Neighboring countries: Myanmar and Laos to the north, Myanmar to the west, Laos and Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.
Area: 514,000 sq km (200,000 sq miles)
Population: 69.95 million (2021)
Capital: Bangkok
Time Zone: GMT+7 hours
Religion: Buddhism (93.58%), Islam (4.94%), Christianity (1.20%), Hinduism (0.06%), other religions (0.11%)
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai Bath – THB ($1 = 35.73 Thai Baht – November 2022)
Electric Plug Used: 230V and 50Hz, there are four associated plug types, types A, B, and C. Plug type A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin and plug type C has two round pins.

Visa Exemption

• From the 1st of October 2022 to the 31st of March 2023, the period of stay for visa-on-arrival is extended to 30 days.
• From the 1st of October 2022 onwards, the period of stay for the tourist visa exemption scheme is 30 days.

This rule allows tourists from 64 countries to enter Thailand without a visa. They are granted a maximum of 30 days if they enter Thailand via an international airport or a land border checkpoint from neighboring countries.

• Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

The passport holders of 64 countries are entitled to enter Thailand under this rule provided that they meet the following criteria:

• The visit is strictly for tourism purposes.
• They must have a confirmed return ticket to show they are flying out of Thailand within 30 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Traveling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc., to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc., may be accepted as proof of exiting Thailand. They may be asked to show flight tickets upon entering Thailand. If they do not possess a flight ticket to offer, they will be leaving Thailand within 30 days of entry their entry will most likely be rejected.

E-Visa

Thailand e-Visa is a tourist visa for travelers from certain countries. This e-Visa is only valid for travel, leisure, or medical needs. Foreigners with e-Visas cannot work, pursue long-term education, or volunteer. All countries are eligible for Thailand’s e-Visa. However, citizens from particular countries may need additional documents and seek further confirmation from their regional Thai Embassy or Consulate:

• Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sao Tome, and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Requirement: 

Below are the requirements needed to prepare for a Thailand e-Visa application:

• For single-entry: A current passport with no less than six months validity and at least two blank pages. (single entry). Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• For multiple-entry: A passport with no less than six months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least two blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• A passport-style photo that can be uploaded
• Intended date of travel
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g., hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• For single-entry: Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 10,000 Thai Baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families.)
• For multiple-entry: Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over six months. e.g., bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer.

Validity

• Single entry e-Visa

A Single entry e-Visa allows foreign nationals to enter Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical reasons. Travelers will have three months before their visa application is approved to enter Thailand. They are permitted to stay for 60 days once they arrive.

• Multiple entry e-Visa

The multiple-entry e-Visa is valid for up to 60 days per visit and allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over six months. This stay can also be extended by 30 days by visiting a local Immigration Office.

E-Visa extension

Traveler with a multi-entry e-Visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days.

Visa extension for students
According to the recent announcement by the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, foreigners with student visas must provide certificates from educational institutions when they apply for a visa extension. This is done as a part of the department program, which aims to prevent the establishment of illegal businesses run by foreigners.

Visa On Arrival

At present, passport holders from the 19 eligible countries and territories may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints on arrival for tourism. They will be granted to stay in Thailand for a period that doesn’t exceed 30 days. The Visa on Arrival can only be extended up to 7 days at the Thai Immigration office. Should the traveler wish to stay for a month longer, they may do a border run once. For each entry, they will get 30 days, or exit the country by land and re-enter by air to get another 30-day stamp.

List of countries whose nationals may apply for a visa at the Immigration Checkpoints for the touristic purpose only and a period that doesn’t exceed 15 days:

• Bulgaria; Bhutan; China; Cyprus; Ethiopia; Fiji; Georgia; India; Kazakhstan; Malta; Mauritius; Mexico; Nauru; Papua New Guinea; Romania; Saudi Arabia; Taiwan; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

The Visa On Arrival allows passport holders of 19 countries to enter Thailand under this rule provided they meet these requirements:- The visit is strictly for tourism purposes.

• The passport must be genuine and valid for at least 30 days.
• The traveler must have a valid address in Thailand, whether a hotel or apartment, that can be verified.
• The traveler must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they fly out of Thailand within 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Traveling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc., to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc., is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand. The traveler may be asked to show a flight ticket upon entering Thailand. If The traveler does not possess a flight ticket to show that The traveler will be exiting Thailand within 15 days of entry, The traveler will most likely be refused entry.
• It will also be necessary to prove that The traveler has funds of at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family during the stay in Thailand.
• A fee of 2,000 THB is payable upon entry and is subject to change without notice. It must be paid in cash and Thai currency only.

