Getting to Thailand

Easy and convenient ways to reach your dream destination.

Getting Around Thailand

Once you arrive in Thailand you will find getting around the country is easy and convenient. Thai Airways International's domestic service covers major destinations in the Kingdom and there is a comprehensive network of railways, highways and roads linking the main cities and outlying areas.

Buses

Phenomenally fast, well serviced and air-conditioned public buses are plentifully available within Bangkok for a minimum of 12 – 22 baht. The red and grey air-conditioned microbuses are for longer urban journeys. A bus route map can be obtained from most hotels and bookshops. Ordinary (non-air-con) buses cannot be booked in advance. They usually cost between 7 – 12 baht depending on the distance. A unique feature of Thai public transport is the women-only buses operating since June 2000 to let female passengers travel safely. The number to call for bus route information is 184.

Taxis & tuk tuks

Metered taxis can be hailed from anywhere in Bangkok, but make sure that the meter is switched on before you start. Taxi journeys start with a set fare of 35 baht for the first 3 kms, then approximately 5 baht for every additional km. When travelling on the expressway, passengers must also pay the toll.

Local transport includes taxis, tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws), saamlaw (bicycle rickshaws) and sawngthaew (small pick-ups). The three-wheeled mini taxis known as tuk tuk is a symbol of Thailand. They are cheaper and suitable only for shorter trips during off-peak hours. They can cost from 20 baht to 100 baht depending on the length of the journey and fares must be agreed before the journey starts as there is no meter. Tuk-tuks and taxis outside Bangkok require bargaining and agreement on a fare before departure

Cars

Cars, jeeps or vans can be rented in Bangkok and large provincial capitals. Thais drive on the left-hand side of the road - most of the time. The bigger vehicles rule the roads and there is very little following of rules here.

Bicycle

Bicycles are an ideal transportation mode - cheap, nonpolluting and slow enough to allow you to see everything. Favoured touring routes include the two-lane roads along the Mekong River in the north and northeast - the terrain is largely flat and the river scenery is inspiring.
You can take bicycles on the train for a little less than the equivalent of one 3rd-class fare. On ordinary buses they'll place your bike on the roof and on air-con buses it will be put in the cargo hold.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles can be rented in major towns and tourist centres. Always check the condition of the bike thoroughly before you take off.
The fastest way to plod through the traffic congestion of Thailand's major cities is by motorcycle taxi. Look for the driver with the coloured vest. Fares are negotiated before departure. Hold on tight for a fast joyride.

Train

Rail journeys in Thailand are efficient, inexpensive, comfortable, punctual and rather slow. An extensive rail network serves Thailand with 3 lines connecting Chiang Mai (Northern line), Nong Khai (Northeastern line) and Singapore via Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (Southern line). Domestic express trains comprise first, second, and third class carriages. Slower trains used on shorter journeys may only have third-class seating.
The State Railway of Thailand organises one and two-day economy tours to various destinations on weekends and holidays. Railway schedules can be obtained from Bangkok's main railway station at Hualamphong. Train tickets for all classes can be purchased 90 days in advance at principle stations and at the Advance Booking Office at Hualamphong from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tel. 66 2220 4444 and www railway.co.th or www.thailandrailway.com

Air

Internal flights in Thailand are getting affordable. Most routes originate from Bangkok, but Chiang Mai, Ko Samui and Phuket also have flights to other Thai towns. Thailand's national carrier is Thai Airways International (THAI), which operates many domestic air routes from Bangkok to provincial capitals.
Several other air carriers such as Bangkok Airways, PB Air, Phuket Air, Angel Air, etc. fly in about 26 cities throughout Thailand. Reservations may be secured through airline offices, hotels or travel agencies from overseas or upon arrival in Thailand.

Boat

Thai river transport is the reua haang yao (cigarette long-tail boat), so-called because the propeller is mounted at the end of a long drive shaft extending from the engine. These boats travel very fast and are available for tours of the city's huge canal system.

A 2-hour private tour runs about 500 Baht. Public river taxis run from dawn till dusk from Khlong Toei to as far north as Nonthaburi. The journey takes over an hour. Smaller trips between other landings can cost as little as 9 Baht. Meanwhile, the major riverside hotels provide their own shuttle services.

Visa and Stay

Foreign nationals wishing to visit the Kingdom of Thailand need a valid passport and must obtain an appropriate visa from their nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.

