Thailand

General

LanguageThai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.National Emergency NumbersThe Thai emergency number is 191.Alongside 191, the following emergency numbers are available:1155 – Tourist Police for holiday resorts199 – Fire Department1669 – Emergency Medical ServicesPublic HolidaysThe dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan 01 - Liberation DayJan 09 - National Children’s DayJan 16 - Teachers’ DayFeb 08-10 - Chinese Lunar New YearMay 20 - Independence DayFeb 22 - Makha BuchaApr 06 - Chakri DayApr 13-15 - SongkranMay 01 - Labor DayMay 5-6 - Coronation DayMay 09 - Royal Ploughing Ceremony DayMay 20 - Visakha BuchaJul 19 - Asalha BuchaAug 12 - The Queen’s BirthdayOct 23 - Chulalongkom DayDec 05 - The King’s BirthdayDec 12 - Constitution DayDec 31 - New Year’s EveSocial ConventionsWestern visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head - the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way.The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behavior as boorish and a loss of 'face'. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one's feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple.Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.Time ZoneThailand is on UTC/GMT time and is 11 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.TippingIt is our recommendation that the quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity. We are pleased to provide you with the following guidelines. Please feel free to offer more if you receive superlative service.Drivers & One Day Guides:About 40 – 80 baht per dayImportant the driver guide or driver will normally remove himself at meal times. However this time can be awkward for both guides and clients so if the clients would like to invite the guide or driver to join them they should make it very clear and would be expected to pay for the meal.Transfers:10% of the fare.Restaurants:Generally there are three options, outlined on the menu.• A Service Charge of x % will apply" - this means what it says, your final bill will be subject to an additional charge; no further tips are necessary.• "Service included" - this means that the prices are a flat rate, no tips are required and the prices are final. Again if the server has been attentive few baht left on the table will always be appreciated.• If none of these apply servers will usually expect a tip of around 10%Housekeeping:For excellent or unusual services 20-40 baht a day is appropriate. We do suggesting tipping housekeepers on a daily basis, rather than at the end of your stay.Taxis:10% of the fare.Bars:1 baht per drink.US EmbassyMailing Address: 120-122 Wireless Rd 10330, ThailandTel: +66 2 205 4000Website: bangkok.usembassy.gov/

Electricity

Plug Type: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type O 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Thai Baht 
Symbol: ฿ 
ISO code: THB 
Subunit: Satang 
Banknotes: ฿20, ฿50, ฿100, ฿500, ฿1000 
Coins: Satang, ฿1, ฿2, ฿5, ฿10 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty tastes. Some highlights include dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Green Curry, and Som Tum (papaya salad). Notable local drinks include Thai iced tea, Singha beer, and coconut water. 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Climate

Annual rainfall: 1500 - 3000 mm 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 33°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 32°C 
Average lows: 21°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, during the cool and dry season, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

Transport

Air: 

Main airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways 
International Airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok), Phuket International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes (in Bangkok) 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Dress

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever - all travelers ≥ 1 year old coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis - highly recommended for all travelers

Travelers should carry and use insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, as well as clothing treated with permethrin, and bed nets, to prevent insect borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever.

Malaria: Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported.

We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some properties provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind.

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Medical treatment is generally adequate in Thailand’s urban areas. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, good facilities exist for routine, long-term, and emergency health care. Basic medical care is available in rural areas, but English-speaking providers are rare.

Medicine for personal use is allowed as long as the amount does not exceed a 30-day supply and you bring the medicine with you. Do not mail medicine to Thailand without first confirming it will be allowed into the country. If traveling with prescription medication, check with Thailand Customs and the Thailand Food and Drug Administration to ensure the medication is legal in Thailand. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Safety

Thailand is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don’t flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.

Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays less than 30 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.