as far from the chest. Young people and inferiors are not Wai’d but a slight nod is acceptable.

Do not blow your nose or lick your fingers while eating. While Thai people may commonly pick their noses they have high table manners. The right hand must be used when picking up food eaten with fingers.

When entering a foreign culture for the first time, it is highly likely to make a mistake. If you do so in Thailand, just smile or ‘Wai’ and you will be forgiven.

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Are Internet and email facilities widely available in Thailand?

Internet services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels and at the many “Cyber-Cafes” that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chaing Rai, Ko Samui, Hua Hin and many more.

When is the best time in the year to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is during the winter and summer seasons which run from November to April each year. This is the time when we consider a high season. However, the low season from May to October which coincides with the rainy season features much cheaper accommodation.

As Thailand is full of activities, festivals, shopping malls and markets, cultural places, amusement parks to entertain visitors all year round, it is needless to say that Thailand is the place anyone can enjoy at any moment of the year.

What is there to see and do?

Thailand's natural wonders are matched only by its cultural marvels. You could spend years just doing experiencing the following attractions and activities: beaches, cruises, cultural events, Thai boxing, learning history, golf, medical tourism, meditation, shopping, Thai cooking classes, camping, trekking, and home stays with local villagers.

An adventurous trip may include white water rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, and nature study, bird-watching, sailing, canoeing, yachting, sea kayaking, diving and snorkeling. Moreover, you can enjoy Thai culture by attending Thai festivals, entertainment activities, and romantic activities, such as the Loy Kratong holiday.

You can go on different kinds of tours depending on your preference such as boat tour, cruise, helicopter tour, nature tour, family tour, and national park tour. You can also enjoy Thai wellbeing through Thai massage, yoga, destination spas and Buddhist meditation.

Bangkok features the following attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Emerald Buddha Temple, National Museum, and Floating Market.

Ayutthaya attractions are the Bang Pa In palace, Ayutthaya historical park and wat chaiwatthanaram. Chiangmai features Doi Inthanon and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep as its attractions. Phuket has Patong Beach and many secluded, romantic beach resorts as its major attractions.

Krabi and Phan Nga have Rock Climbing, Koh Phi Phi, James Bond Island, and the Similan Islands as their premier attractions. Kanchanaburi is home to the bridge of River Khwai and the seven tiered Erawan waterfall.

Nakhon Ratchasima has the national park Khao Yai as its famous attraction. Ko Samui is an attraction of itself with the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan, along with kayaking around Mu Ang Thong Marine National Park. Not even last but certainly not the least is Pattaya, which features Koh Lan, underwater world, and mini Siam as its most popular attractions.

However, this is not yet the end of Thailand’s attractions; Thailand has lots more to explore. There are many more attractions in lots of destinations all over the nation which can only be explored by visiting and exploring the country.

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Is English widely spoken?

In Bangkok, where the major business and commercial transactions are held, English is widely spoken, written and understood. Further, in most hotels, shops and restaurants of major tourist destinations, English and some European Languages are spoken, written, and understood.

Can I buy a SIM card for my cell phone?

SIM cards of local Thai network providers are widely sold and may be used to call/text both local and internationally.

Is it convenient to make phone calls in Thailand?What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers?

All the hotels in Thailand provide international phone call service. Public phone booths can also be found at most places in Thailand. Moreover, several types of international phone cards are sold at shops such as the ubiquitous 7-11 chain.

What are the work days and hours in Thailand?What about shops and stores hours?

Business and commercial transactions are normally done on a Mon-Fri basis between 8am and 5pm. Most stores are open everyday from 10am to 10pm. Government offices are on a Mon-Fri basis (except on public holidays) from 8.30am to 4.30pm with a 12.00 to 1.00pm lunch break. Banks, on the other hand, are on a Mon-Fri (except on public holidays) schedule from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

What should I do if I lost my passport while traveling in Thailand?

In case you lost your passport, make file a report at the nearest police station immediately. Take a copy of FIR report to your national embassy in Thailand in order to issue a new travelling document.

What important phone numbers should I be aware of?

Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken) : 1155

Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) : 191

Crime Suppression : 195 or (662) 513 3844

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre : 1672

Immigration Bureau : (662) 287 3101-10

I am considering moving to Thailand, where can I get relocation information?

Thailand is well established as one of the world’s most exciting and inexpensive travel destinations and many guests wish to move to Thailand for temporary or even permanent residence. The Thai Government is now actively encouraging “Long Stay” visitors. The popular places to visit for long term stay are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Phang Nga, Hua-hin, Kanchanaburi, and Koh Samui..

Those interested in studying or receiving Thailand's heritage of natural healing, traditional massage and herbal treatment are one group who are welcomed to apply for long term visas. Others are those with retirement visas, or those who wish to teach English in the Kingdom.