The address and contact numbers of Thai embassies and consulates abroad can be obtained from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Department of Consular Affairs,
Visas and Travel Documents Division,
123 Chaengwattana Road,
Bangkok 10210
Tel: 0 2981 7171 ext 3201-2, 3204-5 or direct line 0 2575 1062-4,
Fax: 0 2575 1066,
E-mail: div1303@mfa.go.th.

Tourist Visa Exemption

According to the Ministry of Interior Ministerial, tourists from some countries do not require a visa if their stay does not exceed 30 days. The tourist must possess a minimum living expense of 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family, respectively.

For further information regarding visa requirements, please contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate or visit website www.mfa.go.th

Visas on Arrival

Tourists from some countries can obtain visas on arrival in Thailand if their stay does not exceed 15 days. They must have minimum living expenses of 20,000 baht each or 40,000 baht per family. Applicants must also produce a fully paid air ticket valid up to 15 days from the date of entry.

Visas on Arrival

Tourists from some countries can obtain visas on arrival in Thailand if their stay does not exceed 15 days. They must have minimum living expenses of 20,000 baht each or 40,000 baht per family. Applicants must also produce a fully paid air ticket valid up to 15 days from the date of entry.

Validity of Visas

All visas are valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue.

Length of Stay

• Transit Visa: 30 days
• Tourist Visa: 60 days
• Non-Immigrant Visa: 90 days

Visa Extensions

Application for a 15-day extension for any visa can be made at
The Immigration Bureau
Soi Suan Phlu, Sathon Tai Road
Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Tel: 0 2287 3101, 0 2287 3110.

The fee is 1,000 baht.

Re-Entry Permits

Application fee for a single re-entry permit is 1,000 baht. A multiple reentry permit per visa is 3,800 baht.

Long Stay Visa

There is a special visa for Temporary Residents under the O-A Code for retirees which may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and above. Holders of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for one year, but may not take employment during their stay. The qualifications required for a long stay visa and the necessary documentation can be found in the e-brochure.

Customs

The duty free allowance will be applied to accompanied personal effects up to baht 10,000 worth if:

• the items are intended for your own personal or professional uses;
• the quantity are reasonable; and
• the items are not subject to prohibition or restriction.

However, there are limits on the amount of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars and smoking tobacco to which you may include in your duty free personal exemption as follows:

• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or smoking tobacco
• 1 litre of spirituous liquor

Personal effects do not include motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts regardless of the length of time used and owned.

Health Regulations

Visitors do not require vaccinations unless they are coming from or have passed through a designated contaminated area. It is important to check the current regulations with your local health office.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is kind and the beaches are at their finest. This is the time when Thailand's major national and regional festivals are celebrated.

Thailand's monsoons arrive around July and last into November which is the rainy season. They can be uncomfortably, unpredictably sticky. This is followed by a dry, cool period from November to mid-February, followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to June.

The peak season is November to late March, with secondary peak months in July and August. If you want to avoid crowds and to take advantage of discounted rooms and low-season rates, April to June and September, October is the best time.

On the other hand, it's not difficult to leave the crowds behind, even during peak months, if you simply avoid the most popular destinations (Chiang Mai and all islands and beaches). This is also the prime time for diving in terms of visibility and accessibility.

The best time to visit most of Thailand is between November and February, primarily because it rains the least and is not too hot during these months. If you plan to focus on the mountains of the Northern provinces, the hot season (March to May) and early rainy season (June to July) are not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Haze from the burning-off of agricultural fields during these months, however, does obscure visibility in the north.

Northeastern and central Thailand, on the other hand, are best avoided from March to May, when temperatures may climb over 40°C during the day and aren't much lower at night. Because temperatures are more even year-round in the south (because it's closer to the equator), the beaches and islands of southern Thailand are a good choice for respite when the rest of Thailand is miserably hot.

