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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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