Information about relocating to Thailand can be procured from a Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country. Check directly with the Thai Government in order to be aware of the most current legal guidelines for those wishing to study or work in Thailand. Be sure to meet all the requirements before you arrive in Thailand in order not to face any problems later on.

Where to Shop in Thailand

2011-05-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for where to shop for souvenirs, clothing, or Thai handicrafts, such as silk, this Thailand shopping guide will help you find the nearest market or mall for you to purchase the products you desire.

Where to go Shopping in Thailand is a comprehensive shopping guide to Bangkok shopping malls and other Thailand shopping destinations, including department stores, malls, and markets across the kingdom. If you are looking for where to shop for souvenirs, clothing, or Thai handicrafts, such as silk, this Thailand shopping guide will help you find the nearest market or mall for you to purchase the products you desire.

Shopping Product Categories in Thailand

Events and Festivals in Thailand

2011-05-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Events & Festivals

Thailand is a festive kingdom, celebrating numerous provincial and national holidays and hosting many regional and global events. Search our comprehensive calendar of events and festivals by date, category, or region; discover holidays that coincide with your trip and add them to your travel planner by clicking the link with the green circle.

Thailand Events & Festivals by Categories

Performances

Performing Arts (17)

Music & Concert (11)

Theatre & Musical (1)

Food & Drink

Food & Drink (51)

Art and Culture

Art and Culture (84)

Photographic

Photographic (2)

Religious and Spiritual Events

Religious and Spiritual Events (106)

Exhibitions

Exhibitions (10)

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals (146)

Films

Films (4)

Sports & Recreation

Biking (10)	Canoe/Sailing/Boating (25)	Fishing Tournaments (3)
Golf Tournaments (13)	Motor Races/Events (4)	Multisport & Misc. Events (8)
Running/Walking Events (17)	Tennis Tournaments (6)	Triathalon Events (3)
Horse Racing (1)	Soccer (2)	Surfing (2)

Nature and Outdoors

Nature and Outdoors (34)

Animals & Agriculture

Animals & Agriculture (15)

Flowers & Gardens

Flowers & Gardens (18)

Workshops, Classes & Lectures

Workshops, Classes & Lectures (4)

Fashion & Apparel

Fashion & Apparel (4)

Sciences

Sciences (1)

Shopping

Shopping (47)

Travel & Lifestyle

Travel & Lifestyle (10)

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Where to Eat in Thailand

2011-05-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

Thai people eat Thai food for more than mere sustenance, enjoyably snacking throughout the day and well into the wee hours of the morning. Thai restaurants, street stalls, and bars are more than eateries, they are places for people to get together and enjoy each other’s company as well as dine on some incredibly tasty Thai food. Eating is a Thailand nightlife attraction in its own right!

Most menus in Thai restaurants read like phone books: filled with pages upon pages of different dishes. Be adventurous and try some exotic dishes; if you are eating with a group, you should order Thai family style so that everyone can order something and all can try to find something he or she enjoys.

In addition to restaurants however, Thai people frequently eat food at food stalls along the street or at outdoor markets. Furthermore, many parts of Thailand feature numerous foreign eateries that serve European, Middle Eastern, and other Asian cuisines. The following pages provide detailed information about the best places to find and eat authentic Thai food and other types of cuisine.
During the first five years of the tournament blessing ceremony will be held before the opening match where monks sprinkle holy water over both players and animals to ensure a successful tournament. In addition, a parade of northern traditional-style dancers, hill-tribe villagers in traditional costume, elephant spirit men, colourfully decorated pachyderms and teams holding up their respective country flags will kick off the weeklong.
In addition, a parade of northern traditional-style dancers, hill-tribe villagers in traditional costume, elephant spirit men, colourfully decorated pachyderms and teams holding up their respective country flags will kick off the weeklong.

View Places to Eat by Categories

View Places to Eat by Cuisines

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Traveling around Thailand

2011-05-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

Traveling around Thailand
For both visitors and Thais, travel in Thailand is very convenient; the Thailand transportation infrastructure is modern and well-organized, and exploring the country is a very straightforward experience. Whether your Thailand travel preference is air, rail, bus, road, or water, most modes of Thailand transportation are use to catering to foreign visitors and have frequent departures. Consequently it’s easy to move about the country or explore sights around particular destinations. The inland cities and coastal resorts are well connected to each other, so when you travel in Thailand you can spend a few days in Bangkok, a few more at the beach, and still visit Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya alternatively traveling via bus, boat, train, or plane to get from A to B to C.

Bookings and reservations for travel in Thailand should be done in advance as even in the “low season” many Thai people holiday in their own country and transportation is often booked well in advance. Nonetheless, when you travel in Thailand, there are always options for travelers, even at the last minute, particularly as departures of busses, planes, and trains are very frequent. When you travel in Thailand you can select from many domestic air carriers that service a majority of Thailand’s large provincial cities; local trains that connect Bangkok to all regions of the country; and long distance coaches that connect all major cities.

