Tourist Information Services

Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) head office in Bangkok, local offices in 22 major cities and at TAT information counters at other local airports. TAT provides maps, brochures and other information on tours, shopping, dining and accommodation. All TAT information centers operate seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tourist Police

The Thai Tourist Police was set up in 1982 to coordinate with TAT in providing safety for tourist. At present, some 500 tourist policemen are stationed in major tourist areas such as the Grand Palace, Pat Pong and Lumphini Park. In case of emergency, contact the Tourist Police Centre at Unicohouse Building, Soi Lang Suan, Phloen Chit Rd, Bangkok. Tel: 6521721-6.

Medical Services

All tourism destination and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well trained doctors and nurses. In case of emergencies, ambulances can be summoned from any private hospital.

Tipping

It is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. However, it is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service. A 10 - 15% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is waived.

Business Hours

• Commercial offices: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 5 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
• Government offices: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 4:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
• Banks: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
• Shops: mostly 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. (seven days a week).
• Departmental stores: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Clothing

Light and loose attire are the best. Nylon should be avoided and sweaters needed during the cool season. Jackets and ties are required at certain restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment establishments.

Electricity

The electric current is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. There are many plugs and sockets in use. Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110 Volt transformers.

Telephone

IDD dialing code: 66.
Area codes: Bangkok - 2; Chiang Mai - 53; Hua Hin - 32; Pattaya - 38; Phuket - 76.

Health Regulations

No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. Yellow fever certificates are required for those who are coming from the following countries:- Angola, Barkina Faso, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Gambia, Ghana, New Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Peru, Sudan and Zaire. Cholera, typhoid and malaria precautions are advised.

Exchange Control

Foreign tourist may freely bring in foreign bank notes or other types of foreign exchange.

Upon leaving Thailand, a foreign tourist may freely take out foreign means of payments which he brought in with him, with the exception that foreign notes or coins are limited to a maximum equivalent of US$ 10,000 or the amount declared in writing to Customs upon arrival. Failure to do so may lead to arrest, confiscation of the excess amount involved and / or prosecution.

For travelers leaving Thailand, the maximum amount permitted to take out without prior authorization is 50,000 Baht per person.

Foreign visitors may bring in personal effects and other goods which are not prohibited by current custom regulation. Other personal effects, departing visitors are also allowed to take out merchandise bought from duty free shops, precious stones, gold and platinum ornaments.

Foreign visitors are welcome to open a foreign currency account with any commercial bank in Thailand. As a special gesture to non residents, no restrictions are imposed on the maintenance and withdrawal from the account, as long as the funds originate from abroad. For additional information concerning foreign exchange regulations, please contact any authorized banks.

Social Norm

Thais do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead they press their palms together in a prayer-like gesture (wai).

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at an object.