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The following information is intended to give visitors information about Thailand in the form of fast facts. Select from numerous categories of Thailand facts, including economics, geography, people, population, weather, accommodations, holidays and more.
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| Airport Tax |
| International departure tax is THB 700.00 per person, shown in the airticket. Domestic departure tax from Bangkok is THB 100. Domestic departure tax from Samui is THB 300 and from Sukhothai is THB 200. All taxes are per person/ticket/way and in most cases are included in your airticket price at issuing time. |
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| Business Hours |
It is sometimes difficult to determine what are business hours in Thailand, especially in Bangkok where the city is alive 24 hours a day. Here are some reference times:
| Banks |
08.30 - 16.30 hrs (Mon-Fri) |
| Currency Exchange Booths |
10.00 - 22.00 hrs (Daily) |
| Department stores/shopping malls |
10.00 - 21.00 hrs (Daily) |
| Offices |
08.30 - 17.30 hrs (Mon-Fri)
08.30 - 12.00 hrs (Saturday) |
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| Credit Cards |
| International credit cards including American Express, VISA, Diners Club, MasterCard are widely accepted at banks, restaurants, hotels and shops. You will find ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines) in major cities and resorts. |
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| Currency |
| Thai Baht (THB) which is made up of 100 Satang. Bank notes: 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1'000 Baht. Coins: 25, 50 Satang and 1, 2, 5, 10 Baht.
However, currency exchange rates fluctuate daily. Most major currencies can be exchanged into Baht at authorized money exchange centres and banks. Most hotels also accept foreign currencies but use a less favourable exchange rate. Traveller’s Cheques have to be exchanged into Thai Baht at selected banks or money exchange centres. |
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| Customs Regulation |
| For personal use, visitors are allowed to bring into Thailand 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of wine or spirits duty-free. Buddha images or fragments thereof, as well as ivory are forbidden to be taken out of Thailand. We urge all visitors to check Thai custom regulations should they plan to bring any special items in and out of Thailand. |
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| Driving |
| Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. Visitors are required a valid international driving license to hire a vehicle in Thailand. When hiring a motorcycle, there is no insurance coverage and the hirer is personally liable for any damages or accidents. |
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| Electricity |
| Type of plug and voltage generally used in Thailand is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, two-pin plug sockets. |
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| Etiquette |
The common Thai greeting is the WAI, a prayer-like gesture using both hands. When Thais and foreigners do business, it is common to shake hands. Thais are very tolerant and accommodating people. There are however a few basic do’s and don'ts you should observe.
- Never criticize any member of the Thai Royal Family or the institution itself. The monarchy is held in very high esteem. You are expected to stand as a mark of respect when the royal anthem is played.
- As a general rule, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people as both actions are considered to be impolite.
- When visiting temples conservative attire is required - no shorts, swimming wear or vests in order to show respect at places of worship. Shoes must be removed before entering inside temple buildings. Visitors displaying bare shoulders, knees and heels are not permitted entry into Bangkok's Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple, one of the most revered religious sites in Thailand.
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Flight Information
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| Flight Information |
Tel. 02 132 0000 |
| Airport Information (Departure) |
Tel. 02 132 9324 up to 7 |
| Airport Information (Arrival) |
Tel. 02 132 9328 up to 9 |
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| Food & Drinks |
| You are spoilt for choice with a wide variety of world class cuisine. Thai food from street vendors is a good object to take a picture but be very careful if you want to try as it may not be clean. The food courts at shopping centers also offer the variety and are often at a good price.
Thai restaurants and seafood restaurants hardly ever disappoint! Besides Thai food, most international restaurant chains have outlets in Bangkok and in major tourist resorts. Tap water is heavily chlorinated and not suitable for drinking. Drink only bottled water or the purified water provided in vacuum bottles in hotel rooms. Ice cubes served in quality hotels and restaurants are safe, however, please be cautious elsewhere. Imported alcohol is rather expensive due to heavy taxes. |
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| Greeting |
| A beautiful expression of welcome, the greeting, or WAI, is accomplished by placing the palms and fingers together and bringing the hands slowly to the neck level, with head slightly bowed. All Thais greet one another in this manner, with the word "Sawasdee" (sa-wad-dee), ending in "Kha" for women and "Krup" for men. |
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| Health Matters |
| No vaccines or inoculations are required unless travellers have visited certain countries on health watch-list. There are no major health risks when visiting the main tourist resorts. However, it is advisable to ensure your Tetanus booster is up-to-date and a vaccination against Cholera is a good idea especially if you intend to go off the beaten track. Malaria could still be contracted in a few border regions. During the monsoon (rainy season) it is advisable to use plenty of mosquito repellent. Cities and major tourist destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya and Hua Hin have excellent medical facilities. Bangkok has international-standard hospitals (such as Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Hospital and BNH among the best in the country). Most hospitals accept major credit cards. Good travel insurance with adequate medical cover is essential. |
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| Major Airports |
| Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Code BKK) is located approximately 40 minutes drive East of Bangkok City Center. It is built on 3100 hectares of land in Samut Prakarn province. The main access road is an elevated 10 lane highway which is connected to the outer ring road network and also directly connects to the Bangkok – Chonburi (Pattaya) motorway. Pattaya is now around a 1 hour and twenty minute drive away.
Don Muang Bangkok Airport (Code DMK) is available for some domestic flights and low cost airline only. Please check carefully if you travel on domestic flights whether it departs from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang Bangkok Airport
Rail Network – This Airport Rail Link (ARL) is the new 26.6 kilometer high speed rail link from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to City Airport Terminal in Makkasan and is now opened. This City Airport Terminal network is connected to BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Sukhumvit Line and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Blue Line at Phaya Thai and Petchaburi stations respectively. The total journey will take approximately 15 minutes. |
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| Tipping |
| While most hotels and restaurants will include a 10% service charge in your bill, it is customary to tip service staff. Tipping to express your appreciation of good service provided by restaurant staff and tour guides / drivers is accepted with dignity and respect. A rough guideline for tipping: Porters = THB 20 per bag, Restaurants = THB 20 per guest, Tour Guides / drivers = THB 100 per passenger per half-day excursion.
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| Visa |
| For many nationalities, no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days, while others may apply for a 15-day Visa on Arrival at Thailand's main international airports (Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Ubon Ratchthani and Hat Yai).
All foreign tourists must posses a passport valid for at least 6 months and an air ticket with onward reservation. However, you should check the visa requirement with your nearest Thai embassy, consulate or with your travel agency prior to entering Thailand |
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| Public Holiday |
Fixed Public Holidays
| Date |
Holiday |
| 01 January |
New Year's Day |
| 06 April |
Chakri Day |
| 01 May |
National Labor Day (banks only) |
| 05 May |
Coronation Day (since 1950) |
| 01 July |
Mid Year Closing Day (banks only) |
| 12 August |
H.M. the Queen's Birthday (also Mothers' Day) |
| 23 October |
Chulalongkorn Day |
| 05 December |
H.M. the King's Birthday (also Father's Day) |
| 10 December |
Constitution Day |
| 31 December |
New Year's Eve |
Holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday are observed by banks on the following Monday, but not by the Government. This includes the moveable holidays. Nowadays many businesses and offices also follow the same observances as banks. |
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