Transportation Options

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Traveling in Thailand

A visit to Thailand is an opportunity to discover a spectacular range of landscapes, so deciding how you will travel around our country can be as important as choosing where you want to go.

Thailand Airports

Serviced by both international and Thai airlines, Thailand acts as a hub for international travelers and there are numerous domestic airports providing various flying options.

Tourist Information Centers

There are numerous Tourist Information Centers throughout the kingdom that provide maps, brochures, hotel recommendations, and other advice to travelers in nearly all Thailand tourist destinations. Select this link if you wish to get a full list of Tourism Information Centers throughout Thailand.

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Fast Facts about Thailand

2011-05-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

Country

Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers, is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is HM Bhumibol Adulyadej. A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand.

Geography

Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain.
Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F).
Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 ft) tall.
Thailand covers 510,890 sq km of land and 2,230 sq km of water.
The coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km long.
Thailand’s longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), stretching 1,800 km.

Weather

The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid: typical of its location within the tropics. Generally speaking, Thailand can be divided into three seasons: “hot” season, rainy season, and “cool” season, though Thailand’s geography allows visitors to find suitable weather somewhere in the country throughout the year.

Population

The population of Thailand comprises of roughly 65 million citizens, the majority of whom are ethnically Thai, though peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao origin are also represented to varying degrees. Approximately 7 million citizens live in the capital city, Bangkok, though this number varies seasonally and is otherwise difficult to accurately count.

Area

Thailand has a rough geographical area of 514, 000 sq km (200,000 sq miles). This makes Thailand roughly equivalent in size to France or Texas.

Capital

Bangkok

People

The vast majority (roughly 80%) of Thailand’s nearly 65 million citizens are ethnically Thai. The remainder consists primarily of peoples of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Lao decent. Of the 7 million citizens who live in the capital city, Bangkok, there is a greater diversity of ethnicities, including a large number of expatriate residents from across the globe. Other geographic distinctions of the population include a Muslim majority in the south near the Malaysian border, and hill tribe ethnic groups, such as the Hmong and Karen, who live in the northern mountains.

Language

More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of it’s regional dialects. While the Thai language is the official language of Thailand, as a result of its cosmopolitan capital city and established tourism infrastructure, English is spoken.

Religion

94.6% of Thais are Buddhist,
4.6% of Thais are Muslim
0.7% of Thais are Christian

Government

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, not dissimilar to England’s, whereby an elected Prime Minister is authorized to be the head of government and a hereditary Thai King is head of state. The constitution of Thailand allows for the people of Thailand to democratically elect their leaders in the form of a parliament, with a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives, and executive authority in the hands of the Prime Minister. A Judiciary, overseen by the Supreme Court, was designed to act independently of the executive and the legislature.

Temperature

Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F)

Holidays

1 Jan: New Year’s Day
Feb-Mar: Makha Bucha Day: Buddhist holiday on full moon of fourth lunar month.
6 Apr: Chakri Memorial Day: Honoring the dynasty of the reigning royal family.
13-15 April: Songran, Thai new years celebration.
May: Royal Ploughing Ceremony: To honor farming season; date determined by royal astrologer
May: Visakha Bucha: Buddhist holiday on full moon of the 6th lunar month.
1 May: Labor Day
5 May: Coronation Day: Commemorating the coronation of present King of Thailand.
July: Asanha Bucha Day: Buddhist Holiday on full moon of 8th lunar month
Vassa: beginning of Buddhist lent on first waning moon of 8th lunar month
12 Aug: Queen’s Birthday-Mothers Day
23 Oct: Chulalongkorn Day: Honoring a former King of Thailand.
5 Dec: King’s Birthday-Father’s Day
10 Dec: Constitution Day: celebrating the kingdom’s first constitution.
31 Dec: New Year’s Eve
Other important holidays:
Jan: Chinese New Year
Nov:
Loy Kratong

Economics

The economy of Thailand is reliant on exports, which account for 60% of Thailand’s approximately US$ 200 billion GDP. The economy of Thailand is the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia. Thailand’s exports consist primarily of agricultural products including fish and rice, of which it is the largest exporter in the world, as well as textiles, rubber, automobiles, computers and other electronic appliances, and jewelry. While one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, Thailand relies on tourism to provide only 7 % of its GDP.

