Time: GMT +7.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.

Language: Thai is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Health: Travellers should take medical advice at least three weeks before travelling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts, and most physicians will also advise immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from those travelling from infected areas. Outbreaks of leptospirosis often occur during the rainy season and after flooding. HIV/AIDS is rife in the major cities and resorts and food and water-borne diseases are common; drinking bottled or sterilised water is strongly advised. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital: without insurance, or cash/credit card, travellers will not be treated.

Tipping is not expected, but is becoming more common. A 10% service charge is added to the bill at most hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Safety: Visitors to major cities are advised to keep an eye on their passports and credit cards and ensure they don't carry around too much money or jewellery. In Bangkok visitors should be aware of scams, often involving gems recommended by kind strangers. In tourist areas, and in particular at the Full Moon Party on Ko Phan Ngan, visitors should be careful about accepting drinks from strangers, as there have been several reported incidents of drinks being heavily drugged. Incidents of sexual assault, on women in particular, continue to occur, and female travellers should be cautious. The height of the monsoon season in September and October (November to March on Koh Samui) brings about routine flooding in the north, north east and central regions, often causing mudslides and flash floods; visitors planning to trek in the jungle during this time should check conditions with licensed tour guides before leaving.

Customs: Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Dress is informal, although beachwear should be confined to the beach. Drugs are illegal and travellers should know that possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment, and that drug traffickers risk the death penalty.

Business: Appointments are expected to made in order to engage a meeting. Shaking hands is not a popular form of greeting and the wai (putting cupped hands in front of oneself and bowing slightly) is more acceptable. Thais use first names rather than surnames preceded by Kuhn for both men and women. Wait to be introduced to others, as it is an indication of rank. Often the hierarchical structures favour the elders in a group and respect must be given accordingly. Formal, conservative attire is favoured. Business hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international country dialing code for Thailand is +66. City/area codes are in use, e.g. Bangkok is (0)2 and Chiang Mai is (0)53. Mobile phone networks cover most towns, cities and holiday resorts. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com

08/21/07 by visitEarth
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