Required documents

• Passport cover page
• Passport bio page
• Departure and return airline tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Photograph size 4×6 cm.

Tourist Visa For Other Countries
Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their home/ residence country or at the designated Thai Embassy. Therefore, travelers are advised to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to find out where they may apply for a visa to Thailand before departure.
In case of overstay: There is a minimum charge of 500 Baht daily. This goes to a maximum of 20,000 Baht for overstays of 40 days or longer.
In addition, there is a risk of being detained, fined, deported ait’s own expense, and black-listed from re-entering Thailand.
The only legal way of getting a new visa, entry permit, or extension of stay is from a Thai Embassy or Consulate, an Immigration Officer at a point of entry into Thailand, or one of the Immigration Offices around the country. Visas issued by visa shops, travel agents, or other means are likely illegal and can lead to criminal proceedings.

Illegal Souvenirs
Buddha images or statues over 12 cm or 5 inches are at risk of being confiscated upon departure; that’s why the following guidelines must be followed:

– The Buddha image must be an entire image, not just a part like a hand or a head
– One cannot take more than 5 Buddha images out of Thailand on a single trip
– If applying for an export permit, the permit should be planned 4 to 5 days before the process; apply at the local Fine Arts Department and submit one permit for every image

The following is an extract from the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the export of images of Buddha:
Buddha images, Bodhisattva images, or related fragments, part of ancient monuments and prehistoric objects, are forbidden to be taken from the Kingdom. Newly cast images of Buddha in complete condition can be exported for worship, cultural exchange, or educational purposes with licenses issued by the Fine Arts Department. No more than five pieces per person shall be allowed.
Reproductions of antiquities can also be exported with licenses.

Procedures to obtain a license for the export of antiquities or Buddha images.

The following documents should be produced together with the application form:

• Two copies (3×5 inches) of a front view photograph of the object(s)
• A photocopy of the applicant’s passport (in case of export of Buddha images,
• The photocopy of the passport must be certified as a true copy by the related Embassy or Consulate in Thailand).

Bring the object(s) and the documents to apply for a license at any of the following places:

Office of Fine Arts Department Locations
Office of Archaeology and National Museums, 81/1 Si Ayutthaya Road, Thieves, Dusit, Bangkok, Tel: 0 2628 5032
Chiang Mai National Museum, Superhighway Road, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai, Tel: (053) 221-308
Songkhla National Museum, 13/1 Jana Road, Tambon Bohyang, Amphoe Muang, Songkhla, Tel: (074) 311-728, 311-881
Thalang National Museum, Tambon Si Sunthorn, Amphoe Thalang, Phuket, Tel: (076) 311-426

By Air
Almost 70 foreign airlines have licenses from Thai authorities to serve the country and are respecting international standards. It includes Aeroflot, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa, United Airlines or Swiss Air. Thai Airways, which is one of the most consider airline in the world, is offering the most destinations and the best services to and from Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport of Bangkok is the most important international airport of the country, many flights to Thailand are leading to there. However, many flights from Asia are landing in other international airport of the country such as Chiang Mai, Phuket or Hat Yai.

By Land
Thailand / Lao borders

• Huay Xai/Chiang Khong
• Muang Ngeun/Huay Kon
• Nam Hueng/Tha Li
• Vientiane/Nong Khai
• Paksan/Bueng Kan
• Tha Khaek/Nakhon Phanom
• Savannakhet/Mukdahan
• Vang Tao/Chong Mek

Thailand / Cambodia borders

• Aranyaprathet, Thailand/Poipet
• Hat Lek, Thailand/Koh Kong, Cambodia
• Chong Jom, Thailand/O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia
• Chong Sa Ngam, Thailand/Anlong Veng, Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia.
• Ban Pakard, Chantaburi, Thailand/Phsar Prom Pailin, Cambodia (Prom Checkpoint)
• Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand/Daung Lem, Battambang, Cambodia (Daung Checkpoint)

Thailand / Malaysia borders

• Ban Ta Ba
• Sungai Kolok
• Betong
• Sadao
• Pedang Besar
• Wang Prajan
• Kuala Perlis

