About Thailand

Thailand – General information

So numerous and varied are Thailand’s attractions that it is difficult to see them all in one visit. This is where ‘Asia World’ can assist you, with expert local information and on the ground planning to help you enjoy the perfect holiday. The highlights covered in this brochure include the beaches of Phuket and Samui; the mountains and hill-tribes of the north and the cultural, cosmopolitan capital of Bangkok.

First let us provide some local facts and useful information about Thailand.

Location

The Kingdom of Thailand covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers and lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the northeast, Kampuchea to the east and Malaysia to the south.

Topographically the country is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous north, fertile central plains, semi arid plateau of the northeast and peninsula of the south – distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Climate

Thailand has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: hot (March through May with average temperature in the upper 90s), rainy (June through October with the temperature averaging in the 80s) and cool (November through February with average temperature in the 70s or low 80s).  In the north, during cool season, temperatures can be as low as the 40s during the day. The southern part of the country has intermittent showers year-round.

• Be very careful when walking in the sun or sun-bathing. Wear a hat plus a sun-block of at least SPF 15 and drink water or fluids regularly.

Food

The local cuisine is often spicy but varied and an unforgettable experience. You should try at least some of the local dishes, but be careful when eating food from streetside vendors as this is more in-tune with Thai locals and you may suffer from an upset stomach. Western fare is available in numerous international restaurants and in the hotels, with choice dishes from all parts of the world available. No matter where you eat, stick to bottled water or soda.

Money

Foreign currency and US Dollar traveler’s check can be exchanged for local currency at your hotel, banks and moneychangers. In general, you will get the best rate of exchange at banks and authorized money-changers, however the convenience of changing money in your hotel may be worth the slight loss.

Transport

Unlike a few years ago, most taxicabs in Thailand are now metered and they are still relatively inexpensive by Western standards. Meter taxis cruise through the streets and have to be waved down when the “For Hire” sign is lit, but make sure the driver switches on the meter. Tuk-Tuk is the 3-wheeled open-air taxi that is popular for short journeys within the city. Tuk-Tuk fares must be negotiated with the driver, who probably will not speak much English, so keep your hotel name-card with you to show the driver, on your return journey. Do not ride on motorcycle taxis – they are very dangerous.

Electricity

The voltage in Thailand is 220 volt AC, 50 cycles. An adaptor is required.

Shopping

It would be easy to overload you with information on the marvellous shopping in Thailand, but we will present just a few highlights. Look for good bargains on the street or in some of the ‘night markets’ - It is OK to bargain! Some of the good value wares Thailand is famous for include Ceramics; Silverware; Gemstones; Wooden antiques; Thai silk and tailored suits, but the list is endless. Your Asia World guide can provide more suggestions.

Please note that ‘Asia World’ can arrange for shipping of any goods which you purchase, back to your country of origin at a very small cost.

Tipping

Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to your bill, but a tip is still appreciated. Porters and hotel personnel should also be tipped, but Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. All tips are voluntary and at your iscretion, however, your guides and tour-escort do appreciate the monetary gesture and it is usually best to tip in the local currency.

For your local tour guide, we recommend the equivalent of US$ 2.00-$3.00 per person per day. If you are in Thailand as part of an escorted tour throughout Asia, we recommend US$ 2.00 to $ 4.00 per person per day for your tour escort.

Customs: General

• His Majesty The King of Thailand is revered around the country, so please pay respect always to the Royal family.

• It is polite in greeting a local Thai to ‘Wai’ (press your palms together with fingers pointing outwards) and head slightly bowed (in prayer-like fashion) instead of shaking hands. 

• It is very impolite to use your feet to move or touch anything.

• Do not point the soles of your feet toward a local.

Customs: General

• Avoid patting anyone on the head, even children.

• Women may not touch a monk or directly hand something to him

• Please do not loose your temper with a Thai person as this is considered very rude.

• It is impolite to show intimacy in public.

• Generally, Thai women are conservative, so do not touch them without their consent.

