Thailand
Time
GMT plus seven hours
Climate
Thailand is tropical with three distinct seasons: the wet (monsoon) season, from June to October, the cool season from November to February; and the hot season, from March to June.
The annual mean temperature is about 28C (82F), varying between a night temperature as low as 11C (52F) in the cold season and a maximum day shade temperature of 41C (106F) in the hot season. The humidity is relatively high.
Climatically, the best time for a business visit is during the months of November to February, but air-conditioning and other modern facilities now tend to alleviate climatic extremes. April and May are the hottest months.
Entry requirements
Passports / Visas
A full UK passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel is required.
No visa is required for entry into the country as a tourist, unless your stay is longer than 21 days. A valid visa is necessary for most business purposes except for certain restricted cases; details can be obtained from the Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy, in London.
All visas are issued according to the stated purpose of visit which must be clearly stated by the applicant. Failure to do so shall inevitably incur delays.
The visas issued by the Embassy or Consulates only give you the right to enter Thailand and must be used within 3 months from date of application. Upon arrival in Thailand the actual length of stay (starting from date of entry) shall be determined and granted at the discretion of Immigration Officers according to the type and category of visas in possession. Overstaying visas can result in detention.
The Alien Occupation Law, adopted in 1973, requires all aliens working in Thailand to obtain a work permit prior to starting work in Thailand.
Prohibited entry
Entry is refused to nationals of Customs
Personal effects are allowed in duty-free. Importation of many goods produced locally may be restricted. Export of images or statues of Buddha, antiques and archaeologically valuable items is only allowed with a certificate from the Department of Fine Arts. Articles exceeding B10,000 in value require a Certificate of Exportation.
Prohibited imports
Narcotic drugs, pornographic material, firearms and certain luxury goods.
Currency advice/regulations
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency which may be imported, although it should be declared on arrival. There are no limits on the export of foreign currency, although the amount must be declared. Local currency exports are restricted to B50,000. Foreign currency should be exchanged only by authorised banks and dealers.
Climate
Thailand is tropical with three distinct seasons: the wet (monsoon) season, from June to October, the cool season from November to February; and the hot season, from March to June.
The annual mean temperature is about 28C (82F), varying between a night temperature as low as 11C (52F) in the cold season and a maximum day shade temperature of 41C (106F) in the hot season. The humidity is relatively high.
Entry requirements
Passports / Visas
A full UK passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel is required.
No visa is required for entry into the country as a tourist, unless your stay is longer than 21 days. A valid visa is necessary for most business purposes except for certain restricted cases; details can be obtained from the Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy, in London. All visas are issued according to the stated purpose of visit which must be clearly stated by the applicant. Failure to do so shall inevitably incur delays. The visas issued by the Embassy or Consulates only give you the right to enter Thailand and must be used within 3 months from date of application. Upon arrival in Thailand the actual length of stay (starting from date of entry) shall be determined and granted at the discretion of Immigration Officers according to the type and category of visas in possession. Overstaying visas can result in detention. The Alien Occupation Law, adopted in 1973, requires all aliens working in Thailand to obtain a work permit prior to starting work in Thailand. Prohibited entry
Entry is refused to nationals of Customs
Personal effects are allowed in duty-free. Importation of many goods produced locally may be restricted. Export of images or statues of Buddha, antiques and archaeologically valuable items is only allowed with a certificate from the Department of Fine Arts. Articles exceeding B10,000 in value require a Certificate of Exportation.
Prohibited imports
Narcotic drugs, pornographic material, firearms and certain luxury goods.
Currency advice/regulations
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency which may be imported, although it should be declared on arrival. There are no limits on the export of foreign currency, although the amount must be declared. Local currency exports are restricted to B50,000. Foreign currency should be exchanged only by authorised banks and dealers.
Climatically, the best time for a business visit is during the months of November to February, but air-conditioning and other modern facilities now tend to alleviate climatic extremes. April and May are the hottest months.
Travelling to and in Thailand
Travel Routes to Thailand
Most major international airlines fly to Thailand and Bangkok is one of the cheapest places to fly to in Asia.
How to get to and from the Airport
Before departure, it is advisable to check with your travel agent about hotel courtesy buses and/or limousines. Many of the larger international hotels provide free buses that take you directly to the hotel.
Airport Limousines and Taxis are available to take you to your destination. Airport Limousines have fixed prices, depending on where your hotel is located. Contact the official service desk in the arrival lounge. Additional 'road toll' charges are charged to use the highway. If using a Taxi, ensure that you obtain a fixed price in advance or insist on the use of the Meter before allowing the driver to load your luggage into the car, agree a price with him for the trip to the hotel.