Border crossings are only daylight hours open, except for Sadao and Pedang Besar. Boat crossing is usual between Thailand and Malaysia, the most popular crossing border are Kuala Perlis, Pedang Besar, Sadao and Sungai Kolok.
Thailand / Myanmar borders

• Mai Sai – Tachilek
• Mae Sot – Myawaddy
• Phunaron – Htee Kee
• Ranong – Kawthoung
• Sangkhla Buri – Payathonzu – the Three Pagodas Pas

Transportaion
Taxi
Bangkok has a huge number of taxis for reasonable prices since they are equipped with meters. However, outside of the capital it is rare to find taxis with meters. In this case, ask for the price and negotiate before entering into the taxi.
Avoid taking a taxi near hotels and tourist attractions.
All the official taxis will have a yellow registration plate.
Make sure to have some small banknotes and change, in case the driver doesn’t have change.
Tuk-Tuk 
A Tuk-Tuk is a classic vehicle in Thailand. They are easy to find, especially in Bangkok, due to their typical colors and the sound they make. It is a really good experience for tourists and a way to move quickly. It is better to ask the price before going in a tuk-tuk.
Metropolitan Rail Lines
Thailand has three primary metropolitan rail lines which are the BTS Skytrain, MRT underground lines and airport rail link. All of these metropolitan rail lines are linked together.
Unlimited single day and various multi-day passes can be purchased for both the BTS Skytrain and MRT underground, many of which are ideal for tourists wishing to explore the city, though such cards are not transferable between the two independently owned rail lines and must be purchased separately. The BTS skytrain card can buy only at the BTS skytrain station.
Bangkok Skytrain (BTS)
There are two types of railroads in Thailand. The first one is the BTS Skytrain composed of two lines (green), and the second one is the MRT underground (blue).
The first line of the BTS Skytrain is Sukhumvit Line and follows Sukhumvit road, a very busy street, with many shops, restaurants and hotels. In the north, it leads to Mo Chit, near the northern bus terminal and the JJ Weekend Market, where it is possible to change for the MRT underground. Others changes on the Sukhumvit Line are located at Asoke station for the BTS and at Sukhumvit station for MRT.
The second BTS Skytrain’s line is the Silom line. This line goes through the business district and ends at the Chao Phraya River, where you can find the public boat service to cross the river. It is possible to change for the Sukhumvit line at Siam square and for the MRT at Silom Station.
In the near future, there are approval projects to build 2 more new routes and 2 extension route on the old lines. Following the plans there will be a new light red line and dark red line, which are suburban railway systems. These lines will reach some part of Pathum Thani province. The extension plan for both green lines will be finished in 2021,and these extended route will reach some part of Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.
It is possible to buy single or multi-day passes in order to explore the city easily. However, a pass can only be use for the Skytrain or the underground. So, you have to buy two distinct passes for each railroad.
Bangkok Underground (MRT)
MRT underground line is a completely new line of the railroad network. It has 18 stops, from Bang Sue to Hua Lumphong, where you will find the train station that will allow you to go to the countryside.
It is possible to change from the MRT to the BTS at Mo Chit, Sukhumvit (Asoke for the BTS) and Silom (Sala Daeng for the BTS)
As for the BTS Skytrain, single day and multi-day passes can be bought independently for the BTS and the MRT.
In the near future, there are approval projects to build many more routes for MRT lines. According to the plans there will be more 4 new routes consisting of purple, orange, pink and yellow line and 2 more extended lines which are extended of light green (Sukhumvit line) and extended blue line. All of these new routes will reach many parts of other provinces which are Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Prakan. Some parts of the construction plans have already been completed but many are still in progress and will be finished in 2016 and 2022 according to each plan.
Airport Railing (ARL)
The airport line is an express and commuter rail in Bangkok. The line provides an airport rail link from Suvarnabhumi Airport, via Makkasan, to Phaya Thai Station in central Bangkok.
The ARL operates daily from 06:00 to 12:00 midnight, with commuter City Line (blue) trains departing every 10 minutes during peak hours (06:00 to 09:00 & 16:00 to 20:00) and 15 minutes during off peak season & weekends.
The extended route that links Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Muang Airport should be finished by 2016. At the moment you can take advantage from a free shuttle leaving every half an hour or use public bus # 555 or taxi service..
Buses
In Bangkok, there are both public and private buses. As a consequence, buses can vary in size, type and cost. Taking the bus in Bangkok can be as tiring as walking to your destination.
Long distance buses are very common in Thailand, there are many bus stations in Bangkok to join destinations such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ayutthaya, Cha am or Kanchanaburi.
Train
Passengers can travel by train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok to the Laos or Malaysian borders and many places in between. Even though the journey on a Thai train generally takes longer and can be more expensive than a voyage by bus, trains are safer and are generally more comfortable. Popular train routes include Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to Surat Thani, the launching point for boats to Koh Samui.
There are three classes of Thai train service, allowing even the most budget conscious traveler to experience travel by train in Thailand. However, while first class is quite plush, featuring private cabins with twin sleeping arrangements and air conditioning on select routes, prices are often higher than flying the same route on a budget air carrier. On the other end of the spectrum, third class is cheaper than the bus but may not be the most comfortable way. Second class prices on Thai trains are equivalent to first class bus tickets, both in price and in comfort, though the train has fold down beds and it’s easier to get up and stretch your legs on the train than on a bus.
Ladies and children’s carriage service was commenced in August 2014. These carriages are painted in pink and purple. The carriages are served only by female staff to ensure that the passengers will be protected from any risk of assault or harassment. One ladies and children’s carriage will be attached to the first class and second class train for many routes.
Thai trains depart throughout the day, though some are express and some make frequent local stops and comprise of only third class seating. Train tickets sell out well in advance for some holidays and weekends, particularly the more limited sleeper cars and the wider, lower bunk, second class sleeper seats. Traveling by train is not the best choice if you are in a hurry or have an exact plan because most trains do not arrive or depart according to the time schedule.
You can check the price rates or find further information on the websites: http://www.thailandtrainticket.com/index.html or http://www.railway.co.th/checktime/checktime.asp?lenguage=Eng

