Thailand

Fast Facts
Visa-free

Nationals of several countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.

Eligible countries include: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (ROK), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Visa-on-arrival

Nationals of specified countries can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Thailand for stays of up to 60 days.

Eligible countries include: Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Taiwan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

For the latest visa and entry requirements, visit the website of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Immigration form

All visitors are required to complete an entry/exit form upon arrival in Thailand. The exit form will be attached to the passport and must be presented to immigration officials on departure.

Documents required on arrival
  • Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
  • Return flight ticket or proof of onward passage.

All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveller’s responsibility to check visa requirements before travelling.

Time zone
GMT+7
Language

Official language: Thai

Many people in the major cities and towns speak some level of English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.

What to pack
  • Light cotton clothing is recommended for Thailand’s tropical climate;
  • Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails’ guide);
  • Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;
  • A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;
  • A light fleece jacket can be handy if visiting the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand during the colder months (between November and February);
  • When visiting temples, it is required to wear a shirt that covers the shoulders and pants that cover the knees;
  • Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious building or private home;
  • An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain;
  • Reusable water bottle;
  • Sun hat and sunscreen;
  • Insect repellent;
  • Universal plug adaptor.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V (50Hz).

Phone & internet
A local sim card is easily available at the airport or from a local service provider. An extensive 3G/4G network is in place and covers most urban areas.
Do
  • Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
  • Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
  • Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
  • Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
  • Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
  • It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
  • A respectful way of greeting is to bow the head slightly with hands pressed together at the chest (known as the wai).
Don’t
  • Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
  • Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
  • Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
  • Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
  • Don’t point your feet at others and avoid touching people on the head as this is considered bad manners;
  • Women should avoid touching male monks as this goes against their religious beliefs;
  • Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts or clothing that is too revealing. As Thailand is a conservative Buddhist country, make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
  • Avoid discussing politics and do not make openly critical remarks about the Thai monarchy;
  • Avoid accepting rides from strangers or taxi drivers who may encourage you to shop in places where they receive a commission and be wary about being overcharged;
  • Don’t bathe or sunbathe nude in public and wear appropriate swimwear, especially in the southern islands and beaches where the people live in predominantly Muslim communities;
  • Don’t smoke on Thai beaches or in areas where smoking is prohibited (this includes electronic cigarettes) and do not throw cigarette butts in the street as there are penalties and fines as a result.
Currency

Official currency of Thailand: Thai baht (THB)

Foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions. ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available and usually allow withdrawals of up to 20,000 baht per transaction. Cash can be exchanged at banks or exchange bureaus.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are:

  • Monday to Friday: 9 am to 3.30 pm;
  • Branches in shopping malls usually offer extended hours on evenings and weekends.
Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted nationwide.
Tipping
While not compulsory, gratuities are always appreciated in Thailand. Tipping is not part of the local culture, but many in the travel and service industry are accustomed to receiving a small amount for good service. Please consider the following as a guide to common practice, although tipping and the amount to tip is always at the discretion of the individual.


Guides and drivers Tipping is entirely up to the individual and depends on the level of satisfaction with the service.
Hotel porters It is typical to tip hotel porters for carrying bags to the room.
Restaurants A service charge of 10 per cent is often included in the bill. An additional tip is not expected, but it is customary to round up the bill.
Taxi drivers Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is customary to round up the fare.
Domestic flights

Several local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Thailand’s major cities.

Electric tuk-tuks 

An eco-friendly way to travel and ideal for short journeys around Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Electric vehicles (EV)

This new, zero carbon mode of transport is available for airport transfers in Bangkok and can be booked through Asian Trails.

Public metro

Many of Bangkok’s major attractions can be reached by the city’s extensive BTS sky train and MRT underground network.

River boats

Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is serviced by public ferries, offering convenient connections to many riverside attractions and a unique perspective of local life.

Taxis

In Bangkok, metered taxis can be waved down and can usually be found along the city’s major roads. Rides can also be booked via the Grab mobile app. The rate for taxis in areas such as Phuket and Koh Samui can be exorbitantly high and in some rural areas it may be necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver prior to starting the journey.

Religion

Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about 95 per cent of the population and every Thai male is expected to become a monk for a short period in his life. There is also a large Muslim minority in Thailand’s four southernmost provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Satun.

Food
Thai food is recognised as one of the world’s great cuisines, bringing together elements of several South-East Asian traditions. Thai cuisine is a delicate balance of five fundamental flavours – sour, sweet, salty, spicy and bitter. In a typical Thai meal, several dishes are shared and a plate of rice is given to each diner.

Common local dishes:

  • Pad Thai – The nation’s quintessential fried noodle dish;
  • Tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) – Prawns served in a broth flavoured with lemongrass, chillis, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, fresh lime juice and fish sauce;
  • Som tum (papaya salad) – A spicy salad typically made with papaya and other vegetables;
  • Khao soi – A northern Thai dish of crispy noodles topped with greens and served in a coconut-flavoured broth.
Shopping
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise with huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, and an abundance of street markets. Shops open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm or later.

The capital Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. The weekend market at Chatuchak in northern Bangkok is one of the largest markets in the world, with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from antiques to clothes, furniture and even animals. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

What to buy:

  • Thai silk;
  • Painted umbrellas;
  • Lacquerware and pewter ware;
  • Pottery, bamboo and wood crafts;
  • Tailor-made clothes.
Vaccinations
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently travelled to a country where the disease is present.

There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as:

  • Typhoid;
  • Cholera;
  • Hepatitis A and B;
  • Polio, diphtheria and tetanus;
  • Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas).

Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Drinking water

Avoid drinking tap water in Thailand. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are usually safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.

Safety
Never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags as motorcyclist snatch groups can be a problem. Be wary of taxi drivers waiting outside of hotels who may refuse to use the meter as required by law. Decline offers to buy gems at widely discounted prices and. Always agree fares with tuk-tuk drivers beforehand to avoid discussion and confrontation when you arrive at the destination.

Thailand is a safe country to visit. However, it is advisable to take some precautions to safeguard your belongings:

  • Never leave items unattended;
  • Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets;
  • Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe;
  • Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.
Insurance
Travellers are advised to obtain appropriate insurance to cover any accidents or medical emergencies while travelling. In some cases, treatment will not be administered without proof of travel insurance. Ensure that your plan covers motor vehicle accidents if you intend to hire a car or motorbike. Emergency evacuation cover is highly recommended as you may have to fly out of the country for treatment.
Emergency numbers
  • Police 191
  • Tourist Police 1155
  • Fire service 199
  • Ambulance service 1554

Disclaimer

This information was valid at the time of publication and it is subject to change at any time. We cannot be held responsible for any external links. You acknowledge, by your use of this site, that you use it at your own risk and that Asian Trails shall not be liable for any damages of any kind related to your use of this site, or the information contained within. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice.

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