The distance from the city to the airport is 32 km, and in a limousine the single fare is approximately THB 650.
Earliest check-in before flights is 2 hours before departure, and the latest check-in is 45 minutes before departure.
Airport Tax: THB 500 for International Flights and THB 60 for Domestic Flights.
Airport Details
Bangkok is also known locally as Krung Thep, and Bangkok International Airport (BKK) is known locally as Don Muang Airport. Reservations and information can be obtained on tel: 00 662 679 1100. Enquiries regarding cargo should be made to Bangkok International Airport, Warehouse No 4, Room 213. Telephone Bangkok: 00 662 535 1984-5.
Travelling in Thailand
There are regular internal flights to the country's 24 domestic airports. The road system in Thailand is extensive and generally well maintained. Hire cars can easily be rented in all the major cities (Thai's drive on the left), check with the travel agent or hotels for rental locations. The rail network in Thailand is very good and one of the best forms of public transport in the country.
Health (for visitors)
For Medical and Inoculations advice: contact your GP.
Visitors should not drink tap-water. Boiled or filtered sterilised water, or bottled water is always freely available in the main hotels and restaurants. Rabies is indigenous to Thailand and visitors, particularly those travelling up-country, should avoid dogs in the streets and take anti-rabies precautions if bitten.
Bangkok is said to be malaria-free, but travellers going to certain areas in the provinces should ask their GP in the United Kingdom to prescribe anti-malaria medication and subsequently check on arrival that this treatment is appropriate. (Different drugs are required for different strains).
Airlines or travel agents should be consulted about necessary vaccinations.
Persons holding passports of or having residence in countries in the Yellow Fever area must produce a valid international health certificate for Yellow Fever at point of entry into Thailand.
Medical Services
BNH Hospital
9 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (662) 632 0550, 632 0560, 632 0564
Bumrungrad Hospital
33 Soi Nana Nua
Sukhumvit 3 Road
Bangkok 10110
Tel: +(662) 667 1000
Samitivej Hospital
133 Soi Klang
Sukhumvit 49
Bangkok 10110
Tel: (662) 711 8000
It is essential to take out full medical insurance when visiting Thailand as there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Thailand and the UK.
Despite Government AIDS prevention campaigns since 1988, AIDS is on the increase, particularly amongst female prostitutes, many of whom are reported to be HIV positive.
Dress codes
Light, loose cotton clothing is advisable, although it should be modest. Sweaters may be needed in the evenings and during the cooler season. Businessmen wear shirts and ties, while jackets are worn for official functions or meetings with government officials; jackets and ties may be required for evening wear at larger hotels. Smart attire is also expected of businesswomen.
Social customs/useful tips
Always carry business cards and give them to any new acquaintance when introduced. To show respect, offer and accept business cards with both hands, and always read the cards you receive before putting them down.
To the Thais ‘face’ is very important and losing it can be a disastrous, with little chance of social recovery; all dealings should be controlled, polite and respectful.
Thai business relationships, networks and associations can be extensive and visitors should expect to spend much time cultivating contacts.
Both men and women should dress in smart, light and casually wear. Shorts, bare shoulders, and sandals would be inappropriate in a business setting. Westerners are expected to shake hands and Thais are willing to accommodate this practice. Thai women, however, may still be reluctant to shake hands, and may prefer simply to exchange smiles on being introduced. Thais address each other and foreign visitors by their forename, prefixed by ‘khun'.
The head is considered the most esteemed part of the body and the feet the least, so visitors should take care not to touch someone’s head (even accidentally) or show the soles of their feet.
Images of Buddha are held sacred and cannot be taken out of Shoes should be removed when entering a Thai house or Buddhist temple. Women must never touch a Buddhist monk, give things to him, or receive things from him, directly.
Stand up when the royal and national anthems are played on television and radio at 0800 and 1800 every day. It is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family, punishable by a sentence of three to 15 years.
Security
Experienced business visitors should not encounter any problems, particularly in central Public holidays
Fixed dates
1 Jan (New Year's Day), 6 Apr (Chakri Day), 13–16 Apr (Songkran/Thai New Year), 1 May (Labour Day), 5 May (Coronation Day), 9 Aug (Sin National Day), 12 Aug (Queen's Birthday), 23 Oct (Chulalongkorn Day), 5 Dec (King's Birthday), 10 Dec (Constitution Day), 25 Dec (Christmas Day), 31 Dec (New Year's Eve).
Holidays falling on a weekend are taken on the following Monday/Tuesday.
