THAILAND MINI GUIDE

Thailand: General information

Location: Asia

Local time: GMT +7

Capital: Bangkok

Language: Thai, Chinese, English widely spoken

Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz

International direct dialling code: 66

Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required

Currency: Baht (THB 1 = 100 Satang)
Notes: THB: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000
Coins: THB: 1, 5, 10. Satang: 25, 50

Traditions/Mores: Women should dress conventionally. Some business executives, both men and women, shake hands on meeting and taking leave. The business community generally speaks English. One should not touch the head of persons, not even that of children and soles of the feet must not be shown when sitting. Footwear should be removed before entering a chapel of a Buddhist temple, also private homes. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants and clubs, punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years

Emergency services: Police: 191, 123, (1699 tourist police). Fire: 199. Ambulance: 252 2171/5 (Bangkok)

Air Travel

Thailand's national airline is Thai Airways International (website: www.thaiairways.com).
Bangkok is the main entry point into Thailand, as well as being a major access point for travel to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam.

Approximate flight times:

From Bangkok to London is 12 hours; to Manila is three hours; to Singapore is two hours 15 minutes and to Sydney is nine hours.

International airports:

Bangkok International (BKK) (Don Muang) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 24km (15 miles) north of the city (travel time - 40 to 60 minutes). There is a 24-hour bus service to the city centre. Trains also run to the city centre (travel time - 30 to 45 minutes). Limousines are available at all hours: service is every 20 minutes depending on flights. Taxis are also available. There is a direct coach service to Pattaya at 0900, 1200 and 1900, returning at 0630, 1400 and 1830. Airport facilities include left luggage, first aid, chemist, duty free shop, banks/bureaux de change, restaurant, bar and snack bars inside the departure lounge, post office situated inside the departure lounge, car hire, accommodation and insurance bureaux.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (SBI) (website: www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/th/index.htm) is 25 km (14 miles) east of Bangkoks’ city centre. The construction of the new airport is almost complete. The airport will open for full commercial operations between June and October 2006. When it opens, it will replace Don Muang aiport. A city-link-connection is under construction.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), 15km (9 miles) southwest of the city (travel time - 20 minutes). Taxi and limousine services are available to the city centre. Airport facilities include car hire, banks/bureaux de change, restaurant, shops and bar.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 35km (22 miles) northwest of Phuket. Buses and taxis are available to the city centre. Airport facilities include left luggage, duty free shops, first aid, banks, post office, restaurant and snack bars, car hire and tourist information.
Hat Yai International (HDY) has recently been opened; so far it is only used for flights to Asian destinations and domestic flights. The nearest town is Songkhla (approximately 20km/12.5 miles away). Taxis, bus and train services are available. Airport facilities include duty free shop, restaurant, car hire and post office.

THAILAND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where to find cheap, possibly non-stop tickets to Thailand? Can I get the best lowest airfare at the last moment? Which airlines fly to Thailand? Which travel documents, passport, visa required, what are health immunization requirements in Thailand.

Recommended immunisations:

diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *Japanese B encephalitis, *malaria, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month

Health risks in Thailand:

Malaria exists all year in rural (particularly forest and hilly) areas throughout the country mainly toward the international borders. There is no risk in cities and the main tourist resorts (eg Bangkok, Chiangmai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui). Rabies

Thailand: Passport & visas

Restrictions

1) Entry is refused to nationals of Afghanistan unless in transit within 3 hours
2) Entry may be refused to persons not complying with general standards of appearance as required by the Thai Government

Thailand Passports

Required, but NOT by the following:
1) Holders of a Singapore Certificate of Identity with a visa

Notes:

Passport validity: Passports must be valid 6 months beyond intended length of stay

Thailand Visas

The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Thailand
2) For tourist visits up to 30 days, provided holding THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family & being ordinary passport holders of:
a) United Kingdom
b) Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (S.A.R. passport holders), Indonesia, Ireland Rep, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States & Vietnam

Notes:

Visas are issued on arrival for tourist visits up to 15 days to nationals of Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech Rep, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan & Ukraine, provided:
a) holding confirmed tickets to leave Thailand within 15 days (must be submitted with application)
b) holding THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family
c) enter through a designated international checkpoint

Transit

Required by all except:
1) Persons continuing their journey to a third country within 12 hours, provided holding tickets with confirmed reservations prior to arrival, documents required for onward journey & not leaving the airport transit lounge

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