Useful Tips

• Thailand is Buddhist country where Buddha images are held sacred.
• Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors.
• Thai people hold their King and Queen and the Royal Family in great reverence and won't tolerate foreigners talking about them in disrespect.
• Criticism of the king and royal family is not just frowned upon in Thailand; it is against the law. It is a punishable offence that is taken very seriously.
• Generally Thai women are conservative. So don't touch them without their consent.
• Dress properly when entering a Buddhist temple. Mini skirts and shorts are not allowed.
• Take your shoes off before going inside the hall of worship or any Thai home.
• Ladies must not on any account touch a Buddhist monk, give things directly to him or receive things directly from him.
• Intimacies between man and woman should not be shown in public. Sunbathing in the nude is prohibited.
• While calling Thais with their first names, use the title "Khun" for adults.
• Thai people smile to express gladness and happiness, to thank for small services, to return the wai (a way of greeting) of children and inferior persons and even to excuse small inconveniences.
• Don't touch a person's head nor ruffle his hair. The head is the noblest part of the body. A sincere apology should be offered immediately if you touch someone's head unintentionally.
• Avoid placing your feet on the table while sitting. Using your foot to point things out or touching any part of anybody's body is considered rude.
• When entering a Thai house, you're expected to remove your shoes.

List of Essentials in your Bag

• Pack light wash-and-wear clothes, plus a sweater (pullover) or light jacket for chilly evenings and mornings in northern Thailand or air-con places.
• Slip-on shoes or sandals are better than lace-up boots.
• Laundry is cheap in Thailand, so don't lug your whole wardrobe around the country.
• You can buy toothpaste, soap and most other toiletries cheaply from almost anywhere in Thailand.
• Tampons can be difficult to find outside of a few export-oriented shops in Bangkok.
• Thai deodorants aren't as potent at fighting sweaty stink as antiperspirants from home.
• Other handy items include:
  • a small torch (flashlight)
  • sarong (dries better than a towel)
  • waterproof money/passport container (for swimming outings)
  • sunscreen (high SPFs are not widely available outside of big cities)
• Be sure to check government travel advisories for Thailand before you leave for general security issues.

Do's and Don't in Thailand

• Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
• Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672
• Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss.
• Drop your garbage into a waste container. Fines are imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs or drops rubbish in public areas.
• Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
• Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards and turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
• Shorts, bikinis, tops that show your bare arms, skirts that show your legs, open-toed sandals and generally dirty or unkempt attire is considered inappropriate.
• Never climb on a Buddha image and be very careful about taking photos. Some images are so sacred photographs are forbidden.
• If you can't cross your legs, don't sit on the floor in front of the temple's Buddha image. In doing so, you will point your feet at the Buddha which is an act of sacrilege.
• Monks travel on public transport and require the same respect there as they would receive at the temple. Give them your seat. Also, special seats are allotted for them.
• Shouting and shows of annoyance are entirely frowned upon, whatever the situation.
• Thais are generally shy people and few are likely to walk up to you and engage in conversation. If this happens and the conversation moves towards the purchase of gems, gold, jewellery or other such items, beware.
• Smoking in the street is illegal. You can be fined 2,000 Baht.
• Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155

Traveller's Information

Medical Services

All tourism destinations and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained doctors and nurse. In the case of an emergency, an ambulance can be summoned from any private hospital.

Vaccinations: As in most other countries, visitors do not require vaccinations unless coming from or passing through a designated contaminated area.

Shopping Tips

Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of the other places bargaining is acceptable and expected. Some department stores will even offer a discount on expensive items like jewellery and fine furniture. There are no fixed rules as the process depends on the bargainer's skill and the shopkeeper's mood, but the final price may be reduced to as much as 30% to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour and tend to be put off by a loss of temper. Providing you have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final decision.

The Jewel Fest Club

Jewellery and gemstones from Thailand are favourite items for many visitors. Their beauty, quality craftsmanship and reasonable price have earned Thai precious and semi-precious stones a worldwide reputation.

Through the cooperation of the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Jewel Fest Club has been established, bringing about 100 leading jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. The club's aim is to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied with their purchases.

When you purchase an item of jewellery from a store that is clearly identified as a member of the Jewel Fest Club, your purchase will be duly recorded and a certificate detailing your purchase will be issued. Not only does this certificate of authenticity clearly state the nature and price of your purchase, it also guarantees your refund should you wish to return the purchase. Contact The Jewel Fest Club at Tel: 0 2630 1390-7, Fax: 0 2630 1398-9, or visit website: www.jewelfest.com.

Packing and Shipping Services

Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced in shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such matters.