Car

A car is a good option to travel across the country, but driving can be difficult for foreigners. We advise you to rent a car with a driver or a guide, it is more expensive, but you‘ll avoid any kind of problem.

Song Thaews & Si Lors

In the outlying areas of Bangkok and in many other towns and cities, the main form of transport is the ‘Baht Bus’, in the form of a ‘Song Thaew’ (two-row) – a converted Hyundai or Subaru pickup truck with two rows of seats along the sides of the vehicle, or ‘Si Lor’ (four-row).

Rivers & Canals

Many rivers, like Bang Pakong River, Mae Khlong River, Ta Chin River or Kwae (Kwai) River are navigable. These rivers are perfect for boat trips, such as on the Chao Phraya River in order to discover the Koh Kret island and an authentic way of life on the river’s banks.

In the northeast of the country, it is possible to sail on the Mekong River, which marks the border between Thailand and Laos.

Thailand has some of the friendliest people you will come across. However, there are a few things to avoid in order to keep a smile on the Thai people’s faces. Even if travelers make a mistake, they will probably forgive you and act with understanding. These instructions will help your travelers to spare themselves of this situation.

“Buddha is not for decoration. Respect is common sense”
It is strongly advised that travelers should not buy Buddha images as souvenirs. Thailand Customs retains the right to confiscate any Buddha image that travelers may try to carry out of the country.

When Visiting a Temple

• Do respect Buddhism – Religion is very important for Thai people, Buddhism in particular, because it is the most practiced religion in Thailand. This is why Buddhism is protected by the law.

• Do dress conservatively
• Do dress properly
  Men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered. When you are entering a temple, it is better to remove your shoes.
• Don’t touch the Buddha image
  In Thailand touching a Buddha image may appear disrespectful. Even taking pictures or sitting next to it, are to be avoided. Women are not allowed to touch or to sit next to a monk, just wait in sign of respect.

When Greeting a Thai

• Do greet people with the traditional wai
  Thai way to greet people is the wai. To make a wai, press your palms together near your chest and bow a little bit. The more important the person is, the higher your hands and the lower your bow has to be. You don’t need to wai at receptionists, chambermaids and children. To greet people women say “Sawadtii khaa” and men “Sawadtii khap”.
• Do be open
  Questions about marital status, age or wage are very common and are not perceived as intrusive.
• Don’t shake hands
  Physical contact with a person you don’t know well is not common in Thailand.