• Thailand is a Buddhist country which does not approve of nudity or topless bathing in public places. Please show consideration and respect for the wishes of the local people in this respect.

• Possesion or use of illegal narcotic drugs will result in strong punishments in Thailand including long jail terms. Please do not become involved with ilegal substances while in Thailand.

• Overstaying your visa can be punishable with a fine and / or a prison term. Your advised to depart Thailand before your visa expires.

• It is recomended to cover your arms and legs in the evening when in the countryside as insects and mosquitos are prevalant. However mosquitos do not carry contagious diseases in tourist destinations. Insect repelants are widely available in Thailand.

Customs: Visiting Temples:

• When visiting temples, remove your shoes and step over the raised threshold, not on it.

• If you join the local Thais to sit in a temple, do not sit with your feet outstretched toward the alter.

• Do not touch or lean against any religious object.

• Despite the heat, men should wear long slacks and a short-sleeved shirt, Women should avoid “short” shorts and may feel more comfortable is a skirt or dress; women should also have their shoulders covered (i.e., no tank tops or sun dresses).

Warnings: Thailand is a safe and wonderful destination but there are a few cautions which we would like to share with you.

Red-light areas / Prostitution:

• These areas can be dangerous and great care should be exercised at all times

• Be careful to keep your drink with you if you do decide to drink at a red-light district. In some places it has been known for customers to have their drinks 'spiked'.

• Taking a bar girl back to your room is strongly advised against. It is easy for tourists to be drugged or robbed.

• Prostitutes free-lancing on the streets are dangerous, as there is no way of tracing them and they are not subject to regular health checks.

• Check your bar bills carefully and make sure you know what the drink prices are.

• There are Tourist Police centres close to night-life areas. Please speak to the tourist police if you have any problems which can not be easily solved.

• It is not a good idea to carry passports, too much money or a lot of jewellery to these areas.

• If there is a dispute in a bar or on the street, do not get physically involved. Go straight to the tourist police

Alcohol:

• Because tropical weather in Thailand, alcohol can affect people much more intensely. Dehydration is a big risk, so please moderate your alcohol intake and drink plenty of water.

Motorcycle-Taxi's:

• It is strongly advised against taking a motorcycle taxi as these are very dangerous. The quality of the riders, the lack of safety helmets for the passenger and the poor driving skills o other road users, make this a very risky way of getting around.

Drugs:

• Using or dealing in any form of narcotic drug in Thailand is punishable by the death sentence or life in prison. There are many foreigners in Thai prisons, who have not heeded this warning about the zero tolerance policy of the Thai authorities.

Insurance Scams:

• There is an upsurge in tourists trying to get a free holiday by pretending to have personal items stolen during their holiday. This is a serious matter in Thailand and the police will check very carefully believing this to be a slur on their country. You will be imprisoned if you make a bogus claim.

Renting Motorbikes / Jeeps / Jet ski's:

• Renting motorcycles is a risk in that the road conditions are dangerous, road signs are in Thai and most road users are not sufficiently trained. Many tourists are killed or injured on the Thai roads every year.

• Renting Jeeps is also not advised because of the above reasons and also because of the minimal insurance coverage offered.

• Be careful with renting Jet Ski's. They are fun but if there is any damage the owners will expect you to pay for the damages in cash due to the lack of insurance.

Security

Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world with very low rates of personal crime. However, it is a good idea to keep passports / tickets at your hotel and avoid carrying large amounts of money on your person. Tourist police contact numbers can be found in this brochure.

Thai Language - Useful Words & Phrases

The Thai language is made up of 5 tones, so in effect a word sounding the same can have 5 different meanings. It is however not difficult to try to speak some simple common words and phrases, which should be understood by the locals. In Bangkok most people who work in restaurants and tourist attractions can speak some English and your Asia World guide can help if there are any real problems.

Below are a collection of useful words and phrases, which might help you during your time in Thailand – it will be fun trying also.

Note: Women should say Kaa at the end of any sentence and Men should say Khrap