Variable dates
Good Friday, Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb), Makha Bucha Day (Feb), Visakha Bucha Day (May), Asanha Bucha Day (Jul), Buddhist Lent Day (Jul), Naga Fire Ball (Oct), Loy Kratong (Nov),
Working hours
Banking
Mon–Fri: 0830–1530.
Business
Mon–Fri: 0800–1700. Sat: 0830–1200.
Government
Mon–Fri: 0830–1630.
Shops
Mon–Sun: 0900–1800/1900. Some shops are open 24 hours.
Electricity supply
220 volts, with European style two pronged sockets.
Weights and measures
Metric system (local units also in use).
Visitors should not drink tap-water. Boiled or filtered sterilised water, or bottled water is always freely available in the main hotels and restaurants. Rabies is indigenous to Thailand and visitors, particularly those travelling up-country, should avoid dogs in the streets and take anti-rabies precautions if bitten.
Bangkok is said to be malaria-free, but travellers going to certain areas in the provinces should ask their GP in the United Kingdom to prescribe anti-malaria medication and subsequently check on arrival that this treatment is appropriate. (Different drugs are required for different strains).
Airlines or travel agents should be consulted about necessary vaccinations.
Persons holding passports of or having residence in countries in the Yellow Fever area must produce a valid international health certificate for Yellow Fever at point of entry into Thailand.
Medical Services
BNH Hospital
9 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (662) 632 0550, 632 0560, 632 0564
Bumrungrad Hospital
33 Soi Nana Nua
Sukhumvit 3 Road
Bangkok 10110
Tel: +(662) 667 1000
Samitivej Hospital
133 Soi Klang
Sukhumvit 49
Bangkok 10110
Tel: (662) 711 8000
It is essential to take out full medical insurance when visiting Thailand as there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Thailand and the UK.
Despite Government AIDS prevention campaigns since 1988, AIDS is on the increase, particularly amongst female prostitutes, many of whom are reported to be HIV positive.
Dress codes
Light, loose cotton clothing is advisable, although it should be modest. Sweaters may be needed in the evenings and during the cooler season. Businessmen wear shirts and ties, while jackets are worn for official functions or meetings with government officials; jackets and ties may be required for evening wear at larger hotels. Smart attire is also expected of businesswomen.
Social customs/useful tips
Always carry business cards and give them to any new acquaintance when introduced. To show respect, offer and accept business cards with both hands, and always read the cards you receive before putting them down.
To the Thais ‘face’ is very important and losing it can be a disastrous, with little chance of social recovery; all dealings should be controlled, polite and respectful.
Thai business relationships, networks and associations can be extensive and visitors should expect to spend much time cultivating contacts.
Both men and women should dress in smart, light and casually wear. Shorts, bare shoulders, and sandals would be inappropriate in a business setting. Westerners are expected to shake hands and Thais are willing to accommodate this practice. Thai women, however, may still be reluctant to shake hands, and may prefer simply to exchange smiles on being introduced. Thais address each other and foreign visitors by their forename, prefixed by ‘khun'.
The head is considered the most esteemed part of the body and the feet the least, so visitors should take care not to touch someone’s head (even accidentally) or show the soles of their feet.
Images of Buddha are held sacred and cannot be taken out of Shoes should be removed when entering a Thai house or Buddhist temple. Women must never touch a Buddhist monk, give things to him, or receive things from him, directly.
Stand up when the royal and national anthems are played on television and radio at 0800 and 1800 every day. It is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family, punishable by a sentence of three to 15 years.
Security
Experienced business visitors should not encounter any problems, particularly in central Public holidays
Fixed dates
1 Jan (New Year's Day), 6 Apr (Chakri Day), 13–16 Apr (Songkran/Thai New Year), 1 May (Labour Day), 5 May (Coronation Day), 9 Aug (Sin National Day), 12 Aug (Queen's Birthday), 23 Oct (Chulalongkorn Day), 5 Dec (King's Birthday), 10 Dec (Constitution Day), 25 Dec (Christmas Day), 31 Dec (New Year's Eve).
Holidays falling on a weekend are taken on the following Monday/Tuesday.
Variable dates
Good Friday, Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb), Makha Bucha Day (Feb), Visakha Bucha Day (May), Asanha Bucha Day (Jul), Buddhist Lent Day (Jul), Naga Fire Ball (Oct), Loy Kratong (Nov),
Working hours
Banking
Mon–Fri: 0830–1530.
Business
Mon–Fri: 0800–1700. Sat: 0830–1200.
Government
Mon–Fri: 0830–1630.
Shops
Mon–Sun: 0900–1800/1900. Some shops are open 24 hours.
Electricity supply
220 volts, with European style two pronged sockets.
Weights and measures
Metric system (local units also in use).