When Interacting with Thai

• Do talk with kindness
  In Thailand the King and his family are nearly sacred. People have indeed a lot of respect for their King and their monarchy. Pay attention to do the same if you prefer to avoid being persecuted by the law.
• Do smile
  The smile is a charming accessory of Thai personality and an unquestionable sign of respect. Use it to get out of embarrassing situations and ask for forgiveness for misunderstandings.
• Don’t touch the head
  According to the Thai’s culture, the soul lives in the head. As a consequence, it is a sacred part of the body that only the close family can touch.
• Don’t show the soles
  Feet and soles must not be pointed or shown to people or Buddha figure. It could be considered as an insult.

In Relation to a King

• Don’t damage King images
  The King’s image appears on many items like stamps or money, avoid damaging and stepping over them. It can be considered outrageous.

When Out in Public

• Don’t have close contacts
  It is better to avoid demonstrations of public affection. It could feel embarrassing for Thai people.

When in a Restaurant

• Don’t be surprised
  Chopsticks are less common than forks and spoons in Thailand.
• Don’t wave
  Avoid making a wave or raising your finger to call a waiter.

When Invited to Someone’s Home

• Do Bring a Gift
  Flowers, liquors or candies are good presents to bring when you are invited to someone’s place.
• Do take off your shoes
  When you are entering someone’s house, it is respectful to remove your shoes.
• Don’t step on the threshold
  In Thai people’s culture, stepping on the threshold bring bad luck to the people that live in the house.
• Follow ChildSafe Policy here

Local currency: Thai Baht (THB)
The money in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). 1 Baht has 100 Satang.
You can find banknotes of 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple), and 1,000 (grey or brown) Thai baht. Coins: 25 and 50 Satang; 1, 2, 5, and 10 baht.
ATM or bank cash machines are widely available throughout the country.
Banks and authorized money changers can change money and accept major currencies. The best exchange rate is from US Dollars to Bath, but cheques have an even better rate.
Hotels, restaurants, travel agents, tourist shops, or department stores accept the most common credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, Amex, or Diners.

Import regulations:
Free import by each passenger holding a passport of his own, irrespective of age:
1. 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or equal weight of cigars;
2. 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.

Free import for non-residents:

• for holders of transit visas or who can obtain a visa on arrival: up to THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family.
• for holders of tourist visas: up to THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family.

Prohibited (without license):

1. Drugs of narcotic nature, e.g. heroin.

2. Gold bullion. If no import license is available, it can be left in Customs bond at the airport of entry to be retrieved on departure.

3. Meat from any country affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow and foot-and-mouth diseases, including all EU Member States .

Arms and Ammunition regulations:

Firearms and ammunition incl. explosive articles and fireworks require a firearm transport permit. For further details please contact www.caat.or.th/en or the Ministry of

Interior at www.dopa.go.th .

Wild Fauna and Flora:

The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES.

For further details please refer to CITES: www.cites.org.

Additional Information on regulations:

1. A declaration of goods acquired abroad is required if the total value exceeds THB 10,000.- per person.

2. Plants and parts of plants require a license issued by the Department of Agriculture, see www.doa.go.th.

Export regulations:

Free export of tobacco products and/or tobacco: any quantity.

Prohibited (without license):

1. Antique or objects of art, whether officially registered as art or not;

2. Religious articles (excluding one small Buddha image normally carried on person).

Crew members customs regulations: same regulations as for passengers apply.

Pets:

Pets must be accompanied by:

1. an Import Permit obtained in advance from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD). Tel: 66 2 6534425. Email: qsap_bkk@dld.go.th; and

2. a health certificate, completed in English and signed or further endorsed by a full-time authorized veterinary official of the government of the exporting country. Importer

should contact the Animal Quarantine Station at the airport of entry, at least 15 days prior to importation.

The health certificate must state all required vaccinations, which are for cats and dogs:

• vaccination against rabies if the country has not been rabies free for the last 12 months. The vaccination certificate must be issued at least 21 days prior to departure;
•  vaccination against distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus, at least 21 days prior to departure;
• dogs must also be vaccinated against Leptospirosis at least 21 days prior to departure or tested for Leptospirosis with negative result during 30 days prior to departure.

Birds: the country of origin must be free from Avian Influenza and the bird must have been resident in the country of origin for a period not less than 6 weeks or since hatching. Birds must be kept in isolation or quarantine under the supervision of an authorized veterinary official for a period of 21 days prior to shipment.

