Thailand
Travel Tips
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Passport
& Visa
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Check with your
nearest Thai Embassy for latest information. Currently, nationals from 57
countries can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
Visa on arrival is
now available for 96 countries at the international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Hat
Yai, Chiang Mai and U-taphao, and at immigration check points in Mae Sai,
Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Batong and Sadao for 15 days stay. A Tourist
visa is valid for 60 days. Narcotics, firearms and pornographic materials
are strictly prohibited. Any amount of foreign currency may be brought in
for personal use .
Thai Consulates Worldwide -
Click here
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Transport
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Local
transport
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In Bangkok, the newly
introduced elevated Skytrain links most famous shopping areas of the city
and also offers superb views. The ongoing underground mass-transit
system will be completed in 2003. Buses serving towns and inter-city
routes are inexpensive, and generally reliable. Some private companies
operate deluxe express buses between major cities.
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Taxis
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Metered taxis
operate in Bangkok
only.
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Tuk Tuks
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3-wheeled
open-sided taxis operate in many towns - agree fare in advance.
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Songthaews
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Small covered
trucks with bench seats, taking approx. 10 persons, usually running on
fixed routes within cities or short distances between towns. Payment is
per person, but can be hired for private use.
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Bicycles
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For rent in most
tourist spots but maintenance levels are often poor.
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Motorcycles
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Available for rent
in resort areas but there is a high accident rate amongst tourists.
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Boats
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Bangkok has an extensive public
boat service operating on the river, and canals. The Chao Phya Express
Boat (Rua Duan) to Nonthaburi makes an inexpensive and pleasant trip.
Inter-island ferries operate in all tourist areas.
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Bangkok airport
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Bangkok International
Airport (25 km) is half to one
hour to city centre depending on traffic.
Take only authorised taxis or limousine service bookable at official counters.
There is also an Airport Bus service linking the airport with many
downtown hotels.
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Airport
tax
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Currently 500 baht
for International flights, and 30 baht for domestic flights. (Flights with
Bangkok Airways may involve higher airport taxes.)
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Provincial
airports
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The main airports
serving tourists are at Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. Most large
towns have air services to the capital. For more information on flights
within Thailand
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Car
hire
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Self-drive is
becoming increasingly popular, with excellent maps available, and
nearly all road signs posted in English. Driving is on the left. Local
hire companies are usually considerably cheaper than international firms,
but may be less efficient in the case of a problem. Cars
with driver-guides is another option, easily arranged.
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Social custom
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Thais greet each other with a
prayer-like gesture called a Wai. Generally, a younger person Wais an
older person, who will then return it. Thais address each other (and
usually foreigners) by their first names (which is also how they are
listed in the telephone directory followed by their family name) This is
prefixed by the polite word Khun. Public displays of affection, shouting
and wild gesticulation are to be avoided as they are considered impolite.
The head is considered the highest part of the body, while the feet are
considered the lowest, both literally and figuratively. Touching
someone's head or pointing at people or things with the feet are,
therefore, considered extremely rude. As with entering temples, shoes are
removed before entering somebody's home.
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Tap water safety
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Although tap water in Bangkok is
theoretically drinkable, bottled water is recommended in all places.
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Medical
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No required vaccinations unless coming from infected
area. Yellow fever certificates required for those coming from infected
area.
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Postal service
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Generally reliable. Express
mail service (EMS) is excellent within Thailand, and available to most destinations worldwide.
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Telephone
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Most hotels now offer IDD lines.
Local and international telephone booths can be found in major cities and
tourist areas. Phone cards available for both. Check hotel rates before
making calls, some can be very expensive.
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Newspapers
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There are two major daily
English-language newspapers-Bangkok Post and The Nation, and one business
newspaper, Business Day, which comes out on weekdays only.
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Email/Internet
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Internet access points are
available in major tourist areas, and in all cities. Inexpensive.
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Emergency
services
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Bi-lingual tourist police are
attached to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's offices nation wide. In
case of emergency, call the Tourist Police Centre at 652-1721-6 or a
24-hour tourist service centre at 1155.
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