VAT Refund

Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying ‘VAT Refund for Tourists' signs. The refund may be claimed if the amounts in all P.P.10's have been totaled at 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card.
For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html

Procedure on VAT Refund for Tourists

At the store:

• Shop at stores displaying the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign
• Spend at least 2,000 baht per store per day
• Present your passport and ask for a P.P.10 form (VAT Refund Application Form) immediately on the purchase date
• The total value of purchases (per person) as combined from all P.P.10's shall be at least 5,000 baht before you are eligible to claim a VAT refund

At the airport:

• Let the Custom Officers check the purchased goods before you check in and have them sign all P.P.10's on the departure date
• Bring all P.P.10's and original tax invoices to claim your VAT refund at the VAT Refund Office after the Immigration Checkpoint
• Jewellery, gold ornaments, watches, glasses and pens, of which the value is 10,000 baht or over, shall be re-inspected at the VAT Refund Office
• The purchased goods are required to be taken out of the country within 60 days since the purchase date through the International Airport.

Communication Services

Postal Services

Thailand's mail service is both reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises.

Bangkok's central GPO
Charoen Krung (New Road)
Open from: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Telegrams may be sent at any time of the day or night. Other post offices in Bangkok and those located in the provinces are generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Telephone

International phone calls can be made easily from mid-range to upper-class hotels. There is direct dialing to and from more than 80 countries across the globe. Rates for calling outside the country are considerably higher than for calling domestically.

So if you expect a long telephone conversation it might be best to ask your party to call back if possible. There are special booths for making overseas calls at post offices as well as international phone booths in Bangkok and other tourist areas where debit cards can be purchased for use.

Fax and E-mail

All Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer the same facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services.

International Roaming Mobile

A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is now available for Thai and foreign customers who are traveling in Thailand for work. For foreigners, a copy of a work permit or non immigrant B class Visa and passport must be presented to purchase one.
The SIM card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.

Internet Service

Thailand is continually expanding its information services for residents and tourists alike through its own Internet system. Services are available in leading hotels and at cyber cafés found everywhere throughout the country.

Currency

The Thai unit of currency, the Baht, is not fixed to any other currency, but rather fluctuates with world market rates.

The Baht is divided into 100 satang. Copper-coloured coins are valued at 25 and 50 satang. Silver-coloured coins are available in 1 and 5 Baht denominations. Silver and copper colour coins represent 10 Baht denominations. Banknotes are valued at 20 (green) Baht, 50 (blue) Baht, 100 (red) Baht, 500 (purple) Baht and 1,000 (grey) Baht.

Traveller's Cheques / Cheques / Credit Cards / Banks

US-dollar traveller's cheques can be cashed at provincial banks and authorised money changers. Traveller's cheques are best redeemed in Bangkok where the rates are the best. Generally, hotel rates are lower than those offered by banks and authorised money changers.

Major credit cards as well as traveller's cheques in principle currencies, are generally accepted. Travellers' Cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies may be exchanged at any commercial banks, most hotels and foreign exchange counters.

Thai and foreign banks provide a standard service nationwide. Office hours are 9.30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on bank and public holidays.

ATM machines across Thailand are open 24 hrs and accept all major credit cards. Many first-class hotels provide 24-hour money exchange services, but only for major currencies such as American, British, German and Swiss. Traveller's cheques are generally accepted at all hotels.

Exchange Controls

Foreign tourists please note:

• Foreign notes or coins should not exceed the equivalent of US$10,000, or the amount declared in writing to customs upon arrival. Taking a foreign currency that exceeds US$10,000 in or out of Thailand must be declared at the Customs Office upon arrival or departure. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and/ or prosecution.
• Travellers can take a maximum of 50,000 Baht per person out of the country without authorisation. Thai currency up to 500,000 Baht can be taken to neighbouring countries without authorisation. These countries are: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
• Foreign visitors may bring personal effects and other goods that are not prohibited by current customs regulations. Other than personal effects, visitors are also allowed to take out merchandise bought from duty free shops, including precious stones, gold and platinum ornaments.
• Non-residents are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with any commercial bank in Thailand. As a special gesture to non-residents, no restrictions are imposed on the maintenance of and withdrawal from the account, as long as the funds originate from abroad.
• Foreign visitors may convert Thai Baht into foreign currency for the purposes of outbound travel so long as they present evidence such as a currency exchange receipt, a valid airline ticket and their passport to any major bank.

To know the current rate of currency conversion, kindly contact the nearest Thailand Tourism office.