Distance

From: Sydney, Australia 4679.57 m. / 7530.84 km
Tokyo, Japan 2860.65 m. / 4603.65 km
Beijing, China 2294.22 m. / 3692.08 km
Hong Kong 1071.22 m. / 1723.91 km
New Delhi, India 1811.73 2915.63 km
Dubai, UAE 3034.04 m. / 4882.68 km
Rome, Italy 4882.68 m. / 8825.12 km
Madrid, Spain 6322.51 m. / 10174.82 km
Paris, France 5865.21 m. / 9438.89 km
Berlin, Germany 5343.29 m. / 8598.95 km
Stockholm, Sweden 5135 m. / 8263.76 km
London, UK 5919.32 m. / 9525.96 km
Moscow, Russia 4387.52 m. / 7060.83 km
New York, USA 8651.33 m. / 13922.59 km
Los Angeles, USA 8260.17 m. / 13293.1 km
Vancouver, Canada 7331.48 m. / 11798.55 km

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Baht come in both coin and banknote form. The size of Thai currency, both coins

Banking

Thai bank hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, though certain banks have shorter Saturday hours and currency exchange booths are open considerably longer hours in Bangkok and other tourist destinations.

Post Office

The Thailand postal service is efficient and reliable with branches in most major towns throughout the Kingdom. Thailand post offices are open M-F 8am-4:30pm and Sa-Su 9am-1pm. However, The Central GPO in Bangkok, located on New Road, is open until 6pm M-F and Sa-Su 9am-1pm.
All Thai post offices are closed on public holidays, though most major hotels can arrange to mail letters and parcels on your behalf.
In addition to domestic and international mail services, both land and air, standard and registered, the Thailand postal service also provide telegram service.

Time

Thailand Standard time is GMT +7. Thailand does not observe daylight savings.

Weights & Measures

Thailand uses the metric system for all weights and measurements, with the exception for area, which Thais divide into wa and rai.

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Thailand are charged to 220v at 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with appliances from the U.K. but not those from the US and many other nations. While most computer cables have adaptors for voltage, visitors from the U.S. and those not on the 220/50 v. will have to bring adapters to run most other appliances. Outlets in Thailand generally feature flat, two pronged plugs, though some feature holes for round plug ends. Few outlets feature three holes (grounded outlets) so it is often necessary to have a three to two prong adapter for using notebook computers in Thailand.

Accommodation

Thailand hotels are some of the finest in the world, whether they are five star luxury spa retreats or quaint family-run beachfront bungalows. There is a hotel in Thailand for every type of traveler on every budget. That said, the best prices are during Thailand’s off-peak season (May – Aug), while the most expensive prices are typically during the cool season (Dec – Feb).
Whether your accommodation choice is a homestay with local villagers, a guesthouse in a backpacker district, a beach bungalow, or a five star hotel in Thailand, unless you have booked ahead, settle for nothing less than the warmest “land of smiles” hospitality.

Telephone

The Thai phone system is both modern and widespread, with comprehensive coverage for cell phones and reliable pay phones found throughout the kingdom. Purchasing a second-hand Thai phone is inexpensive and convenient, and calling from Thailand on a public phone is easy with a phone card available at most convenience stores.

Emergency numbers are often three or four digit numbers, including Tourist Police, which is 1155.

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Thailanders and Debt

2011-05-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Most of the people I know have sometimes in their lives borrowed money to some Thai person and never got it back. But it is not only foreigners that lost money to Thai people, Thai do not pay back to Thai as well. Most people say in Thailand that if you borrow money to a Thai person it is the same as a gift.
Thai people are terrible with money and if they have any they are like fire in their pockets they need to spend it.

Last week a temple in Thailand put up a sign in the temple saying that they did not want anybody to come to the temple and borrow money anymore. People have been coming every month to borrow money for rent and food but just spent the money on drinking and gambling. Now the temple is running out of cash and told people to pay back what they borrowed.

You might feel sorry for all this landless farmers in Thailand and yes some of them are really landless and have a great misfortune happened to them but many of them just sold the land to get rich quick and after that the just spend the money on drinking other things. When the money is gone they go complain that someone tricked them out of the land and they demand to get it debt.

Thai people also have mafia lenders that borrow money to everyone that wants to. They charge a terrible interest and most people can never pay back but pay the loan shark for the rest of their lives. But so many people in Thailand live outside the system and cannot borrow money from normal banks that these loan sharks play a role in Thailand. The terrible thing is that people also borrow money for buying luxury items and some even gamble with the money, putting them and their families in just greater in debt.

This debt problem has spiraled out of control with the introduction of credit cards a few years back when everybody could get a credit card with 100 000 THB credit. Many Thai just took out the credit card to max and never paid back any money to the banks leaving them outside the normal credit system for life. If they could not take out cash they just bought a TV for the money and then went to pawn shop and sold the TV to get cash, they made a huge loss but they got cash quick.

If you are a foreigner and a Thai person want to borrow your money or invest it for you just think it as gift. Do not expect to get it back because you normally never will.

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