All pets are subjected to quarantine at approved premises, for a period of at least 30 days upon arrival, at the expense of importer/owner.

Pets may enter as passenger’s checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.

Prohibited: import of Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Export: Export permit required.

Baggage Clearance regulations: Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Thailand.

Currency Import regulations:

Local currency (Baht-THB): up to THB 50,000.- per person or THB 100,000.- per family holding one passport.

Foreign currencies: unlimited. However, amounts of foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared to a Customs Officer upon arrival by all

travelers.

Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Baht-THB): up to THB 50,000.- per person or THB 100,000.- per family holding one passport.

Foreign currencies: unlimited. However, amounts of foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000.- (or equivalent) must be declared to a Customs Officer upon departure by

all travelers.

First of all, make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
World Health Organization recommends vaccinations against: Hepatitis A and Typhoid that you risk to get through contaminated food or water, especially if you are an adventurous eater, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, if you plan to visit rural areas in Thailand or will be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Malaria and Dengue fever are diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season. Travelers should protect themselves regularly with repellent by smearing themselves and their clothes with it. The most efficient repellents are composed with DEET.
The sale of medicines is less regulated than in Europe, counterfeit products are common in Thailand and pharmacies are selling drugs without medical prescriptions. We advise you to see a doctor before buying any medications and to buy them in licensed pharmacies and hospital outlets.

Health Advice
Eat

• Food that is cooked and served hot
• Hard-cooked eggs
• Fruits and vegetables you have wash in clean water or peel yourself
• Pasteurized dairy products

Avoid eating

• Food served at room temperature
• Raw or under cooked (rare) meat or fish
• Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)

Drink

• Bottled water that is sealed
• Water that has been disinfected
• Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
• Carbonated drinks
• Hot coffee or tea
• Pasteurized milk

Avoid drinking

• Tap or well water
• Ice made with tap or well water
• Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
• Unpasteurized milk

Mobile Police 191
Fire Brigades 199
Tourist Police 1155
Police General Hospital 0 2207 6000

Tourist Service Centre 1672

Highway Police 1193, 0 2354 6007″

Pre-departure Tasks
Your passport must be valid for minimum 6 months before the expiry date. Don’t ignore trip, baggage and medical insurance. For vaccinations and medicines visit your doctor before your travel.

Clothes

• Clothing should be lightweight and of the drip dry variety. You will be in the sun a lot so long sleeves and a wide hat would be more suitable.
• Underwear should be synthetic and easily washable.
• Sleepwear.
• Shirts should be long sleeved and lightweight with lots of closed pockets.
• T-shirts, short sleeved and again with pockets.
• Cool evenings necessitate the need for pullovers or a lightweight jacket.
• Long trousers made from a lightweight, quick drying fabric should have multi pockets for day trips. Long trousers that turn into shorts are ideal.
• For trekking lightweight long shorts (for modesty purposes) are acceptable.
• Bathing suit should be modest so as not to offend the locals.
• Hat for protection from the sun. Should have a wide brim and a strap.
• A sturdy poncho or parka will help to keep your gear dry in case of rain or waterfall spray.
• Footwear: You will need some sturdy comfortable boots for trekking or just walking around. They will need to support your ankles as well as having a non slip sole.
• Water proof sandals for those short trips and boating.
• Some smart casual clothes for the evenings and visiting restaurants.

Pharmacy

• Insect repellent with the percentage of DEET recommended by your travel medicine physician. It’s important that you bring an ample supply of good quality repellent.
• Antiseptic wipes for hand washing and emergency toilet paper.
• Personal First Aid Kit (bring in small amounts and in small containers)
• Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc.
• Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamine, cough drops. Adequate quantity of sweat-resistant sun screen with at least an SPF 15 rating or higher, and lip balm with sunscreen.
• Prescription medicines in their original bottles. Acidophilus enzyme (available in capsules in health-food stores). This often helps your digestive system get in shape for “new” flora.
• Immodium, Lomotil, or similar anti-diarrhea medicine. Pepto-Bismol.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not obligatory (visitors coming from countries with yellow fever risks are an exception) but highly recommended. In order to not being ill during your trip, check all of your vaccinations, especially Tetanus, Polio and Diphtheria. Other vaccines are recommended, such as Hepatitis A and B (for a trip of more than 3 months), Typhus, Tuberculosis, Rabies, Japanese encephalitis.